Health and Wellness

Deputy Sgt. Geoffrey Smith of the Sturgis Police Department and deputy fire chief Andrew Strudwick have announced the city’s fire department has improved its ISO rating from a Class 6 to a Class 4. In a recent presentation before members of the city commission, Smith and Strudwick said the Class 4 status makes the Sturgis Fire Department one of 87 …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Chairman Rick Shaffer compiled a list of 2012 accomplishments and noteworthy tidbits relevant to county-related matters. During last week’s final county commission meeting of the year, Shaffer reviewed a list of 31 items he noted as highlights. Shaffer also added he appreciates the work his fellow commissioners put in in 2012. The list of …

A 46-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday on drug-related charges following a traffic stop in Burr Oak. The man, whose name was not released, was stopped at 3 a.m. at Burr Wood Drive and found to be under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license. Upon further investigation, deputies found an undisclosed amount of marijuana and a …

A Cass County woman was listed in serious condition after she was struck by a vehicle driven by a Constantine resident Monday. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, 42-year-old Lori Wilkes was injured following the incident on U.S. 12 near Union Road, east of Edwardsburg. The report said Wilkes was walking in the roadway when she was struck by …

More than 200 families in and around Three Rivers benefitted from an annual Lions Club event Saturday. Food baskets and toys were sorted, packaged and delivered to families serviced by the county’s Department of Human Services, which provided names and family-member information about prospective recipients. Three Rivers Lions Club members and other volunteers, including the Three Rivers Lady Cats varsity …

A partnership with Southwest Michigan First was one of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners highlights in 2012, according to board chairman Rick Shaffer. Shaffer last week presented a list of the commission’s 2012 highlights, which also included an agreement for additional staffing in the MSU Extension office, the revision of an Animal Control ordinance and the creation of …

A proposal to purchase a dog for therapeutic and calming purposes has been tabled by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The proposal was raised last month, when Linda Baker, victims’ rights coordinator who works for the county prosecutor’s office, offered to keep the dog privately but bring it to the courthouse for the benefit of victims or witnesses …

A Constantine Public Schools policy committee will have an abundance of information to review next month, following a special meeting its board of education conducted Wednesday. Staged in light of a series of policies employed following an incident last month, the district asked the public for feedback during what turned out to be an hour-long gathering. About 50 participants gathered …

A pair of Sturgis men were arrested on drug-related charges following a search of their residence Tuesday. The men, ages 40 and 39, face charges of maintaining and operating a methamphetamine lab, possession of meth and maintaining a drug house. They were arrested in the 200 block of Susan Street after the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit executed a …

Here’s a reminder that the Constantine Board of Education will stage a special meeting today to review policies and procedures stemming from the recent investigation of sexual conduct demonstrated by a pair of 5-year-old boys. Set for 5:30 p.m. at the high school library, the meeting will include a look at policies applied during the police investigation of the incident.