St Joseph County

The Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County is appealing to the public for help in providing some items needed immediately. Cat and dog food, cat carriers and litter box filler, bath towels and foster and permanent homes for pets are needed in addition to monetary donations and gas cards. People wishing to inquire about making a donation or ask …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was summoned shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday in response to a two-vehicle accident in Fawn River Township. Investigators said a pickup driven by a 58-year-old Coldwater man was eastbound on U.S. 12 when a vehicle driven by an 18-year-old Westland woman attempted to make a left turn onto Carls Road The driver of the …

Last month’s Bike to Build event, a fundraiser to benefit the St. Joseph County Habitat for Humanity, drew nearly 70 participants and raised more than $2,000. Organizers of the 19th fundraiser said the June 23 event was well attended in light of the fact it took a one-year hiatus in 2011. Carol Higgins, a member of the county’s Habitat for …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District has announced it is planning a paddle poker run, a fundraiser to help raise money for the agency’s river and riverbank cleanup efforts. Conservation District officials said they recently cleared the hurdles necessary with the state in order to stage the lottery-type event. The paddle poker run will take place Sept. 2 on the …

The Palmer and Long lakes flotilla in Colon saw a Chicago-area family win first place for best float in the contest staged last weekend. The annual event, started in 1986 by the Colon Masonic Lodge 73, drew just seven participants. The family of Kevin and Peggy Nolan won the event with their boat’s theme, “The Dog House.” Other themes included …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk said car-deer collisions, drunken-driving arrests and the number of complaints investigated by the department in 2011 all increased from the year before. During his annual report to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last month, Balk said the department in 2011 experienced an 11-year high with 65 arrests for motorists operating under the …

St. Joseph County Commissioner Gerald Loudenslager resigned from his elected position Friday, ending his 20-year membership to the seven-member panel. Shortly after tendering his resignation, the 67-year-old Loudenslager was then sworn in as the new supervisor of Nottawa Township. The Nottawa Township post became available after his son, Kurt, stepped down as township supervisor for health-related reasons. Loudenslager had already …

The Sturgis Police Department is reminding city residents that the municipality’s general noise ordinance will be enforced for fireworks-related complaints received Tuesday through Thursday. Deputy Chief David Ives said jurisdictions with a noise ordinance in place before the state’s approval of commercial-grade fireworks for the general public can be enforced. Meanwhile, the Sturgis Fire Department reminds residents that extreme caution …

Investigators from the Sturgis Police Department are looking into a stolen-vehicle case, stemming from an incident that occurred late last week. Police said a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer was stolen from the 1100 block of North Centerville Road at 1:20 p.m. Friday. The suspect fled northbound on Centerville Road. Around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, police were notified of an abandoned vehicle engulfed …

White Pigeon Township is joining a number of other St. Joseph County entities by putting into place a ban on burning. Fire Chief Troy Andrews said White Pigeon Township will not be issuing burn permits until measurable rainfall is recorded. Fire officials in Three Rivers this week have declared an outdoor burning ban, including but not limited to campfires, bonfires …