News

State police last week arrested two people suspected of stealing a car in Sturgis. According to a department media release, authorities were advised at 3 p.m. Friday that a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS was stolen from a residence in Sturgis. Troopers located the parked vehicle on South Nottawa Street near Magnolia Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Friday. A suspect inside the …

Organizers of this year’s 30th Mendon Riverfest said the three-day festival was a success. Following a strong opening night of lip-sync competition Thursday, Riverfest continued with other competitive events. Friday’s cornhole tournament – and a $100 prize – was claimed by Three Rivers’ Gus Alexander and Javed McBride of Mendon. Abby Jones of Mendon won the “Biggest Game Fish” category …

St. Joseph County commissioners this week agreed to make a budget amendment to the county’s Commission On Aging fund balance. The action was requested after COA director Tim Stoll gave a presentation centering on bids for an architect analysis and construction management for the agency’s potential new location at the former Three Rivers Inn. Three companies were considered for project …

Six people were reappointed to the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee. Following action Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Sturgis-area residents John Smits, Frank Kalasky and Mary Conklin-Craaybeek, Glenn Nissley of Burr Oak Township, Mendon Township’s Carol Higgins and Mark Ripplinger of White Pigeon were reappointed to two-year terms. Their terms will now expire …

A 19-year-old Cassopolis man was injured in a one-vehicle accident this week in LaGrange Township. Sheriff Richard Benhke said deputies were called at 10:40 a.m. Wednesday to Peavine Street near Oak Grove Road. Investigators found that a vehicle driven by Donovan Miller-Schoff went out of control after Miller-Schoff saw a pedestrian along the roadway. The vehicle struck a tree and …

St. Joseph County Administrator Pat Yoder has announced he plans to retire at the end of the year. Chairman Al Balog during Tuesday’s county commission meeting made the announcement and the board subsequently accepted Yoder’s letter of resignation. Yoder, 67, for four years served as the county’s first administrator when the position was created in 1990. He returned in April …

A breaking-and-entering incident in Mottville Township was investigated this week by state police. According to a department media release, troopers were called shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to the 69000 block of Vistula Road. The victim told police someone used a pry device to open a locked service door. Nothing was taken from the garage, but the door was severely …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District is confirming its fifth annual “Local Food Dinner” will take place Aug. 25 at the county fairgrounds. The four-course meal will feature meat, fruits and vegetables from 18 different local farms. Food will be prepared by local chefs Diana Miller, Brenda McWatters and Amigo Center staff. The Conservation District has available tax-deductible table sponsors …

The city of Sturgis and a Cass County municipality have been awarded a share of a $3.6 million grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The Lansing-based agency announced a $48,800 grant to Sturgis. The city plans to demolish four properties in neighborhoods within walking distance of the central business district, public services, parks, schools and other amenities. Meanwhile, …

State police are investing a larceny from a barn incident that occurred this week in Florence Township. According to a department media release, troopers were called at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday to the 16000 block of Fairchild Road, where multiple barns were entered at some point between Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. A pressure washer and other farm supplies were among …