St Joseph County

Members of the Sturgis City Commission last week approved tax-break requests for three businesses. The requests for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates were granted to Mayer Tool and Engineering, Americraft Carton and Burr Oak Tool. Mayer Tool’s request was for a 12-year abatement of almost $55,000 on the purchase of new equipment. Americraft Carton sought $6.2 million was for new equipment …

A one-car crash in Florence Township over the weekend has left one man dead. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the vehicle was being driven north on Lutz Road when it crossed the centerline, went off the road and struck a tree in the 65000 block around 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The vehicle, which was reported stolen from Sturgis and …

It appears Rob Kuhlman will remain in place as superintendent of Mendon Community Schools and Centreville Public Schools. In his fourth year as a dual superintendent, Kuhlman was one of four potential candidates for the top post at Paw Paw Community Schools. On Friday, however, Paw Paw district officials said the 57-year-old Kuhlman was not one of the two finalists. …

Two people suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident over the weekend in Fabius Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Becky Sue Elliot, a 42-year-old White Pigeon resident, was attempting to turn east onto Broadway Road from southbound U.S. 131, when she turned in the path of an oncoming vehicle. The northbound vehicle was driven by 51-year-old David …

Constantine residents north of Locust Street are being advised to expect interruptions in their water service throughout the day today. Village officials said the anticipated interruption is the result of work on the water main on Broad Street, near the intersection of North Washington. The work is necessary for modifications to the road as a part of the work related …

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 …