News

A state commission decided last week against a petition sought by Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry to annex property from Lockport Township into the city. According to the Three Rivers Commercial-News, the State Boundary Commission denied Lowry’s request, which centered on a 38-acre parcel he owns off of Buckhorn Road. Lowry was interested in developing houses on the property had …

Michigan’s first pediatric death from the flu this season was recently reported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. The county in which the death occurred was not mentioned in a tri-county media release. The state and local agencies are urging residents to get vaccinated, as the state experiences a high …

Vicksburg Village Council members earlier this month approved a contract with a company hired to perform what village manager Jim Mallery called “a goose roundup.” During their Feb. 3 meeting, council members approved their annual contract with a company that specializes in the destruction of Canada goose nests and removal of eggs from nests in the Sunset Lake area. The …

Vicksburg Community Schools will be at the center of a comprehensive construction season this summer. During their Feb. 10 meeting, board of education members approved bids for $4.2 million worth of work. Upgrades and improvements will take place in various forms at each of the district’s five school buildings. Assistant Superintendent Steve Goss said the work is being funded from …

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 …