Government

There’s some good news for county government and municipalities facing road-budget shortfalls in St. Joseph and Cass counties, as the Michigan Legislature has approved $215 million in supplemental road funding. State Rep. Matt Lori said $100 million of the emergency funds will go to county and municipal governments to deal with deficits as a result of the inordinate amount of …

A 20-year-old Centreville resident was cited for careless driving after his car struck a parked vehicle Thursday morning in downtown Centreville. Charles Parker was cited after he failed to clear ice from his vehicle’s windshield, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The distraction was a factor in a collision with a parked vehicle in which 74-year-old Roy Buel …

The city of Sturgis has reached an agreement to purchase the Wood Motel and its property. Located near the high-profile intersection of Chicago and Centerville roads, the parcel is being acquired in part through a community development block grant, according to city manager Mike Hughes. The city plans to demolish the single-level motel and, according to terms of the grant, …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners was asked to consider allocating funds to help townships repair crumbling roads. Del Martin, a Fabius Township resident, urged the five-member panel last week to dedicate money from its delinquent-tax fund and spread the wealth to all 16 townships in the county. Martin said a modest amount of even $50,000 to each township would …

With a forecast calling for more than four inches of snowfall, the city of Sturgis has declared a snow emergency. The measure went into effect at 11 o’clock Tuesday night and will remain in place until routes are cleared between two successive street intersections. The emergency means parking is prohibited on all city streets in order for plow trucks to …

The Fabius Park Fire Department has brought aboard a pair of new firefighters. Joining the department are Justin Miller and Jake Fassett, giving the department a 23-person roster. Miller and Fassett are set to receive training during the next firefighter’s academy in Kalamazoo County.

The five candidates seeking to replace Matt Lori as 59th District state representative gathered during a forum at the St. Joseph County Bar Association earlier this week. John Bippus, Aaron Miller, Mike Mroz, Roger Rathburn and Bob Still were guests of the bar association and afforded the opportunity to discuss their candidacies. ‘ The primary election is not until August, …

Legislation that could make it easier for telephone companies to end landline service has been approved by the Michigan House of Representatives. The bill removes the role of the Michigan Public Service Commission in any effort by a phone company in abandoning a local exchange. Instead, the bill leaves the regulatory role up to the Federal Communications Commission. The Senate-approved …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced seasonal weight restrictions are in effect on routes not designated all-season roads. As a result, multiple-axle vehicles must reduce the weight of their loads and adhere to speed restrictions when traveling on non-all-season roads. The seasonal restriction does not apply to passenger cars or pickup trucks. The measure is in place to …

The Three Rivers Police Department has released the names of residents who have recently been arrested for parole violation. Courtney Krontz, 22, was arrested March 5 in the 200 block of North U.S. 131. Tana Jo Fox, 45, and Bridget Looney, 18, were arrested Feb. 26 also in the 200 block of North U.S. 131 Arrested for probation violation were …