County Information

The preliminary hearing for two Mottville Township residents charged with animal torture and cruelty will continue next month. St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeff Middleton began hearing testimony Tuesday in a preliminary examination for Jessica Archberger and Troy Leiby. Charges against the two were brought after exotic animals were seized Jan. 29 from a home they rented on Barker …

St. Joseph County’s Parks and Recreation Department 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 has scheduled what is being promoted as a public-visioning session next week. The property …

The Three Rivers High School band program will perform its annual pre-festival concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school’s performing arts center. The concert will feature the Three Rivers concert band and its symphony band. Each band will perform the three selections they are preparing for the MSBOA District 11 Band and Orchestra Festival. The festival will be …

A Three Rivers resident said he plans to challenge county commission chairman Allen Balog for his board of commissioners seat in the November general election. Cody Sharpe, who plans to run as a Democrat, is seeking the First District seat, which represents the city of Three Rivers, and Fabius and Flowerfield townships. Sharpe said his primary concern is the accountability …

North Lakeview Avenue in Sturgis will be closed beginning at 7:30 this morning in order for a city crew to repair a water break, weather permitting. City officials said Lakeview will be closed at Griffith Street and East Hatch. Arden Park will allow traffic to avoid the closure. East Hatch Street, west of North Lakeview, will be closed at Susan …

Mendon Community Schools is losing a coaching icon, as varsity football coach John Schwartz has announced his retirement. School board officials Monday accepted Schwartz’s letter of resignation. The Hornets won 10 state championships under Schwartz, who compiled a record of 274-48 in 27 years at the helm of Mendon football. A Colon High School graduate and Long Lake resident, Schwartz …

A longtime fixture in Cass County has announced he will not seek re-election later this year to another four-year term. Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. stated in a media release he plans to retire after 40 years in law enforcement. He has served as sheriff the past 24 years. Underwood said he spent a significant amount of time weighing the decision …

Sturgis city commissioners last week reviewed a proposal for a $200,000 expansion at the Doyle Community Center. If approved, the additional funds would provide dedicated space for strength and cardio-training equipment, and open the possibility for future 24-hour access to the health site. On the table is a proposed 45- by 60-foot expansion to the northeast corner of the building, …

A 15-year public servant has announced his candidacy for the Fabius Township Board of Trustees. Lucas Allen issued a press release stating his intention to run for trustee after learning current township trustee Dave Brueck and clerk Kathy McDonough are not seeking re-election. Allen said if elected, he will strive to not only fill the role of trustee in a …

An Adrian native with a Mendon connection will be the recipient of a Purple Heart medal and other honors to be presented this week by Congressman Fred Upton. World War II veteran and Portage resident John Butler, 89, will be at the center of the event at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Room of the Centre Meadows Apartments in …