County Information

MiCareerQuest Southwest-St. Joseph is looking for volunteers to help with a one-day event involving more than 700 high school freshmen later this month. The career-investigation event is designed for students from all St. Joseph County school districts. MiCareerQuest is a hands-on experience where students discover what it’s like to be an RN, a graphic artist, mechanical engineer or employee in …

The longest-serving commissioner in St. Joseph County history has announced he will not seek re-election to an 11th, two-year term. John Dobberteen, who represents the city of Sturgis and Fawn River Township, said he will end his 20-year board membership when his current term expires Dec. 31. Dobberteen said he is focused on retiring from work and spending more time …

As a result of the low number of positive influenza cases throughout the area, Sturgis Hospital has lifted the flu-related hospital visitor restrictions. Sturgis Hospital implemented the visitor restrictions in January to protect patients, visitors and staff members from potential exposure to the flu virus. Hospital officials said they continue to request that visitors who are ill to not visit, …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has chosen six candidates to interview for the position of superintendent. During a special meeting last week, consultant Gary Rider presented 17 applicants to the board and facilitated the process to narrow the field to those the board ultimately selected to interview. Interviews are open to the public. The first three will take place today: …

A Mendon man has been appointed to a county committee. During Tuesday’s 12-minute meeting, St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners agreed to appoint Mendon resident Ivin Riddle to the Department of Health and Human Services Board. He was recommended to the post by Kelly Hostetler, St. Joseph County United Way’s executive director. Commissioners on Tuesday also adopted the county treasurer’s …

St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners has approved an agreement with the city of Sturgis regarding a disc golf course. The contract, endorsed by commissioners Tuesday, centers on a plan to develop an 18-hole disc golf course at Cade Lake County Park in Fawn River Township. The city of Sturgis is working with the county and financially supporting the recreational …

The Exchange Club of Sturgis presented its 75th Book of Golden Deeds Award to Frank Iannarelli during a recent meeting at Sturges-Young Auditorium. The award is the highest recognition given by the Exchange Club. Iannarelli, who works at Locey CPA, is president of Sturgis Lion’s Club, advisor to the Sturgis High School Leo Club, Sherman Township clerk, president of Omena …

The Cass County sheriff’s department is continuing to investigate a traffic accident that occurred over the weekend. Authorities said Jared Green, 34, of Dowagiac, was a passenger in a vehicle that went off the road and struck a tree Saturday evening. Green was not wearing a seatbelt; a second passenger in the vehicle was uninjured. Investigators said the driver of …

Students at Riverside Elementary School in Constantine raised more than $800 through a penny drive to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The penny drive ran for five weeks, concluding in late January, and was organized by fourth-grade teacher Carolyn Niblock. She said the accomplishment shows that school is not only about education, but life skills, too. Niblock said …

Warrants are being sought for a number of suspects following the discovery of a large-scale marijuana operation last week in Cass County’s Ontwa Township. Members of the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team served a search warrant on an address in the 71000 block of Stateline Road on the suspicion that the illegal sale and use of marijuana was taking place. …