City Commission

Supporters and opponents of a proposed non-motorized trail way made their feelings clear about a 20-mile stretch of abandoned railway between Sturgis and well into Branch County. The former Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. route is being sought as a route for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. Residents who live adjacent to the rail bed, however, have cited lack of privacy and …

The final public presentation of a non-motorized trailway master plan will be offered at 5:30 p.m. today at Sturgis Township Hall. The plan was developed in partnership between Sturgis, Fawn River, Sherman and Burr Oak townships, and the city of Sturgis, Sturgis Hospital, and the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. Centering on an abandoned railroad line from Sturgis to Coldwater, the …

The city of Three Rivers and Three Rivers Community Schools have collaborated to develop a new traffic pattern at Andrews Elementary. City officials said the section of South Street, between Douglas and Grant avenues, is now one-way in an eastbound direction only. In addition, parking is allowed only on the stretch of South Street adjacent to the school. Also, there …

Municipal officials in Three Rivers have approved a plan that will see the city gain more than six acres of land. In exchange for deeding the 6.2-acre plot behind the city’s Department of Public Services facility, Three Rivers Health would benefit from having South Health Parkway included in the municipal street category. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners last week instructed …

Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners have denied a special-use permit requested by Verse By Verse Ministries for a public place of worship at a downtown location. The unanimous vote Tuesday went against a 4-1 recommendation yielded a week earlier by the city’s planning commission. Verse By Verse was hoping to establish a place of worship at 54 N. Main St., …

The city of Sturgis is reminding its residents that Borden recycling pickup scheduled for Thursday will take place this week on Friday instead. In addition, the city has announced leaf pickup will continue through the end of the month. Residents are encouraged to rake their leaves curbside to ensure removal.

A public hearing for a special-use request sought by a church hoping to locate downtown tops today’s Three Rivers City Commission meeting. The request, sought by Verse By Verse church, was recommended by the city’s planning commission last week and will now be fielded by Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners for final approval. Also up for deliberation this evening is …

A number of city officials and Sturgis residents attended an open house last week to honor outgoing deputy fire chief Scott Hopkins. A 40-year veteran of the department, Hopkins begins working this week in Centreville as the county’s emergency services coordinator. Hopkins will work under Jim Barnes, who is retiring from the position next month. As coordinator of emergency services, …

The Three Rivers City Commission has set a Nov. 30 deadline to accept citizen-interest forms for anyone interested in serving an 11-month term to the commission. Though the vacancy is in the city’s First District, the position is available at-large. The seat was vacated last week after Judith Gilchrist announced her resignation due to her impending move out of state. …

A public hearing before the Three Rivers City Commission is the next step for backers of a special-use permit to allow for a place of worship in the municipality’s downtown district. Members of the Three Rivers Planning Commission on Monday agreed to the special-use request sought by Verse By Verse Ministries for Sunday religious services. It has already been meeting …