County Information

Seven cases of chickenpox have been reported to the health department’s St. Joseph County office this past week. In January, the Michigan Disease Surveillance System confirmed seven cases in Hillsdale County; most of these cases involve school-age children. According to Michigan law, all students are required to be immunized with two doses of Varicella vaccine or have had a history …

A county-owned building is being targeted as the location of a new health clinic for low-income and indigent St. Joseph County residents. But at least one commissioner made clear he will not support a plan to pay for costs associated with remodeling the site. During last week’s county commission executive session, commissioners discussed a bid from Brussee/Brady Inc. of Three …

A dog had to be shot to death Friday after it attacked a mail carrier and police officer in Sturgis. According to a Sturgis Police Department media release, officers were called around 4 p.m. to a residence in the 400 block of South Jefferson Street following a report of a dog attacking a mail carrier. Sturgis officers and the dog’s …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday is expected to authorize a survey of the Plumb Lake property it plans to develop into a park in Burr Oak Township. County administrator Pat Yoder during last week’s county commission executive committee meeting said a state requirement calls for the property to be surveyed, with relevant data recorded with the …

The validity of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County Board could become a topic of discussion by county commissioners this week. Commissioner Robin Baker inquired during Wednesday’s county commission executive committee meeting about interviews with prospective new members and reappointments of three current members. Baker said applicants to the CMHSAS Board need to be …

Litigation regarding the proposed development of a multi-sports athletic complex in the Three Rivers area has forced county officials to make a few amendments to its facility agreement. During Wednesday’s county commission executive committee meeting, commissioners agreed to vote on the amendments at next week’s board meeting. County administrator Pat Yoder said time-sensitive dates had to be revised because of …

Reimbursement for college tuition will become an easier process for county employees, pending action taken by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. A matter discussed during this week’s county commission executive committee centered on making the process of applying for reimbursement an easier procedure, Pat Yoder, county administrator, said a few of the likely changes include a provision that …

A 38-year-old New York woman suffered serious injuries in a crash earlier this week in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. State police said the woman was driving east on U. S. 12 near Oakwood Drive when her vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree. She had to be extricated from the vehicle and …

Up-Cycled Pets, a Three Rivers-based organization, is issuing a public appeal in hopes of generating some much-needed donations. The agency has a vision to save the less-than-perfect pets in need of fostering by reaching out to animal control in order to save animals that cannot adjust to kennel life. It has also helped dogs from families losing their homes. It …

St. Joseph County appears ready to part ways with its longtime medical examiner, John Robertson. The issue was discussed during Wednesday’s county commission executive committee meeting, where prosecutor John McDonough proposed aligning with a Kalamazoo County-based source for M.E. services. McDonough introduced Joyce deJong, medical examiner of Kalamazoo County and three other counties. She is also pathology chair and professor …