Government

Woman struck and injured by vehicle

A Cass County woman was listed in serious condition after she was struck by a vehicle driven by a Constantine resident Monday. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, 42-year-old Lori Wilkes was injured following the incident on U.S. 12 near Union Road, east of Edwardsburg. The report said Wilkes was walking in the roadway when she was struck by …

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Round-up program being contemplated

Local organizations supporting arts and cultural events in Sturgis could benefit from a so-called “round-up” program being mulled by municipal officials. Discussed in 2011 and raised again earlier this month, the round-up idea would give Sturgis residents the option of increasing to the nearest dollar their future utility bills. The difference between the bill’s balance and nearest dollar would benefit …

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Someone tries to steal ATM

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was called to an incient last week after someone attempted to steal an automatic-teller machine. According to a department media release, someone broke into the Stop and Go truck stop around 1 a.m. Friday and attempted to steal the machine. The business is located in the 11000 block of U.S. 12 in Mottville Township. …

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Jones woman injured in crash

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department investigated a vehicle/pedestrian crash Monday evening at about 6:30. A vehicle, driven by 68-year-old Franklin Strawser of Constantine, struck a pedestrian while eastbound on US-12 near Union Road. The pedestrian was identified as Lori Wilkes, age 42, of Jones. She was reportedly in the roadway when she was struck. Wilkes was transported to Memorial Hospital …

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Three reappointed

Three members of the St. Joseph County Planning Commission, whose terms expire at the end of the year, were reappointed to three-year terms. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week agreed to reappoint Edward Bell of Colon, Lon Huffman of Mendon and Dennis Wilson of Sturgis. In a separate matter, Three Rivers resident Douglas Lockwood was reappointed to …

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Local construction company chosen

A Three Rivers-based construction company was chosen to serve as contractor of the city’s downtown Mural Mall renovation. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners last week approved a $776,000 bid for Brussee/Brady Inc. to perform the task that will include concrete and lighting work. Funding for the project comes from a city contribution of $190,000, being complemented by a $750,000 state …

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County and MSU reach an agreement

St. Joseph County and MSU Extension Services have reached an agreement for the 2013 calendar year. The base agreement will allow the county access to the full range of the extension’s statewide programs. For 2013, the county’s agreement with the extension office is $130,000, which was approved last week by the county’s board of commissioners. Payment is to be made …

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Highlights of County Board in 2012

A partnership with Southwest Michigan First was one of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners highlights in 2012, according to board chairman Rick Shaffer. Shaffer last week presented a list of the commission’s 2012 highlights, which also included an agreement for additional staffing in the MSU Extension office, the revision of an Animal Control ordinance and the creation of …

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Purchase of dog has been tabled

A proposal to purchase a dog for therapeutic and calming purposes has been tabled by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The proposal was raised last month, when Linda Baker, victims’ rights coordinator who works for the county prosecutor’s office, offered to keep the dog privately but bring it to the courthouse for the benefit of victims or witnesses …

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Potential change to elections

Action on a potential change to when commissioner elections take place was postponed by Sturgis municipal officials last week. A public hearing was slated to take place Wednesday, based on a bill under consideration at the time in the Michigan State Legislature. The bill would allow cities that currently elect their councils or commissions in odd-numbered years, as the city …

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