Politics

A community forum regarding a 210-mile, two-state pipeline drew nearly 70 people to Three Rivers Wednesday. Officials from Calgary-based Enbridge put on the three-hour informational session to answer questions and provide information about the so-called 6B Replacement Project. About 14 miles of the pipeline  starting near Gary, Ind., and ending near Port Huron  will traverse St. Joseph County. According to …

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 …

Chambers of commerce in Three Rivers and Sturgis, along with Glen Oaks Community College, have announced a candidate forum set to take place next month. The two-night event will feature candidates for drain commissioner and probate judge on July 18, while a forum for circuit court judge and county commission candidates will be staged July 19. The events start at …

An open house to review plans for a new crude-oil pipeline covering a portion of St. Joseph County is set for Wednesday evening in Three Rivers. Officials from Enbridge are planning to replace nearly 14 miles of pipeline in northern St. Joseph County next year. The full, 300-mile route begins near Gary, Ind., and ends near Port Huron. Enbridge is …

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 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 …

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 St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners is expected to decide next week whether to support a funding request of about $6,000 for patrol of Cade Lake and Nottawa parks. During a special meeting Tuesday, the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Commission agreed to ask for the funding. The money would allow the sheriff’s department to dedicate a part-time …