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A partner in a Three Rivers legal firm has joined St. Joseph County’s contract defender system. Following action by county commissioners Wednesday, Laurie Hines will join the court rotation as a public defender. She replaces David Tomlinson, whose services are no longer available through the system due to his election as Probate Court judge. Hines is a partner with the …

A panel discussion on the effects of global warming will follow Sunday’s matinee presentation of the movie “Chasing Ice,” to be shown at 3 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre in downtown Three Rivers. Organized by Mendon Township environmentalist Carol Higgins and Sturgis resident Rob Sisson, Sunday’s session will be moderated by local personality Bruce Snook. Sisson, president of ConservAmerica, a …

Sturgis resident and former mayor John Dobberteen was selected Wednesday to succeed Rick Shaffer as chairman of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. By unanimous vote, the 53-year-old Dobberteen was chosen to preside over the five-member board for 2013. As chairman, Dobberteen’s primary duty will require him to facilitate the board’s twice-a-month meetings. Dobberteen, a plumbing inspector, joined the …

A northern Indiana hospital has fired eight employees who refused to get flu shots the hospital says are needed to protect patients from the potentially deadly illness. IU Health Goshen Hospital officials told its staff in September that flu shots would no longer be optional for staff, affiliated physicians, volunteers and vendors. Hospital spokeswoman Melanie McDonald says the new requirements came as …

Sturgis officials have approved city staff to purchase a portable ice-skate-rink kit. The $5,000 was a budgeted item, as city officials have indicated their interest in the purchase and use of such a community-friendly attraction. Though a firm location has not yet been identified, commissioners agreed two high-profile places where the rink could be set up are at Oaklawn Park …

A “Firefighters for Santa” event last week made a brighter holiday for 71 Three Rivers and Three Rivers-area families. Major contributions from Meijer and Armstrong International resulted in more than $6,000 allocated for food and toys purchased and given to area families in need. Members of the Three Rivers Fire Department met Sunday and delivered door-to-door the bags of donated …

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 …

Local organizations supporting arts and cultural events in Sturgis could benefit from a so-called “round-up” program being mulled by municipal officials. Discussed in 2011 and raised again earlier this month, the round-up idea would give Sturgis residents the option of increasing to the nearest dollar their future utility bills. The difference between the bill’s balance and nearest dollar would benefit …

St. Joseph County and MSU Extension Services have reached an agreement for the 2013 calendar year. The base agreement will allow the county access to the full range of the extension’s statewide programs. For 2013, the county’s agreement with the extension office is $130,000, which was approved last week by the county’s board of commissioners. Payment is to be made …

Action on a potential change to when commissioner elections take place was postponed by Sturgis municipal officials last week. A public hearing was slated to take place Wednesday, based on a bill under consideration at the time in the Michigan State Legislature. The bill would allow cities that currently elect their councils or commissions in odd-numbered years, as the city …