County Information

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority set a record the most rides in its 10-year history during the agency’s 2011-12 fiscal year. Executive Director Steve Yorks said nearly 95,000 rides were given during the 12-month period that ended Sept. 30. The latest figure represented a 7 percent increase from the previous fiscal year, when a then-record of more than 88,500 …

About 75 people participated in Saturday’s 14th annual Animal Rescue Fund walk-a-thon and fundraiser event. Despite cold and windy weather, the event at Meyer Broadway Park proved to be a hit with participants and their canine friends. The event also marked the milestone of ARF’s 5,000th spay/neuter in early August. In addition to the walk, dogs had the chance to …

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough was given approval this week to hire a new assistant prosecuting attorney. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed to modify the 2012 budget to accommodate the hiring of Natasha Pattanshetti. She will work part time for two months, then step in on a full-time basis after current assistant T.J. Reed …

Mike King, owner of the Weenie Kings push-cart hot dog stand, was given approval to serve as a vendor at two upcoming events on county property. King, a Three Rivers businessman, will be at Cade Lake for this weekend’s Halloween-theme activities, and at Meyer Broadway Park Oct. 14 for the Three Rivers Fall Color Tour. Approval for King’s concessions was …

The American Conservative Union recently presented state Rep. Matt Lori with the Michigan ACU Conservative Award for his votes on a wide range of conservative principles, including fiscal responsibility and protecting the rights of the unborn. Lori, a Constantine-area resident, said he is honored to be recognized for making common-sense votes based on what the taxpayers in the communities he …

The Three Rivers City Commission will be losing a member of its seven-person panel next month. Commissioner Judy Gilchrist announced during Tuesday’s meeting that she is moving out of state and, consequently, will vacate her First District seat Nov. 5. Gilchrist, 70, said she is getting married and she and her husband-to-be will be living in Oregon. She was unopposed …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to move forward on a plan to enhance a drug-investigation division of the sheriff’s department. With the cities of Sturgis and Three Rivers agreeing to pledge their support, commissioners signed off on financially backing the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. Spearheaded by Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite, the initiative will involve training …

The Constantine Fire Department has received a grant in excess of $84,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “Assistance to Firefighters” program. The grant is for operations and safety improvements, and is to be designated for items such as professional training, fitness- and wellness-program equipment, personal protective gear, and facilities improvements and supplies. Constantine Fire Chief Mike Hayden said the …

The seventh annual Project Connect, staged Wednesday over a six-hour period in Centreville, drew more than 350 people, event organizers announced. Staff from more than 50 local agencies, businesses and services were on hand to help St. Joseph County residents with a variety of needs. Organized by the St. Joseph County Human Services Commission, Project Connect took place at Firm …

A veteran officer with the Sturgis Police Department was announced the recipient of the fourth annual Mike Scott Investigator of the Year award. Patrolman Bill Lentz, who joined the Sturgis force in August 1987, was presented the award by Prosecutor John McDonough during Tuesday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. The 54-year-old Lentz was recognized for his role in …