Government

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 …

The St. Joseph County United Way is reminding the public that it is still accepting donated items to be included in the 2013 Silent Auction at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the Centreville-based St. Joseph County United Way, said the auction is an annual fundraiser for the agency that allows it to support more …

Evidence of methamphetamine production was uncovered during a pair of raids at two residences last week in Cass County. The Cass County Drug Enforcement Team on Aug. 13 searched a residence in the 69000 block of Cassopolis Road in Mason Township and another in the 67000 block of Calvin Center Road in Calvin Township. A search of the properties found …

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office says two teenagers were responsible for a fire that destroyed over 100 golf carts early Wednesday morning at Hampshire golf course in Dowagiac. The Pokagon Fire Department responded to the fire and were able to save the club house but the cart building and over 100 carts were a total loss. The course was closed …

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 34-year-old Three Rivers woman was cited for disregarding a traffic signal following a two-vehicle crash last week in Three Rivers. Three Rivers police said Shannon Lemon was driving south on Elm Street at 7:12 a.m. Friday when she failed to stop at the intersection of Hoffman Street. Her vehicle struck an eastbound car driven by 61-year-old Kalamazoo resident Michael …

The windows of a car were smashed and its tires slashed during a dispute involving three people over the weekend in Sturgis. According to the Sturgis Police Department, officers were called at 5 a.m. Sunday to the 500 block of North Nottawa Street to what was described as the sound of gun shots. Upon arrival, officers found two males and …

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 …

Three area men face drug-related charges after a home in the 64000 block of Burr Oak Road was raided by police Wednesday in Burr Oak Township. Investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit located methamphetamine and evidence of the manufacturing of meth, according to a sheriff’s department media release. Police are pursuing charges of possession of meth, possession …

Charges of violating a permit related to a concealed pistol license could be imposed on a member of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Second District Commissioner Don Eaton could be charged with a misdemeanor related to an incident that originated July 29 at the Sturgis Applebee’s restaurant. Eaton, 53, said he retrieved from his vehicle a pistol as …