Government

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a series of arson incidents that occurred last week in Colon Township. The fires were set around 10 p.m. March 13 in the 59000 and 61000 blocks of Farrand Road, the 57000 block of Hodges Road, the 59000 block of Fairfax Road, and the 59000 block of Long Lake Road.

St. Joseph County’s Parks and Recreation Department is pursuing a grant that would offset the purchase cost of a 135-acre piece of land in Burr Oak Township. Parks and Recreation Department Director John Pence said the property is on the north side of Lafayette Road, between Big Hill and Plumb School roads. Members of the county’s board of commissioners Tuesday …

A 20-year-old Fabius Township woman was issued a citation after the vehicle she was driving rear-ended another car in Lockport Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Jessie Hanstine was driving east on M-60 when she failed to stop for a car turning left off M-60 into a residential driveway near Haines Road. The turning car was driven by …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners and human resources director Elishia Arver have reached an employment agreement that will see the 5 1/2-year employee remain in her current position. The deal was made official during Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting. Arver had turned in her letter of resignation earlier this month to county administrator Pat Yoder. Arver said she …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is looking to fill a full-time position following a retirement and two resignations. County commissioners earlier this month approved a request to fill the position to help offset the resignation of road patrol officer Dru Carney. In addition, patrol officer Terry Baker has resigned and Pete VanCamp retired Friday. In other personnel news at …

A 33-year-old Burr Oak man died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute around 10:30 p.m. in Burr Oak Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Dennis Brooks died from a gunshot wound to the head at Townline Road, near Farrand Road, on the border of Burr Oak and Colon townships. Investigators said Maria Audrey-Louise Williams, 34, is …

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 …