St Joseph County

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners. During a work session following their executive committee meeting, commissioners reviewed five projects that have been on the drawing board for years but are currently in a holding pattern. After an hour of discussion, commissioners agreed the courthouse …

Three award winners were recognized during the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s 69th annual meeting Wednesday. Executive director Carolyn Grace and board president Carol Higgins presented awards for “Volunteers of the Year,” “Farmer of the Year” and “Supporter of the Year.” In awarding Mendon Boy Scouts Troop 427 as “Volunteers of the Year,” Higgins said the Centreville-based agency is always …

A request for funding by representatives from a well-used temporary housing shelter was taken under consideration by county commissioners. Kelli Tackett, director of Centreville-based Keystone Place, made a request for $60,000 during Wednesday’s executive committee meeting. Commissioners commended Tackett for the role Keystone Place plays in helping people at a time when help is greatly in need. They were told …

The field of candidates for Centreville Public Schools’ new superintendent became a two-person race, as one of the three finalists withdrew his candidacy. District officials were informed Wednesday morning that Tim Donahue decided to not participate in Saturday’s interview. Donahue has been superintendent at Potterville Public Schools since 2010. The development means district officials will interview Stephanie Lemmer at 9 …

Centreville Public Schools Board of Education President Heather Bright said a slate of five semi-finalists was narrowed to three following interviews this past weekend. The finalists are Stephanie Lemmer, director of Head Start at Kalamazoo RESA; Tim Donahue, superintendent at Potterville Public Schools; and Corey Helgesen, superintendent at Litchfield Community Schools. Lemmer will be first Saturday, as she is in …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week praised his colleagues in the Michigan House of Representatives for approving his legislation to prevent state representatives and senators who resign from office from running in the special election called to fill the seat. Miller, who chairs the House Elections and Ethics Committee, said the legislation simply clarifies that when an elected official resigns …

Mary Lou Falkenstein, citing health reasons, tendered her resignation from the Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees. Her resignation will take effect March 20. Falkenstein served on the board for 4 1/2 years. Thursday, a $500 scholarship was announced to be awarded to a Glen Oaks student during the 2017-18 school year in her honor. GOCC is looking to …

Two people were injured in an accident Saturday at the intersection of Farrand and Colon roads in Colon Township. The St. Joseph County sheriff’s department reports that a vehicle driven by Matthew Allen Chorpenning, 27, of Sturgis, pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by Kyle Steven Wirgau, 25, of Colon. Wirgau was taken from the scene to Three …

The second annual Safe Driving Campaign: Wildcats ADAPT is being moved from Wednesday this week to next Wednesday, March 22. This is the third event in the campaign this year, which will feature a school assembly car crash and helicopter rescue demonstration. Three Rivers fire and a local helicopter rescue team will coordinate a car crash scene and helicopter landing …

The Michigan State Police are asking for help in regards to a breaking and entering. The incident happened between 1 and 5 p.m. on Friday, March 3, in the 3100 block of Michigan Ave. in Leonidas Township. Troopers said several items were taken from the home during the break-in. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the MSP …