St Joseph County

The millage amount to be levied for St. Joseph County’s 911 Central Dispatch service in 2013 will be half a mill, one-quarter of a mill less than what voters authorized in August. Millage amounts to levy next year for four county agencies were set Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. While the county’s roads, transportation and commission …

Officials with the Constantine Area Community Foundation have announced they are accepting proposals from non-profit organizations for the foundation’s 2012 fall grant period. Areas of focus for the Constantine Area Community Foundation include improvement of living and working conditions for the citizens of Constantine; youth and recreation; educational, charitable or benevolent purposes; and care of the elderly. Prospective applicants may …

The Three Rivers Department of Public Services reported a biosolids discharge along South Lincoln Avenue at the Three Rivers Clean Water Plant early Monday. James Baker, Clean Water Plant director, said the incident occurred shortly after midnight, when approximately 3,648 gallons of liquid biosolids were released from a storage tank. Baker said staff worked through the night to clean up …

The Oasis Restaurant, south of Three Rivers on U.S. 131, caught fire over the weekend. Information about the incident remains limited as of Monday afternoon, but Three Rivers Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson said area of origin was the kitchen and the incident involved a kitchen hood system. The incident was reported by a passer-by around 10:20 p.m. Friday. Three Rivers …

A three-member panel of judges with the Michigan Appellate Court has upheld the convictions of a Centreville couple charged in the death of their daughter. The court last week dismissed appeals filed by Anthony and Marsha Springer, who were convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the death of 16-year-old Calista Springer in February 2008. The …

Two Sturgis residents were arrested on various charges after they were involved in a dispute last week. According to Sturgis police, officers were called shortly before 1:30 a.m. Friday to the vicinity of North Jefferson and West West streets. Upon arrival, officers noticed both parties had sustained knife wounds. They were treated at Sturgis Hospital. A 25-year-old woman was charged …

The Michigan Court of Appeals earlier this week upheld Doug Stewart’s conviction in connection with the April 2010 slaying of his estranged wife. A decision on the matter was rendered Tuesday by a team of three judges in Grand Rapids. The ruling affirmed Stewart’s convictions for first-degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in St. Joseph County. …

A Burr Oak-area man was sentenced to at least 13 years in jail for a knife attack on his grandmother last year. During his sentencing before Judge Paul Stutesman in St. Joseph County Circuit Court last week, 18-year-old Michael Lorich was ordered to between 13 and 30 years in prison on a charge of assault with intent to commit murder. …

The 162nd St. Joseph County Grange Fair kicks off Sunday. The seven-day event, which averages about 150,000 people over the course of the week, is once again offering a variety of activities and attractions. Though not officially a fair day, Saturday will feature an 8:30 a.m. dog show and 4:30 p.m. poultry show. Sunday’s opening day begins with large-mule pulls …

The St. Joseph County Emergency Management Office has announced it is giving away weather radios at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Members of the agency said early warning of severe weather events can lead to better preparations and accurate information before and during severe weather. This year at the fair, the Emergency Management/Homeland Security display will offer to those …