County Information

Nottawa Community School has been nominated by the Michigan Department of Education to apply for 2017 Title I “Distinguished School” status. Title I is a federal program providing funding to local school districts to improve the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. The National Title I Association gives the distinguished status to Title I funded schools that demonstrate strengths, including team …

Minor injuries were reported following a two-vehicle accident last week in Mottville Township. Sheriff’s deputies said a car driven by 28-year-old Justin Papesh of Dowagiac was heading north on U.S. 131 at 5:40 a.m. Tuesday, when it crossed the centerline, according to authorities. His vehicle struck a southbound car driven by Elias Faraeas, 36, of Sturgis. The head-on crash occurred …

Sturgis city commissioners have reappointed Robert Hile mayor and Jon Good vice- mayor at a recent organizational meeting. Hile, who has served on the commission for 6 1/ 2 years, was named mayor last year after serving five years as vice-mayor. Following a unanimous vote, Hile expressed his gratitude to the board. He is an agent for Ayres Insurance. Meanwhile, Good …

Four reappointments to the St. Joseph County Planning Commission were made by the county commission last week. Returning to the planning commission to serve three-year terms are Gregg Dohm of Sturgis, Three Rivers-area residents Robert Horton and Rick Shaffer, and county commission board representative Kathy Pangle, a Mendon resident. Their terms begin Jan. 1.

St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners Tuesday approved a resolution calling for a hiring freeze. The mandate affects general-fund positions and takes effect immediately, according to commission chairman Allen Balog. He said it will remain in place as long as necessary and will be reviewed for continuation annually during the board’s budget process. In addition, the county is offering for …

The 27th annual Jail Ministry Banquet took place recently, an event staged through the Correctional Chaplaincy Corporation of St. Joseph County under the direction of Chaplain Jake Schwartz. The meal was provided by several area churches and prepared by parishioners of Calvary Chapel. The annual pie auction added several hundred dollars to the total raised for the annual benefit, which …

The city of Sturgis has received a $375,000 state grant for reconstruction of North Lakeview Avenue from U.S. 12 to the railroad tracks. In addition, Sturgis City Commission members recently heard about proposed options to widen the 25-foot road, expanding it to at least 27 feet. At 27 feet, the road would meet minimum requirements to be considered a major street. …

St. Joseph County Administrator Pat Yoder ended his career Tuesday on a high note, receiving numerous accolades from members of the county commission. The 67-year-old Yoder announced three months ago he would be retiring at the end of 2017. Instead, Tuesday was his last day and consequently his final county commission meeting, as well. Yoder conceded he was intentionally tight-lipped …

The River Country Tourism Council of Southwest Michigan held a photo contest last month and received dozens of photographs taken in St. Joseph County. The contest theme was “People Having Fun in River Country.” Photos were judged by RCTC officials, who chose three winners. First place went to Tracy Saunders of Three Rivers for her photo, “Sunrise on Pleasant Lake.” Michelle …

State police investigators are looking into a series of breaking-and-entering incidents at a residence in Lockport Township. According to a department media release, troopers were called at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 15 to the 18000 block of 6th Avenue. The victim told authorities construction supplies, copper wire and tools were stolen on at least three previous occasions. Troopers were able to …