News

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 15-year-old boy from Sturgis faces a charge of unlicensed driver following a one-vehicle crash at 5 p.m. Thursday in Nottawa Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk said deputies were called to an area near River Run and Angevine roads in response to a vehicle that skidded off the road. Investigators found that a Ford Explorer heading east on …

St. Joseph County’s two newest judges were sworn-in during a ceremonial program, called an investiture, Friday afternoon at the county courthouse. With more than 100 people, including members of their families, witnessing the solemn process, Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson and Circuit Court Judge Rob Pattison took their oath of office, administered by Clerk Pattie Bender. They will serve six-year …

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 …

Sturgis police were called Wednesday evening to a report of an attempted armed robbery at the Walmart store on Centerville Road. According to a department media release, a well-dressed, white man who appeared to be in his 50s, met privately with the store manager after convincing her he was with the sheriff’s department. During a subsequent conversation, the man displayed …

Wednesday’s snowfall was substantial enough to begin the 2013 White Pigeon Snowman-Building contest. Event organizers said if conditions don’t change too drastically, the competition will continue through next week. Judging will take place through photos emailed to box_art@hotmail.com. White Pigeon Village Trustee Shireen Cline, who has been a key organizer of the event, said a number of categories exist and …

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 …

Students in Glen Oaks Community College’s Electrical Technologies program are better able to gain hands-on experience with a supply of donated equipment thanks to Armstrong International. Thirteen skids of materials, including pumps, controller motors and parts, were delivered to the college last week. The equipment is the nuts and bolts of what is used in boiler systems, according to Charles …