News

An audit report of its 2012 fiscal year was the primary matter of business Tuesday before the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Dave Fisher, representing Jackson-based Rehmann CPA, said based on his company’s review, the county remains on solid financial ground. He noted the county’s largest operating fund had revenue in excess of $13.6 million last fiscal year. Its …

A 22-year-old Three Rivers woman was treated for minor injuries after she was involved in a two-vehicle accident at 4:30 Monday afternoon in Fabius Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Arianna Swartzentruber was driving west on Millard Street when her vehicle was struck by a vehicle northbound on U.S. 131. The driver of the second vehicle, Michele Root, …

Three people have been found dead in a home in Kalamazoo. Reports say police believe a man killed his wife and 17 month-old son and then killed himself. An investigation is underway. Police were called to the scene early Monday evening, after family members worried that they had not heard from the woman. Assistant Police Chief Brian Uridge told M-Live …

A 27-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested over the weekend after he was found driving a stolen car. Sturgis Police said a pizza-delivery vehicle was stolen shortly after 7 p.m. Friday from the 1100 block of South Centerville Road. A deputy from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department spotted the vehicle around 3 a.m. Saturday in White Pigeon, where the …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman is advising residents to be aware of a scam that has resurfaced locally. Bringman said UPS or FedEx service is typically employed to deliver documents and a check or money order as the result of an alleged winning a lottery or cash prize. Under the premise of covering taxes, recipients are urged to cash …

Final numbers are still being calculated but a recent golf outing to help a local deputy has exceeded $35,000 in fundraising efforts. The latest figure is more than the $20,000-plus organizers had originally estimated for a fundraiser in support of T.J. Baker. A 36-year-old deputy with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Baker recently opted to have his left arm …

County sheriff deputies responded to a call early Monday evening of a suspicious man who had brandished a knife. When officers attempted to make contact with the subject, the 25-year-old man from Kent County fled, reaching speeds over 100 MPH. The pursuit started at US-131 and Hoffman, and continued northbound to where it ended on Michigan Avenue. The suspect driver …

An assessment report related to the courts building at the St. Joseph County Courthouse is expected to be issued this week. During Friday’s committee of the whole meeting, county administrator Patrick Yoder said officials from Benton Harbor-based Pearson Construction made a thorough inspection of the courts building last week. Yoder said the group spent more than two hours inspecting the …

The 30th White Pigeon Days community celebration was called a rousing success by its organizers. Capped off Sunday with a community worship service and picnic at Wade Park, the three-day festival was highlighted by a well-received fireworks display Saturday night, a fire-truck pull Friday preceded by a 45-minute parade featuring more than 50 entries. Jean Tefft, a member of the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners appears likely to continue meeting twice a month, not one time monthly as proposed by a county official. Following extensive discussion, the five-member panel during Friday’s committee of the whole meeting decided to keep the twice-a-month meeting schedule intact. County administrator Patrick Yoder had suggested the once-a-month schedule. Commissioners did, however, recommend eliminating …