News

The city of Sturgis recorded an 8.1 percent gain in its overall financial position last fiscal year, posting a worth of just over $71 million at the end of the 2014 fiscal year, according to a recent independent audit. The audit, presented to the Sturgis City Commission last week, showed the city collected about $16.5 million in governmental operating revenue …

Colon Elementary School teachers Adam and Kylie Bowen won the second annual Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars competition Friday at Three Rivers High School. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the event featured five couples. The Bowens – Adam teaches fifth- and sixth-grade science and Kylie is a kindergarten …

A Cassopolis man was killed in a pedestrian traffic accident 3 miles south of Jones early Sunday at 1:20am. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says 25-year-old Duke Gowens was walking in the northbound lane of M-40, just north of Withers Street in Newberg Township, when he was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling north. Gowens was pronounced dead at the …

Michigan agriculture officials are monitoring a bird flu outbreak that’s affected other Midwest states and say they’re ready to respond if needed. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokeswoman Jennifer Holton says in an email that the state don’t have any cases at this time. She says the department is “preparing to respond quickly, effectively and efficiently” if bird …

County commissioner Don Eaton is questioning a number of matters related to operations of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County. At the conclusion of Tuesday’s county commission meeting, Eaton said he would like to utilize the services of a consultant with expertise in studying mental health agencies, their budgets and their overall operations. Eaton …

Jon Good was appointed Wednesday to the at-large seat on Sturgis City Commission. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Michael Gay last month. Good, a Sturgis native, was city manager-assessor from 1979-86 and a former city commissioner. He is owner and president of J.W. Good & Associates, a real-estate appraisal firm. Good was among five residents who submitted …

St. Joseph County Juvenile Court officials were given a funding boost Tuesday, when the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed after extensive discussion to provide $245,000 in assistance toward the Child Care portion of the court’s budget. A trio of representatives – Juvenile Court Judge David Tomlinson, director Tom Robertson and supervisor Don Happel – stated their case before …

The first step toward a major upgrade at Nottawa County Park was taken Tuesday. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a proposal for a sewage-disposal-system design. The measure means the park is potentially on its way to having sewer service and running water. Currently, restroom amenities feature only pit toilets. Jaymes MacDonald, director of the county’s …

A Colon resident who spent decades organizing the annual Walk For Warmth fundraiser was honored Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Nancy Percival, who indicated this past February’s Walk For Warmth would be her last, received a resolution from the county commission recognizing her dedication to the event. Walk For Warmth, staged for years at the county …

A Sturgis metal-finishing company was destroyed by fire early Tuesday. The Sturgis Fire Department responded shortly after 5 a.m. to Grav-I-Flow Inc., at 4000 Norwood Avenue. According to fire officials, they arrived to the scene and witnessed 30-foot flames shooting from the roof of the building. Due to the magnitude of the fire, assistance was rendered from three area agencies: …