County Information

Members of Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan recently received $50,000 from Petco Foundation. Founded in 2007, Refurbished Pets has made an effort to aid in the reduction of euthanasia rates at animal shelters. The group’s correctional companion program began in 2008 in a partnership with the Coldwater prison complex and endeavors to find homes for dogs in shelters that would …

State police are investigating the break-in of summer cottages at a lake in Branch County’s Ovid Township. According to a department media release, troopers were called around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to Longview Drive on East Long Lake. Several residences were entered and items taken included tools, electronics and alcohol. Neighbors told authorities they saw a white van in the area …

Glen Oaks Community College officials this week staged a ceremonial ground breaking for a 108-bed student housing project. Wednesday’s ceremony followed a vote by the college’s board of trustees to approve a $5.3 million bid, submitted by Frederick Construction of Vicksburg, to build the new dormitory on the school’s campus. Construction is expected begin in coming weeks, weather permitting, with …

A boat launch for non-motorized watercraft was completed this fall in an area at St. Joseph County’s newest park property. Parks and Recreation director Jaymes MacDonald said the handicap-accessible launch was built outside the entrance to Covered Bridge Farm Park, located on the north side of the St. Joseph River, just north of the Langley Covered Bridge. The 120-foot launch …

Opponents and proponents of a proposed multi-field sports complex in the Three Rivers area offered plenty of input Tuesday before a state panel. The State Boundary Commission, a five-member board under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, staged a public hearing relevant to a 77-acre parcel the city of Three Rivers is attempting to annex from Lockport Township. …

The St. Joseph County Department of Veterans’ Services has received a $5,000 grant from the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency. Veterans’ Services Director Stoney Summey said the grant will allow the county’s Department of Veterans’ Services to redesign its website to serve as a comprehensive, one-stop resource for local veterans. Once complete, the website will include information and links to resources …

State Rep. Aaron Miller on Wednesday announced a Dowagiac company has received a state grant that will enable the manufacturer to expand its local plant and create 87 jobs. Miller said Dorel Home Furnishings has been awarded a $348,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant to enlarge its Dowagiac plant. The manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture has reached its capacity for …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has selected Demetrius Parker to succeed Kimberly Avery as the new MDOT Southwest Region engineer. As the Southwest Region engineer, Parker will be responsible for more than 1,200 miles of state trunkline in Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. The district features more than 280 employees, a capital program of …

State Sen. John Proos is applauding the Natural Resources Trust Fund board of trustees for including two St. Joseph County development projects among its recommendations for 2017. The trust fund is supported by interest earned on money generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Included in the 2017 recommendations is $254,000 to extend the Three Rivers Health Trail. The …

State police are investigating the theft of a vehicle that took place earlier this week in Branch County. Troopers were called at 5 a.m. Monday to White Supply Company in Coldwater after a commercial truck was reported stolen. The 2006 International truck featured “White Supply” and the company’s logo printed on the doors. Authorities suspect two males were involved in …