County Information

Results of a needs-assessment questionnaire, distributed jointly by Sturgis Hospital and Three Rivers Health, have been released. The third of five fields focuses on chronic diseases. According to the St. Joseph County 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment, 29 percent of the population surveyed suffers from chronic lower back pain and 28 percent reported having high blood pressure. In addition, as …

The driver of a semi tractor-trailer was killed Thursday following a collision with a train in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at the crossing over U.S. 131 near Indian Prairie Road. Sheriff’s deputies said the southbound semi collided with a slow-moving, eastbound train comprised of an engine and two rail cars. The collision caused a portion …

Methamphetamine-related charges were filed against a Constantine Township man Thursday. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the arrest was the culmination of an investigation that took place over the course of several weeks. The suspect was arrested after a search warrant was executed by narcotics investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. The arrest took place at …

A decision by Constantine Public Schools to adopt a so-called balanced calendar would be made only after an exhaustive review and considerable public input. For now, Superintendent Chuck Frisbie told a crowd of about two dozen people Wednesday, the concept is still just a proposal and remains in the discussion stage. If the measure is endorsed, it would begin no …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a series of arson incidents that occurred last week in Colon Township. The fires were set around 10 p.m. March 13 in the 59000 and 61000 blocks of Farrand Road, the 57000 block of Hodges Road, the 59000 block of Fairfax Road, and the 59000 block of Long Lake Road.

Seven candidates from a pool of 26 applicants to replace Roger Rathburn as superintendent of Three Rivers Community Schools have been identified. Interviews with the seven will take place over the course of three nights next week. The candidates interviewing Monday are: Tim Staffen, CTE Principal, Calhoun County ISD; John Stryker, superintendent of New Lothrop Area Public Schools; and Mike …

St. Joseph County’s Parks and Recreation Department is pursuing a grant that would offset the purchase cost of a 135-acre piece of land in Burr Oak Township. Parks and Recreation Department Director John Pence said the property is on the north side of Lafayette Road, between Big Hill and Plumb School roads. Members of the county’s board of commissioners Tuesday …

A 20-year-old Fabius Township woman was issued a citation after the vehicle she was driving rear-ended another car in Lockport Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Jessie Hanstine was driving east on M-60 when she failed to stop for a car turning left off M-60 into a residential driveway near Haines Road. The turning car was driven by …

A child-safety-seat check is being offered later this month in Three Rivers. The event runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 29 at the Fabius-Park Fire and Rescue station on Broadway Road, west of U.S. 131. Organizers of the event said the children who use the seat must be present during the free inspection.

Members of the St. Joseph County Marine Corps League Detachment 1401 have voted to give $150 to each food cupboard in the county this year. Detachment Chaplain Bill Stevens said due to the loss of funding from the government, the county’s food pantries find themselves in greater need than usual. Stevens said he hopes the measure will be duplicated by …