(UNDATED) – Voters rejecting a 20 year millage for a new Branch County Jail was the top news story of 2016 according to WTVB News.
* The “No” votes prevailed on August 2nd 3,312-2,227. Branch County Sheriff John Pollack, who was re-elected to another term in office, said the vote was an indication taxpayers wanted road patrol deputies back.
* Three new Branch County Commissioners were also elected. Terri Norris, Leonard Kolcz and Ted Gordon will take over with the start of the new year.
* It was a summer of street construction and infrastructure improvements in Coldwater before the 2017 opening of the Clemens facility.
* Taylor’s Stationers in downtown Coldwater closed as owners Howard and Lola Taylor retired. It was later announced that a 58-unit development called Center Pointe Apartments was going to be located there but plans fell through.
* It wasn’t all bad news for Coldwater as it was announced in May that 168 more jobs were coming thanks to Sport Truck USA and Schmitz Foam Products. Sport Truck USA planned to invest $6.3 million in a new manufacturing facility based in the former Plastic Tops building on Garfield Road while Schmitz Foam Products planned to establish its North American headquarters in the Coldwater area.
* Quincy got a $1 million grant for infrastructure needs from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in late September. Emily Petz from the M.E.D.C. said Quincy was one of 40 applicants for the money.
* The March robbery of Century Bank and Trust in Quincy led to the arrests of two suspects in Ohio who may have been involved in other area hold ups. John Morgan and Nickole Collins are schedule to go on trial on January 31st.
* Branch County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Winter died following an accident while he was providing security during the Quincy Memorial Day Parade as a member of the Sheriff’s Department Posse. Dozens of police officers and emergency responders attended the funeral for their fallen comrade. Posse trailers were parked on Green Street south of Bishop Avenue as funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater.
*Branch and Hillsdale County Commissioners agreed to build a new animal shelter next to Branch County Jail. Negotiations took longer than expected and construction is not expected to start until sometime in the spring.
* The big sports story in Branch County in 2016 was another state Class C championship for Bronson’s girls volleyball team. In addition, Coldwater’s football team made a return trip to the playoffs and advanced to the second round before being eliminated by Chelsea.
