St Joseph County

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners agreed to extension services provided by Michigan State University for 2015. Reached during Tuesday’s commission meeting, the agreement calls for the funding of one full-time extension educator and two part-time 4-H program coordinators. The services will cost the county more than $118,000. In an unrelated matter, Three Rivers resident Lee Zimmerman was appointed to …

A Sturgis police officer has pleaded not guilty on charges stemming from a traffic crash last month in Kalamazoo County. Bryan Stuck, 29, entered the plea Wednesday at an arraignment in Kalamazoo. His attorney, David Butler, entered the plea of not guilty on charges of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or higher and driving while …

A Centreville native was specially recognized by the Future Farmers of America during its national convention last month. During a ceremony staged in Louisville, Ky., Mark Trowbridge of the Centreville FFA Chapter received the highest degree possible for an FFA member, the “American Degree.” As a longtime FFA participant, Trowbridge worked his way up through the various levels of FFA …

Colon Police Chief Mark Brinkert has issued a media release indicating a telephone scam is being reported by a number of village and Colon-area residents. The perpetrator making the calls claims to be from Consumers Energy and says the recipient of the phone call is delinquent in their payment. The caller then threatens that power to the residence will be discontinued unless they …

The largest school district in the county is considering raising its pay rate for substitute teachers. Meanwhile, Three Rivers Community Schools has already taken that step by approving the first pay increase in 14 years for its substitute teachers following action last week. District officials in Sturgis said a shortage of subs this school year has promoted a look at …

The Sturgis Police Department will receive a new squad vehicle. Anticipating the department would need a new cruiser, the city budgeted $ 27,500 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Bill Snethkamp-Fleet in Lansing was the low bidder at $22,643, plus a $200 charge for delivery. The vehicle is on the lot and available immediately, a factor that influenced commissioners to accept …

Colon Community Schools is attempting to find new ways to gain input from parents and the community. To that end, district officials have posted on the district’s home page a link to an input survey. The survey can be accessed by going to colonschools.org. Prospective participants should look for and click on a tab that says “Quick Links.” Doing so …

The St. Joseph County 4- H Youth Council recently recognized and honored local members, volunteers, leaders and donors at a recognition banquet. The MSU Extension of St. Joseph County annually pays tribute to those who support the program with their talents, time and money. In addition, young people are awarded for their efforts in a variety of project areas. Several …

Glen Oaks Community College officials have discussed a long-range concept of on-campus dormitories. During a meeting of the Board of Trustees earlier this month, Glen Oaks president David Devier said the college has been looking into the possibility of adding dormitories and that a developer has shown interest in financing those dormitories. Devier was quick to note the concept is …

The city of Sturgis will stage a public hearing next month regarding the removal of a portion of Magnolia Street. The hearing, which takes place Dec. 17, will center on Magnolia Street from the Prairie Avenue right of way to the west property boundary of Carls Park. Sturgis voters earlier this month approved the transfer of Carls Park to Burr …