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The Animal Control Shelter Advisory Board will be adding two new members in 2016. During their Dec. 15 meeting, St. Joseph County commissioners approved a request to expand the advisory board’s size from eight to 10 members. The two new positions call for at-large representation. County administrator Pat Yoder said the change in advisory board bylaws was required by the …

Mayor Tom Lowry and the Three Rivers City Commission have five matters of new business before them this evening. The agenda items include whether to consider the home at 429 Fourth Ave. a public nuisance and issue a demolition order; discussion of a $28,000 purchase order of diesel fuel with Drake’s Crystal Flash; consideration of awarding sports complex-related work to …

Dear 2015, After 365 days, it is time to say farewell to you. So many things happened this past year. Not just in my life, but in the lives of my family, friends and everyone else whose lives were touched by you. It is hard to comprehend all that has transpired over the past 12 months. Some things we wish …

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority’s seventh Free Ride Home program offered New Year’s Eve served 14 people over a six-hour period this year. The figure is the lowest since the Three Rivers-based agency started the program in 2008, on the eve of 2009. As it has since its inception, Free Ride Home started at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 and …

A Missouri-based company was chosen to conduct feasibility-study services regarding potential improvements and renovations to the county jail. Commissioners Dec. 15 selected Goldberg Group Architects of St. Joseph, Mo., at a cost of $5,000, plus potential reimbursable expenses. County administrator Pat Yoder said the study is being done as a proactive measure, based in large part on conversations he has …

Two Branch County residents were charged with sex crimes from incidents that date to 2006. Michigan State Police said the victim, a 22-year-old Mishawaka resident, disclosed she had been allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times by David Green, 44, of Coldwater. The victim told investigators that Green took nude photographs of her starting in 2006 and that their relationship included intercourse. …

Five personnel matters were approved by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Dec. 15. Custodian Tara Lafler’s employment status was changed from part time to full time, while Benjamin Brandenburg was made a full-time employee at the sheriff’s department as a road patrol officer at a pay rate of $21.52 an hour. The resignation of Commission On Aging in-home …

KALAMAZOO – After ending the year on a high note by defeating the visiting Elmira Jackals (20-13-0-0) 5-3 on New Year’s Eve, the Jackals turned the tables on the Kalamazoo Wings (12-17-2-1) Saturday night, handing them their first loss of 2016 by a score of 5-4. The K-Wings were led by Tanner Sorenson, who scored two goals on the night. …

The longtime director of St. Joseph County’s special education services will retire in June, following a 34-year career that began as a school psychologist. Jay Raycraft has worked at St. Joseph County Intermediate School District the past three decades, first as a school psychologist, then as a special education supervisor and finally as head of countywide services for mentally and …

The Youth Advisory Council of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation granted more than $20,000 to the community this month in support of programs and projects that serve youth. Grant recipients include Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, which will receive $10,000 to support a new home built in collaboration with Sturgis High School building trade students; Sturgis Youth for …