County Information

Sturgis city commissioners recently voted to repeal Michigan’s Fireworks Safety Act, saying the 2011 law took away local government’s ability to regulate consumer fireworks. The law liberalized fireworks sales in the state and limited local governments’ oversight authority. Following the latest July 4 holiday, commissioners had complained about widespread use of loud pyrotechnics in Sturgis neighborhoods, claiming it created a …

The July unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by nine-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 5.6 percent July unemployment rate was higher than June’s 4.7 percent. July’s unemployment rate, however, was 1.5 percent less than the same month one …

About 100 people attended Friday’s third annual Local Food Dinner event, staged at St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by St. Joseph County Conservation District, the $20-per-person event featured food products either grown or produced in St. Joseph County. Carol Higgins, chair of the conservation district board, said she is encouraged that Local Food Dinner has potential to become an even …

Glen Oaks Community College announced last week it has entered into a partnership with Goshen College to bring its Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to the Centreville campus. Glen Oaks president David Devier said the demand for the nursing workforce to hold a bachelor’s degree continues to grow. The Goshen College RN to BSN program is …

Electronic items were stolen from a Colon Township residence last week. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was called Friday to the 54000 block of Correll Road in response to the daytime incident. The victim told investigators he was gone for a 90-minute period and during that time, someone forced entry by kicking in a door to the residence.

A truck-accessories manufacturing firm has received a 50 percent property tax break on a $330,600 expansion investment expected to create five new jobs and retain 25 others. Approved last week by the Sturgis City Commission, the 12-year incentive was offered to Unique Truck Accessories. It is constructing a 10,800-square-foot expansion at 1000 N. Clay St. to increase its manufacturing volume …

A Marcellus man was injured after the motorcycle he was driving struck a parked car in downtown Marcellus this week. Cass County Sheriff’s Department officials said Ronald Mikel, 50, was driving east on Main Street shortly after 12:30 a.m. Thursday, when he became distracted and the motorcycle swerved to the right. As a result, it hit a parked car, causing …

The Michigan National Guard has announced it plans to close the Sturgis Armory in an effort to downsize its statewide footprint. City manager Mike Hughes said he was recently notified of the planned closing through a letter from Michigan National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Stone. No date was announced, but Hughes said he expects the closure to occur relatively soon. …

Bruce Harker of the Sturgis Fire Department was honored recently during a pinning ceremony. According to Director of Public Safety Geoff Smith, Harker has been promoted to shift commander. Harker received his pins, and his oath was reinstated by city clerk Ken Rhodes. Harker has been a part of the Sturgis Fire Department since 2000 and a city employee since …

The Next Generation Fund for Sturgis recently awarded grants in support of three community programs and projects. The recipients are: Eastwood School, $200 for the Eastwood Giving Garden; Sturgis Elks Club, $100 toward its annual Back-to-School Clothing Drive; and Doyle Community Center, $100 to assist in providing open-gym hours at no charge for 6th- through 12th-grade students on school-vacation days. …