Government

State police are investigating reports of gunshots fired last week in White Pigeon Township. Agency officials said troopers were called around 5 p.m. April 20 to the 17000 block of Tomahawk Trail, where residents reported hearing gunshots. A second call was placed from a nearby residence reporting the same information. Troopers found that a camper and a boat had been …

A Three Rivers residence sustained damage following an attic fire late Monday. Three Rivers fire officials were called at 11:20 p.m. to the 100 block of Wood Street regarding smoke emitting from the roofline. The fire was extinguished quickly and all occupants were able to evacuate safely. Investigators were expected to return to the location Tuesday, but an initial report …

The Sturgis Township Planning Commission has approved sign permits for three new businesses. Biggby Coffee will open Monday in the renovated storefront that previously housed Fawn River Meats on Fawn River Road, east of South Centerville Road. Planning commissioners on Monday also granted sign plans for TSC and Dunham Sports, two businesses that will share the former Kmart building on …

State Rep. Aaron Miller today intends to introduce a resolution in the House declaring April 28 as “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” in Michigan. Miller drafted the resolution calling on parents to take a daughter or son to their workplaces so the children can see the many employment opportunities that exist in Michigan. He will bring his …

St. Joseph County Treasurer Judie Ratering has filed for re-election for a second four-year term. Ratering recently submitted to the county clerk’s office paperwork with enough signatures to be on the ballot in the August primary. Sturgis resident Gwen Donmeyer has also declared her candidacy. The 56-year-old Ratering was appointed by a statutory committee in February 2012 from a pool …

Members of the Sherman Township Planning Commission have agreed to issue a special land-use permit to two brothers for a 25-site camp facility. Proposed by Ben and Jamey Rouch of Three Rivers, the campground could potentially include cabins up to 400 square feet. It also may feature tent and RV camping. The Rouchs said they would like to include an …

Sturgis city commissioners have vetoed a staff plan that would have revived a seven-member citizens committee to prioritize sidewalk projects and advise the commission on sidewalk policy issues. The vote was 5-4. The commissioner’s majority said they do not believe a citizens committee is necessary to prioritize sidewalk needs, instead leaving the recommendations to city staff with commissioners approving final …

The March unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by one-tenth of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 3.8 percent March unemployment rate was greater than February’s 3.7 percent. March’s unemployment rate was 1 percent less than the same month one year …

Glen Oaks Community College’s Board of Trustees voted this week to proceed with the bidding, design and construction of a $6.5 million, 120-bed student housing facility. Subject to final approval on a USDA low-interest loan, the proposed four-story building would begin with a groundbreaking expected to take place in early summer with plans for the facility to open with the …

The Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council has honored the St. Joseph County Road Commission with a 2016 TAMC Organization Award. The award was presented last week during the annual TAMC Spring Conference in Dearborn. Chris Minger, St. Joseph County’s Managing Director, told TAMC that the Centreville-based road commission has spent many hours developing five year plans with various funding balances. …