St Joseph County

The Colon Lions Club recently celebrated its 80-year anniversary. On Dec. 2, 1937, original members of the Colon Lions Club signed a charter identifying the newest organization. Many names are easily recognized as early Colon residents with a few famous magicians as well, including Percy Abbott, Recil Bordner, George Conklin, E. H. Davis, Virgil Farrand and Lloyd Frisbie. The charter …

St. Joseph County commissioners this week approved an addendum to the county’s Indigent Defense Agreement. According to terms of the agreement, attorney Kevin Kane will be removed as an indigent defense attorney. Meanwhile, attorneys Paul Gipson and Melissa Hallack will be added. The change is effective for the 2018 calendar year. Commissioners approved the matter Tuesday.

Dennis Allen will serve as chairman of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners in 2018. Commissioners agreed Tuesday to appoint the 62-year-old Allen head of the five-member panel. He replaces, Allen Balog, who was named vice chairman. Allen, who is starting his second year on the board, said he appreciates the confidence of his elected peers. Allen, whose district …

Ten families were displaced after a New Year’s Eve fire about 8:45 p.m. at the Tower Motel, on North U.S. 131 in White Pigeon. First-arriving personnel found smoke coming from the eves of the building. The fire was confined to the attic area. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as fire personnel were scheduled …

With cold weather continuing this week and into the weekend, Sturgis Department of Public Services is asking residents to be conscious of freezing water lines. Conditions are suitable for water lines to freeze, department officials said. In order to help citizens prevent their water lines from freezing, the city of Sturgis recommends that residents allow a slow stream of water …

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a two-car crash that occurred last week in Sherman Township. Deputies were called at 8:20 p.m. Friday to the intersection of Shimmel and Featherstone roads. Upon further investigation, they found that an eastbound car on Featherstone Road did not stop at the intersection and was struck by a pickup heading south on Shimmel Road. Three people …

Last week’s passing of Mendon Community Schools Superintendent Roger Rathburn was ranked “Top News Story of the Year” according to the Sturgis Journal. In its annual ranking, the newspaper said Rathburn’s passing had the greatest impact of any other local news story last year because of the number of people who knew him and his untimely passing. Rounding out the …

Twelve people took advantage of the 10th annual New Year’s Eve Free Ride Home over a six-hour period that started Sunday night. St. Joseph County Transportation Authority Executive Director Steve Yorks said 10 of the rides originated from the Three Rivers area, while the others were centered in Sturgis. The 12 rides are the fewest passengers since the program started. …

The opening of a new Commission On Aging headquarters with senior housing tops the county’s highlights in 2018, according to its board chairman. Commission chair Allen Balog said there’s plenty of good to look forward to in 2018, but personally he is most excited about a plan by COA director Tim Stoll to convert the former Three Rivers Inn into …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners was on the receiving end of compliments for its commitment to its parks and recreation department. During the “Citizens Comments” portion of the Dec. 19 county commission meeting, a half dozen people approached the podium and complimented the board for a job well done in 2017. The praise came in contrast to the …