News

The Michigan House recently approved funding for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund projects, including a pair of land-acquisition plans in Cass and St. Joseph counties. The Stewart Lake and Dowagiac Creek projects are among 69 land-acquisition and recreational-development projects totaling $24.7 million, according to state Rep. Aaron Miller. Miller said the local projects will be a boost to enthusiasts of …

The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce has announced it will host a State of the Area address next week. Officials from five governmental entities will provide economic updates during the 90-minute program that begins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Three Rivers Community Center. The agenda features Centreville DDA Director Carol Snow-Penn, Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett, Mendon Village …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners last week approved a mediation agreement with a former employee. Without discussion, commissioners approved a motion that awards $150,000 to Anita Trayling, who previously served as an appraiser in the equalization department. County administrator Pat Yoder said Trayling’s position was dissolved in 2009. She subsequently took a temporary position with the prosecutor’s office but …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission was thwarted two weeks ago in an attempt to secure a loan from the county to help offset costs of building repairs and upgrades. Road Commission chair John Bippus appeared before the county executive committee to inquire about $1.5 million the road commission would like to borrow to conduct repairs at its headquarters west …

St. Joseph County officials recently received an update on the concept of a single entry to the county courthouse. The county’s physical resources committee last month was provided additional details from Bob VanPutten and Stave Jara, representing Landmark Design Group. A review was provided regarding the security officers’ station with monitors, while the two also indicated all exit doors will …

Last month’s massive 193-vehicle pileup on I-94 in Kalamazoo County is prompting an audit by the state. The Michigan Department of Transportation will study the 138-mile stretch of the highway from the Indiana state line to Jackson to see if any upgrades to I-94 are needed. The investigation was requested by state Senator Margaret O’Brien of Portage, whose district includes the crash …

With nine snow days already in the books – three more than the state allows – Sturgis Public Schools will introduce a revised daily schedule that goes into effect next week. Every building in the district will add 20 minutes daily as a way of not extending the school year. Superintendent Tom Langdon said Michigan public schools are granted six …

A Kent County man was arrested after he was involved in a slide-off accident last week in Constantine Township. Sheriff’s department officials said the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a car reported stolen out of Grand Rapids slid off U.S. 131 near North River Road. The incident was reported by a passing motorist, who also provided the license …

An Indiana man was taken to the hospital after he was involved in a two-vehicle accident Thursday in Park Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, the 51-year-old man was attempting to cross U.S. 131 from Heimbach Road, when his pickup was struck by a southbound semi. The force of the collision tore the bed from the cab …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a few personnel matters during last week’s meeting. Landon Hackenberg’s status as a corrections officer was changed from full time to part time, while corrections officer Travis Balk was moved from part-time to full-time employment. Balk will be paid an hourly rate of $18.60. Jay Parker was hired by the sheriff’s department …