News

Four people were appointed to three different county panels last week. St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners took action on the matter during its monthly meeting Feb. 18. Stephen Wolf is now a member of the newly established Materials Management Planning Committee. Meanwhile, Fabius Township resident Eric Shafer was re-appointed to the county’s Board of Public Works. Also, Steve Zarza …

Colon Elementary School is preparing for “March is Reading Month” and it is appealing to the public for assistance. District officials said the annual event will bring together books and board games to complement its theme for 2025. At the end of the month, students will earn prizes for their reading achievements. The district has created an Amazon wish list …

Coldwater’s Branch County Memorial Airport is included as a recipient of funding through Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Michigan Department of Transportation. The one-time offer of $250,000 will be dedicated to construction of a 36-by-184-foot T Hangar. State officials said the grant is a portion of nearly $4 million awarded to 33 Michigan airports for a total of 44 improvement projects. …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved $20,000 in budget amendments during its meeting Tuesday. The transfer from fund balance helped cover expenses related to a computer-maintenance/service contract line item to establish a budget for a jury system. In addition, $64,000 was allocated to a Commission on Aging capital-line item. The $64,000 is to be used to replace a COA …

Constantine Fire Department has added a new tanker to its fleet. During their meeting Monday, village council members OK’d their share of the purchase of a 2018 Freightliner tanker. Cost of the tanker will be split between the village, Florence Township and Constantine Township. Constantine Fire Department Chief Mike Haydon said the truck meets the needs of the three departments. …

Kirsch Municipal Airport in Sturgis has received state funding to help cover various improvements. Michigan Department of Transportation issued $378,000, which the airport plans to use for four different projects. According to airport officials, $150,000 will be allocated to rehabilitate six hangers; $90,000 toward the purchase of a fuel-card reader; $92,000 to acquire a 17-foot finish mower and snowblower; and …

A Vicksburg man who pleaded guilty to leaving a child in a vehicle causing death will be sentenced in March. Kalamazoo County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Williams said 36-year-old Chad Martin pleaded guilty Jan. 21. The case stems from an incident Aug. 13, when Martin left home at 6 a.m. with his two children, intending to drop them off …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday to honor a request for a $15,000 contribution. Representatives from Rooted of St. Joseph County appeared at last week’s executive committee and again at this week’s board meeting to seek funding toward its goal to build a safe house in the Centreville area. Rooted Executive Director Tiffany Wagler and Jim Stuck, chairman …

Branch County Intermediate School District officials have secured the services of a company to help it find its new superintendent. ISD officials last week opted to work with Michigan Association of School Boards. It was chosen over Michigan Leadership Institute. Current superintendent Kris Jenkins has already indicated her plans to retire in June following a seven-year tenure as ISD chief.

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency officials are recommending anyone who has not yet received a flu shot to consider following through for protection against influenza. CHA Director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention Heidi Hazel said it is not too late to receive a shot. Hazel noted all counties in the state are experiencing a high rate of influenza, putting …