July 29, 2021
There could be three new St. Joseph City Commissioners following November’s elections, and that could mean the way the body oversees city operations could change. During Wednesday’s WSJM forum with eight of the nine candidates running in next Tuesday’s elections, they were asked how they think commissioners should interact with staff like the city manager. Candidate Brook Thomas drew on her experience as a board member of the OutCenter in Benton Harbor.
“When working with my executive director, as a board member, we really don’t focus on day to day things, we look at more big picture things,” Thomas said. “It’s the role of the executive director to handle the more day to day things, and that’s kind of how I see working with city commissioners and management of city staff.”
June 14, 2021
The Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff will have a few changes when it’s held in July as the state has relaxed it’s outdoor COVID-19 restrictions. Masks and social distancing will no longer be required. Krasl Art Center executive director Julia Gourley-Donohue told St. Joseph City Commissioners they will still need to require tickets.
“You do need to get a ticket, but because the restrictions for capacity are lifted, we will be accepting walk-ups and doing walk-up tickets as well,” she said.
Those tickets will cost $5, which Mayor Mike Garey called a bargain. Gourley-Donohue was asked if they will continue to charge for tickets next year and beyond.