Paw Paw, MI - Sheriff Dale R. Gribler wants citizens of Van Buren County to know that an aggressive telemarketing campaign is not related to letters he recently mailed, inviting area residents to become members of the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association (MSA).

MSA, created in 1877, is the oldest law enforcement organization in the state and the only one that officially represents the office of sheriff. Throughout the year, MSA provides educational training and other programs for Sheriff Gribler and his personnel. Roughly 20,000 people already show their support for the organization, and the Office of Sheriff, as citizen members.

Sheriff Gribler hopes that the letter he recently sent to thousands of area homes will yield many new members for his professional association. “When times are rough, we need the help of the public more than ever. Your support helps us to respond more quickly and more effectively in our protection of the public.”

MSA never solicits funds by telephone. “If a telemarketer says they are from the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, you should know immediately that he or she is lying,” said MSA Executive Director Terrence L. Jungel. “Our decision to avoid telemarketing was deliberate. Unfortunately, the efforts of a few hurt our attempts to support your Sheriff.”

If you receive a fraudulent telemarketing call, remember as much detail as possible, including the date and time of the call and who they claim to represent. Organizations with similar sounding names can oftentimes be mistaken for one another. For additional information or to make a complaint, Sheriff Gribler recommends contacting MSA at (800) 875-5500 or the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (877) 765-8388.

If you have not received a letter from Sheriff Gribler but would still like to join the association as a citizen or business member, contact MSA at (800) 875-5500 or go online to www.michigansheriff.com

Sheriff Dale R. Gribler and Mr. Jeff Mills of the Van Buren Intermediate School District report that the partnership formed two years ago to assist the local school districts with truancy and incorrigibility issues is beginning to show positive results. The local schools filed a total of 254 truancy/incorrigibility referrals with the Sheriff’s Office this year, compared to 213 in the 2006/2007 school year.  The positive side of this increase is that fewer cases required court intervention.  During the 2006/2007 school year, 27 parents and 46 students entered the court system, compared to 24 parents and 40 students this past year.  The percentage of successful interventions increased from around 70% the first year to nearly 78% this school year. The goal for next year is to again increase the number of successful contacts and further reduce the need for court action. Sheriff Gribler further reports that continued feedback from school administrators indicates having an officer dedicated to the intermediate school district and available to all school districts in the county continues to have a positive impact on overall attendance and gives the schools another tool to use in correcting inappropriate behavior.

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office has released dates for its 2008 Boating Safety Classes.

The classes will be held at the Lawrence Township Community Services Building. Participants must be at least 12 years-old to earn a boating certificate and at least 14 years-old to obtain a personal watercraft certificate.

Per Michigan law, a person born after December 31, 1978 cannot operate a personal watercraft without a certificate. 

Classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 24, June 7, June 28, July 12, July 26 and August 9. Classes are limited to 30 people per class and participants must register in advance. It's also recommended they bring a sack lunch. 

To register, please call 269-657-2006 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.