Government

A boat launch for non-motorized watercraft was completed this fall in an area at St. Joseph County’s newest park property. Parks and Recreation director Jaymes MacDonald said the handicap-accessible launch was built outside the entrance to Covered Bridge Farm Park, located on the north side of the St. Joseph River, just north of the Langley Covered Bridge. The 120-foot launch …

Opponents and proponents of a proposed multi-field sports complex in the Three Rivers area offered plenty of input Tuesday before a state panel. The State Boundary Commission, a five-member board under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, staged a public hearing relevant to a 77-acre parcel the city of Three Rivers is attempting to annex from Lockport Township. …

The St. Joseph County Department of Veterans’ Services has received a $5,000 grant from the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency. Veterans’ Services Director Stoney Summey said the grant will allow the county’s Department of Veterans’ Services to redesign its website to serve as a comprehensive, one-stop resource for local veterans. Once complete, the website will include information and links to resources …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has selected Demetrius Parker to succeed Kimberly Avery as the new MDOT Southwest Region engineer. As the Southwest Region engineer, Parker will be responsible for more than 1,200 miles of state trunkline in Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. The district features more than 280 employees, a capital program of …

State Sen. John Proos is applauding the Natural Resources Trust Fund board of trustees for including two St. Joseph County development projects among its recommendations for 2017. The trust fund is supported by interest earned on money generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Included in the 2017 recommendations is $254,000 to extend the Three Rivers Health Trail. The …

State police are investigating the theft of a vehicle that took place earlier this week in Branch County. Troopers were called at 5 a.m. Monday to White Supply Company in Coldwater after a commercial truck was reported stolen. The 2006 International truck featured “White Supply” and the company’s logo printed on the doors. Authorities suspect two males were involved in …

One of the 12 people injured in a weekend fire at a northern Michigan ski resort is in critical condition. Spectrum Health Butterworth spokeswoman Beth Cranson confirmed David Chauvette’s condition Monday but declined to discuss his specific health problems. A Facebook page created for Chauvette says the Traverse City man suffered smoke inhalation. The fire occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday …

Prosecutors have filed murder and armed robbery charges against a Western Michigan University basketball player in the killing of a fellow student last week. Joeviair Kennedy was due to be arraigned Monday in a Kalamazoo County court in Thursday’s fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jacob Jones in an off-campus apartment. Prosecutors don’t know if the 20-year-old Muskegon man has an attorney …

The Three Rivers City Commission has a vacancy to fill in its Third District. The opening comes as a result of Commissioner Diane Clay announcing last week her resignation due to her impending move out-of-district. A six-year board member, Clay will stay on board until after completing next week’s city commission meeting, the commission’s final meeting of the year. The …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week attended three township meetings – in Sturgis, Burr Oak and Wayne townships – fulfilling a promise made two years ago to attend each of the 59th District’s monthly municipal meetings twice, hearing first-hand ideas and how the Legislature can help communities. Miller said he enjoyed meeting with local officeholders and listening to the concerns …