Government

A grass fire Wednesday in Sturgis Township burned more than five acres of a field along Stubey Road. Officials from the Tri-Township Fire Department said it appears embers from a burning barrel triggered the fire. There were no injuries reported. Fire chiefs across the county are asking for a ban on outdoor burning at least until a measurable rainfall hits …

A part-time deputy from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department will patrol Cade Lake Park over the course of five days next month. The decision comes after members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved Parks and Recreation Department Director John Pence to use money from the Cade Lake fund to cover expenses related to patrol. …

A pay raise was granted Tuesday to St. Joseph County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wenzel. Commissioners had previously authorized Wenzel’s job be expanded from 28 to 40 hours, but no action was taken regarding his $33,000-a-year salary. After reviewing the matter Friday at their executive committee meeting, commissioners without comment Tuesday agreed to up Wenzel’s annual pay to $47,500. The amendment …

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced a three-day road project in Constantine that will result in lane closures. MDOT officials said single-lane closures on U.S. 131 at the St. Joseph River bridge started Tuesday and are expected to remain in place through 5 p.m. Thursday. A team of MDOT officials will be involved in bridge repairs, according to an agency …

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 …

Sturgis police are investigating a vandalism incident that occurred over the weekend at Augspurger Tennis Courts. A department news release states sometime between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, someone spray-painted graffiti on two sides of a building as well as two hit-back walls. A tarp and other coverings were used to shield spray-painted profanity from the public’s view. …

A 27-year-old Three Rivers woman was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail after defying an officer’s request and attacking him. The Three Rivers Police Department said officers were responding to a noise complaint at a residence in the 1400 block of Fourth Street, when the woman was asked to not walk in the street and to use the sidewalk …

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 …

The Michigan House last week gave final approval to legislation known as “Dominick’s Law,” which will strengthen penalties for child abuse in Michigan and create penalties for a situation of abuse occurring in front of other people. The legislation, sponsored by state Reps. Matt Lori and Joseph Graves, are in memory of a 4-year old boy from the Flint area …