Government

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 …

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 …

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 …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has named Christopher Bolt as the agency’s chief executive officer, engineer and manager. Bolt will hold the same positions with the Cass County Road Commission, a dual-role arrangement that started with his predecessor, Louis Csokasy. Bolt’s appointment was announced last week. He has been serving in the capacity on an interim basis since July, …

State Rep. Matt Lori this week was awarded the “Champion of Hope” award by the Michigan Association of Substance Abuse Coordinating Agencies. The award recognizes Lori’s extraordinary leadership in bringing substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery issues to the attention of legislatures. Lori, a Constantine-area resident, said he is committed to working as a member of the House to not …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was called Wednesday to investigate the break-in to and vandalism of a pole barn in Burr Oak Township. According to a department media release, the building – located in the 33000 block of Deer Park Road – was entered. Windows were damaged by BBs from a pellet gun and thrown rocks, investigators said, further …