Schools

A graduating senior at Michigan State University has used parking tickets to decorate her green graduation cap in the form of a Spartan block “S.” Kaila Davidson, who graduates Saturday, got 10 parking tickets during her senior year. The tickets are paid off. Davidson says she was going to throw them away, but she “figured, why not do something fun …

High school students in southwestern Michigan have taken top honors statewide for the school’s campaign to stop distracted driving and boost seat belt use. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says Thursday that students at Sturgis High School were recognized for their efforts to educate classmates. The “Strive For a Safer Drive” campaign is presented by the safety office …

Mendon Community Schools’ request to renew 18 non-homestead operating mills was endorsed by more than two-thirds of the voters who participated in Tuesday’s election. The unofficial total shows 339 votes in support and 149 opposed. At stake was more than $900,000 in annual funding, a substantial portion of the district’s $5.3 million budget. Board of education president Regina Schinker said …

A member of the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has announced her candidacy for the Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education. Erin Harrington, 37, filed paperwork last week for the four-year term. The post will be decided in November A Portage native, Harrington is the chief assistant prosecutor and president of the county’s bar association. Harrington said she is …

A team of Three Rivers High School students that spearheaded a safe-driving campaign over the past few months has been recognized for its efforts. Members found out last week they came in second place and were awarded a $1,250 cash prize. The teens facilitated three events that provided the school’s student body with tips about safe driving during the winter …

Glen Oaks Community College’s Board of Trustees voted this week to proceed with the bidding, design and construction of a $6.5 million, 120-bed student housing facility. Subject to final approval on a USDA low-interest loan, the proposed four-story building would begin with a groundbreaking expected to take place in early summer with plans for the facility to open with the …

A team of TRHS students spearheaded a safe driving campaign over the course of the last few months. The teens facilitated three events that provided our student body with tips about safe driving during the winter months. At the end of the campaign, a report and powerpoint presentation were submitted to a panel of judges. TRHS won second place and …

The Constantine board of education has approved hiring Jessica Barth as the school’s new athletic director. Barth is currently the principal at Eastside Elementary School in Constantine and succeeds longtime AD Mike Messner, who is retiring at the end of the school year. The action was taken during Monday’s school board meeting.

More than 50 area employers will participate later this month in what is considered the largest job fair in St. Joseph County. Glen Oaks Community College will host the event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 21. Jobseekers will have the opportunity to meet employer representatives to learn about and apply for positions that are currently open. The event is …

Reimbursement for college tuition will become an easier process for county employees, pending action taken by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. A matter discussed during this week’s county commission executive committee centered on making the process of applying for reimbursement an easier procedure, Pat Yoder, county administrator, said a few of the likely changes include a provision that …