Government

Payment approved

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday agreed to approve payment to finance director Joni Smith and human resources director Elishia Arver for their work earlier this year as fill-in county administrators. Both employees were paid $10,000 for providing professional services and responsibilities, as they worked together in the role of county administrator between the mid-January departure of …

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Items stolen

A large quantity of tools and other items were stolen from a barn earlier last week in Constantine Township. Investigators with the Michigan State Police said the theft occurred either Sept. 13 or 14 in the 14000 block of Drummond Road. Hand tools, a lawn tractor, a chainsaw and a leaf blower were among the items taken. A department media …

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Weather radios awarded daily

The St. Joseph County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is offering the chance to win one of three weather radios, awarded daily at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Registration slips are available at the Emergency Management/Homeland Security display near the southwest corner of the racetrack. Officials from the agency said three tickets will be drawn daily at …

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Man charged in wife’s death

Authorities say a 58-year-old man is charged in the death of his 56-year-old ex-wife, whose body was found inside her southwestern Michigan apartment. Kalamazoo County’s Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Klein says the open murder charge was authorized Saturday against Clinton Edward Smith. He was jailed and scheduled for arraignment by video on Monday afternoon. The prosecutor’s office said Monday morning …

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Two arrested for meth

Two people were arrested Friday at a Colon Township residence after police discovered the production of methamphetamine. The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit responded to a residence in the 28000 block of Bonham Road in response to a tip regarding suspected drug activity. SCAN unit members found an active, one-pot meth lab and a second inactive lab inside the …

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Approval of purchase

The Three Rivers City Commission last week approved the purchase of new tubing, fittings, tees and leak-detection sensors. The work, including the rebuilding of all regulators, is designated for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in response to a recommendation by the Chlorine Institute and the equipment manufacturer, which suggest the annual replacement and maintenance. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners authorized $16,000 …

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Updated info on bridges

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced it has updated information on its website regarding the safety of 4,422 state highway bridges. State bridge information can be downloaded by route number and/or county, and are current as of Aug. 30. Only highway bridges greater than 20 feet in length are included; ratings for pedestrian, railroad and locally owned bridges are not …

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Charges filed

Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man and his pregnant wife in connection with the shooting death of a Michigan State Police trooper. Eric Knysz is charged with murdering a peace officer, felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. His 21-year-old wife Sarah, who is six-months pregnant, is charged with being …

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New K-9 officer

A new member of the Three Rivers Police Department’s K-9 unit will be on the job before the end of the year. Following approval last week by Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners, Jake will replace K-9 officer Bedo. Bedo has been on the job 16 years and is retiring, according to his handler, officer Tom Hicks. Jake is a 14-month-old …

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Finding location for senior center

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to work with an Ohio-based firm to prepare a study of potential locations for a new senior center. As a result of last week’s vote by commissioners, Lifespan Design Studio will evaluate three potential locations for a new Sturgis senior center. The $11,000 approved for the undertaking will provide commissioners opinions …

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