Government

Five St. Joseph County-based departments played a critical role in helping extinguish a large-scale fire Friday morning in Vicksburg. A 4 a.m. blaze at a former paper mill required the services of 10 fire agencies to douse an intentionally-set blaze at the 435,000-square-foot building. The facility, which has been dormant and used only for storage, served for years as the …

An assessment district for weed control in Clear Lake has been established by the Fabius Township Board. At the behest of several Clear Lake residents and the Clear Lake Improvement Association, the assessment district will allow for the financial resources needed to combat weed growth in the lake. Specifically, concern has centered on the invasive, non-native Eurasian milfoil. Clear Lake …

The 18th Great Lakes Burn Camp in Kalamazoo County had the support of a number of St. Joseph County fire departments Sunday. Some of the 64 children attending the five-day camp at Pretty Lake in Texas Township were driven to the location by personnel from five departments in the county, as well as a team from the Marcellus Fire Department. …

Two days after failing by eight votes to return to a third term as a member of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Fawn River Township resident Jerry Ware announced he will not seek a recount. Ware, a four-year member of the county board, said even though he carried Fawn River Township and one of four precinct in the …

Members of the Sturgis City Commission have approved the municipality’s 2012-13 fiscal year budget. Featuring projected revenue of about $7.5 million and operating expenses close to $6.4 million, the budget represents an increase of about half a percent from 2011-12. During Wednesday’s commission meeting, city manager Mike Hughes said the city has taken every step it can to keep expenses …

The city of Three Rivers this week recognized Captain Mark Ankney for his 30 years of service to the Three Rivers Fire Department. Mayor Tom Lowry on Monday read a proclamation detailing Ankney’s longevity and accomplishments with the department. Afterward, Lowry presented Ankney a copy of the proclamation while the audience gave a standing-ovation to acknowledge Ankney.

Mayor Tom Lowry and members of the Three Rivers City Commission have agreed to name a new city street in memory of a community activist and long-time employee of Three Rivers Community Schools. During their regularly scheduled meeting earlier this week, Lowry and commissioners agreed to name a road in memory of Suzy Warner, who passed away in April. Warner …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said a 39-year-old White Pigeon resident was arrested Saturday following a pursuit. Sheriff’s Department officials said deputies attempted to stop the suspect for a moving violation in Three Rivers. According to a police report, the driver failed to pull over and led deputies on a pursuit through Three Rivers and into Florence …

Two county millage renewal requests and an additional renewal request in White Pigeon Township were approved during Tuesday’s primary election. The countywide votes saw the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging earn a six-year renewal of three-quarters of a mill. In addition, three-quarters of a mill renewal for six years was granted to the county E-911 central dispatch. Both renewals, …

County officials are awaiting word from County Commissioner Jerry Ware regarding a potential recount, as the Fawn River Township resident fell short in his bid for re-election by just eight votes Tuesday. In his attempt to serve what will be a new-look District 5 in January, Ware lost to Sturgis resident John Dobberteen, 395 to 387. Both are incumbents on …