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Members of White Pigeon Community Schools’ Board of Education recently recognized key representatives from the Chief Pride campaign. Jody Davidson, Melanie Atherton, Joy Weber and Melissa Grant were instrumental in organizing a “vote yes” campaign that resulted in the May 8 passage of the sinking-fund renewal. Superintendent Ron Drzewicki  said the district is grateful for the residents who helped with …

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy invites the public to a grand opening of the Spirit Springs Sanctuary, a 124-acre natural property of rolling forest and wetlands with scenic views. Located north of the Corey Lake area in Cass County along the St. Joseph county line, the property includes a 2 1/2-mile trail and is the first publicly accessible SWMLC property …

State legislators last week honored a St. Joseph County community for its contribution to the world of magic and an upcoming milestone. The Michigan Senate passed a resolution honoring the village of Colon and the impending 75-year anniversary of the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. Led by Sen. Bruce Caswell, Resolution No. 154 was read on the senate floor before a small …

A White Pigeon woman was the winner of Saturday’s Cow-Poo-Looza event at Central Elementary in White Pigeon. A ticket purchased by Lisa Eger was drawn after the Holtein used to determine the winner failed to produce a cow pile. Event co-organizer Jody Davidson said Daisy, on loan from Burr Oak farmer Rich Ultz, was hot and agitated for the first …

A longtime Centreville-area resident has committed to running for a seat to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Florence Township resident Barry Miller has filed paperwork to challenge Rick Shaffer in November for what will be the new-look Third District. Effective in 2013, the district will cover Lockport, Nottawa, Sherman and Florence townships. The 39-year-old Miller, who runs a …

A crowd of about 175 people gathered Thursday night in Sturgis to hear Battle Creek resident Loreen Niewenhuis discuss the adventures of her 1,019-mile walk around Lake Michigan. Sponsored by the seven libraries in St. Joseph County, the hour-long presentation by Niewenhuis was the culmination of the 2012 “One Book, One County” program. Her presentation at the Sturges-Young Auditorium included …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced the appointment of two new professors. Michelle McNamara, who previously served as an instructor of oral communications, and Sheryl Smithson were hired as professors at the Centreville-area school. McNamara will continue to teach oral communications, while Smithson will serve as professor of microbiology. In addition, a trio of faculty members received tenure after completing …

Members of the Colon Downtown Development Authority are interested in learning more about a proposed Magic Walk of Fame. The proposed concept, which would be modeled after the star-studded sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard, is being explored by Rick Fisher DDA chairman and magician who owns FAB Magic in downtown Colon. Fisher raised the idea at last month’s DDA meeting and …

Sturgis municipal officials have decided to pay off a $648,000 loan five years earlier than scheduled in order to save money on interest charges. City Manager Mike Hughes said the early payoff means the city will save $31,700 in interest from its loan with Century Bank and Trust. The original agreement called for equal payments over a 15-year period, starting …

Glen Oaks Community College graduated 225 students Friday, as the class of 2012, its family members and friends gathered in the school’s gymnasium for the ceremony. About 150 of the graduates participated in the commencement exercise, which was led by school president Gary Wheeler. Also addressing the standing-room-only crowd were faculty member Michael Northrop, alumni Bruce Gosling and student Lynn …