News

A consultant to review possible locations for a senior center in the Sturgis area is being considered by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Though no action on the matter was taken during Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners during last week’s executive committee meeting heard from Lynn Coursey, Commission on Aging director. She said senior-center development is a niche market and …

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 …

Lloyd Kirby has announced he is retiring as superintendent of Colon Community Schools. Kirby, who has led the 650-student district for 19 years, said he and board of education president Ernie Baker talked about the matter last week and, according to Kirby, he and Baker agreed it was time for a change. A replacement for Kirby took up the balance …

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 retired Parchment School District administrator with professional ties to Three Rivers has been offered the job of superintendent and principal at Nottawa School. Nottawa Community School Board of Education members voted 4-to-1 Tuesday to offer the $41,000-a-year post to Ruth Rowe. Rowe, whose work history includes curriculum-related duties at Three Rivers Community Schools, would replace Marcia Griffin. The 69-year-old …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District is looking for volunteers to help with Saturday’s cleanup of the White Pigeon River in a section within Mottville Township. Starting at 10 a.m., the event is the sixth of seven river cleanups planned this summer by the Centreville-based agency. Event organizers are making an extraordinary effort to recruit volunteers, as the stretch of …

Motorists in Centreville Tuesday morning were in store for a treat, as the St. Joseph County United Way started its 2014 campaign with the annual Donut Drive. Executive director Kelly Hostetler said the donut drive also serves as a public thank you for the support provided to the Centreville-based agency. United Way volunteers will be in each of the county’s …