MARQUETTE -- After three years as the Upper Peninsula Animal Shelter manager, Dayna Kennedy has announced her resignation.

UPAWS released a statement saying Kennedy will be returning to her hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin to be closer to family. She worked at the shelter for a total of nine years. Kennedy's last day will be April 6.

Meanwhile, Lareina Van Strein, who is currently an employee, has been named as her successor.