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A spay-and-neuter reimbursement grant has been awarded to St. Joseph County. County grant writer James Hissong told county commissioners last week that a $15,000 grant was received from an anonymous foundation. The grant will allow the county to provide spaying or neutering services for dogs and cats at its animal control department. Hissong said the grant will eliminate what could …

The Kalamazoo Wings (16-19-4-1) faced off against the Wheelings Nailers (16-19-2-2) for two big games this past weekend. The K-Wings and Nailers were tied for second place entering the weekend matchup. On Friday, the two teams battled into overtime with the Nailers escaping with a 2-1 win. However, with the game going into OT, the K-Wings earned a point in …

A coal-fired passenger ferry that carries people and cars across Lake Michigan between Wisconsin and Michigan is getting National Historic Landmark designation. The 410-foot SS Badger launched in 1952 can carry 600 passengers and 180 vehicles. It’s the last coal-fired steamship operating on the Great Lakes. The designation, which had been sought for years, was announced this week. Operators have …

Representatives from the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will open the new Sturgis senior citizen center on April 8. Lynn Coursey, COA executive director, said the event is being planned in conjunction with Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and will include a ribbon cutting at 5 p. m., followed at 7 p.m. by a ticketed event that serves as …

Members of the Mendon Community Schools Board of Education have authorized a special election for the renewal of 18 operating mills. The non-homestead property tax renewal ended its 20-year life with the 2015 tax levy. Its continuation will allow the district to collect tax dollars from properties that are non-homestead within its boundaries. District officials said the 18 mills generate …

The state says Michigan’s annual average unemployment rate fell in 2015, marking the sixth straight yearly decline. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget said Wednesday that the preliminary annual average unemployment rate was 5.4 percent last year, down from the 2014 annual rate of 7.3 percent. The 2015 measure was slightly above the 5.3 percent national annual rate. …

The family of a Battle Creek woman who was killed by a downed power line has won a crucial court decision in a lawsuit against Consumers Energy. The Michigan appeals court says it was “reasonably foreseeable” that an injury could occur from failing to inspect a power line in a residential area. The court overturned a decision by a Calhoun …

Nearly two dozen people voiced an opinion Monday on the Constantine Village Council’s recent discussion about consideration of a ban on assault weapons. In December, president Pat Weiss distributed two articles about federal assault weapons to the council. Weiss said her intention was not to pass a law, but never said anything about banning assault weapons. The council took no …

St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners renewed contracts with three high-ranking employees Tuesday. The County administrator’s contract was extended through 2016. J. Patrick Yoder, 67, joined the county in April 2013. His new contract includes a 2 percent raise, which gives him a base salary of nearly $118,000 annually. Finance director Joni Smith, 53, agreed to a one-year contract renewal. …

Despite the hope for a clean reading, White Pigeon village officials on Wednesday said a boil-water notice must remain in effect village-wide. Municipal officials had notified residents Jan. 7 that the presence of coliform bacteria had been detected in the water supply. Since then, they have been urging residents to boil water before use or use bottled water. White Pigeon …