County Information

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 …

The St. Joseph County United Way was the recipient of a recent donation to benefit the sheriff’s department’s animal control department. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the Centreville-based agency, said a $10,000 cash gift was recently made by an anonymous donor. The donor specified that the funds go toward the eventual development of a new animal-control facility. Animal control is …

Six members of the Centreville Future Farmers of America were among the students recognized during the organization’s annual convention and expo. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year more than 4,000 American Degrees were awarded at the 90th national gathering in late October …

Sturgis city commissioners on Monday approved a bid of $44,400 from Dore and Associates for demolition and site restoration of the building at 113 North St., contingent on results of the phase 2 environmental study. The former Sigrist’s building, used for storage and furniture sales for many years, has some structural issues on its south and west walls. Those will …

State police are investigating a hit-and-run incident that occurred over the weekend in White Pigeon Township. According to a department media release, a large mailbox was struck between 8 p.m. Saturday and dawn Sunday on Indian Prairie Road near Marl Lake Road. The vehicle was heading in a southeast direction and may have been a beige-colored Ford passenger car. Investigators …

Burr Oak Community Schools will soon be equipped with Nightlock Lockdown classroom door barricades, thanks in part to the St. Joseph County United Way. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the local United Way agency, said her board of directors made a commitment to fund half the cost to any school countywide wishing to have Nightlocks. Burr Oak Community Foundation came …

Glen Oaks Community College continues to receive high marks in nursing pass rates, as graduates from both Level I and Level 2 programs pass the National Council for Licensing Exam at rates higher than the national average. Graduates from the one-year practical nursing program had a 100 percent pass rate, compared with a 92 percent Michigan pass rate and an …