County Information

The largest school district in the county is considering raising its pay rate for substitute teachers. Meanwhile, Three Rivers Community Schools has already taken that step by approving the first pay increase in 14 years for its substitute teachers following action last week. District officials in Sturgis said a shortage of subs this school year has promoted a look at …

The Sturgis Police Department will receive a new squad vehicle. Anticipating the department would need a new cruiser, the city budgeted $ 27,500 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Bill Snethkamp-Fleet in Lansing was the low bidder at $22,643, plus a $200 charge for delivery. The vehicle is on the lot and available immediately, a factor that influenced commissioners to accept …

Colon Community Schools is attempting to find new ways to gain input from parents and the community. To that end, district officials have posted on the district’s home page a link to an input survey. The survey can be accessed by going to colonschools.org. Prospective participants should look for and click on a tab that says “Quick Links.” Doing so …

The St. Joseph County 4- H Youth Council recently recognized and honored local members, volunteers, leaders and donors at a recognition banquet. The MSU Extension of St. Joseph County annually pays tribute to those who support the program with their talents, time and money. In addition, young people are awarded for their efforts in a variety of project areas. Several …

Glen Oaks Community College officials have discussed a long-range concept of on-campus dormitories. During a meeting of the Board of Trustees earlier this month, Glen Oaks president David Devier said the college has been looking into the possibility of adding dormitories and that a developer has shown interest in financing those dormitories. Devier was quick to note the concept is …

The city of Sturgis will stage a public hearing next month regarding the removal of a portion of Magnolia Street. The hearing, which takes place Dec. 17, will center on Magnolia Street from the Prairie Avenue right of way to the west property boundary of Carls Park. Sturgis voters earlier this month approved the transfer of Carls Park to Burr …

Workers from Elkhart-based Days Machinery Movers, along with Crane Industrial Service have erected a 72-foot- tall tank at Michigan Milk Producers Association in Constantine. The tank weighs 28,000 pounds and holds 50,000 gallons of milk, according to Bill VanHusan, of Days Machinery Movers. Nearly $10 million is being invested in MMPA and Foremost Farms USA dairy cooperatives, following a July …

Glen Oaks Community College has welcomed a number of new faculty and staff to campus this fall. Larry Diekman recently joined the college as a maintenance assistant. He was previously employed at Lippert Components in Elkhart, Ind. Ron Hofman is the college’s new automotive instructor. He has over 36 years of automotive experience including teaching the last ten years at …

Two adults and a juvenile were arrested at 6 a. m. Sunday on weapon and drug charges in Sturgis. Sturgis officers obtained a search warrant for a residence at 213 N. Fourth St., where police seized two handguns, a rifle and packaged marijuana. A 24-year-old man was arrested for possession with intent to deliver, while a 19-year-old man was arrested …

The city of Three Rivers is kicking off its 2014 Christmas season this weekend with a tree-lighting ceremony at 6:15 p.m. Friday at the downtown Mural Mall. “Miracle on Main Street” is the theme of this year’s holiday celebration, which will include four weekends of special holiday events and shopping in the downtown district. Christmas caroling, a book reading of …