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By Jef Rietsma Roundup of news from the May 18 meeting of St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners: Commissioners approved two exceptions to the county's hiring freeze. The board granted a request by undersheriff Jason Bingaman’s for a typist/clerk. The position pays about $57,000 per year, including benefits. Commissioners also OK'd a freeze-exception for the position of deputy probate register position, which handles personal-protective orders for all four courts. The opening is the result of Amanda Himes moving to a position in district court. The board approved the $8,900 purchase of a mobile/video recording system for animal control officer Greg Musser and his vehicle.
Sturgis Journal The first public step in bringing a splash pad attraction launched Tuesday, with input from meeting participants and a general timeline discussed regarding the project’s details. City and splash pad company representatives convened to discuss options for a family friendly, barrier-free water attraction, tentatively set for opening in June 2022. Residential input also was sought for the location and design of the park, as well as hearing from those interested in assisting with community fundraising. First steps Sturgis City Manager Michael Hughes said Tuesday the city is going through steps to apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport grant which, if awarded, would contribute up to $150,000 toward an estimated $500,000 cost to fully realize the city’s vision.
Sturgis Journal A proposal to put a splash pad in the city of Sturgis was back on the Sturgis City Commission agenda Wednesday. The city commission voted unanimously to move forward with site location and preliminary design planning, using a community committee in order to submit an application for the grant. Last year, the city intended to begin planning for a community splash pad to open this summer, but, as city manager Michael Hughes said, “2020 got in the way.” City staff intend to initiate the project again this year with an anticipated construction date of spring or summer 2022, Hughes said. The splash pad has been a topic of discussion since 2018.