St Joseph County

St. Joseph County’s attempt to shore up its financial state resulted in just one courthouse layoff. Other positions eyed for cuts, however, were changed from full-time to part-time. In addition, another employee whose job was likely to be eliminated resigned and found work elsewhere. County administrator Teresa Doehring said the layoff and reduction in hours were part of an effort …

The eighth consecutive year of the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s River Cleanup will see more than 25 miles of waterways covered this summer. Six events beginning in June and ending in early August will await conservation district employees and what director Carolyn Grace hopes is a strong number of volunteers. The six dates in 2018 begin June 2 over …

Zeta Metzger has been appointed interim Sturgis Township treasurer until the November election. Appointed during a special meeting last month, she fills the seat left vacant by Walt Krzycki, who resigned after serving the board for 20 years. Metzger has worked for the township in many capacities over the last 15 years, starting as an election inspector. Her previous positions include township trustee …

A White Pigeon woman has been charged with possession of counterfeit money. Dayln Perry, 28, is being held on a $35,000 bond following an incident last month in Coldwater. A clerk at Marshall Street Shell called police after Perry allegedly tried to pay with a suspicious $20 bill. Perry left and the clerk held on to the bill. Officers eventually …

Sturgis Hospital has implemented measures to improve the security of patients, visitors and staff. Effective today, the inner door of the Emergency Room entrance will be locked at all times, and a hospital staff member will be stationed at the window between the inner and outer doors to provide access. Any time of the day, ER patients should come to …

The state House this week approved state Rep. Aaron Miller’s legislation to eliminate the requirement for a professional teaching certificate to new educators, giving teachers more time to work with students and focus on educational growth in the classroom. New teachers are issued a standard – formerly called a provisional – teaching certificate, with a professional teaching certificate available to …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has issued a media release, reminding the public of flood-related information. Sheriff Brad Balk said to not drive on water-covered roads or around barricades. The suggestion is for public safety and to reduce the risk of road damage. Also, Balk said sandbags are still available at the sheriff’s office.

The Indiana-Michigan Power company is cautioning customers and the public to use extreme caution because of flooding. In the event waters rise around your home or business, do not go into any room or basement if water is covering appliance cords that are plugged in, or if the water has reached the wall outlets. Additionally, company officials said to not …

Two people were arrested by White Pigeon police last week. Officers said the vehicle in which the two were riding was pulled over Friday on U.S. 12 near U.S. 131. In searching the vehicle, police located approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. The driver, a 29-year-old Sturgis woman, was arrested for possession of meth with intent to deliver. The passenger, a …

Thanks to the efforts of its organizer, the 2018 Walk For Warmth generated more than $33,000 over the weekend. Arranged by Nancy Percival, the one-mile walk took place Saturday from the Three Rivers Community Center to Carol Shippy Center on Broadway Street. Community Action had hoped to raise $11,000. Longtime volunteer Nancy Percival, however, on her own raised $11,000, which …