County Commission

Cases associated with marijuana and methamphetamine were the most common drug-related incidents handled by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department in 2015. Led by Sheriff Brad Balk and aided largely by Captain Jason Bingaman, the department’s annual report was presented to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. The report featured an assortment of statistics related to crime, narcotics …

The sheriff’s department’s annual report tops the agenda for today’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. Other matters appearing before the commission include an equalization report, a request from animal control for a fundraiser and four remonumentation contracts. Commissioners meet at 5 o’clock in the third-floor commissioners’ room at the county courthouse.

Florence Township Supervisor Gordon Evilsizor has stepped up his crusade in support of funding to improve the condition of Constantine Road. Evilsizor last week purchased four campaign signs and placed them at various points along the north-south route. The signs read: “Sorry! County commissioners feel it’s a bad investment to fix this rough road with your tax dollars.” He said …

Members of the St. Joseph County Animal Control Advisory Board made strides Wednesday toward planning an inaugural fundraiser event set to take place next month. Pending approval from the county’s board of commissioners Tuesday, animal control board members will host the fundraiser 6 to 10 p.m. May 13 at the Sturgis Elks. Board chair Emily Frohriep said the idea of …

Lockport Township Supervisor Ray Signorello has announced his resignation from the board effective immediately. During Monday’s township board meeting, Signorello said his continued concerns about work-safety issues contributed to the decision. Signorello is a semi-tractor trailer driver and begins work at 1 a.m. daily. He said township-related obligations, including board meetings, often cut into the time he would typically be …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has approved moving forward on a location for the new Covered Bridge Healthcare. The matter was fielded Tuesday during the commission’s regular meeting. The Board of Directors of Covered Bridge Healthcare Center of St. Joseph County last month accepted a Health Resource Services Administration grant to allow the federally qualified health center to …

Opponents of the location for a proposed Three Rivers sports complex addressed members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. Despite the concerns, members of the commission approved a resolution to keep the multi-field sports complex development moving forward. Commission chair Allen Balog said much of the opposition brought up at the meeting was about location. Balog, however, said …

Dan Czajkowski, longtime president for the village of White Pigeon, has announced he will seek a seat on the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The 60-year-old Bronson native said he will step down after a 30-year tenure on the village council – including the past 14 as its president – in order to concentrate on his bid for the …

A county-owned building is being targeted as the location of a new health clinic for low-income and indigent St. Joseph County residents. But at least one commissioner made clear he will not support a plan to pay for costs associated with remodeling the site. During last week’s county commission executive session, commissioners discussed a bid from Brussee/Brady Inc. of Three …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday is expected to authorize a survey of the Plumb Lake property it plans to develop into a park in Burr Oak Township. County administrator Pat Yoder during last week’s county commission executive committee meeting said a state requirement calls for the property to be surveyed, with relevant data recorded with the …