HILLSDALE COUNTY — Hillsdale County had an eventful year with news of development, partnerships, and tragedies leading news headlines in 2024.
Here is a recap of the top seven:
2-year-old struck by vehicle on U.S. 12 in Allen
A toddler who exited their parents home along U.S. 12 in Allen was struck and killed by a passing car in the evening hours of Sept. 13 when they wandered into the roadway.
More: 2-year-old struck by vehicle on U.S. 12 in Allen
Deputy killed during traffic stop in Jefferson Township
Law enforcement officers are actively searching for a suspect who allegedly gunned down a A Hillsdale County Sheriff’s deputy Thursday during a traffic stop.
The community rallied around the Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office and the family of slain Deputy William Butler Jr. who was shot and killed by Eric Fiddler June 27 during a routine traffic stop while attempting to arrest Fiddler. Fiddler was then shot and killed by the Michigan State Police Emergency Response Team after a short-lived manhunt.
More: Deputy killed during traffic stop in Jefferson Township, suspect killed in shootout
Citing residency requirements, Mayor Adam Stockford resigns
Hillsdale’s now former mayor, Adam Stockford, resigned from office Dec. 1 after purchasing a home in southern Hillsdale County with his wife and moving. Stockford, who was in the middle of his second term as Hillsdale’s mayor, has no immediate plans to return to politics. Ward 4 Councilman Joshua Paladino was elected mayor-pro-tem by the council to fill the vacancy in the mayor’s office with no known plans to hold a special election and backfill the vacancy.
More: Citing residency requirements, Hillsdale’s Mayor to resign Jan. 1
Portage-based developer aims to build over 60 homes in Hillsdale subdivision
The Three Meadows Subdivision is being eyed for 62 new middle-class houses in Hillsdale.
Edwin Allen Homes has purchased over 20 acres of vacant land in Hillsdale’s Three Meadows Subdivision with plans on building over 60 single family dwellings and easing Hillsdale’s housing shortage concerns. The three-to-four bedroom homes will be sold at $250,000-$280,000 with hopes this will free up homes elsewhere.
More: Portage-based developer aims to build over 60 homes in Hillsdale subdivision
$2 million endowment from Hillsdale College to fund city’s essential services
Hillsdale College and the Hillsdale City Council negotiated a $1.7 million endowment and three $100,000 payments to the city of Hillsdale in exchange for the city vacating portions of two roadways that will allow the college to expand the Dow Hotel & Conference Center. The endowment, established through the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, will provide an annual stipend to the city to help fund public safety and infrastructure projects.
More: $2 million endowment from Hillsdale College to fund city’s essential services
Ousted fire chief wins five-way race for Jonesville Council
Former Jonesville Fire Chief Dean Adair
Two years after the city of Jonesville fired Dean Adair from the city’s fire department amidst rising tensions, Adair edged out challengers to win one of three open council seats in November. Adair said he believes this is a way he can continue to serve the city and provide transparency to the people.
More: Ousted fire chief wins five-way race for Jonesville council
— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Top news stories of 2024 in Hillsdale County
Read the full article here
