County Information

The budgeting process for St. Joseph County finance director Joni Smith became a little less complicated Tuesday. Members of the county’s board of commissioners agreed to change the fiscal year for Commission On Aging to the calendar year. The move makes the Jan. 1-Dec. 31 fiscal year consistent with the county’s and other agencies. Commission On Aging previously operated on …

A fugitive wanted by the Illinois Department of Corrections was captured this week by Three Rivers Police. While on duty Tuesday on West Michigan Avenue, a Three Rivers officer saw a man driving a sport-style motorcycle that matched the description of one reported stolen. A traffic stop was made near the Three Rivers Fire Department and the man, whose name …

The 79th Abbott’s Magic Get-Together got off to a strong start Wednesday, and event organizers said there is plenty of fun and magic continuing through Saturday in the village of Colon. A variety of events are scheduled today and the rest of the week. Today’s highlights include street performers, magic shows at Abbott’s, the showcase performance at 8 p.m. at …

The closest political contest of the night in Tuesday’s primary election centered on the race for county clerk/register of deeds. Lindsay Oswald emerged the winner by just 303 votes to claim the four-year term over Fabius Township resident Melissa Marsh. Oswald, who lives in Lockport Township, received 2,807 votes to Marsh’s 2,504 for a 53 percent margin of victory to …

Mendon resident Kathy Pangle pulled off the upset of the night Tuesday in defeating incumbent Don Eaton to District 2 of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Tuesday’s primary election pitted Eaton, a six-year board member, against Pangle and Mendon resident Chad Behrends. Pangle’s 660 votes represented 60 percent of the votes cast in the five-township district that is …

Dennis Allen emerged Tuesday as the victor from a field of three candidates in the race for County Commission District 3. The seat, being vacated by Rick Shaffer, will be decided in November, when the 60-year-old Allen will face Democrat Tim Carls of Florence Township. Allen received 881 votes, 432 more than fellow Centreville resident Heather Bright. John Hyden garnered …

Seven of St. Joseph County’s 16 townships had contested races settled in Tuesday’s primary election. In Burr Oak Township, Richard Baker and Michael Perry claimed the two available trustee seats. Timothy Hahn was the odd man out. Fabius Township settled two contests: Melissa Patch came up 10 votes short against Carol Wilkins for clerk, while Cliff Maxwell and Daniel Wilkins …

A number of decisions concerning local government will be made during today’s primary election. Polls are open until 8 o’clock tonight. Leading the way are two contested races for county commission. District 2 incumbent Don Eaton, a Burr Oak Township resident, is being challenged by Mendon residents Chad Behrens and Kathy Pangle. All three are running as Republicans. The district …

St. Joseph County will have a newly elected clerk and register of deeds after today’s primary election. Voters will decide between two Republican contenders Melissa Marsh of Fabius Township and Lindsay Oswald of Lockport Township. Oswald has held the position since July 2015, as she was appointed after predecessor Pattie Bender announced her retirement. The post is for a four-year …

Four St. Joseph County officials and three county commissioners are running uncontested in today’s primary election. Sheriff Brad Balk, 63, is completing his second four-year term. He has said this will likely be his final run for the office. Balk lives in Centreville. The post currently pays $79,000 a year. Prosecutor John McDonough, 36, is also completing his eighth year …