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When I returned from Vietnam in 1966, I weighed 130 pounds. Since that time, I’ve put on a few pounds. About ten years ago, a doctor at the University of Michigan Medical Center told me that I was obese. At that time I weighed about 247 pounds. Being diabetic, this is not good. The last several years I’ve tried my …

Michigan lawmakers are considering whether to cut schools some slack after frigid temperatures and other weather caused a high number of snow days. State law forgives schools from making up six days that have been canceled, and schools can get a waiver for three additional days. Some legislators from both parties say the wintry weather has been so extreme that …

Sturgis Hospital officials said the hospital is in a desperate state, prompting Sturgis city commissioners this week to approve a resolution of support. Commissioner Jon Good drafted an ordinance that acknowledges the Sturgis City Commission recognizes the importance of having a local hospital. “Whereas the Sturgis Hospital has been and continues to make all efforts to provide compassionate care to …

St. Joseph County sheriff’s officials are continuing their investigation into a hit-and-run incident last week at the north end of the Langley Covered Bridge in Lockport Township. Road commission officials said a southbound vehicle struck the horizontal height-warning bar and metal sign to which it was attached around 8 p.m. Feb. 6. Authorities said a vehicle pulling a trailer appears …

Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County is celebrating a milestone that was reached last month. The group helped with costs for its 10,000 spay/neuter since the group was founded in April 1998. A stray, 40-pound dog was found and taken to Crossroads Veterinary Clinic in Three Rivers Jan. 19. Staff named her Hannah and on Jan. 22, ARF covered …

St. Joseph County didn’t have to look far to find a new finance director. Angie Steinman, currently Cass County’s finance director and acting administrator, has been hired to replace Ryan Post, who resigned in December to take a position in Van Buren County. A Dowagiac resident and native, the 42-year-old Steinman will take over on Feb. 25. Steinman’s work history …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Board recently approved a three-year contract with Rebecca Burns, the agency’s health officer. The finance committee recommended the contract after an evaluation of Burns, who assumed the position in early 2016 from Steve Todd. After a closed-session review Dec. 13, the board approved a 2.6 percent base pay increase to $75,568 annually. After Burns fought for …

Utility companies began work this week on North Lakeview Avenue in Sturgis as part of a reconstruction project taking place this year. North Lakeview will be closed to thru traffic from Chicago Road to Main Street. The detour route is from Chicago Road onto North Prospect Street, to Main Street, then to North Lakeview. The utility work is part of the broader reconstruction …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week appointed a Sturgis resident to the county’s Transportation Authority Board. Elena Agvilar will complete a term that expires in April, as the position became available due to a health-related resignation. County board member Allen Balog said he and commissioner Kathy Pangle met with Agvilar, she interviewed extremely well and Balog said she …

Northern Indiana police say a home burglary suspect allegedly offered two homeowners who found him inside their house $200 not to call police. Thirty-one-year-old Casey Madden of Elkhart was charged last month in a September home burglary. He remains jailed at Elkhart County’s jail on burglary and other charges. Court documents say the homeowners returned home Sept. 30 to find …