St Joseph County

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 …

A community forum regarding a 210-mile, two-state pipeline drew nearly 70 people to Three Rivers Wednesday. Officials from Calgary-based Enbridge put on the three-hour informational session to answer questions and provide information about the so-called 6B Replacement Project. About 14 miles of the pipeline  starting near Gary, Ind., and ending near Port Huron  will traverse St. Joseph County. According to …

An Indiana man suffered minor injuries Wednesday after wiping out on his motorcycle to avoid hitting a deer in the roadway. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said 24-year-old Shane Richardson was slightly hurt as a result of the 11:45 a.m. incident in Florence Township. Deputies said Richardson was driving west on Featherstone Road when he managed to keep from …

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation said the exact amount raised during its recent Match Day was $227,167. The June 20 Match Day event was staged as a 50-year celebration of the creation of the foundation. Mary Dresser, co-director of the foundation, said more than 800 community members donated to 65 funds under the foundation’s umbrella. Dresser said the Foundation’s match …

Constantine Fire Chief Mike Hayden has issued a media release centering on burn permits and the dry conditions. He said the department has temporarily suspended issuing burn permits to residents in Constantine and Florence townships until an adequate amount of rainfall is recorded. Hayden suggested residents in other townships check with their fire officials to verify whether they, too, have …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners recently approved appointments to the Commission on Aging Board, including a trio who will replace three incumbents not reappointed. The seats of J.D. Yoder, Polly Oliver and board chair Lorrie Witt were awarded to other people even though the three indicated they had no plans to step down. They will be replaced by …

Three Rivers city officials said they expect Scidmore Park playground to reopen this weekend after a five-day undertaking to improve the playground surface. Assistant Engineer Merritt Brown said the task involved removing the entire covering of wood chips and replacing the surface area with crumb rubber. Work started Monday and has involved a number of volunteers. Brown said Jamie Clark, …