St Joseph County

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency recently recognized Pat Swan, environmental health clerk in the Coldwater Office. Swan, who was originally hired as a receptionist, has retired after a 27-year career with the three-county agency. Agency officials said Swan wound up spending most of her career taking applications, handling questions and serving as a resource person to clients in need …

Members of the Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education have announced two new administrators joining the district. Sheryl Thorbjornsen  will replace the retiring Fred Matusik at Park Elementary. Meanwhile, Norton Elementary finally has its full-time principal, as Jennifer Graber will step in to relieve Cindy Evans, who has been serving since January as interim principal. The position came open …

The city of Sturgis is accepting nominations for its citizens of the year through Monday next week. Guidelines call for one man and one woman selected for their contributions to the city and its residents. Nominees must be residents of Sturgis for at least three years. Nominations may be dropped off at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce. Winners will …

The Sturgis Elks has been recognized for its $900 donation to help the Sturgis Police Department set up a secured deposit box for prescription drugs and other medications. The box is set up in the lobby at the police station and is available for drop off of expired or the balance of unused medication. The box is also suitable for …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman said the May 19 “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” fundraiser generated more than $13,000. The event was a benefit for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services of St. Joseph, Cass and Van Buren counties. Bringman said about 50 people participated in the one-mile walk at Three Rivers High School’s Armstrong Field. Pledges were …

The city of Sturgis on Tuesday started improving West Lafayette Street, between North Centerville Road and Broadus Street, from West Lafayette to Dresser Drive. Milbocker and Sons Inc. of Allegan was awarded the contract and started construction on Broadus Street. West Lafayette will be reconstructed once curb and gutter and base paving is complete on Broadus. The project is expected …

A 31-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested for solicitation with intent to assault his pregnant wife, to cause a miscarriage or stillbirth. According to Three Rivers Police, a man in early May told officers the suspect wanted to hire him to assault his pregnant wife and cause her to have a miscarriage. Numerous meetings were recorded between the two, police …

April unemployment in St. Joseph County continued a downward trend. Data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Analysis, showed the county’s unemployment rate for April was 7.7 percent. The figure reflects a 1.1 percent decrease from March. The rate is also an even 2 percent lower from April 2011. One other positive note: St. Joseph County’s …

Investigators from the Michigan State Police at White Pigeon post are assisting Sturgis Police in a case involving the theft of catalytic converters from five vehicles parked overnight at two locations in the city and one in Sturgis Township. The incidents occurred between May 22 and 24 in the 1100 block of West Chicago Road, 1600 block of South Centerville …

State police are continuing their investigation into the theft of jewelry from a residence last month in Lockport Township. A news release stated jewelry, a video camera and other items of notable value were taken from a residence in the 21000 block of Fairchild Road. The incident took place during the daytime April 30. Information detailing access to the residence …