Riders throttle up

Daily News photo/SAUNDRA LYNCH More than 25 motorcycles were registered with the Ride for the Homeless Sunday, which benefited the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and the Decatur Family Shelter.

The second annual Ride for the Homeless saw a rise in numbers across the board Sunday, raising more than triple last year’s proceeds, which benefit the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency and the Decatur Family Shelter.

The motorcycle event,  with 27 bikes and 37 riders, raised $1,539, more than tripling last year’s tally of $471. Sponsors of the ride include Clutch It Up Klick and Advocates for All of Southwestern Michigan College (SMC). Decatur Family Shelter coordinator Jeremy Weinrick said the event grew exponentially this year and he was glad to see a larger turn-out.

“There was a bit more advertising this year for the ride,” Weinrick said Monday. “We put out fliers and advertisements in all three counties .”

The shelter, which housed 109 people in 2011, received 100 percent of the proceeds. Wenrick also said this year featured two food vendors and a dunk tank, which was split between the SMCAA and the Dowagiac Fire Department.

“That produced $58,” Weinrick said.

The event also had more than 26 volunteers. Local business chipped in, including Coca Cola, of Paw Paw; Oil Can Alley, of Dowagiac; Twisted Twin Custom Motorcycle, of South Haven; Judd Lumber, of Dowagiac; PX Supply, of Granger, Ind.; Lyons Industries, of Dowagiac; Bonomo’s Collision, Dowagiac; and Special-Lite, of Decatur.

Weinrick also said he was happy to see Rep. Arik Nesbitt and Rep. Matt Lori.

“Mr. Nesbitt has actually said he’d like to schedule a time to visit the shelter and walk through,” Weinrick said.

“I think that’s just great to see.”

The ride also featured a small car show, a first on the campus of SMC.

“I think we’ll see the ride grow even more next year,” Weinrick said.

Community News

Dowagiac first responders, school staff honored for life-saving actions

Community News

2024 Dowagiac Music in The Park lineup, vendors announced

Business

YMCA to open downtown South Bend location

Buchanan

Buchanan City Commission honors retiring public safety director

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Vote ‘yes’ for Brandywine May 7

Dowagiac

SMC, Grand Valley Omni partner to offer Bachelor’s degree options

Buchanan

Group submits signatures to force recall election of Buchanan mayor

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Vote ‘yes’ May 7 for Brandywine Community Schools

Crime/Court

Niles man gets prison time for shooting man in neck

Berrien County

Fernwood Botanical Garden executive director announces retirement

Business

Cassopolis Beer Company to bring brews, pizza to historic building

Cass County

Cass County residents sentenced on drug charges

Community News

Niles student organizes community clean-up day

Community News

Cass County entities collaborate with EGLE to demolish unsafe building in Edwardsburg

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Cass County

Undersheriff Roach announces run for Cass County Sheriff

Cass County

Cass County resident celebrates 100th birthday

Berrien County

SEMCO warns of scammers targeting utility customers

Business

Niles High School hosts annual College, Career Day

Buchanan

Buchanan Public Safety Director announces retirement

Breaking News

Cass County Sheriff Rick Behnke won’t seek re-election

Business

Local musicians to perform in downtown Dowagiac Saturday

Community News

Pokagon Volunteer Fire Department awarded grant for new equipment

Cassopolis

Cassopolis school board hosts April meeting