News

Members of the Sturgis City Commission have given their support to a proposed senior center sought by St. Joseph County’s Commission on Aging. COA executive director Lynn Coursey told commissioners last week the Three Rivers-based agency would like to retain existing services to its Sturgis-area clients and enhance opportunities for a better quality of life through a facility such as …

Officials from the village of Burr Oak have been fielding an unusually large volume of complaints regarding cruelty to animals. Specifically, cats seem to be the targeted animals, village officials said. The issue came to light after resident Anita Michielsen told Burr Oak Police Chief Cynthia Miller about a mother cat she believes was shot and killed, leaving behind a …

For the tenth time since 1967, the city of Sturgis is welcoming a group of visitors from Wiesloch (VEES-lock), Germany. The Sister City group arrived in Sturgis on Saturday and will depart on Wednesday. As part of the visit, the Sturgis Sister City Committee hosted a gathering Sunday at Oaklawn Park. Mike Mestelle led a group of musicians at the …

A 27-year-old White Pigeon man, wanted after he escaped from sheriff’s deputies last week, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday. Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite said Nicholas Ames was wanted for fleeing and eluding following a police chase that originated in White Pigeon shortly after 11 p.m. May 23. Ames fled westbound on U.S. 12 and eluded authorities by jumping off a …

The first St. Joseph County school district to begin its summer break is in Colon, where its students have a noon dismissal today, wrapping up their 2011-12 academic year. Other last days of school in St. Joseph County are June 1 for Constantine; June 6 for Burr Oak; June 7 for Three Rivers and White Pigeon; June 8 for Centreville …

Members of White Pigeon Community Schools’ Board of Education recently recognized key representatives from the Chief Pride campaign. Jody Davidson, Melanie Atherton, Joy Weber and Melissa Grant were instrumental in organizing a “vote yes” campaign that resulted in the May 8 passage of the sinking-fund renewal. Superintendent Ron Drzewicki  said the district is grateful for the residents who helped with …

A media release issued Thursday by the St. Joseph County Road Commission indicates a roadway in Fawn River Township, closed since December, is now open. Department officials said Kime Road was slated to open at 6 a.m. today, as crews have finished work on a bridge spanning the Fawn River. The bridge is between Fawn River Road and Stoney Road.

KeyStone Place, a shelter for individuals and families without a permanent residence, is wrapping up its goal to collect $5 from every employee at a number of businesses in the county. The agency is operating on a tight budget and KeyStone officials are hoping the $5-per-employee drive will give it some much-needed financial relief. Its goal is to raise $20,000. …

Members of the Sturgis City Commissioners recently awarded an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate toLTiPrinting, Inc. The 12-year certificate is to not exceed $874,000 Company officials said LTi is investing in equipment for a new six-color offset printing press, fork lifts and air conditioning unit. LTi representatives said the investment in the press will open new markets and industry segments currently …

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy invites the public to a grand opening of the Spirit Springs Sanctuary, a 124-acre natural property of rolling forest and wetlands with scenic views. Located north of the Corey Lake area in Cass County along the St. Joseph county line, the property includes a 2 1/2-mile trail and is the first publicly accessible SWMLC property …