County Information

St. Joseph County has renewed a law-enforcement agreement its sheriff’s department has with two governmental entities. County commissioners this week approved contracts between the county and the village of Centreville, and Fabius Township. The village and township receive law enforcement, including routine patrol, from the sheriff’s department rather than establishing their own police agencies. The agreement with Centreville is for …

A veteran member of the White Pigeon Police Department was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence last week following a one-car accident in Branch County. State police investigators said Sgt. Bill Burgoyne, who has a two-decade career with the White Pigeon department, faces charges related to drunken driving after an incident around 6 p.m. Friday in Sherwood …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has issued a road-improvement grant to the city of Sturgis to complement an expansion project underway by Summit Polymers. State Rep. Matt Lori announced the $242,640 grant would be matched by $60,660 put up by the city to improve a 1,420-foot portion of Broadus Street between Progress Street and Dresser Drive for all-season access to …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department responded to separate reports this week regarding unlawful entry and damage to property. Three campers at the Latvian Center in Fabius Township were entered either Friday or Saturday. An investigation is ongoing to determine what was taken from the campers. Meanwhile, investigators responded to a separate incident in White Pigeon Township, where the front …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced registration for the 2013 spring/summer and the fall semesters is underway. Spring/summer semester classes begin May 13 and fall classes start Aug. 26. Students are encouraged to register early to ensure they receive class schedules at times they prefer. Class schedules are available at the college, mailed upon request or online at glenoaks.edu. Financial …

A slate of annual reports tops the agenda for today’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. Reports on tap today will center on the Friend of Court, Circuit Court, County Clerk, Juvenile Court and District Court. In addition, commissioners will review and consider renewing law-enforcement agreements between the sheriff’s department and separate contracts for exclusive patrol arrangements with Fabius …

A Minnesota man was cited for failure to yield as the result of a three-vehicle accident Saturday night in Three Rivers. State Police investigators said the 54-year-old driver of a mini van attempted to turn left from southbound U.S. 131 into the Super 8 hotel parking lot. He turned in front of a northbound car driven by a 38-year-old Three …

Sturgis Police arrested a man around 1 p.m. Sunday following an incident in the 1300 block of Cato Lane. A man, whose age and community of residence were not listed in a department media release, was charged with aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation after he confronted the man and used racial slurs. The suspect was released to police custody following …

After more than a year of construction, the Three Rivers Menards home-improvement store opens this week. Jeff Abbott, spokesman for the Wisconsin-based company, said the store will open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Located off Broadway Road, just west of U.S. 131, the new Menards is in excess of 200,000 square feet. Abbott said per company policy, however, the exact size …

The Branch-St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging is unveiling its once-every-three-years survey seeking input from residents in Branch and St. Joseph counties, and local service providers and key leaders. Laura Sutter, agency coordinator, said the agency prepares a multi-year area plan, and input received from the survey helps spell out the needs and priorities of older adults, and targets funding …