County Information

The first St. Joseph County school district to begin its summer break is in Colon, where its students have a noon dismissal today, wrapping up their 2011-12 academic year. Other last days of school in St. Joseph County are June 1 for Constantine; June 6 for Burr Oak; June 7 for Three Rivers and White Pigeon; June 8 for Centreville …

Members of White Pigeon Community Schools’ Board of Education recently recognized key representatives from the Chief Pride campaign. Jody Davidson, Melanie Atherton, Joy Weber and Melissa Grant were instrumental in organizing a “vote yes” campaign that resulted in the May 8 passage of the sinking-fund renewal. Superintendent Ron Drzewicki  said the district is grateful for the residents who helped with …

A media release issued Thursday by the St. Joseph County Road Commission indicates a roadway in Fawn River Township, closed since December, is now open. Department officials said Kime Road was slated to open at 6 a.m. today, as crews have finished work on a bridge spanning the Fawn River. The bridge is between Fawn River Road and Stoney Road.

KeyStone Place, a shelter for individuals and families without a permanent residence, is wrapping up its goal to collect $5 from every employee at a number of businesses in the county. The agency is operating on a tight budget and KeyStone officials are hoping the $5-per-employee drive will give it some much-needed financial relief. Its goal is to raise $20,000. …

Members of the Sturgis City Commissioners recently awarded an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate toLTiPrinting, Inc. The 12-year certificate is to not exceed $874,000 Company officials said LTi is investing in equipment for a new six-color offset printing press, fork lifts and air conditioning unit. LTi representatives said the investment in the press will open new markets and industry segments currently …

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy invites the public to a grand opening of the Spirit Springs Sanctuary, a 124-acre natural property of rolling forest and wetlands with scenic views. Located north of the Corey Lake area in Cass County along the St. Joseph county line, the property includes a 2 1/2-mile trail and is the first publicly accessible SWMLC property …

Organizers of the 2012 Three Rivers Water Festival have announced Alan Turner and the Steel Horse Band will perform the final night of the three-day celebration. The group will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Turner, a Michigan native, is renowned for his connection with fans and his rich, baritone vocals. The band gained prominence in 2009 …

Members of the Three Rivers Education Association and the district’s Board of Education have reached an agreement on a two-year contract. Approved by the board Monday, the contract results in no raises but factors in step increases for teachers who reach certain levels of seniority, according to Superintendent Roger Rathburn. Another item of note is the adjustment of extra-duty pay …

Recommendation for a liquor license was given last week by Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and city commissioners. The license request, made by a microbrewery considering a location at 56 N. Main St., will go before the state for its approval. During last week’s city commission meeting, an official from Zapf Brewing Company indicated a time frame of about eight …

About 75 people attended last week’s open house for “Sturgis 2022,” an initiative focusing on the direction of the community over the next decade. City officials said in addition to points made by keynote speaker Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First, input from residents on the 10-year vision for Sturgis will be taken into consideration to help municipal officials …