St Joseph County

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week approved its budget for 2025. Finance Director Angie Steinman presented a budget of $51.8 million. The General Fund budget totals $22.6 million and requires a tax levy of 4.5162 mills – the maximum allowable under the application of the Headlee Rollback. Steinman said revenues projected for the 2025 are the result …

The St. Joseph County United Way is hoping to deliver gifts to 150 homes in St. Joseph County in advance of Christmas. The Centreville-based agency is accepting toy donations to help meet the challenge. Donations of toys and cash will be delivered to low-income families, and families with children who may not have any other Christmas presents to open Dec. …

St. Joseph County sheriff candidate Chad Spence picked up an early lead in voting totals Tuesday and hung on to top four opponents to claim the highest elected law-enforcement position in the county. Unofficial vote totals show the 50-year-old Spence collected more than 49 percent of all votes, besting runner-up Jason Bingaman. The current undersheriff, Bingaman received nearly 30 percent …

A challenger to incumbent St. Joseph County Prosecutor David Marvin prevailed during Tuesday’s primary election. Colon resident Deb Davis, who previously worked as an assistant prosecutor, earned more than 56 percent of all votes cast, while Marvin was endorsed by nearly 31 percent of the votes made in the three-person race. Davis will assume the four-year post Jan. 1 and …

Jeff Wenzel will return for a fifth term as St. Joseph County Drain Commissioner, as he fended off a challenger during Tuesday’s primary election. Wenzel fell behind early but picked up much-needed votes in the final hours of voting to defeat Josh Harter. Wenzel captured 5,282 votes, beating Harker by just 179 votes. Wenzel, a Lake Templene resident, has secured …

Two millage-renewal requests sought by two county agencies were passed by St. Joseph County voters Tuesday. The St. Joseph County Road Commission was successful in its request for a 10-year renewal of 1 mill to maintain $2.5 million annually. The road millage has been in place since 1994 and a renewal request has passed every decade since. Nearly a quarter …

Undersheriff Jason Bingaman led an awards event last week recognizing law-enforcement across St. Joseph County. During the July 3 event, Bingaman presented “Employee of the Month” awards to deputies Brooke Bingaman, Veronica Hoggard, Devantae Jennings, Kevin Penn, Jesse Raymond, Spencer Schrader and Ethan Warren. Meanwhile, Bingaman gave lifesaving awards to Deputy Zach Radtke and White Pigeon Police Officer Matt Hanson.

Michigan Department of Transportation has announced resurfacing of nearly 20 miles of roadways will start next week.  (Week of July 8th) Agency spokesman Nick Schirripa said the work will take place in Constantine, Lockport, Park, Mendon and Nottawa Townships. The $2.5 million job includes chip-seal, fog-seal and micro-surfacing procedures. Schirripa said work zones are on U.S. 131, from Dickinson Road …

Organizers behind St. Joseph County’s monthly fresh-food distribution are issuing an appeal to the public for support to ensure continuation of the program. Cynthia Pennington said the organization urgently needs donations to continue monthly distribution of 150 fresh-food boxes, each costing $2, for a total of $300 per month. The program operates strictly on donations and its funding will be …

St. Joseph County United Way has established a catastrophic fund for the family of Olivia Wright. All proceeds donated to this specially designated fund will benefit Wright’s husband, Cameron, and daughter, Haven. Questions, concerns or donations can be directed to the Centreville-based agency at 467-9099.