Government

An unidentified Flowerfield Township man was injured in a shooting incident Monday evening at a home on Johnson Road, north of Three Rivers. The 52-year-old man was taken to Borgess Medical Center for treatment. He was reportedly shot in the upper torso with a small-caliber handgun. The man’s wife was taken into custody as the investigation continues.

Cindy Underwood has been named director of the Department of Human Services for St. Joseph and Cass counties. The move fills a spot created after her predecessor, Chris Kadulski, retired a year ago. Underwood had been serving the post in the capacity of interim director following Kadulski’s departure. Underwood is in charge of a staff of about 125 people between …

An investigation into a Dec. 10 fire at Walnut Meadows apartments in Three Rivers found that either a short or faulty wiring of a ceiling vent fan in a third-floor bathroom was responsible for starting the blaze. Three Rivers Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson said smoke detectors in the unit where the fire started had been removed. Even so, the 21-year-old …

Constantine Township officials are seeking input from its residents regarding road maintenance and improvements. Township officials said a survey in the latest newsletter will help guide them in deciding what roads need attention and in what manner. A survey question also asks if the township should consider adopting a special assessment dedicated specifically toward road-related maintenance and improvements. The township …

A plan to implement in-house dental service at the St. Joseph County Jail moved a step closer to reality with the donation of $2,000 from a Fulton-area family. Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite said the donation, made in memory of Bob Shook, a former jail chaplain, allowed the department to purchase almost all the equipment it needs to begin tooth-extraction service. The …

Five people were arrested on methamphetamine-related charges Wednesday following surveillance of a residence in White Pigeon Township. Members of the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team and its Emergency Support Team made five early morning arrests after the group had allegedly produced meth during the night. An informant told police a sniper was guarding the house while meth was being …

Cass County Sheriff’s Department officials arrested two Porter Township residents and took a child into protective custody after discovering evidence of a meth lab inside their residence Tuesday. The Cass County Drug Enforcement Team executed a search warrant in the 69000 block of Union Road and found evidence of a one-pot meth lab and materials used to manufacture meth. Multiple …

Labor agreements with four units of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees working for St. Joseph County were reached Tuesday. St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners OK’d the agreements with Circuit Court, Probate Court, General Unit and Family Division of the Circuit Court. The one-year agreements affect 64 employees and do not provide wage increases. Also Tuesday, …

The candidate chosen to serve as St. Joseph County treasurer has indicated he will decline the position in light of a controversy over his proposed salary. Centreville native Barry Miller said he will retain his job as vice president for Century Bank and Trust in Three Rivers after county officials had a disagreement over his starting salary. According to minutes …

Constantine village officials were told Monday that an Indiana-based company is expecting to close soon on the purchase of the former Rexam plant in the village’s industrial park. During a public hearing at Monday’s village council meeting, officials from Nature’s Fuel said a few legal matters are being reviewed by their legal team. Glenn Johnson, chief operating officer, said the …