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During a moment of what he called “end-of-the-year reflection,” commissioner Rick Shaffer during last week’s county commission meeting acknowledged volunteers who comprise a number of boards and commissions. He also proposed some kind of a media spotlight featuring the workings of the various panels. Shaffer said the county has a number of openings on boards and commissions, and a media …

White Pigeon Fire Department and area residents have assured that local families will have a happy holiday. Earlier this month, the agency staged its second “Fill The Fire Truck” event. Residents were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or drop money in a fire boot. White Pigeon postal carriers also assisted by picking up items left at mailboxes. Also, Central …

Sturgis Township officials were recently updated on plans for a retail development coming to the former Kmart building on South Centerville Road. DNK Development, of Norton Shores, will be remodeling the building and housing a Tractor Supply Center store and a Dunham Sports. The site plan calls for TSC to occupy the south side of the building, while an interior …

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I do not mind going Black Thursday/Friday shopping. Even though I made a few mistakes this year with my shopping that night, which caused me to have to make a few returns the next day, I still find some fun in it all. I think partly because I am not one of those …

This is a busy week for everyone. Last-minute shoppers have about two days to get those gifts purchased. Not a good time for people with short tempers to do any shopping whatsoever. If you are one of those last-minute shoppers, please have patience with the sales associates who will wait on you. They have been putting in some long hours …

St. Joseph County’s 2016 fiscal year budget was passed last week, but not without some concerns from a Florence Township resident. The $16.5 million budget reflects a 2.3 percent decrease from the county’s 2015 adjusted amended budget. Tim Carls criticized the board two weeks earlier during a public hearing on what was then the proposed budget. His concern centered on …

A food-drive challenge that returned to Sturgis High School in 2014 was back again this year. Students gathered a total of 1,180 non-perishable food items from Nov. 2 through Dec. 2. Items were donated to the local Salvation Army food pantry earlier this month. Students from Amanda Langworthy’s seminar class collected the most food items, with 274. They received a …

St. Joseph County deputies responded to separate complaints earlier this month; one regarding larcenies from a number of vehicles in Lockport Township, the other involved the theft of two riding mowers in Park Township. On Dec. 11, investigators were called to the area of Timm Road and Lovers Lane after a number of residents reported their vehicles were entered overnight …

Florence Township Supervisor Gordon Evilsizor last week issued a plea to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners before the five-member panel acted on the county’s 2016 budget Tuesday Appearing for the fifth time in less than three months, Evilsizor once again inquired about an allowance to fix Constantine Road, a north-south route widely considered the worst road in St. …

For the eighth consecutive year, members of the Three Rivers Fire Department will help bring cheer to the community with the Firefighters For Santa program. Lt./paramedic Dave Crampton said firefighters will deliver food and gifts from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to various locations in the city. Funded through donations from such local businesses as Meijer and Armstrong International, and …