County Commission

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has approved the appointment of Janell Hart of Three Rivers and Karen Beverly of Burr Oak, to the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board of St. Joseph County. The action was taken during Tuesday’s commission meeting and followed an interview with several prospective candidates. The board is now at full strength …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to approve payment to finance director Joni Smith and human resources director Elishia Arver for their work earlier this year as fill-in county administrators. Both employees were paid $10,000 for providing professional services and responsibilities, as they worked together in the role of county administrator between the mid-January departure of …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to work with an Ohio-based firm to prepare a study of potential locations for a new senior center. As a result of last week’s vote by commissioners, Lifespan Design Studio will evaluate three potential locations for a new Sturgis senior center. The $11,000 approved for the undertaking will provide commissioners opinions …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has re-appointed two members to its Board of Election Canvassers. During Tuesday’s commission meeting, a ballot vote was cast by the four commissioners present; Jack Brooks and Carol Snow-Penn were unanimously chosen to serve four-year terms. Brooks will represent the Democratic party and Snow-Penn the Republican party. The Board of Election Canvassers is …

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners have granted requests to fill two court positions. Commissioners OK’d District Court to fill a deputy clerk position to replace Sally Wickum, who plans to retire later this year. The entry-level pay is $13.46 an hour. Meanwhile, Probate Court was given clearance to fill the position of juvenile register. The post …

The Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board of St. Joseph County has issued a notice regarding its annual public hearing next month. Though the public is invited to attend any monthly meeting, the September meeting is typically when clients and the public attend to provide feedback or raise issues regarding services and all other relevant matters pertaining to …

A consultant to review possible locations for a senior center in the Sturgis area is being considered by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Though no action on the matter was taken during Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners during last week’s executive committee meeting heard from Lynn Coursey, Commission on Aging director. She said senior-center development is a niche market and …

A major fundraiser for the St. Joseph County Conservation District takes place Saturday, when a Local Food Festival will be offered in Centreville. The $15-a-person meal will feature a four-course dinner with all produce coming from local sources. The meal is expected to include soup, salad, an entrée and dessert. A limited number of tickets are available. The event takes …

A pair of St. Joseph County residents suggested Commissioner Don Eaton resign from the five-member county board. Fabius Township’s Rebecca Shank and Florence Township’s Tim Carls addressed the county board of commissioners Tuesday, and both indicated Eaton should consider relinquishing his post as Second District commissioner. Eaton, 52, is being investigated for a potential charge of possession of a firearm …

A potential misdemeanor charge against St. Joseph County Commissioner Don Eaton will be decided by Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz. The neighboring county was chosen Friday by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to review the case. Eaton is an elected official and, following protocol, the matter must be delegated outside the county he represents. The case against Eaton stems from …