County Information

Property matters before city commission

Demolition and site cleanup at four properties will be discussed by members of the Three Rivers City Commission this evening. The parcels in question are located at 304 Jackson St., 909 River St., 318 E. Michigan Ave., and 512 W. Michigan Ave. Also before Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners is a matter related to the sale of city-owned property at …

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Local student arrested on terrorism charge

A White Pigeon High School student has been arrested on a terrorism charge after allegedly making threats last week at school. Phillip Duane Stephenson, 18, is accused of making what school officials call threats to building safety. Stephenson has been suspended indefinitely, officials said. White Pigeon Superintendent Jon Keyer said he and school administrators determined valid statements were made and …

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Reward offered for information in gun theft

A federal agency and a firearms trade association are offering a reward of up to $4,000 for information leading to the prosecution of the party responsible for the theft of 21 guns last week from a Sturgis business. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is teaming with the National Shooting Sports Foundation to offer the reward. It is …

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Many families helped with Communitywide Baby Shower

More than two dozen families were assisted Saturday thanks to a semi-annual event staged by the St. Joseph County Great Start Parent Coalition. Parent liaison Matie James said the Communitywide Baby Shower program, staged at Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville, has been in place for more than five years and provides families help with their newborn. During the 2 1/2-hour …

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Constantine eliminated from playoffs

St. Joseph County’s lone remaining representative in the high school football playoffs was eliminated Saturday. Constantine, which eked into the playoffs with a 5-4 record, bowed out in a 35-34 overtime loss to undefeated Grand Rapids North Pointe Christian in the Division 6 regional title contest. The Falcons forced overtime on their final possession of regulation, then went for the …

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Furlong waives preliminary examination

The man accused of murdering 11-year-old Jodi Parrack eight years ago has waived his right to a preliminary examination. The matter involving suspect Daniel Furlong occurred during a judicial proceeding Thursday before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. Furlong, 65, will stand trial for the murder, Middleton ruled. Furlong faces charges of open murder, felony murder, kidnapping and second-degree criminal sexual …

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Commission handles personnel matters

Three personnel matters were handled last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The commission accepted the resignation of Lydia Paille, deputy equalization director. A pay increase from $18.29 an hour to $19.59 hourly was approved for Erin Goff, community corrections coordinator. Also, Joshua Shook has been hired as animal control officer and facility supervisor at an hourly …

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Constantine continues in playoffs

A Division 6 regional title is on the line this weekend, when Constantine attempts to join the Final Four in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s football playoffs. The 7-4 Falcons will take on 11-0 Grand Rapids North Pointe Christian at 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Comstock Park High School. Constantine has rolled in the playoffs, knocking off undefeated Schoolcraft …

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Child Trauma Assessment Group receives budget shortfall funds

The St. Joseph County Child Trauma Assessment Group was provided $50,000 to help it meet a projected budget shortfall. The request was pitched last week to members of the county board of commissioners by Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson and probate court director Thomas Robertson. Tomlinson said the state might refund St. Joseph County half of the $50,000, but the …

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Military Freedom Walk dedicated in Centreville

A pair of local dignitaries led a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Centreville Wednesday morning. Former state legislator Cameron Brown and current State Rep. Aaron Miller took part in a program along East Main Street for the dedication of the village’s Military Freedom Walk. Banners indicating the Military Freedom Walk were unveiled prior to the start of the ceremony. One hangs …

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