Politics

Some well-known names throughout St. Joseph County are preparing for a first-of-its-kind event in the name of a fundraiser for a child-welfare agency. Eight couples are expected to take part in the inaugural Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars event March 7 at Glen Oaks Community College’s Nora Hagen Theatre. Organizers are trying to get word out early on, …

The number of candidates to replace Matt Lori as 59th District State Representative has grown to three, as a Sturgis-area resident announced his candidacy Tuesday. Republican Aaron Miller, 26, will join Three Rivers-area residents Roger Rathburn and John Bippus, as they vie to replace term-limited Matt Lori. Miller, a Sturgis High School alumnus, earned a BA in political science from …

The cities of Three Rivers and Sturgis will pay a bit more per entity to fund the county grant-writer position. During action earlier this month, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioner lowered its financial commitment to the three-way agreement, from 70 to 50 percent of the $64,000 cost. Three Rivers and Sturgis will now pay 25 percent each, a …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week approved the sheriff department’s request to submit a Marine Safety Program grant application. The request is for more than $65,000 through state and federal sources, and allows the department to continue to man its seasonal Marine Patrol division in 2014. If approved, the grant would fund the services of one full-time …

The village of Centreville is less than a month from starting up its own police department. After contracting law-enforcement service through the sheriff’s department for more than 20 years, the village has decided to run its own police force. Village president Jeff Johnson said interviews with chief candidates took place over the weekend. The village has allocated a $40,000 annual …

The city of Three Rivers is looking into whether it should establish an ordinance to regulate the growing number of collection boxes scattered throughout the city. Mayor Tom Lowry said he is concerned about the influx of containers, which seek donations ranging from books and shoes, to clothing. Lowry, who said he is in favor of an outright ban on …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week gave approval to fill a few open positions. A candidate for the job of deputy probate register will be pursued, as it was vacated due to the retirement of Bonnie Walter. Her last day of work was Friday. The vacant position of juvenile neglect/abuse specialist, which has been open for a …

The city of Three Rivers is making an appeal to the public for help in filling vacancies on a variety of commissions and boards. City officials said the Three Rivers planning commission, River Country Recreational Authority, local officers compensation commission, board of appeals, industrial development authority, brownfield redevelopment authority and board of review are all in need of one additional …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed to keep its meetings at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. The matter was resolved during Tuesday’s meeting. The exceptions to the 2014 schedule are the first meetings in August and November, which will be moved one day earlier to not conflict with primary and general elections. On …

Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett said he will take over as chief of police later this year. Members of the Constantine Village Council agreed to the arrangement Monday, as current chief Jim Bedell is retiring in May. Honeysett, 58, said he will work under a two-year contract as chief while continuing to serve as village manager. His salary will be …