St Joseph County

White Pigeon Township officials this week are expected to consider whether to approve the creation of a public pet cemetery. Slated for the northern end of White Pigeon Township Cemetery on Vermont Street, the proposal would have an initial plot of 1,040 graves. The idea was raised at the township’s July meeting and is on Tuesday’s agenda for additional deliberation. …

State police are appealing to the public for help in identifying suspects involved in a rash of larceny-from-vehicle incidents last week in Park Township. According to a department media release, the incidents occurred between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday along Buckhorn Road between Heimbach Road and South Fisher Lake Road.

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation is looking for creative ideas that show love for the community. The “Love Three Rivers” competition seeks ideas for a beautification project within the city. The foundation will award mini-grants to the top proposals. The offer is open to any individual, business, or non-profit organization. Deadline is Friday. A full explanation of rules can …

A benefit hog roast to raise funds for the organization “Homes For Our Troops” takes place Saturday in Park Township. Hosted by Jim and Peggy Fassett, the event will rely on donations to help with construction of a handicap-accessible house for Indiana resident and former soldier Marine Cpl. Zachary Nelson. The 24-year-old Nelson became paralyzed from the chest down following …

A 38-year-old Leonidas man was recently sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. John Feek was sentenced last week by Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman after pleading guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct. In return for his plea, several other criminal sexual conduct, computer crimes and child-abuse charges were not prosecuted. Feek was credited with 287 days served …

Sturgis voters will decide Nov. 3 whether residents of single-family homes will be able to have three dogs at their residence. Members of the city commission last week approved language for a possible dog-ordinance amendment and have sent it to St. Joseph County Clerk Lindsay Oswald. If voters approve the amendment, owning three dogs within the city limits will require …

The Michigan State Police Post at Coldwater, which has jurisdiction in St. Joseph County, has added two recent graduates. Rudyard native Robert English and Lynard Oliver II of Jackson will begin their law-enforcement careers with the agency. The pair was a part of the 128th Trooper Recruit School graduation last week. A total of 62 people were in the class.

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department investigated a larceny from a motor vehicle at a residence in the 56300 block of Buckhorn Road in Park Township. The theft is suspected to have taken place between 9 p.m. Tuesday and 5:30 a.m. Wednesday. It was reported at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Six people were recently reappointed to serve on the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Board. County commissioners agreed to reappoint Allen Balog, Barbara Fisher, Charles Thompson, Dawn Everett, Jim MacTavish and Joseph Heivilin. Their terms will expire June 30, 2017. In an unrelated matter, county commissioners approved permission to fill the position of probation officer following the resignation of …

A Three Rivers-area man is at the Branch County jail following a police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. Around 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Michigan State Police attempted to stop a vehicle with improper plates in the area of U.S. 12 and St. Joseph Road. The driver fled south on St. Joseph Road, but eventually pulled over and gave himself up. Christopher …