County Information

The cities of Three Rivers and Sturgis will pay a bit more per entity to fund the county grant-writer position. During action earlier this month, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioner lowered its financial commitment to the three-way agreement, from 70 to 50 percent of the $64,000 cost. Three Rivers and Sturgis will now pay 25 percent each, a …

Three Rivers officials intend to look at a potential sidewalk snow-removal policy following concerns raised during a commission meeting last week. Three Rivers Board of Education member Waneta Truckey said children walking to and from school are forced into the street when sidewalks are not cleared of snow. The fact children are walking in the streets is a safety concern, …

A pet-adoption organization based in Sturgis is seeking homes for several displaced or unwanted pets, as it is ceasing operations. Pet Haven, which started in the 1980s, has struggled with financial obligations, hastening its end, according to founder Lois Rosenburg. The non- profit organization, which does not have a permanent site, operates from volunteer foster homes that keep animals until …

The Three Rivers Health Family Care Clinic in White Pigeon is moving to a building its staff members hope will better accommodate the health needs of the community. The new location, a building that used to house Village Pharmacy, on the east side of White Pigeon, is undergoing renovations to feature eight examining rooms, a lab with a draw station, …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week adopted a revised policy regarding the weather-related closure of county offices and buildings. In light of a two-day closing earlier this month due to snow and cold, the commission last week agreed that the decision to close county government will be made with input from the county board chairman, road commission …

The snowstorm that brought St. Joseph County to a standstill earlier this month came with a substantial price tag. Christopher Bolt, engineer/manager for the St. Joseph County Road Commission, said it’s estimated the agency spent nearly $225,000 during the seven-day period that began with the start of the storm Jan. 4. An average winter week will cost the agency about …

Four tires and rims were stolen from a vehicle at Vetter’s Chevrolet in Three Rivers Wednesday. State police investigators said the incident was reported around 8 a.m. and occurred overnight. The 18-inch tires and rims were taken from a Chevrolet “All-Star Edition” pickup truck.

The St. Joseph County United Way is in the homestretch of its 2014 campaign, and its executive director is appealing to the public for help with a final push. Kelly Hostetler said financial donations for the current campaign will be accepted through Jan. 31. With a goal of $740,000 – the local United Way’s largest ever – the campaign is …

The Newell A. and Grace A. Franks Fund, held by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, is leading the way for the facelift and relocation of Sturgis’ historic depot building later this year. Working with the Sturgis Historical Society, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Sturgis, the Newell and Grace Franks Fund is offering grant funds for the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week approved the sheriff department’s request to submit a Marine Safety Program grant application. The request is for more than $65,000 through state and federal sources, and allows the department to continue to man its seasonal Marine Patrol division in 2014. If approved, the grant would fund the services of one full-time …