News

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week took care of a few housekeeping matters, including renewal of service with two parties. Grant writer-service agreement with James Hissong was approved. The 2023 cost will be $35,800. Meanwhile, the seven-member board agreed to continue services with MSU Extension for nearly $208,000. Commissioners also approved an annual appropriation of nearly $260,000 to …

The Three Rivers Community Kitchen is in need of help, as one of its groups is unable to continue serving meals at the site. Kitchen officials said they are looking for a group – or several groups that can share the day – to prepare and serve meals on the second Tuesday of each month. The kitchen cooks enough food …

Speed is suspected as being a factor in a single-vehicle crash last week in Cass County’s Jefferson Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 7 p.m. Friday to Hess Road, just north of Pine Lake Street. Behnke said Vandalia resident Jeri Rickeys was driving north on Hess Road before her vehicle crashed head-on with a tree. Rickeys …

Cities, villages and townships experiencing financial struggles can now apply for a grant to help fund special projects and free up tax dollars for important services, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Applications are being accepted for the “Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships” grant program. Municipalities interested in applying for an award must submit applications to the state …

The first step toward a major project in White Pigeon was taken Monday, as a five-member team from Kalamazoo-based Building Restoration Inc. started its work toward restoration of the old Tasty Nut Shop building. Built in the 1850s, the three-story, brick building at the southeast corner of Kalamazoo Street and U.S. 12 has been condemned due to unstable foundation and …

Outside of Sunday Ministries of Three Rivers is appealing to the public for some needs sought by local resident facing difficult times. Donations of non-perishable items and toiletries, or financial assistance, would be appreciated. The organization is also looking for partners in its mission to provide distribution of food and other necessities service within local communities. More information is available …

The U.S. Justice Department is investigating the Abbott Laboratories infant-formula plant in Sturgis, which was shut down for months last year due to contamination, the company confirmed. The factory’s closure in February 2022 was a key cause of a nationwide baby formula shortage that forced parents to seek formula from food banks, friends and doctor’s offices. Production restarted in June. …

Michigan State Police Troopers are continuing to investigate a suspicious fire in Flowerfield Township. The residential blaze occurred between 5 and 6 p.m. Dec. 1 in the 51000 block of Wetherbee Road. Troopers are asking anyone with information about the fire to contact them.

Officials at Sturgis Public Schools last week celebrated a $4.5 million makeover of one of its elementary schools with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and student-led tours. School staff, local officials and students gathered inside the front entrance of Eastwood Elementary on Thursday to dedicate the upgrades, which started over the summer and have largely been completed. Funding for the upgrades came …

St. Joseph County Commission On Aging last week celebrated National Penguin Day. COA officials said they celebrated Friday by offering a presentation on penguins and Antarctica. The program was led by COA Executive Director Pam Riley, who traveled to Antarctica on a National Geographic tour in 2019 and shared her experiences with COA members. As part of her program, Riley …