County Information

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners and human resources director Elishia Arver have reached an employment agreement that will see the 5 1/2-year employee remain in her current position. The deal was made official during Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting. Arver had turned in her letter of resignation earlier this month to county administrator Pat Yoder. Arver said she …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency’s Board of Health has released its “Certificates of Excellence” in food service for the year 2013. The 97 recipients in the three-county region represent food establishments that were able to meet stringent criteria during the year. The 32 St. Joseph County locations that received Certificates of Excellence included schools in Burr Oak, Centreville, Colon, …

A pair of seniors from the Three Rivers Lady Cats basketball team received special honors from the Michigan Associated Press. Teagan Reeves and Linsey Masnari were recognized, as Reeves was named to the Class B all-state basketball team, while Masnari made the honorable-mention list. Reeves, who will attend Western Michigan University in the fall and play volleyball and basketball, scored …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is looking to fill a full-time position following a retirement and two resignations. County commissioners earlier this month approved a request to fill the position to help offset the resignation of road patrol officer Dru Carney. In addition, patrol officer Terry Baker has resigned and Pete VanCamp retired Friday. In other personnel news at …

A 33-year-old Burr Oak man died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute around 10:30 p.m. in Burr Oak Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Dennis Brooks died from a gunshot wound to the head at Townline Road, near Farrand Road, on the border of Burr Oak and Colon townships. Investigators said Maria Audrey-Louise Williams, 34, is …

There’s some good news for county government and municipalities facing road-budget shortfalls in St. Joseph and Cass counties, as the Michigan Legislature has approved $215 million in supplemental road funding. State Rep. Matt Lori said $100 million of the emergency funds will go to county and municipal governments to deal with deficits as a result of the inordinate amount of …

A 20-year-old Centreville resident was cited for careless driving after his car struck a parked vehicle Thursday morning in downtown Centreville. Charles Parker was cited after he failed to clear ice from his vehicle’s windshield, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The distraction was a factor in a collision with a parked vehicle in which 74-year-old Roy Buel …

Mendon volleyball coach Kathy Trenary is a finalist for national coach of the year. The National High School Athletic Coaches Association has named Trenary as one of eight candidates for the position. The winner will be announced during the association’s annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyo., in June. Trenary said she plans to attend the four-day conference. Trenary said nominations …

A field of three superintendent finalists for Colon Community Schools will be identified next week. Four candidates – Victor Bungi, Mike Campbell, Robert Jansen and Drew Bordner – were interviewed Monday. The process continued Tuesday when Eric Kistler, Mike Corey and Pam Duffy were interviewed. Board of Education President Ernie Baker said the next step will be taken Monday, when …

The city of Sturgis has reached an agreement to purchase the Wood Motel and its property. Located near the high-profile intersection of Chicago and Centerville roads, the parcel is being acquired in part through a community development block grant, according to city manager Mike Hughes. The city plans to demolish the single-level motel and, according to terms of the grant, …