County Information

A Mendon-area woman was recognized Tuesday for her devotion to the county’s animal shelter. Lauralee Knepper, 72, was unaware her contributions to the shelter would be the focus of a resolution passed by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Not until after a lengthy introduction did Knepper realize the resolution was in her honor. A misty-eyed Knepper listened as …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department investigators are continuing to look into the theft of numerous items from a shed and its vicinity last month in Burr Oak Township. According to a department media release, items taken include hand and power tools, a plasma cutting torch, a battery charger, a router and router table, and an undisclosed quantity of plywood. The …

After serving 10 years on the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board, president Sally Boeschenstein is resigning. Boeschenstein said her resignation will be in effect June 30. A Three Rivers-area resident, Boeschenstein said she and her husband are planning more travel next year and she said it is unfair to the board to hold the position. Filling Boeschenstein’s position …

St. Joseph County sheriff’s officials responded to a hit-and-run, property-damage incident over the weekend in Lockport Township. According to a department media release, a 2006 Chevy Impala was parked at the Sturgis Dam, as its owner was fishing in the St. Joseph River. The car’s owner told police he noticed the rear bumper of his vehicle had been torn off. …

At least three vehicles were illegally entered and various items removed over the weekend in Fawn River Township. State police were called Saturday to Rickey and Eisenhower roads, where the victims said their unlocked vehicles were entered and a variety of items were taken. During their investigation, troopers found various tools and other items in the vicinity. Troopers said they …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education will have five seats on the November election ballot. There are three six-year terms, one four-year term and one two-year term. Information for anyone interested in seeking a position is available at the superintendent’s office or by calling 659-1502. To be eligible to run for a school board position, a person must be a …

Three Rivers Police Det. Mike Mohney said the department is looking for a person who is believed to be voluntarily missing. According to a department media release, the agency is seeking the location of Justin Berg, a 45-year-old white man who was last seen around 5 p.m. a week ago. Berg’s cell phone was found Thursday under a St. Joseph …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has announced its 2016 schedule for boater safety classes. Four classes are scheduled and attendance at only one is required to receive certification. The dates and locations are June 4 at the Colon Township Fire Hall; and June 11, 18 and 25 at the sheriff’s department. Each class runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., …

A lawn mower was reported stolen last week from a residence in Leonidas Township. State police said the incident occurred between 8 p.m. Wednesday and 12:30 p.m. Thursday in the 32000 block of M-60. The tractor, a 2016 John Deere zero-turn commercial mower, and a 12-by-7-foot utility trailer were stolen from a barn that was accessed through forced entry.

Sturgis City Manager Michael Hughes had good news last week regarding the vandalism to Oak Lawn Cemetery. He said Patten Michigan Monument Company of Sturgis is helping to restore headstones damaged over the weekend of April 2-3. Suspects remain unidentified in the vandalism that damaged more than 30 headstones. The loss was estimated at more than $50,000. Hughes said repairs …