St. Joseph County Circuit Court Archives

St. Joseph County Circuit Court Receives Federal Grant

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Local

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October 23, 2020

The 45th Circuit Court of St. Joseph County has been awarded a grant by the U.S. Department of Justice. St. Joseph County Circuit Court Adult Drug Treatment Court Program Director Dr. Barbara Howes confirmed the award at a meeting Wednesday. In a Facebook post, Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman said, “I am extremely proud to announce that the 45th Circuit Court has been awarded a new grant from the Federal Government in the amount of $600,000 over the next three years to address the substance abuse needs in our County.”

St. Joseph County Court Programs Adapt to Pandemic Realities

By Dave Vago

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Local

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October 22, 2020

Despite reduced utilization of services and fewer funding dollars from some sources, St. Joseph County’s offender rehabilitation programs are adapting and continuing to serve. Community Corrections Director Rose Ludwick, District Court Judge Jeffrey C. Middleton, and others discussed current challenges and opportunities and approved changes at a Community Corrections Advisory Board (CCAB) meeting Wednesday.

Stambaugh Pleads Guilty in Meijer Hit-and-Run

By Dave Vago

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Local

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October 20, 2020

Thomas Stambaugh pled guilty Monday in the St. Joseph County 45th Circuit Court Monday for the hit-and-run killing of Laura Jacobs on June 18, 2020, in the Three Rivers Meijer parking lot.

Court Rules in Clerk’s Favor in Three Rivers Marijuana Petition Suit

By Dave Vago

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Local

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September 9, 2020

Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman issued a ruling Tuesday in a suit against the City of Three Rivers over a petition submitted this summer to place a marijuana ordinance on the November ballot. Stutesman ruled the petition, submitted by Jobs for Michigan Communities (JMC), does not conform to a state statute that dictates proper size and language.

Wade Allen murder case could go to appeals court

By Dave Vago

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Local

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September 4, 2020

In a hearing to determine whether certain evidence is admissible in court, 45th Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman ruled on Friday that the murder case against Wade Allen can go forward. However, because some parts of the events that led to the collection of that evidence are still constitutionally uncertain, Stutesman granted an immediate stay of any further proceedings to permit the defense attorney, David Marvin, an opportunity to apply to an appeals court.

Court documents: City responds in Three Rivers marijuana lawsuit

By Dave Vago & Alek Haak-Frost

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Local

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September 2, 2020

Documents obtained by Watershed Voice Tuesday show additional details on the lawsuit filed in St. Joseph County Circuit Court last month pertaining to a petition on a Three Rivers marijuana ballot initiative.

Charges Set in Home Invasion Case

By Dave Vago

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Local

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August 29, 2020

A series of charges will bind over from one court to another against two suspects in a Three Rivers home invasion case following the conclusion of a hearing Friday. Charges that bind over are those that may proceed to criminal trial because attorneys have shown they meet probable cause.

In Detail: Jobs for Michigan Communities vs. Melissa Bliss, Clerk for City of Three Rivers

By Alek Haak-Frost

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Local

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August 20, 2020

Alleging the denial of its "statutory right to initiate an ordinance relating to certain adult use marihuana establishments in the City of Three Rivers," Jobs for Michigan Communities, a ballot question committee, filed suit Monday, August 17 in St. Joseph County Circuit Court against City Clerk Melissa Bliss and the City of Three Rivers. Watershed Voice takes a detailed look into what the civil action entails.

Hearing held in Wade Allen murder case

By Dave Vago

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Local

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July 23, 2020

Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman heard arguments Wednesday on the admissibility of evidence during a motion hearing for Wade Allen of Sturgis, who is accused of the murder and dismemberment of Kelly-Jien Warner-Miller and has been in custody since last year. The hearing was ultimately continued to allow Stutesman to review materials and transcripts pertaining to the case before issuing a decision.

Shelton sentenced in Century Bank & Trust robbery case

By Alek Haak-Frost

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Local

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May 2, 2020

Demario Lee-Sharrad Shelton, 32, of Three Rivers was sentenced Friday in St. Joseph County Circuit Court for his role in robbing Century Bank & Trust in Three Rivers on Nov. 18, 2019.

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