Government

A county parks system featuring larger parcels with greater, natural-resource-based recreational opportunities was identified as a major component of the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department newly developed master plan. John Pence, director of the agency, presented a summary of the five-year plan to members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. He said instead of operating …

A Constantine woman was treated for injuries she received Monday following a two-vehicle accident in Fabius Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said 33-year-old Maylynn Kitchen of Constantine was driving south on U.S. 131 when her vehicle was struck by a car eastbound on M-60. Investigators said Megan Belew, a 33-year-old Delton resident, failed to yield the right of …

A Branch County man has been charged with felony animal abuse after sheriff’s deputies found a dead horse and nine others that were underfed on his farm in Ovid Township. The Branch County Sheriff’s Department said Geoffrey Eickmann, 33, was arrested Thursday after a warrant was issued. He remains at the county jail in Coldwater under a $25,000 bond after …

The village of Constantine was awarded a grant in excess of $240,000 Friday from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. During a ceremony at the village office, municipal leaders accepted the money awarded as part of a Downtown Infrastructure Grant. The $242,000 gift was contingent on an $80,000 match from the village. Village Manager Mark Honeysett said the funds will help …

State Sen. Bruce Caswell announced he will not seek re-election later this year. The 64-year-old Caswell said his tenure will end Dec. 31. He took over the position from Cameron Brown starting in January 2011. Caswell, a retired superintendent of Pittsford Area Schools, had turned in his petition to run again. However, Caswell said he will withdraw his petition and …

Concerns about the city’s recommendation to leave a trickle of water running as a precaution against frozen pipes were expressed during last week’s Three Rivers City Commission meeting. Residents Jim Everett and Helen Dettmar asked Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners if residents who adhere to the request would be given a break on their water bills. City manager Joe Bippus …

Three Rivers Fire Department Captain Jeff Bloomfield was recognized last week for his efforts in heading the annual Firefighters for Santa program. Chief Dan Tomlinson and members of the city commission saluted Bloomfield, as he was presented with a specially designed fire hat that read “Chief Santa.” The presentation was a surprise to Bloomfield, whose wife, Holley, also surprised him …

Two vehicles in Mendon Township were burglarized earlier this week. According to a St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department media release, the breaking-and-entering incidents occurred Sunday or Monday in the 23000 block of South Shore Drive. A small amount of loose change was taken from a vehicle; a backpack was stolen from the other.

A detour was set up on Pulver Road last week, as crews prepare to replace the Rocky River bridge. Located between Burlew Road and M-216 in Flowerfield Township, the bridge will be replaced this spring by Allegan County-based Milbocker and Sons. The same company will also be charged with replacing the Floating Bridge Road bridge, also spanning the Rocky River …

Three Rivers city officials have approved the sale of a house that is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. During last week’s city commission meeting, final approval was given for the sale of the residence at 516 Eighth St. for $86,000. Mayor Tom Lowry said the sale marks the third residence constructed by the city and sold through the NSP …