County Information

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 …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced Grace Muller is taking over the softball program as head coach. Athletic director Courtney Ivan said Glen Oaks is in a talented area and the school needs to capitalize on that talent. The Vikings since 2009 have totaled only 18 wins. Ivan said Muller may hold the key to turn the program around, as …

The Three Rivers City Commission has a vacancy to fill in its Third District. The opening comes as a result of Commissioner Diane Clay announcing last week her resignation due to her impending move out-of-district. A six-year board member, Clay will stay on board until after completing next week’s city commission meeting, the commission’s final meeting of the year. The …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners was asked last week to continue its customary funding to maintain in 2017 the services of a local economic-development group. During Tuesday’s commission meeting, board members were urged to allocate their standing $250,000 to Southwest Michigan First economic-development corporation. The five-member board is considering cutting back on its commitment to Southwest Michigan First, …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week attended three township meetings – in Sturgis, Burr Oak and Wayne townships – fulfilling a promise made two years ago to attend each of the 59th District’s monthly municipal meetings twice, hearing first-hand ideas and how the Legislature can help communities. Miller said he enjoyed meeting with local officeholders and listening to the concerns …

Colon High School students were witness to a “Courts In the Schools” program last week. Staged by St. Joseph County District Court Judge Rob Pattison, Friday’s session followed previous in-school court sessions in Three Rivers and Sturgis. The two cases heard Friday centered on sentencings of suspects related to drugs and alcohol. Pattison said he is an advocate of the …