Government

An increase in calls for service and the savings of regional operations will result in a reduced subsidy cost for St. Joseph County governmental units that contract with LifeCare Ambulance. Sturgis Township last month became the first of 12 local jurisdictions to sign a new four-year contract with LifeCare Ambulance for emergency medical response. According to Mike Bobalik, Sturgis Township …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the theft of a vehicle earlier this week in Mendon Township. Deputies were called shortly after 8 a.m. Monday to the 26000 block of M-60 in regards to the theft of a black, 1995 Ford F-150 pickup. Its license plate identification is DLA4333.

State police are investigating the theft of a four-wheeler earlier this week from a location in Mottville Township. Troopers were called at 4 p.m. Sunday to the 69000 block of Blue School Road in response to the breaking-and-entering of a barn. Upon arrival, troopers were told the incident occurred between Feb. 18 and Sunday morning. The victim told authorities the …

Two people, including a 4-year-old boy, died in a single-vehicle accident Sunday morning in Cass County’s Silver Creek Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 3 a.m. to School Street, near Tice Avenue, where a car driven by 21-year-old Jordan White of Dowagiac left the roadway and struck several trees. Investigators said it appears White was driving …

A Sturgis residence sustained smoke and water damage following a fire around 7 p.m. Saturday. Crews were dispatched to the 200 block of North Fourth Street following a report of an upstairs bedroom on fire. Sturgis Police confirmed the presence of smoke from the area in question. Firefighters were advised upon arrival that all occupants had evacuated the residence. A …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the theft of a vehicle last week in Fabius Township. According to a department media release, deputies were called shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday to Mick’s Heating and Air, where a 1999 Ford F150 was reported stolen. The vehicle was gold in color, had red mirrors and a chrome tool box in back. …

A Sturgis man was arrested earlier this week after he attempted to steal a car from a residence in Fawn River Township. State police said the incident took place at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the 29000 block of U.S. 12, where the 30-year-old suspect approached a homeowner and asked to borrow a screwdriver. Authorities said the man told the homeowner …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week approved two independent-contractor agreements. CSZ Services of St. Johns was tapped to provide commercial and industrial appraisals for the county’s Land Resource Centre and Equalization. The work is to be performed for appraisals as determined appropriate for inclusion in the county’s 2017 equalization study by the equalization director of the St. …

A proposed plan to address some costly projects at three county parks was endorsed by a Park Township resident at Tuesday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. Holly Stephenson stated during citizen comments that the county’s recent discussion about potential improvements at Covered Bridge Farm and Plumb Lake parks, and Cade Lake Park and Campground would be worth the …

A Constantine man was charged with violating terms of concealed-carry laws last weekend. Three Rivers Police stopped a pickup around 3 a.m. Sunday on Constantine Street at Wolf Street after the vehicle was observed being driven in an erratic manner. It was determined the 39-year-old driver was intoxicated and in possession of a loaded pistol. He was charged with operating …