County Information

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has granted approval to Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman to re-apply for a state grant. During action at last week’s commission meeting, Stutesman sought permission to pursue a grant worth in excess of $280,000 for the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation program. The program is already in place and received high praise from …

Two duck hunters were rescued from the St. Joseph River Sunday morning in Lockport Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the two were duck hunting with a 12-year-old boy shortly before 7 a.m. in the 62000 block of Constantine Road in Lockport Township. Deputies were called to assist with the two men, who were unable to free themselves …

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 …