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An unprecedented measure in St. Joseph County history was taken this week when county officials approved a two-year budget. The fiscal-year 2020 budget in excess of $18 million was approved Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. In addition, an $18.4 million budget for fiscal year 2021 was OK’d. The county’s fiscal year starts Jan. 1. Finance director …

A three-member panel of county officials selected Mark Lillywhite to serve the 11 remaining months of Brad Balk’s term as sheriff. Balk recently announced he will retire Jan. 31, 11 months before the conclusion of the four-year term to which he was elected in November 2016. By law, the appointment to fulfill the balance of Balk’s term was to be …

A vehicle was stolen at gunpoint Wednesday outside a Sturgis residence. Sgt. Damon Knapp said the incident occurred at 5 a.m. in the 200 block of North Prospect Street. Knapp said the victim left his truck running in his driveway and returned inside his residence. During that time, an unknown subject dressed in black got into the truck and pointed …

I am “Bella”.  I have long legs and beautiful green eyes.  I am a spayed female, dilute Calico about three years old.  I am sweet and I love to chirp.  I would love to spend Christmas in my new home.  My docket number is 46953, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at 652 E. Main St., Centreville, …

A longtime member of the St. Joseph County Road Commission has been reappointed to the five-member panel. County commissioners on Tuesday agreed to reappoint Eric Shafer to another term. Shafer, a Fishers Lake resident, is completing his first, six-year term. As a result of Tuesday’s action, he will return for another half dozen years. The road commission board last month …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred last month in Calhoun County’s Clarendon Township. Troopers said the incident occurred on 20 Mile Road, just north of M-60. Several large items, including a generator, power tools, firearms and hunting equipment, were taken from the victim’s pole barn.

A four-month, bridge-construction project in White Pigeon Township concluded Monday. As a result, the South Kalamazoo Street bridge over the Pigeon River is now open. The river crossing had been closed since July 23. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting event took place Monday afternoon, and involved township and St. Joseph County Road Commission officials. They celebrated the opening of a new, 120-foot-long …

An 18-year-old Burr Oak man was arrested last week after leading sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit in Nottawa Township. According to a department media release, the man was stopped at 2 p.m. Friday in downtown Centreville. Upon further investigation, deputies noticed the smell of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle he was driving. Deputies eventually confirmed the suspect was …

Nearly two dozen people attended a candlelight vigil over the weekend for a Sturgis-area woman missing for a year. The event, which took place at Free Church Park in Sturgis, was held to honor Brittany Shank, who has been missing since Nov. 30 last year. It was organized by her mother, Jessica Rowlf. Shank was last seen in the 33000 …

Authorities are seeking murder and other charges against a man they say shot three officers and killed a 22-year-old father after taking him hostage inside his home. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller said there was no apparent connection between the jailed suspect and Christopher Neal. Neal was at his Comstock Township home Sunday night watching television with his wife and …