Voters support increase in millage

Smoother roads will be appearing in Sturgis over the next decade, as voters Tuesday supported a 3-mill increase dedicated to street improvements and sidewalk repairs.

The 10-year millage is expected to generate about $6.7 million in all, thanks to voter support of the proposal, which passed by a 3-to-2 margin.

Mayor Ken Malone said the 3 mills will appear on the city’s summer 2013 tax bill. The increase will cost the average property owner in Sturgis about $100 a year.

Malone said roadwork from the millage money will begin before the end of the year.

Financial support for new animal shelter

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners were asked Tuesday to consider providing financial support to help establish a new animal shelter.

Proposed as a jointly run operation between the county and the newly formed River Country Humane Society, the potential facility is being eyed at the 12-acre location previously occupied by Finnerman’s Farm and Garden Equipment site on West Burr Oak Street in Centreville.

Loralee Knepper of Mendon and Three Rivers resident Laura Barley, proponents of the new facility, asked commissioners to consider the funding request. Knepper said beyond a holding and adoption center, the operation has other potential uses, including walking trails, obedience classes and grooming facilities.

Barley said the existing facility, adjacent to the sheriff’s department, is an old building with severe drainage and ventilation problems, traumatized animals are placed next to a firing range and there is no quiet place to spend time with a potential adopted dog.

She asked commissioners to choose an experienced commercial real estate broker to help guide through what needs to be done to determine the value and potential of the Finnerman property, which is listed at $519,000.

Hunt arrested

Assistance from the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team helped Sturgis Police take custody of a man wanted in connection with a domestic-battery complaint filed last month.

Sturgis police said Geoffrey Hunt, 24, was sought in Sturgis and Three Rivers after the report was filed regarding an incident in the 1200 block of East Chicago Road. Sturgis investigators were advised Hunt may have fled to Detroit.

Hunt was arrested a week ago in Detroit.

He was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and aggravated domestic violence, second offense, according to police.

Injuries following one-car crash

A 65-year-old Kalamazoo woman was treated for injuries she suffered last week following a one-car crash in Flowerfield Township.

Officials from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Donna Rees was driving west on M-216 when she said she swerved to avoid striking a small animal and drove off the roadway east of Bent Road.

Witnesses told investigators they observed her speeding and driving erratically prior to the rollover accident.

Rees was cited for failure to drive with due care, police said.

Motorcyclists injured

A motorcyclist and passenger participating in a memorial ride were injured after they were thrown from their cycle over the weekend in Mottville Township.

State Police personnel said White Pigeon residents Darrell Niles, 49, and Annette Rink, 47, were injured after the motorcycle they were riding slid on loose gravel and overturned. The incident occurred at noon Sunday at Riverside Drive and Vistula Road.

Neither Niles nor Rink was wearing helmets. Investigators said it doesn’t appear alcohol was a factor in the incident.

They were a part of a 62-member motorcycle team.

Police officer injured during arrest

A Sturgis Police officer suffered a leg injury after he was involved in arresting a subject at 4 p.m. Thursday.

According to the Sturgis Police Department, the Cass County Parole and Probation Department asked Sturgis officers to check on a wanted subject likely at a residence in the 1500 block of Progress Street.

An officer made contact with the 29-year-old man suspected to be at the address and the suspect fled on foot. The Sturgis officer was injured after the suspect was captured and was attempting to be arrested.

The officer was treated and released from Sturgis Hospital. The suspect, whose name was not included in a department media release, was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail.

« Previous Page — Next Page »