News

Constantine Village Council members this week approved an amendment to the code of ordinances as it applies to grass, weeds, brush and other vegetation. The ordinance states such growth will be cut by the village if the length exceeds 8 inches, with expenses charged to the property owner. Previously, if a violation was reported, a property owner was notified by …

The few remaining residents at a White Pigeon Township trailer park have been given a move-out date, set by St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. During a March 21 hearing regarding the situation at River Forest Mobile Home Park, Middleton said 26 tenants in the still-occupied 16 units have until May 15 to abandon their residences. Water and …

Three Rivers Public Library will offer for one week only a “Fine Forgiveness” promotion. Starting Monday and running through April 14, anyone with an outstanding balance, overdue book or in need of a new library card is able to square their account. Library officials said anyone with an outstanding fine must visit the library in order to have their debt …

Glen Oaks Community College’s communications and marketing department recently received an award in the annual “Educational Advertising Awards.” The honor was in recognition of the school’s holiday card. A national panel of education industry specialists reviewed all entered pieces, presenting gold, silver, bronze and merit awards based on creativity, marketing execution and message impact. The cover of the gold-winning card …

Business and home owners, as well as renters impacted by February and March flooding, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Twenty counties, including St. Joseph, Cass and Branch, were declared disaster areas due to the extent of flooding they endured from the three-day rainfall that started Feb. 19. SBA customer service representatives will be …

Gov. Rick Snyder has declared April 8-14 as “Severe Weather Awareness Week.” As a result, Snyder, Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security are encouraging businesses, organizations and families to be a part of a statewide tornado drill next week. The voluntary drill will be conducted at 1 p.m. April 11. The average lead time for tornadoes is 10 …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District is seeking sponsors for its fifth annual golf fundraiser. The scramble takes place May 5 at St. Joe Valley Golf Club. District vice chair John Nelson said the event has a history of strong support for its hole sponsors and contributors, and he hopes this year is no exception. Proceeds from the $60-per-person event …

The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce is staging its annual Administrative Professional Day luncheon later this month. Event organizers are accepting reservations to the event, which runs 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25. It will take place at Venue 45 on North Main Street in downtown Three Rivers. The meal is $20 per person, and chocolates and flowers …

Authorities say a Michigan State Police trooper has shot and wounded a man who refused to drop what turned out to be an airsoft gun. Police say the 36-year-old was being sought on felony warrants and authorities got word he was in a church parking lot Monday evening in the Hastings area. Police tried to block the man from driving …

A 41-year-old Three Rivers man is in custody relating to an arson incident last week at Maple Crest Apartments. Members of the Three Rivers Fire Department were summoned at 5:30 a.m. Saturday to building 1006, where a fire alarm had sounded. A resident found a trash can on fire inside the building’s common area and heavy smoke throughout the structure. …