City Commission

Contracts were awarded this week to a trio of lawn-maintenance companies for work on city-owned property in Sturgis. Various jobs where lawn work is required on municipal property were awarded to Custom Lawn Care of White Pigeon, Bronson-based Backyard Creations and Rickett’s Lawn Service of White Pigeon. Bids from each of the three varied from $400 to more than $4,100, …

A well-received component to the annual Three Rivers Water Festival will return in 2012 following a six-year absence. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners this week approved “Bratfest,” which is to be in operation during the Friday and Saturday of the Water Festival. Rick Daniels, chairman of the Bratfest, told the commission during Tuesday’s meeting that he headed up the attraction …

Members of the Colon Village Council last week agreed to an increase in sewer and water rates. The 3.5 percent hike for the utility services was to go into effect this week. Village officials said the modification was necessary to offset an increase in its costs following a long-negotiated agreement with Colon Township and the Colon Fire and Rescue squad. …

A potential change in the leadership of the Three Rivers Public Library Board could be forthcoming. Mayor Tom Lowry and members of the Three Rivers City Commission on Tuesday discussed the option of removing Sharon Rogers as president of the library board. Commissioners, however, agreed to wait until after the library board stages its monthly meeting Tuesday next week and …

A $3.5 million tax abatement for a building addition and equipment was expected to appear before the Sturgis City Commission. Sturgis Molded Products was scheduled to appear Wednesday night before municipal officials in hopes of gaining approval of the request. The company plans to invest $ 2.9 million in equipment and $600,000 in the proposed building addition. Company officials said …

The village of Centreville plans to repave three sections of Dean Street in order to alleviate the problem of standing water. Municipal officials this week said the impending work, which will cost the village $225,000, will be conducted in three phases. The three phases are Market to Ann streets, Ann to Mill streets and from Mill Street north to the …

Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners on Tuesday approved a special-exception-use permit for Menards. As a result, the Wisconsin-based home-improvement center is clear to break ground on its 215,000-square-foot store on the south side of Broadway Road, just west of U.S. 131. City officials said Menards representatives indicated they would like to break ground as soon as possible in …

The fate of where the Weenie Kings push-cart hot dog stand will set up for business in 2012 remains unresolved. Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners on Tuesday discussed the situation after being told by Weenie Kings proprietor Mike King that the Three Rivers Public Library Board has approved a policy that prohibits commerce from taking place in the …

The city of Three Rivers was informed last week it has been chosen as one of nine communities in the state to take part in the Michigan Main Street program. Overseen by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the Main Street program allows its members to receive training on the basics of organizing, promoting, and economically restructuring and designing their …

Members of the Constantine Village Council are closer to approving new rates for its sewer service. A 20-percent increase for all businesses and residences in the village could be in effect once the seven-member council follows due diligence in approving the measure. On deck is a public hearing on the matter, as required by state statute. Village Manager Mark Honeysett …