News

A request to raise chickens in the city received considerable attention at last week’s Sturgis City Planning Commission meeting. The planning commission is tasked with drafting an ordinance to send on to the city commission for its consideration. A number of residents had asked the matter be revisited after previous proposals died for lack of support at the city level …

Three Rivers municipal officials estimate more than 50 people took part in the city’s annual downtown cleanup project. The May 13 event featured tidying several areas in the community, including the old farmers market around Scidmore Park, the East Alley area, Memory Isle Park and Mural Mall. Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Cameron Mains thanked volunteers and the …

Downtown Three Rivers is expected to transform an unused portion of Memory Isle Park into a community dog park, according to city officials. Municipal leaders said a group of volunteers is working to make downtown Three Rivers a welcome place for dogs and dog owners. The park is made possible due to the success of a crowdfunding campaign through the …

Starting next week, St. Joseph County residents can dispose of electronics and household hazardous waste without charge in Kalamazoo County. During their monthly board meeting Tuesday, commissioners approved an agreement with Kalamazoo County for year-round disposal of household hazardous waste. County administrator Teresa Doehring said demand for such services is greater than what the county offers every spring and fall …

Three Rivers Area Community Foundation awarded a grant to St. Joseph County this week. County commissioners on Tuesday accepted $5,000, presented on behalf of specialty court financial officer Melissa Bliss. The financial gift will be dedicated to support community corrections and problem-solving courts.

Former St. Joseph County Undersheriff Dennis Allen has announced his candidacy for sheriff. Allen, 67, plans to file his paperwork this morning with the St. Joseph County Clerk’s Office. He said he intends to run as a Republican in the August 2024 primary. The position is a four-year term. Allen has been a member of the St. Joseph County Board …

Sturgis Eagles, in conjunction with St. Joseph County United Way, are sponsoring an inaugural, double-elimination cornhole tournament. The tournament starts at 6 p.m. May 25 at 70808 S. Nottawa Road, Sturgis. Cost is $20 per person, teams will be set up through a blind draw, registration starts at 5 o’clock and participants should bring their own beanbags. Boards will be …

A five-acre flower meadow at a Vicksburg redevelopment site is planned as part of a multi-year commitment to establish a flower meadow network. The meadow is on the east side of the Vicksburg Mill property, as well as along neighboring houses along Highway Street. It will consist of wildflowers and brightly colored sunflowers. Project officials said the goal is a …

St. Joseph County Central Dispatch will soon have its own advocate dog. During their monthly meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a request from agency director Stacey Bower. The emotional-support dog will live at Central Dispatch and be cared for by its staff. St. Joseph County United Way has donated $6,500 toward purchase of the dog, which …

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the department is staging a grand opening of its new training center. The fanfare takes place 2 to 5 p.m. May 24 at the facility, located behind the county’s former Parks and Recreation Department on East Main Street. By having a modern and spacious training center, the sheriff’s department is able to conduct …