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The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to move forward on a plan to enhance a drug-investigation division of the sheriff’s department. With the cities of Sturgis and Three Rivers agreeing to pledge their support, commissioners signed off on financially backing the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. Spearheaded by Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite, the initiative will involve training …

The Constantine Fire Department has received a grant in excess of $84,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s “Assistance to Firefighters” program. The grant is for operations and safety improvements, and is to be designated for items such as professional training, fitness- and wellness-program equipment, personal protective gear, and facilities improvements and supplies. Constantine Fire Chief Mike Hayden said the …

The seventh annual Project Connect, staged Wednesday over a six-hour period in Centreville, drew more than 350 people, event organizers announced. Staff from more than 50 local agencies, businesses and services were on hand to help St. Joseph County residents with a variety of needs. Organized by the St. Joseph County Human Services Commission, Project Connect took place at Firm …

A veteran officer with the Sturgis Police Department was announced the recipient of the fourth annual Mike Scott Investigator of the Year award. Patrolman Bill Lentz, who joined the Sturgis force in August 1987, was presented the award by Prosecutor John McDonough during Tuesday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. The 54-year-old Lentz was recognized for his role in …

The city of Sturgis has announced its final brush pickup for 2012 begins this week. City officials ask that any brush designated for pickup be placed in the terrace area for collection. Brush should not be placed beyond the curb in the street, as such a measure can be dangerous for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Collection crews ask that brush …

The White Pigeon Athletic Department has announced the district will celebrate the induction of its inaugural Hall of Fame class this weekend. Festivities will begin with a tailgate for members of the inaugural class and their families Friday before the school’s homecoming football game against Mendon. The inductees will be recognized during halftime of the varsity game. The fanfare wraps …

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation has established the Lucile Shafer Haring and Sheila J. Haring Scholarship Fund with a check for more than $140,000. The newly created fund will award scholarships to Three Rivers High School graduates who are pursuing a degree in education. The scholarship will be available in 2013 and will be renewable to qualified students up …

Police say a semi-truck hauling 41,000 pounds of meat has crashed on a southwestern Michigan exit ramp.  The crash happened early Wednesday on the ramp from southbound U.S. 131 to Interstate 94 in the Portage area.  Portage police say the driver had non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.  The truck partially blocked the interchange as crews cleaned …

Last Labor Day we had the Annual Three Rivers Bridge Walk, sponsored by the Three Rivers Women’s Club. Congratulations ladies, for a successful turnout for your event. The weather cooperated, which added to the fun. This month, The Pregnancy Helpline Center of Three Rivers will host their annual fundraiser on Saturday, October 6. “Life Walk 2012” starts off with registration …

Three Rivers police early Monday arrested three people suspected of being involved in larceny and breaking-and-entering incidents. According to police, a caller to central dispatch indicated subjects were breaking into vehicles parked in the area of East Michigan Avenue and Water Street around 3 a.m. With the help of the department’s canine unit, officers discovered someone had broken into Riverside …