County Information

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has reached an employment agreement with the county’s finance director. During last week’s commission meeting, the board and Joni Smith signed a one-year contract retroactive to Oct. 1. The contract reflects compensation for a number of additional duties Smith has been delegated in the past two years. Those responsibilities include budget preparation and managing …

The Sturgis City Commission last week approved three design-task orders for 2015 street projects. The orders allow the city to get a head start on completing preliminary design, final design and bidding phases for each project this winter, in preparation for street work next spring. The city street repairs were approved for West Dresser Drive and Congress Street, and milling …

State police are continuing their investigation into a motorcyclist wanted for fleeing and eluding. According to a department media release, a trooper on patrol attempted to pull over the motorcyclist for an equipment violation Friday night on Crooked Creek Road in White Pigeon Township. The suspect continued north at a high rate of speed but lost control north of U.S. …

The latest PowerPoint presentation regarding the St. Joseph County River Trail master plan is now available on the county’s website. County officials said the presentation, shown at four community meetings over the past six weeks, is a part of the master plan for what is expected to be an official river trail. The concept originated with the St. Joseph County …

A house in Sturgis was severely damaged was after it caught fire Sunday night. Details about the fire, in the 1000 block of Wilson Street, were limited, but the blaze appeared to have started around 11 p.m. in the garage. Two people and a dog were safely taken from the residence. One resident was taken to Sturgis Hospital for treatment …

Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier outlined plans for a renovation project during last week’s board of trustees meeting. The proposal would include renovation of the college library, learning center and art studio. The three-phase project is expected to cost $ 2.5 million, Devier said. He said the college plans to ask the state for half of the necessary …

A 31-year-old motorcyclist from New York was injured following an accident last week in Sturgis Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the man was westbound on U.S. 12 around 1:30 p.m. Monday when he attempted to pass a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old Sturgis resident. The motorcyclist struck the car as it was turning onto Shimmel Road, and …

Organizers of Sunday’s Three Rivers Area Fall Color Tour deemed the event a success. As always, weather played a factor in the popularity of the annual event. Sunny skies drew hundreds of people to Meyer Broadway Park and other locations on the tour. Corey Lake Orchards also attracted a number of visitors, as one of 13 sites on the 2014 …

A Three Rivers man was arrested Wednesday on several charges after fleeing from police. Police knew the driver, Shane Lee Henderson, 25, did not have a valid driver’s license and attempted to make a stop. Henderson fled into a field and eventually onto U.S. 131, at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, according to police. The vehicle was …

The St. Joseph County United Way is staging a Celebrity Waiter Night this week at a Sturgis eatery. More than dozen local officials will be on hand 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Fiesta Mexicana, where tips provided to the wait staff will benefit the local United Way. The restaurant is located at 1040 S. Centerville Road.