Business

Officials from an Indiana-based company announced Wednesday it has secured funding of nearly $200 million to establish operations in Constantine. Nature’s Fuel, of Fort Wayne, will use the money to acquire and update the former Rexam plant in the village’s industrial park as well as purchase more than $60 million worth of equipment. Bill Sinish and Glenn Johnson, Nature’s Fuel …

Frankie’s By the Tracks restaurant was the main feature Wednesday evening at the Riviera Theatre. The Three Rivers eatery was showcased in the latest segment of “Restaurant: Impossible,” which airs on cable television’s Food Network TV. To show its support, the Riviera offered a viewing party, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, theater officials said. The program focuses on …

A 30-year-old Three Rivers resident was charged with a pair of offenses after he attempted to leave a local gas station without paying for fuel. The Three Rivers Police Department said the man pumped an unstated quantity of gasoline around 8:30 a.m. Friday and fled the Admiral gas station without paying. The store clerk was able to secure license plate …

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority was recognized last week by the Michigan Department of Transportation for attaining 10 years of service. CTA executive director Steve Yorks said the state agency issued plaques to transportation agencies across the state observing milestone anniversaries this year. He said the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority was acknowledged for being in existence for 10 …

The third “Generate Sturgis” event last week resulted in an award of $1,000 to a White Pigeon teacher for the concept of what she called Make-It, Take-It. “Generate Sturgis,” where residents with unique and practical business ideas pitch their concepts to city officials, drew five contestants last week. Theresa Hazard’s concept was voted the best idea, which called for a …

St. Joseph County’s July unemployment rate saw a notable increase from the previous month. Monthly figures released from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Analysis show St. Joseph County had a July unemployment rate of 9.7 percent, a 1.1-percent increase from June. The agency indicated summer layoffs in education contributed to the increase. Despite the increase from June, …

Park Township officials have accepted a low bid of $29,000 to demolish the former Parkville Christian Community Church. During action last week, the township board approved the bid from Three Rivers-based Roberts Brothers Excavating, which could begin the tear-down process as early as by the end of the month. The 146-year-old building has been deemed unsafe by township officials and …

A 50-year-old Nottawa woman remains in critical condition as she recovers from being struck by a car while riding her bike last week. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Esther Schmucker has been at Bronson Methodist Hospital since she was struck head-on by a vehicle driven by 28-year-old Jeremy Conley, of Sturgis. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. Thursday …

Officials from the city of Sturgis have closed the RV dumping station near the municipal airport due to several incidents of improper and illegal use of the site. Road construction on West Lafayette Street this summer forced the station to be closed temporarily. Numerous incidents of illegal use and misuse, however, prompted city officials to close the site for good. …

Mayor Tom Lowry and members of the Three Rivers City Commission have agreed to name a new city street in memory of a community activist and long-time employee of Three Rivers Community Schools. During their regularly scheduled meeting earlier this week, Lowry and commissioners agreed to name a road in memory of Suzy Warner, who passed away in April. Warner …