Government

Hand tools and audio equipment were among the items taken during a larceny-from-a-vehicle incident last week in Constantine Township. Sheriff’s deputies responded to an area near North River Road and U.S. 131, where the incident occurred between 4 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday. The theft occurred from a Ford SUV, silver in color, which was parked along North River …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk is seeking young men and women interested in serving in the department’s explorer program. Open to people 14 to 21 years of age, the explorer program is encouraged for people who have an interest in law enforcement as a potential career. Prospective participants must have completed eighth grade at least. More information is available …

A number of people were reappointed to various boards and committees following action Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Linda Leensvaart was reappointed to a two-year term to the county’s 911 Advisory Board. Her term will expire at the end of 2020. Meanwhile, Three Rivers-area resident Eric Shafer was reappointed to a three-year term to the St. …

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week reluctantly accepted a grant from Michigan’s Indigent Defense Commission. During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners approved a motion netting the county $266,000 from the state source. The discontent came from the fact the county is obliged to satisfy terms of the agreement, which amounts to $414,000. The grant is retroactive to …

In light of an incident earlier this week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township, law-enforcement authorities are reminding the public to keep their vehicle doors locked at all times when parked outside. Troopers were called to the 1000 block of Ralston Road after it was discovered that a wallet was stolen from a vehicle between 4:40 and 9 p.m. Tuesday. Upon …

An elderly Branch County man was the victim of a fraud inspection that resulted in the theft of his safe. Michigan State Police troopers said the incident occurred mid-morning last week at a residence in the 900 block of South Fremont Road in California Township. The suspects preoccupied the elderly resident by asking to inspect his electric service. It is …

Glen Oaks Community College will have to consider its options after a half-mill increase request was defeated Tuesday by a margin of 51 to 49 percent. College officials said security improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades, renovations of classrooms and laboratories, and other capital-improvement projects were planned for the seven-year life of the proposed millage. The half mill would have generated about $970,000 …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging’s request for renewal of three-quarters of a mill was approved by voters, 71 to 29 percent. The request is for a six-year period, and will generate nearly $1.5 million during its first year.

Two incumbents will join Sturgis resident Ken Malone to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners following Tuesday’s vote. A strong voter turnout saw Centreville resident Dennis Allen defeat Judy Nelson of Nottawa Township. Allen, the current board chairman, will be back to represent District 3, which covers Lockport, Nottawa, Florence and Sherman townships. The other incumbent, White Pigeon’s Dan …

Voters in the Nottawa Community School District agreed to support a sinking-fund mill in the amount of one-and-a-half mills. The request, approved by a margin of 255 in favor to 174 opposed, is for a 10-year period and in its first year will generate more than $90,000. Superintendent Jerome Wolff said the funds will be used for improvements in school …