St Joseph County

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 …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its investigation into last year’s homicide of a Sturgis-area man. Sheriff’s officials said the incident involves Larry Frohriep, 69, who was killed Nov. 29 at his residence on Maystead Road. Investigators are looking for fresh leads and asking the public for any information. The sheriff’s department’s phone number is 467-9045.

The Salvation Army of Sturgis has announced it will provide clean-up kits, clothing vouchers, household items, furniture and food for flood victims. Salvation Army can also help pay for damaged household items such as a furnace or water heater as long as it is $1,000 or less. Proof of address is required, such as a photo ID or mail with current address. …

Casey Soto, a senior at White Pigeon High School, recently received a $180,000 Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Marine Option Scholarship. The award covers four years’ worth of tuition, a $250 per month stipend and $ 750 per semester for books. The comprehensive application process involved standardized test scores, a writing component and a physical fitness component. Out of 130 applicants nationwide, Soto was …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission said portions of a number of roadways in the county remain closed due to water over the road. Unless restrictions were lifted Sunday night or early today, they are as follows: In Park Township, Marcellus Road between Buckhorn and Hutchinson roads. In Leonidas Township, Longnecker Road between McClish and Rosenbaugh; Blossom Road between Covey …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week joined his colleagues in the Michigan House to unanimously advance legislation that will benefit roadways in southwest Michigan as early as this summer. The $175 million proposal provides money for road preservation and construction projects in addition to what was already budgeted. Miller said the unanimous vote shows the legislature is in unequivocal agreement …