Brush pick-up in Sturgis

The city of Sturgis is continuing its brush pick-up through the end of the week.

Department of Public Services crews started the process Monday from the north side of the city and are making their way to the south end.

City officials ask that materials be neatly stacked on the terrace area, away from objects or obstructions such as power poles, guy wires, sign posts or valve boxes. Also, limbs, branches or brush material longer than eight feet will not be collected.

Grass clippings, roots, thorn-bearing branches, tree trunks, stumps or construction materials will not be collected.

Items stolen from residence

Items from a residence in Colon Township were stolen during a forced-entry break-in last week.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were called to the 32000 block of Decker Road, where jewelry and a number of other items were stolen.

The victim told police the incident likely occurred between Thursday last week and this past Sunday.

Sheriff investigating breaking-&-entering

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred last weekend in Leonidas Township.

According to a department media release, a barn was entered by the suspect and cigarettes were stolen from a vehicle parked inside. The suspect was confronted by a resident and fled the area on foot, westbound toward Correll Road.

Millage renewals pass

Officials from school districts in Three Rivers and White Pigeon saw non-homestead millage renewals pass with ease Tuesday.

In Three Rivers, nearly two-thirds of the 612 participating voters OK’d an 18-mill renewal levied to the tax bills of commercial and non-homestead properties. The millage generates nearly $3.7 million annually and represents about 15 percent of the district’s annual budget.

White Pigeon Community Schools had success with its non-homestead millage renewal Tuesday, as well. Almost three-quarters of the 460 voters who took part in the vote supported the measure.

District officials said the five-year renewal ensures the district will continue to collect about $2.8 million annually through the non-homestead millage.

A request by Marcellus Community Schools for an additional 3 mills over a 21-year period was rejected, 482 to 308.

District officials were attempting to raise $15.2 million for matters related to security, technology, transportation and building maintenance district wide.

Voters support increase in millage

Smoother roads will be appearing in Sturgis over the next decade, as voters Tuesday supported a 3-mill increase dedicated to street improvements and sidewalk repairs.

The 10-year millage is expected to generate about $6.7 million in all, thanks to voter support of the proposal, which passed by a 3-to-2 margin.

Mayor Ken Malone said the 3 mills will appear on the city’s summer 2013 tax bill. The increase will cost the average property owner in Sturgis about $100 a year.

Malone said roadwork from the millage money will begin before the end of the year.

Financial support for new animal shelter

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners were asked Tuesday to consider providing financial support to help establish a new animal shelter.

Proposed as a jointly run operation between the county and the newly formed River Country Humane Society, the potential facility is being eyed at the 12-acre location previously occupied by Finnerman’s Farm and Garden Equipment site on West Burr Oak Street in Centreville.

Loralee Knepper of Mendon and Three Rivers resident Laura Barley, proponents of the new facility, asked commissioners to consider the funding request. Knepper said beyond a holding and adoption center, the operation has other potential uses, including walking trails, obedience classes and grooming facilities.

Barley said the existing facility, adjacent to the sheriff’s department, is an old building with severe drainage and ventilation problems, traumatized animals are placed next to a firing range and there is no quiet place to spend time with a potential adopted dog.

She asked commissioners to choose an experienced commercial real estate broker to help guide through what needs to be done to determine the value and potential of the Finnerman property, which is listed at $519,000.

« Previous Page — Next Page »