Government

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has reached an employment agreement with the county’s finance director. During last week’s commission meeting, the board and Joni Smith signed a one-year contract retroactive to Oct. 1. The contract reflects compensation for a number of additional duties Smith has been delegated in the past two years. Those responsibilities include budget preparation and managing …

The Sturgis City Commission last week approved three design-task orders for 2015 street projects. The orders allow the city to get a head start on completing preliminary design, final design and bidding phases for each project this winter, in preparation for street work next spring. The city street repairs were approved for West Dresser Drive and Congress Street, and milling …

State police are continuing their investigation into a motorcyclist wanted for fleeing and eluding. According to a department media release, a trooper on patrol attempted to pull over the motorcyclist for an equipment violation Friday night on Crooked Creek Road in White Pigeon Township. The suspect continued north at a high rate of speed but lost control north of U.S. …

The latest PowerPoint presentation regarding the St. Joseph County River Trail master plan is now available on the county’s website. County officials said the presentation, shown at four community meetings over the past six weeks, is a part of the master plan for what is expected to be an official river trail. The concept originated with the St. Joseph County …

A house in Sturgis was severely damaged was after it caught fire Sunday night. Details about the fire, in the 1000 block of Wilson Street, were limited, but the blaze appeared to have started around 11 p.m. in the garage. Two people and a dog were safely taken from the residence. One resident was taken to Sturgis Hospital for treatment …

A 31-year-old motorcyclist from New York was injured following an accident last week in Sturgis Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the man was westbound on U.S. 12 around 1:30 p.m. Monday when he attempted to pass a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old Sturgis resident. The motorcyclist struck the car as it was turning onto Shimmel Road, and …

A Three Rivers man was arrested Wednesday on several charges after fleeing from police. Police knew the driver, Shane Lee Henderson, 25, did not have a valid driver’s license and attempted to make a stop. Henderson fled into a field and eventually onto U.S. 131, at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, according to police. The vehicle was …

Sturgis city commissioners last week approved installation of security cameras and a monitoring system for $55,000. Gecko Security will place security equipment in various city facilities and properties. Three bids were received, with Gecko Security being the low bidder. The matter took place during the commission’s meeting Wednesday night.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called Wednesday to a traffic accident at Oak Grove and Beeson roads in Lagrange Township. Deputies said 36-year-old Cassopolis resident Virgil Cook was northbound on Oak Grove shortly before 1 p.m. when he failed to yield for an oncoming vehicle driven by 45-year-old Michael Ellis of Marcellus. Ellis was transported by ambulance …

Investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit served a search warrant and arrested a parole absconder Wednesday in Sturgis. Sheriff’s officials said investigators received information about a Michigan Department of Corrections parole absconder who was staying on South Centreville Road and possibly trafficking illegal narcotics. Officers were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence and take …