County Information

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week renewed a three-year contract for indigent-defense services. County administrator Pat Yoder said a pool of nine area attorneys were accepted to represent defendants who cannot afford legal services during their judicial process. The agreement, between the county and the Michigan Municipal Corporation, comes with a cost averaging about $480,000 each year …

Sturgis police said a 45-year-old man was arrested this week for attempted breaking and entering into a residence, possession of burglary tools, malicious destruction of property, and resisting and obstructing police. The incident happened just after 1:25 a.m. Wednesday, as officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Chicago Road for a suspected breaking and entering. The suspect fled …

Bond for a Sturgis woman accused of allegedly stabbing her sister earlier this week has been set at $1 million. Erica Gosnell, 22, was arrested following the incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. Tuesday at an apartment in the 1200 block of Laura Drive. Police arriving on the scene found a 27-year-old woman who had been stabbed several times. Gosnell, …

The executive director of St. Joseph County’s Commission on Aging made some clarifications Tuesday regarding the proposed Sturgis Senior Center building, its funding and related issues. Addressing the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Lynn Coursey noted the $2.6 million the commission fronted to the COA Oct. 7 was a loan and set aside in an account as a fund …

A former Constantine Public Schools administrator is taking on a high-profile position with a state education program. Kristin Flynn, a Schoolcraft resident and former principal at Eastside Elementary, is resigning her position as Schoolcraft High School principal to take a post with Michigan Virtual University. The 44-year-old Flynn, whose last day in Schoolcraft will be Oct. 31, said she will …

A tax exemption for Michigan Milk Producers Association was passed earlier this week by the Constantine Village Council. The exemption covers a 12-year period and $ 2.7 million for property and personal costs. MMPA plant manager Dave Davis and plant superintendent Mark Hopkins called the council’s support a win-win situation for the dairy industry. MMPA had previously announced plans to …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday recognized 26 county employees observing milestone years of employment. Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Bruce Morse led the way with 35 years. Friend of the Court caseworker Andi Guy and juvenile register Cathy Coleman were recognized for reaching the 30-year plateau. Road Patrol Deputy Jay Parker and corrections officer Judy Buchner-VanCamp reached the 25-year …

A 27-year-old woman is in critical condition after she was stabbed following an incident in Sturgis Tuesday morning. The St. Joseph Count Sheriff’s Department said a 911 call was received shortly after 3 a.m. from the 1200 block of Laura Drive. Details of the incident are limited, but the victim’s 22 year old sister was arrested and charged with assault …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to include the village of Centreville for services rendered by the county’s grant writer, Lindsay Oswald. During action at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners approved a proposal calling for the village to pay about $3,200 annually to receive Oswald’s services. The amount represents about 5 percent of the $64,800 in salary and benefits …

The Sturgis Fire Department was dispatched to 107 W. St. Joseph St. Friday after a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, fire personnel noticed light smoke coming from a sky-lift being used by a masonry crew repairing brick at Sturgis Central Commons. Moments later, something within the sky-lift compartment exploded and the fire intensified. Crews quickly extinguished the fire. Flames …