City Commission

The Three Rivers City Commission on Tuesday approved a $15,000 bid for a new mower and deck. The low bid was received from Three Rivers-based Fillmore Equipment. City officials said the majority of the cost will be covered by the municipality’s insurance company, as the previous mower caught fire and was damaged beyond repair.

The Three Rivers City Commission has approved a new budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which begins July 1. During Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners endorsed a plan that will see more than $4.2 million in budgeted expenditures. A public hearing took place prior to the commission approving the budget. The city plans to levy 20.2562 mills.

The city of Sturgis is accepting nominations for its citizens of the year through Monday next week. Guidelines call for one man and one woman selected for their contributions to the city and its residents. Nominees must be residents of Sturgis for at least three years. Nominations may be dropped off at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce. Winners will …

The city of Sturgis on Tuesday started improving West Lafayette Street, between North Centerville Road and Broadus Street, from West Lafayette to Dresser Drive. Milbocker and Sons Inc. of Allegan was awarded the contract and started construction on Broadus Street. West Lafayette will be reconstructed once curb and gutter and base paving is complete on Broadus. The project is expected …

Members of the Sturgis City Commission have given their support to a proposed senior center sought by St. Joseph County’s Commission on Aging. COA executive director Lynn Coursey told commissioners last week the Three Rivers-based agency would like to retain existing services to its Sturgis-area clients and enhance opportunities for a better quality of life through a facility such as …

For the tenth time since 1967, the city of Sturgis is welcoming a group of visitors from Wiesloch (VEES-lock), Germany. The Sister City group arrived in Sturgis on Saturday and will depart on Wednesday. As part of the visit, the Sturgis Sister City Committee hosted a gathering Sunday at Oaklawn Park. Mike Mestelle led a group of musicians at the …

Members of the Sturgis City Commissioners recently awarded an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate toLTiPrinting, Inc. The 12-year certificate is to not exceed $874,000 Company officials said LTi is investing in equipment for a new six-color offset printing press, fork lifts and air conditioning unit. LTi representatives said the investment in the press will open new markets and industry segments currently …

Recommendation for a liquor license was given last week by Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and city commissioners. The license request, made by a microbrewery considering a location at 56 N. Main St., will go before the state for its approval. During last week’s city commission meeting, an official from Zapf Brewing Company indicated a time frame of about eight …

About 75 people attended last week’s open house for “Sturgis 2022,” an initiative focusing on the direction of the community over the next decade. City officials said in addition to points made by keynote speaker Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First, input from residents on the 10-year vision for Sturgis will be taken into consideration to help municipal officials …

State legislators last week honored a St. Joseph County community for its contribution to the world of magic and an upcoming milestone. The Michigan Senate passed a resolution honoring the village of Colon and the impending 75-year anniversary of the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. Led by Sen. Bruce Caswell, Resolution No. 154 was read on the senate floor before a small …