City Commission

Constantine Fire Chief Mike Hayden has issued a media release centering on burn permits and the dry conditions. He said the department has temporarily suspended issuing burn permits to residents in Constantine and Florence townships until an adequate amount of rainfall is recorded. Hayden suggested residents in other townships check with their fire officials to verify whether they, too, have …

James Baker, manager of the Three Rives Clean Water Plant, said employees discovered a foam-over from one of the treated biosolids tanks early Saturday. Baker said crews reacted immediately and deployed drain blockers to prevent discharge into storm sewers. An estimated 38 gallons entered into the storm sewer and more than 2,700 gallons spilled around the west side of the …

Three Rivers municipal officials on Monday issued a public thank-you to the city of Sturgis for its help with cleanup efforts from the 2012 Water Festival. According to a Three Rivers news release, after the city’s street sweeper failed to operate over the weekend, Three Rivers DPS crews turned to their counterparts in Sturgis for assistance. Sturgis sent its own …

The second “Generate Sturgis” event, where residents with unique and practical business ideas pitch their concepts to city officials, drew four contestants last week. After hearing each idea, judges award first- and second-place cash winnings. Marcia Drake received $1,250 for her concept of a business that makes gift baskets comprised of items purchased locally. Drake told judges that items in …

City officials in Sturgis this week agreed to keep the municipality’s operating millage at 10.0285 mills. The amount is the lowest in four decades and more than 1.8 mills under the maximum amount the city could levy. Commissioner Dave Smith said he is happy Sturgis taxpayers have an affordable operating millage to support, but he noted the city’s general fund …

Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett has returned to work following heart bypass surgery. Honeysett came back to work on a limited basis May 23 following the April procedure. During Honeysett’s absence, police chief Jim Bedell served as acting village manager.

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 …