COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners formally approved a request on Tuesday from County Prosecutor Zach Stempien to have a facility therapy canine for the purpose of victim advocacy and comfort.
Stempien told Commissioners during their work session last Thursday that the canine will help relax victims of crime whether they are children or vulnerable adults who have to testify.
He said the Golden Retriever will be a highly trained dog through Magnum K-9 and would cost about $6,500. The cost for maintenance and care would be paid out of the prosecutors line item for criminal forfeiture funds.
The Commissioners also approved several appointments to the Mental Health Board. Bing Johnson, Ashley Levesque and Gina Wright were appointed to fill expiring positions on the board with terms expiring on March 31, 2026.
Meanwhile, Kaid Tareq Saleh was appointed to fill a vacant partial-term position. The term expires on March 31, 2025.
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