County Information

The St. Joseph County Road Commission repaired potholes in more than 800 miles of roads and removed snow from more than 1,000 miles of roadways in 2015. The information was presented last week to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners as part of the road commission’s annual report. Past board chairman John Bippus said other work completed last year …

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair plans to showcase local talent instead of a big-name act as part of its entertainment lineup at the 2016 event. Fair manager Bill Johnson said the new approach involves a partnership with the county’s eight incorporated communities and their respective summer festivals. He said the concept involves vocal performances at each of the county’s …

Meijer is announcing 280 job openings for its new supercenter in Sturgis. The company seeks candidates in all departments, as the store is scheduled to open this summer. Available positions include clerks, cake decorators, customer service, cashiers, receiving and meat cutters. Starting pay is based on experience level and specific skills. Potential candidates may begin the hiring process by applying online …

A residence in which nobody was home was heavily damaged by fire last week in Lockport Township. Three Rivers and Fabius-Park Township fire departments responded at 11:15 p.m. Friday to the 16000 block of Null Road after the blaze was reported by a passerby. First-arriving crews found the home engulfed in flames. Firefighters had the fire quickly under control and …

Here’s a reminder that St. Joseph County’s Parks and Recreation Department is staging a public-input session Thursday in Centreville. The agency is asking the public for input into the development of a master plan for a newly acquired piece of property on the St. Joseph River. Working in conjunction with the design firm Edgewater Resources of St. Joseph, the county …

State Rep. Aaron Miller hopes to encourage children to read as he makes several school visits to celebrate March is Reading Month. Miller, who taught school before becoming a lawmaker, will visit with classrooms at Eastside Elementary in Constantine; Andrews Elementary in Three Rivers; Centreville Elementary; Burr Oak Elementary; and Colon Elementary schools. Teachers or administrators who would like Miller …

Dowagiac resident Richard Behnke is announcing his intent to pursue the nomination for Cass County sheriff. A lifelong resident of Cass County, Behnke has been in law enforcement for 30 years, beginning in the village of Marcellus in 1986. He has served the past twenty-nine years at the Cass County Sheriff’s office. During his career, he served as a deputy …

Two men impersonating utility workers were able to gain access to a Sturgis Township residence last weekend. Michigan State Police said the suspects gained entry to the home around 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Fawn River Road, near South Centerville Road, by telling the victim they were there to make sure water and power were on after a weekend wind storm. …

Nearly eight full months after she was appointed St. Joseph County clerk, Lindsay Oswald filed paperwork Monday that makes official her candidacy for the August primary election. Her petition turned in Monday featured 159 signatures – 59 more than the required minimum. The move was considered no surprise, as Oswald indicated even before she was tapped to complete the 18 …

A 62-year-old Mendon woman will seek the District 2 St. Joseph County Commission seat in August. Kathy Pangle has declared her candidacy for the seat, which represents Burr Oak, Colon, Leonidas, Mendon and Park townships. Burr Oak Township resident Don Eaton is the incumbent. Pangle is serving her 14th year on the Mendon Village Council and the Mendon Township Fire …