County Information

An audit report of its 2012 fiscal year was the primary matter of business Tuesday before the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Dave Fisher, representing Jackson-based Rehmann CPA, said based on his company’s review, the county remains on solid financial ground. He noted the county’s largest operating fund had revenue in excess of $13.6 million last fiscal year. Its …

A 22-year-old Three Rivers woman was treated for minor injuries after she was involved in a two-vehicle accident at 4:30 Monday afternoon in Fabius Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Arianna Swartzentruber was driving west on Millard Street when her vehicle was struck by a vehicle northbound on U.S. 131. The driver of the second vehicle, Michele Root, …

A 27-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested over the weekend after he was found driving a stolen car. Sturgis Police said a pizza-delivery vehicle was stolen shortly after 7 p.m. Friday from the 1100 block of South Centerville Road. A deputy from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department spotted the vehicle around 3 a.m. Saturday in White Pigeon, where the …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman is advising residents to be aware of a scam that has resurfaced locally. Bringman said UPS or FedEx service is typically employed to deliver documents and a check or money order as the result of an alleged winning a lottery or cash prize. Under the premise of covering taxes, recipients are urged to cash …

Final numbers are still being calculated but a recent golf outing to help a local deputy has exceeded $35,000 in fundraising efforts. The latest figure is more than the $20,000-plus organizers had originally estimated for a fundraiser in support of T.J. Baker. A 36-year-old deputy with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Baker recently opted to have his left arm …

An assessment report related to the courts building at the St. Joseph County Courthouse is expected to be issued this week. During Friday’s committee of the whole meeting, county administrator Patrick Yoder said officials from Benton Harbor-based Pearson Construction made a thorough inspection of the courts building last week. Yoder said the group spent more than two hours inspecting the …

The 30th White Pigeon Days community celebration was called a rousing success by its organizers. Capped off Sunday with a community worship service and picnic at Wade Park, the three-day festival was highlighted by a well-received fireworks display Saturday night, a fire-truck pull Friday preceded by a 45-minute parade featuring more than 50 entries. Jean Tefft, a member of the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners appears likely to continue meeting twice a month, not one time monthly as proposed by a county official. Following extensive discussion, the five-member panel during Friday’s committee of the whole meeting decided to keep the twice-a-month meeting schedule intact. County administrator Patrick Yoder had suggested the once-a-month schedule. Commissioners did, however, recommend eliminating …

The White Pigeon Rotary Club last week passed the gavel to its new president, Dan Cropsey. Cropsey will serve as club president for the 2013-14 year. Cropsey, a 40-year Rotary member between the Sturgis and White Pigeon civic groups, is also the advisor for the White Pigeon High School Interact Club, which is the largest club of its kind in …

Schoolcraft Police chief Bryan Campbell said a 33-year-old Jackson County man was apprehended after breaking into Bud’s Bar earlier this week. Campbell said the department at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 200 block of North Grand Street. Police found forced entry at the back of the business. Within a few minutes of …