County Information

Not surprisingly, a low voter turnout was recorded in three municipalities where elections took place Tuesday. In Three Rivers, about 5 percent of the city’s 5,100 registered voters participated in an uncontested election that saw Mayor Tom Lowry secure an additional two-year term. The 59-year-old Lowry, who has served as mayor of St. Joseph County’s second-largest community for 16 years, …

Voters in Burr Oak Community Schools were in a generous mood Tuesday, as a sinking-fund millage was approved by nearly a three-to-two margin. The 3-mill, five-year sinking fund request was supported by a vote of 116 in favor to 71 opposed. Tuesday’s request is identical to what was on the ballot in the May 5 election, when voters defeated the …

A proposed ordinance allowing more than two dogs in a single-family residence was defeated Tuesday by Sturgis voters. The proposed measure, which would have allowed up to three dogs in a residence, was defeated, 245 opposed to 132 in favor. In May, voters rejected a proposed ordinance amendment that would have lifted any limit on the number of dogs at …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has thrown its support behind an event – believed to be the first of its kind locally – in which disabled veterans will have the opportunity to deer hunt. Organized by the county’s veterans services director Stoney Summey and parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald, the so-called Veterans’ Hunt 2015 will be conducted now …

It’s election day and voters in three St. Joseph County communities will head to the polls. In Three Rivers, a newcomer is expected to join three incumbents to the municipality’s seven-member city commission. All four positions are uncontested, meaning 16-year mayor Tom Lowry will oversee the commission for at least two more years. Joining him will be Jared Hoffmaster and …

For the second time in 2015, Sturgis voters will decide how many dogs can be kept at any single-family residence inside the city limits, without requiring an approved kennel designation. In May, voters rejected a proposed ordinance amendment that would have lifted any limit on the number of dogs at Sturgis properties. Following that vote, several residents asked the commission …

Burr Oak Community Schools again will ask voters to approve a 3-mill, five-year sinking fund request. The Nov. 3 request is identical to what was on the ballot in the May 5 election, when voters defeated the measure, 111-91. The millage would bring approximately $125,000 per year for the schools for the next five years for a total of $625,000. …

Thirteen items, including a request for funds for the Child Trauma Assessment Group, await the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this afternoon. Other matters on today’s agenda include labor agreements with three governmental units, a request for a letter of support from Covered Bridge Healthcare, a request to fill the position of deputy equalizer and a request to close …

The Michigan Supreme Court said Anthony and Marsha Springer, parents of the late Calista Springer, are entitled to a hearing in St. Joseph County Circuit Court to determine whether their attorney provided ineffective assistance in 2010. Springer was the 16-year-old Centreville girl who died in a 2008 house fire while chained to her bed. A jury subsequently convicted Anthony, 52, and …

Three of the area’s four state football playoff teams bowed out in the opening round of action Friday. The fourth, Constantine, pulled off an upset in topping previously unbeaten and state No. 2-ranked Schoolcraft. Constantine’s Tristian Butler kicked an overtime field goal to lift the Falcons over the Eagles, 31-28, in Division 6 action. Elsewhere, Mendon saw its 27-game win …