Three new board members to be appointed

Three new appointments to the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Board will likely be made before the end of the month.

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week were advised that Jean Skalski of Three Rivers, Beverly Burnham of Centreville and Lillian Carter of Constantine have requested their appointments to the board not be renewed. Their terms are due to expire at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, board members Allen Balog of Three Rivers, and Sturgis residents Barbara Fisher and Deborah Leyes, are asking to be re-appointed to new terms. Their current terms also expire June 30.

County commissioners are expected to interview applicants and eventually make a decision on choosing three new COA board members.

School Board member resigns

A 12-year member of the Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education announced her resignation last week.

LeeAnn McConnell, who did not elaborate on the reason for her resignation, was serving a term due to expire in November 2014.

The board must fill McConnell’s spot within 30 days of her date of resignation. A district resident wishing to complete McConnell’s term may submit a letter of interest through the mail or in person to the superintendent’s office. The deadline is Thursday.

Three Rivers Mural Mall project nearing end

A permit issued last week for the Three Rivers Mural Mall improvement project signals the end of construction related to the downtown attraction.

The walk-through area between North Main and Railroad streets was redesigned to include picnic benches, plants, a play area and other items to create a visually appealing area. It also has a surveillance camera with a direct link to the Three Rivers Police Department.

The majority of the project, costing in excess of $950,000, was funded through a state grant, with nearly $200,000 required for a match coming from the city’s Downtown Development Authority.

A formal dedication is scheduled to occur in mid-July.

Sturgis Relay for Life Event

The 2013 Sturgis Relay for Life event begins this afternoon, as cancer survivors and participants walking in memory of a cancer victim will assemble a Sturgis High School’s track.

The event starts at 3 p.m., with a number of special laps planned. At 6 o’clock, cancer survivors will walk a victory lap and a luminaire ceremony starts at 10, when participants reflect on those who lost their cancer battle.

Organizers said 21 teams have committed to the event and have raised more than $27,000 in pledges so far.

A pancake breakfast will be offered 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Plans to move forward

St. Joseph County officials have agreed to move forward with the idea of promoting St. Joseph County to the Chicago region.

During a work session that included all five county commissioners Wednesday, county administrator Pat Yoder said he will work with officials from 2 Fish marketing and look at steps toward developing a concrete plan.

Commissioner Don Eaton, a leading advocate for the potential marketing campaign, said he has confirmation from seven stakeholders, including at least three municipalities, a local hospital and an economic development corporation.

Yoder, however, said a proposal needs definitive wording and dollar amounts, and organizing a roster of confirmed stakeholders would be a prudent course of action.

Yoder is expected to deliver an update later in the summer after meeting with 2 Fish representatives.

Resident asked to clean property

A Sturgis resident will be asked to clean his Klinger Lake property of construction debris and concrete blocks, following an order to be imposed by White Pigeon Township officials.

With more than two dozen people attending Tuesday’s township board meeting, Supervisor Don Gloy said he will ask that Eric Pierson removes the items from his Klinger Lake Road property.

In addition, Randy Schmeling, the township’s building inspector will be directed to look over the exterior of the residence at 68222 Klinger Lake Road to ensure it is not riddled with mold, as some neighbors suspect.

Township attorney Lance Thornton said if Pierson falls into violation of the township’s request, he would likely receive a civil-infraction citation and the matter would go to court.

Though he was not in attendance Tuesday, Pierson earlier said he has complied with the few requests the township has asked of him to ensure he stays within code. The house in question is vacant and its interior is unfinished.

A status report on the matter will likely be yielded at the township’s July 2 meeting.

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