County Information

State Rep. Aaron Miller has called on the Legislature to put the brakes on repealing an $80 million car-insurance-industry tax credit until reform takes place to lower insurance rates. Miller last week voted against House Bills 5457 and 5458, which repeal an inadvertent tax credit given to insurance companies in legislation signed into law in 2012. Miller said he wants …

A public hearing to consider rezoning a property in the 58000 block of U.S. 131 highlights the agenda of today’s Three Rivers City Commission meeting. Other matters before Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners include a public hearing regarding a user-fee ordinance, a bid for the fiscal year 2017 drinking-water chemical bid award, the purchase of a lawn tractor and accessories, …

The second Meijer store in St. Joseph County opened last week, as the Grand Rapids-based company staged a ceremonial ribbon cutting in Sturgis. A number of local dignitaries and Meijer corporate representatives were on hand Thursday to commemorate the occasion. The 192,000-square-foot supercenter is located at South Centerville Road and West South Street. Store director Marsha Keefer opened the event …

State Rep. Aaron Miller issued a statement after the House last week approved reforms for Detroit Public Schools: Miller said Detroit finally provided solid figures on what was needed to reform the failing school district. Miller said legislators allocated exactly what was needed to provide start-up funding for the new district and make emergency repairs on school buildings. Inaction would …

St. Joseph County Treasurer Judie Ratering in 2015 collected more than $33 million from local treasurers. The figure was one of many Ratering provided during a recent county commission meeting. Ratering said the funds were disbursed twice each month to the taxing entities. In addition, her office has recently settled with all townships and cities, and is prepared to pay …

A former police chief in Constantine who previously worked for the Michigan State Police was laid to rest last week amid full police honors. Police representatives from Centreville, Colon, Constantine, Mendon, Portage and surrounding areas joined lawyers, judges and other public officials to pay homage to Det. Sgt. Jim Bedell at Trinity Missionary Church in Constantine. Rev. Dennis Smith, pastor …

Several garages and vehicles were entered and items stolen between evening hours Wednesday and early morning Thursday in Park Township. State police said numerous calls were fielded regarding the breaking-and-entering incidents. They occurred on the north end of Fishers Lake in the vicinity of Thompson Lane. Unlocked garages and vehicles were entered and a variety of valuables taken. State police …

The St. Joseph County United Way has announced details regarding its annual golf outing fundraiser. The scramble starts at 10 a.m. June 10 at Sauganash Golf Club, on Lutz Road in Three Rivers. Cost is $65 per person or $260 for a foursome. The fee includes cart, 18 holes of golf, lunch and prizes. Tee sponsorships are available for $100 …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has issued a media release regarding food-handling measures for picnic meals. Warmer weather provides a perfect environment for bacteria and other pathogens in food to multiply rapidly and cause foodborne illness, agency officials said. According to Paul Andriacchi, Environmental Health Director for the tri-county agency, many summer recipes call for preparing perishable foods such …

A business in Mottville Township was broken in to Wednesday morning. State police said the breaking-and-entering incident occurred between 1:30 and 6 a.m. at Fresh Solution Farms, on Blue School Road. An unknown amount of cash was taken from vending machines. The business is offering a cash reward for information leading to the conviction of the suspect.