County Information

State Rep. Matt Lori said the equity gap that exists between larger and smaller school districts was narrowed this week, with House approval of Bill 5314, which establishes the School-Aid Fund for the coming fiscal year. Besides adding $50 in per-pupil funding for all students, the bill also designates another $125 per pupil for smaller schools, closing the equity gap …

Two vehicles parked in a field were damaged this week in Mendon Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the incident occurred Tuesday night in a field near the intersection of Taylor and Nottawa roads. The nature of the damage was not indicated in a department media release.

Anderson’s has named Mendon-area resident Samantha Griffith its 2014 National Cover Teen. The 18-year-old Griffith was selected after a nationwide contest this past winter. Troy Ethen, president of Anderson’s, said the annual Cover Teen competition recognizes teens who are leaders in their communities and an inspiration to others. Griffith has been a member of Mendon’s student council, National Honor Society, …

Narcotics investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit executed a search warrant Tuesday in Florence Township for suspected methamphetamine. Officers were contacted about possible methamphetamine manufacturing occurring at a residence in the 65000 block of Klinger Lake Road. Upon arrival the suspects had fled the scene but officers located evidence of manufacturing and use. The case will be …

A 24-year-old Centreville man was cited for two violations after he was involved in a single-vehicle accident Tuesday in White Pigeon Township. State police said Joseph Hammond was driving on Crooked Creek Road near Saunders Shores Drive when he lost control and drove off the roadway. According to a department media release, Hammond’s vehicle drove across a yard, through a …

A former Sturgis Citizen of the Year and one-time city commission member has passed away. Jo Ellen Oster, 64, passed Tuesday following a bout with cancer. The 1998 Sturgis Citizen of the Year, Oster served at different times as a city commissioner, member of the Downtown Development Authority and the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce. Her late husband, John, is the …

With heavy hearts, members of the Mendon Community Schools Board of Education Tuesday laid off three teachers. A fourth teacher has voluntarily agreed to switch her employment status from full-time to part-time. The move came despite testimonials from more than 30 people who lamented the situation and loss of quality staff members. Barring a significant change in student enrollment or …

Three Rivers Community Schools didn’t have to look far to find a new high school principal. The board of education this week selected Carrie Balk, a seven-year employee with the district. Balk, 35, previously taught language arts and social studies at Hamilton High School before joining the Three Rivers High School staff to teach social studies. She has served as …

The annual Sturgis Relay for Life fundraiser last weekend raised nearly $40,000 for the American Cancer Society. The 24-hour, uninterrupted walk started at noon Friday at Sturgis High School’s track. The top three groups in terms of funds raised were Burr Oak Tool and the Beta Sigma Phi team, which both raised $5,000. Morgan Olson was third with a team …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced the return of Project FRESH. The nutrition-education and supplemental-food program is offered through the agency in conjunction with Michigan State University Extension Services. Project FRESH puts fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables into the hands of young families who qualify for Women, Infants and Children assistance. Participants receive 10, $2 coupons that …