County Information

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair has kicked off a fund drive for a new equine show arena. Fair Manager Bill Johnson said the majority of the $20,000 project is slated to be built with donations. To date, materials needed to constrict the show arena have been secured. The proposed arena is expected to be constructed east of the existing …

State legislators last week honored a St. Joseph County community for its contribution to the world of magic and an upcoming milestone. The Michigan Senate passed a resolution honoring the village of Colon and the impending 75-year anniversary of the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. Led by Sen. Bruce Caswell, Resolution No. 154 was read on the senate floor before a small …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the theft of a laptop computer and a wallet. The incident occurred between 9 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday at a residence in the 500 block of East Market Street. A department news release did not indicate the method of entry into the residence.

City of Sturgis officials said general street-repair work started in two locations Monday. The first job calls for milling sections of North Centerville Road in an effort to smooth out bumps in the roadway. North Centerville Road will remain open during the process but with some lane restrictions. A news release from the city did not indicate the length of …

The Michigan House last week approved legislation known as “Dominick’s Law” to strengthen penalties for child abuse in Michigan and create penalties for abuse in front of other people. The two House bills, co-sponsored by Reps. Matt Lori and Joseph Graves, are named in memory of Dominick Calhoun, a 4-year-old who was beaten to death in 2010 in Genesee County. …

Saturday’s fundraiser for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services of St. Joseph, Cass and Van Buren counties was hailed a success by event organizers. Rose Parshall, director of operations for the Three Rivers-based agency, said more than 40 men – most wearing high-heeled or other women’s shoes – took part in the four-lap walk around the track at Three Rivers …

A White Pigeon woman was the winner of Saturday’s Cow-Poo-Looza event at Central Elementary in White Pigeon. A ticket purchased by Lisa Eger was drawn after the Holtein used to determine the winner failed to produce a cow pile. Event co-organizer Jody Davidson said Daisy, on loan from Burr Oak farmer Rich Ultz, was hot and agitated for the first …

Members of the Three Rivers Water Festival organizing committee have announced that Carnival Midway Ride Armbands are on sale now for a discounted rate. The $12 cost represents a $4 savings and are available at the reduced rate while supplies last. Wristbands may be purchased at the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, Harding’s grocery store or Hoffman Street Grocery. Schmidt …

A Marcellus woman died as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic crash Thursday morning. The victim was identified as 23-year-old Rachel Jacobs. She was eastbound on M-216 when she collided with another eastbound vehicle driven by 19-year-old Brandon Farrand of Colon. The Jacobs vehicle then struck an oncoming vehicle driven by Romeo Amat, 77, of Kalamazoo. The Jacobs …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a man who led deputies on a high-speed chase starting in White Pigeon shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday. Investigators said 27-year-old Nicholas Ames, no address provided, is wanted for fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license and possession of drugs. A deputy attempted to stop Ames in White Pigeon for …