County Information

Police investigating stabbing

Three Rivers police were called to the 200 block of Second Avenue last week in response to a stabbing incident. According to police, responding officers Wednesday discovered the victim and suspect had left the scene by the time they arrived. The victim, a 27-year-old Three Rives man, was later found and interviewed at the Three Rivers Health emergency room. As …

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Police still looking for man

Sturgis police are looking for a man responsible for an assault that involved the use of a hatchet last week. Jorel Gefferand  is wanted in connection with the Thursday incident at Cato Lane Apartments. He faces charges of assault with intent to commit murder and malicious destruction of a building. Gefferand allegedly used a hatchet to assault a man who …

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Tuition-reimbursement for county employees

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a tuition-reimbursement policy for county employees. Spearheaded by Commissioner Don Eaton, the program allows county employees to receive reimbursement up to 100 percent of tuition cost per semester at an accredited college, university or trade school. The course must be for credit or extended-education purposes. County administrator Pat Yoder said the classes …

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Two rescued from river

Two Anderson, Ind., men were plucked from the St. Joseph River near the Mottville Dam last week. Rescue personnel said the boat got caught in the current Wednesday morning and was pulled into the dam. Both men were rescued before the boat sank. Personnel from the White Pigeon Fire Department, St. Joseph County Dive Rescue and St. Joseph County Marine …

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Plans for a Sturgis senior center

A Portage-based company was hired this week to fulfill a component toward potential construction of a Sturgis senior center. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday to work with Cornerstone Construction Management. The company will provide services related to design, bidding and construction. Total cost of the deal is $78,000. County Administrator Pat Yoder said the …

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Re-appointments to county board

Six people this week were recommended for re-appointment to the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Board for two-year terms. They are: Margaret Schultz, Jon Withers, Charles Willer, Deb Leyes, Steve Boland and Jay Newman. As Leyes is a member at large, her term is for one year only. Also during action Tuesday, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners …

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Sewer system for county park

A proposed infrastructure improvement at Cade Lake Park would allow it to have the benefit of a sewer system. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday to a contract with Jones Petrie Rafinski for engineering services related to the proposal. County administrator Pat Yoder said the plan calls for expanding a sewer pipe from a Burr …

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Make-over at Sturgis office

The Secretary of State office in Sturgis will close later this month for remodeling, prompting staff members to encourage anyone with business to conduct at the site to do it soon. The office will close for the workweek July 28 and remain unavailable through Aug. 1. Staff members said the South Centerville Road office will be remodeled to include a …

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Vacant positions will be filled

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has agreed to fill a vacant position in the two departments. During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners agreed to fill a clerk’s spot in the finance department. The post is being filled half-time by a member of the Register of Deeds office. Human resources director Elishia Arver said the position will stay filled in such a …

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Security upgrade at courthouse

A plan to limit access into the St. Joseph County Courthouse to a single location is moving forward. The county’s board of commissioners Tuesday agreed to work with Grand Rapids-based Landmark Design for schematic drawings and cost estimates to create the single point of entry. If the full plan is authorized, access to either the original courthouse portion or the …

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