County Information

Sturgis city commissioners last week approved installation of security cameras and a monitoring system for $55,000. Gecko Security will place security equipment in various city facilities and properties. Three bids were received, with Gecko Security being the low bidder. The matter took place during the commission’s meeting Wednesday night.

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation awarded more than $18,000 to six area non-profit organizations during its 2014 annual grant cycle. The Five Star Life program was awarded a $5,000 grant to help cover a portion of the costs of curriculum, coaching and supplies for the 2014-2015 academic year at Three Rivers Middle School. Three Rivers Area Mentoring was awarded …

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called Wednesday to a traffic accident at Oak Grove and Beeson roads in Lagrange Township. Deputies said 36-year-old Cassopolis resident Virgil Cook was northbound on Oak Grove shortly before 1 p.m. when he failed to yield for an oncoming vehicle driven by 45-year-old Michael Ellis of Marcellus. Ellis was transported by ambulance …

Up-Cycled Pets, a local pet foster-care network, will stage a “Microchip and Vaccine Clinic” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. The service is offered at no charge; participants are urged to enter the fairgrounds off Franklin Street and then look for the Up-Cycled Pets banner. The event benefitted more than 300 animals last …

Investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit served a search warrant and arrested a parole absconder Wednesday in Sturgis. Sheriff’s officials said investigators received information about a Michigan Department of Corrections parole absconder who was staying on South Centreville Road and possibly trafficking illegal narcotics. Officers were able to obtain a search warrant for the residence and take …

The Three Rivers Main Street program is accepting applications for design services from downtown property and business owners located within the Michigan Main Street footprint. The design assistance provides information and recommendations on exterior façade improvements that will improve the appearance and visibility of the building and business, while also maintaining the historic integrity of the building and making functional …

Students at Centreville, Constantine and Three Rivers high schools were treated to a special appearance Wednesday during assemblies at their respective schools. Daniel Booko, a 2002 Three Rivers High School graduate, was accompanied during visits to the schools by his fiancée, Nia Sanchez, Miss USA 2014. The 30-year-old Booko and 24-year-old Sanchez during their visits discussed their days as junior …

Officials from Colon Community Schools have announced details of the Colon Community Schools Showcase. The event is set to take place 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 16 in the Colon High School cafeteria. Those attending will have the opportunity to get a flu shot for $30, with the option for using insurance but only if registering in advance through the …

About 75 people representing nearly two dozen entities attended a by-invitation-only gathering prior to the general public’s turn to tour the White Pigeon Township Wastewater Treatment Plant Wednesday.. Township Supervisor Don Gloy said the gathering of invited guests provided an opportunity to discuss the plant and elaborate on details of its $3.1 million upgrade of its treatment lagoons. The two-year …

Despite concerns from a pair of commissioners, a plan to allocate $2.6 million toward construction of a senior center in Sturgis was approved Tuesday. The funding marks a major step in what has been a four-year process to build such a facility to benefit seniors on the east side of the county. Proponents of a new Sturgis site have said …