County Information

Six people were reappointed to the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee. Following action Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Sturgis-area residents John Smits, Frank Kalasky and Mary Conklin-Craaybeek, Glenn Nissley of Burr Oak Township, Mendon Township’s Carol Higgins and Mark Ripplinger of White Pigeon were reappointed to two-year terms. Their terms will now expire …

A 19-year-old Cassopolis man was injured in a one-vehicle accident this week in LaGrange Township. Sheriff Richard Benhke said deputies were called at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday to Peavine Street near Oak Grove Road. Investigators found that a vehicle driven by Donovan Miller-Schoff went out of control after Miller-Schoff saw a pedestrian along the roadway. The vehicle struck a tree and …

St. Joseph County Administrator Pat Yoder has announced he plans to retire at the end of the year. Chairman Al Balog during Tuesday’s county commission meeting made the announcement and the board subsequently accepted Yoder’s letter of resignation. Yoder, 67, for four years served as the county’s first administrator when the position was created in 1990. He returned in April …

A breaking-and-entering incident in Mottville Township was investigated this week by state police. According to a department media release, troopers were called shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to the 69000 block of Vistula Road. The victim told police someone used a pry device to open a locked service door. Nothing was taken from the garage, but the door was severely …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District is confirming its fifth annual “Local Food Dinner” will take place Aug. 25 at the county fairgrounds. The four-course meal will feature meat, fruits and vegetables from 18 different local farms. Food will be prepared by local chefs Diana Miller, Brenda McWatters and Amigo Center staff. The Conservation District has available tax-deductible table sponsors …

The city of Sturgis and a Cass County municipality have been awarded a share of a $3.6 million grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Lansing-based agency announced a $48,800 grant to Sturgis. The city plans to demolish four properties in neighborhoods within walking distance of the central business district, public services, parks, schools and other amenities. Meanwhile, …

State police are investing a larceny from a barn incident that occurred this week in Florence Township. According to a department media release, troopers were called at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday to the 16000 block of Fairchild Road, where multiple barns were entered at some point between Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. A pressure washer and other farm supplies were among …

The St. Joseph County Intermediate School District this week adopted Strategic Goals for 2017-18. The goals are: *Improve student outcomes related to individualized goals. *Improve communication with internal and external stakeholders to support learning. *Positively impact our district’s climate, culture and safety through strong relationships and support at all levels, and to develop a plan to monitor the implementation and …

A number of residences at a White Pigeon Township trailer park were expected to be condemned following a compliance check Monday. Code-enforcement officer Doug Kuhlman and township building inspector Randy Schmeling, along with representatives from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department and the county’s animal-control department, descended on the West Fawn River Road neighborhood around 9 a.m. to begin a …

Members of the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District have adopted a state policy regarding student seclusion and restraint. During Monday’s monthly board meeting, the five-member panel learned more about the policy from ISD Superintendent Teresa Belote. Belote said it is required that local school boards adopt the policy, which prohibits seclusion and a variety of restraints except in emergency …