County Information

Members of the St. Joseph County Animal Control Advisory Board expressed their disappointment Wednesday over this week’s sentencing of two suspects in an animal-cruelty case. Two Mottville residents arrested in January 2015 pled guilty to torture of an animal based on negligence at their Barker Road residence. On Monday, Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman sentenced Jessica Achberger, 40, and Troy Michael-James …

A fundraiser last month staged by the Animal Control Advisory Board of St. Joseph County has resulted in the purchase of two, new air-conditioning units. Loralee Knepper, an animal shelter volunteer, said the $5,000 raised during the May 13 event in Sturgis allowed for the purchase of the 14,000-BTU portable air conditioners. The devices also serve as heaters and can …

A Three Rivers pastor faces charges of criminal sexual conduct following his arrest Wednesday. Three Rivers police said James Bailey Jr., 66, was charged with three counts each of criminal sexual conduct third degree and CSC fourth degree. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred at Three Rivers Bible Church on two separate dates in April and May, according …

Three area residents were arrested in connection with the heroin overdose of a Three Rivers man. According to a media release from the Three Rivers Police Department, a 28-year-old man was found unresponsive Friday evening at a residence in the 300 block of Heather Lane. Medical personnel were called after he had quit breathing. Upon further investigation, authorities found a …

A local high school baseball team will return to the state semi-finals Friday and try once again to bring home a state championship this weekend. The Centreville High School varsity squad Tuesday won its quarter-final contest against Concord, 4-3, in extra innings in Battle Creek. The Bulldogs, who sport a 28-3 record, will square off against Sterling Heights Parkway Christian …

Two people from White Pigeon were arrested Tuesday on drug-related charges following a compliance check on parolees and probationers. Sheriff’s officials said investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit worked in conjunction with agents from the Michigan Department of Corrections on a routine, unannounced compliance check. The checks were being conducted on St. Joseph County residents who were …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging is participating in the Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH, which provides older adults with unprocessed, Michigan-grown products from authorized farmers markets and roadside stands throughout the state. Qualified older adults receive coupons that are used to purchase Michigan-grown produce at registered roadside stands and farmers markets. Eligible items include berries, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, beans and …

Here’s a reminder that the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is offering two final boater safety classes this season. The remaining dates are Saturday and June 25 at the sheriff’s department. Each class runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and includes a break for lunch. Participants must be at least 12 years old by the date of the class they …

The St. Joseph County Commission On Aging is partnering with the Three Rivers Farmers Market to offer a cooking demonstration next week. The session takes place at 2:30 p.m. June 23 at the Farmers Market. The program is geared toward senior citizens and is offered at no cost.

A community park was suggested to be named in honor of a former member of the Three Rivers City Commission. During last week’s city commission meeting, commissioner Diane Clay suggested a park on Broadway Street near Fourth Street be named in honor of Elbert Foster, who passed away last month following a 10-year battle against sickle cell anemia. Foster was …