By Staff
Dowagiac's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district employment increased this year, according to its annual survey.
The employment total for 2004 is 1,250, up slightly over last year's count, 1,231.
The district's largest employer continues to be Ameriwood Industries, with current employment of 427 people.
The largest non-industrial employer in the DDA district besides the city (with 58 downtown employees) is Zeke's. There are 43 people working at the restaurant.
New police officer
hired from sheriff
The city hired a new officer in the Police Department.
Jarrid Bradford begins his duties Jan. 3.
Jarrid is currently with the Cass County Sheriff's Office, as well as a volunteer on the Dowagiac Fire Department.
The Dowagiac resident graduated from Union High School and from Ohio Northern University.
Chief Tom Atkinson will formally introduce him to the community at the Jan. 10 City Council meeting.
The position is open as a result of an existing officer's assignment to the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team.
City retaining
consultant
The city is engaging a consultant to assist with the community signage and "wayfinding" effort discussed at the last City Council retreat Oct. 30.
Design Michigan representatives expect to visit Dowagiac in late January or early February to meet with local officials.
Cost of their services is expected to be less than $2,000, including expenses.
City Web site
offers a new look
The newly-updated city Web site was designed by Image Maker Design and has been under development for several months.
It is intended to be a much more "user-friendly" site.
The site, www.cityofdowagiac.com, will include a number of forms and applications that can be downloaded for submission, including building permits and employment applications, along with copies of City Council agendas and meeting minutes.
The site will also be much more attractive in its presentation.
City Hall
holiday schedule
City offices will be closed beginning at noon Thursday, Dec. 23, and reopen Monday, Dec. 27, at 8 :30 a.m. in recognition of Christmas.
City Hall will also be closed from noon Thursday, Dec. 30, until 8:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, for New Year's.
Post office, utility
boxes moved
The move of the postal and utility boxes to Zarry's Alley between Huntington Bank and Dowagiac District Library occurred Friday.
Notices are going out in utility bills. A temporary sign will be installed at the current utility drop box location on the corner of S. Front Street at Main directing patrons to the new box. Once the boxes are relocated, the current post office alley will be closed - initially with temporary barriers.
Christmas tree
pickup program
Collection of discarded Christmas trees this year will begin the week of Jan. 3 and continue through Jan. 30, weather permitting.
Discarded trees are chipped and recycled as natural compost for use by city crews.