News

Saturday’s collection of household hazardous waste and a number of recyclable materials was declared a success by event organizers. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee, the twice-a-year collection at the county fairgrounds resulted in an accumulation of 454 tires, 12,000 pounds of household hazardous waste items and 27,000 pounds of electronics – enough to fill …

The annual clean-up day at Camp Fort Hill kept about two dozen people busy throughout the day Saturday. Volunteers at the 228-acre camp, at the border of White Pigeon and Sherman townships, cleared paths of brush and downed trees, raked leaves and performed general tasks at the camp’s seven cottages. Dave Ludders, camp director, said Camp Fort Hill doesn’t have …

Schoolcraft Police Chief Bryan Campbell is urging people to be aware of a scam that was carried out against a victim this week. The larceny of money and jewelry is being investigated following an incident Wednesday in the 500 block of Osterhout Street. A 79-year-old female told police she was approached outside her residence by a trio of men who …

Infrastructure improvements undertaken last year by Three Rivers Community Schools have netted the district an award. During this week’s board of education meeting, district officials were presented an Energy Efficiency Leader award from indoor comfort-systems provider Trane. John Atsma, area manager for Trane, presented the award, noting the $1.6 million in energy-efficiency improvements will eventually pay for itself. The company …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’ Department has announced it is accepting reservations for its next boater safety program. Participants must be 14 years of age or older. The first class is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2 and will take place at the Colon Fire Department. Classes on June 16, 23, 30 and July 7 will meet at the …

Two key employees for the village of Constantine have been awarded two-year contracts. Village manager Mark Honeysett and police chief Jim Bedell were recipients of the two-year agreements. Honeysett said he had been working without a contract for three years. The new agreement is almost identical to terms of the previous contract, including a $54,000 annual salary. Chief Bedell, meanwhile, …

Glen Oaks Community College officials have made attendance at orientation for new students a requirement. Mandatory at any one of the six sessions begins with students new to the school effective with the start of the fall 2012 semester. Sessions last four hours and are offered on various days of the week and at various times of day starting with …

Three bridges in St. Joseph County have been identified by the Michigan Department of Transportation as structurally compromised, according to the state’s 2011 inspections. The state agency this week released data on bridge safety throughout Michigan. Bridges in St. Joseph County on the list are in Three Rivers, near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Main Street over the Rocky …

A longtime former member of the Three Rivers Zoning Board of Appeals has been appointed to the Three Rivers City Commission. Larry Matson was selected Tuesday from a pool of three candidates interested in filling the seat left vacant by Ken Baker. Baker resigned from the commission April 2 due to health-related issues. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners during Tuesday’s …

Members of the Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education have given the green light to a $345,000 upgrade at Sturgis High School’s football stadium. Board members on Monday approved Paw Paw-based Hall Builders to oversee the installation of new, metal bleachers. District officials debated between two grades of aluminum and opted for a higher-quality metal, which costs more but will …