St Joseph County

Honorees in the Colon Magicians’ Walk of Fame were recognized over the weekend, as a dedication ceremony was staged in the village’s downtown. A ceremonial ribbon cutting took place at 10 of the stars honoring 11 people and their contributions to the field of magic and illusion, as well as their involvement in the annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. About two …

Six area football teams, including four from St. Joseph County, qualified for the 2013 state playoffs. Pairings were announced Sunday and starting with Division 3, Sturgis managed to make the cut despite not reaching the six-win level. The 5-and-4 Trojans will play at 8-and-1 St. Joseph. In Division 6, Constantine kept its playoff streak alive, as the 5-and-4 Falcons travel …

A Constantine truck driver was cited for driving too fast for conditions following an accident Friday afternoon in the village of Centreville. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Glenn Miller was ticketed after the 12:18 p.m. incident on West Main Street near West Burr Oak Street. Miller, 63, was driving his rig west on Main Street when he …

Here’s a reminder that the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County is celebrating National Cat Day Tuesday by initiating a “Cans for Cats” fundraiser during the month of November. “Cans for Cats” will benefit the spay-and-neuter procedure of free-roaming feral cats in the area. ARF is collecting returnable bottles and cans through Nov. 30. Ten-cent cans and bottles may …

A former LaGrange County man suspected of setting fire to Welch’s Steak and Ribs in 2009 entered a plea of no contest during his appearance in St. Joseph County Circuit Court Wednesday. Nathan Lumbard, 31, entered the plea in response to the charge of arson in exchange for a plea bargain reached with the county prosecutor’s office. For the charge …

A full-size pickup truck was reported stolen this week from a residence in White Pigeon Township. State police investigators said a 2008 Toyota Tundra was taken between 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 1500 block of Lake Road. The vehicle was parked inside a pole barn and features an extended cab, four doors and …

Annette Smitley has been named the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District employee of the year. An educational consultant, Smitley plays a key role in professional development for new teachers as well as mentor training. Other nominees for the award were school nurse Kim Robertson, speech therapist Lynelle Garvey, assistant instructor Karrie Frederick and office assistant Mandy Dodson.

Constantine village and township plan to reimburse more than $200,000 owed to a former manufacturing plant following a reassessment of its property taxes. Village officials this week were told Rexam Closure Systems appealed its 2011 tax assessment. The assessment was $11.2 million but reduced to $4.5 million following its appeal. As a result, the village and township owe a total …

A potluck dinner last weekend was staged to honor Colon’s 2013 Citizens of the Year, Linda Musall and Frank Fisher. The two longtime area residents received plaques and were saluted by many of the 70-plus people in attendance. The pair also served as grand marshals during the village’s Fourth of July parade. Though the village typically has just one Citizen …

Rob Kuhlman is one of four finalists for the position of superintendent of Paw Paw Community Schools. Currently superintendent of Mendon Community Schools and Centreville Public Schools, the 57-year-old Kuhlman was the first of the four finalists to be interviewed, as he met with district officials Wednesday evening. An interview with another candidate followed, and the other two finalists will …