City Commission

The Sturgis City Commission has a vacancy to fill following a resignation announced last week. Mike Wilson has moved out of the city’s Third Precinct, making him ineligible to represent the area. The nine-member board is moving forward with plans to replace Wilson, who was on the commission for more than two years. Interested parties must submit an application to …

The city of Sturgis will move its municipal elections to even-numbered years, following a unanimous vote taken this week by community leaders. Starting Jan.1, the city will implement the even-year vote, as 2015 will not be an election year. Instead, the next vote to select city commissioners will be decided in 2016. Consequently, current commissioners whose terms would have expired …

The Three Rivers City Commission last week passed an ordinance related to sidewalk snow removal. The ordinance calls for the owner of a building or lot adjacent to a paved sidewalk to clear the sidewalk within 72 hours of a measureable snowfall. In addition, the ordinance requires sand or an abrasive to be applied if snow is too hard or …

The city of Sturgis has reached an agreement to purchase the Wood Motel and its property. Located near the high-profile intersection of Chicago and Centerville roads, the parcel is being acquired in part through a community development block grant, according to city manager Mike Hughes. The city plans to demolish the single-level motel and, according to terms of the grant, …

With a forecast calling for more than four inches of snowfall, the city of Sturgis has declared a snow emergency. The measure went into effect at 11 o’clock Tuesday night and will remain in place until routes are cleared between two successive street intersections. The emergency means parking is prohibited on all city streets in order for plow trucks to …

Three Rivers City Manager Joe Bippus and his wife, Cheryl, were crowned the winners of the inaugural Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars event Friday. Staged at Glen Oaks Community College’s Nora Hagen Theater, the fundraiser featured six teams. The couples and their respective coaches volunteered their time as part of the fundraiser to benefit the St. Joseph County …

The village of Centreville has announced it is seeking nominations for its annual Citizen of the Year recipient. Candidates are typically chosen based on their community standing and involvement. Committee members ask that nominations also include details about organizations, hobbies and other factors to consider in selecting the citizen of the year. Nominations should be made in writing and delivered …

The village of Constantine was awarded a grant in excess of $240,000 Friday from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. During a ceremony at the village office, municipal leaders accepted the money awarded as part of a Downtown Infrastructure Grant. The $242,000 gift was contingent on an $80,000 match from the village. Village Manager Mark Honeysett said the funds will help …

Concerns about the city’s recommendation to leave a trickle of water running as a precaution against frozen pipes were expressed during last week’s Three Rivers City Commission meeting. Residents Jim Everett and Helen Dettmar asked Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners if residents who adhere to the request would be given a break on their water bills. City manager Joe Bippus …

Three Rivers city officials have approved the sale of a house that is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. During last week’s city commission meeting, final approval was given for the sale of the residence at 516 Eighth St. for $86,000. Mayor Tom Lowry said the sale marks the third residence constructed by the city and sold through the NSP …