Government

State Sen. Bruce Caswell announced he will not seek re-election later this year. The 64-year-old Caswell said his tenure will end Dec. 31. He took over the position from Cameron Brown starting in January 2011. Caswell, a retired superintendent of Pittsford Area Schools, had turned in his petition to run again. However, Caswell said he will withdraw his petition and …

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 Fire Department Captain Jeff Bloomfield was recognized last week for his efforts in heading the annual Firefighters for Santa program. Chief Dan Tomlinson and members of the city commission saluted Bloomfield, as he was presented with a specially designed fire hat that read “Chief Santa.” The presentation was a surprise to Bloomfield, whose wife, Holley, also surprised him …

Two vehicles in Mendon Township were burglarized earlier this week. According to a St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department media release, the breaking-and-entering incidents occurred Sunday or Monday in the 23000 block of South Shore Drive. A small amount of loose change was taken from a vehicle; a backpack was stolen from the other.

A detour was set up on Pulver Road last week, as crews prepare to replace the Rocky River bridge. Located between Burlew Road and M-216 in Flowerfield Township, the bridge will be replaced this spring by Allegan County-based Milbocker and Sons. The same company will also be charged with replacing the Floating Bridge Road bridge, also spanning the Rocky River …

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 …

The 2014 Centreville Covered Bridge Days community celebration will remain at its familiar location downtown. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week approved a request from Covered Bridge Days organizers to use the courthouse lawn to stage the annual event. Approval was given for June 20 through June 22. In an unrelated matter at last week’s meeting, commissioners …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has issued a press release regarding potholes caused by sub-zero temperatures and near-record snowfall. MDOT officials said weather conditions are leading directly to severe potholes across the state, putting further strain on pavement and the efforts MDOT crews have put forth filling potholes during the various freeze-thaw cycles. The extreme pothole season on top of …

A Portage woman was cited for failure to yield following a two-vehicle accident Thursday in Florence Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Laura Rothwell, 53, was driving west ion Featherstone Road when she disregarded the stop sign at Lutz Road. Her car struck a southbound vehicle driven by 56-year-old Thomas Pifer of Nottawa. Rothwell was treated at the …

Three long guns, a pistol, video gaming devices and other items were stolen last week from a residence in Mottville Township. State police said the incident occurred between 6 and 6:30 a.m. Feb. 19 in the 10000 block of James Street. Police indicated they believe two men were a part of the breaking and entering, and it appears their vehicle …