City Commission

Event was successful

Saturday’s fundraiser for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services of St. Joseph, Cass and Van Buren counties was hailed a success by event organizers. Rose Parshall, director of operations for the Three Rivers-based agency, said more than 40 men – most wearing high-heeled or other women’s shoes – took part in the four-lap walk around the track at Three Rivers …

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Sisson has withdrawn from race

A Sturgis City Commission member and candidate for county treasurer has withdrawn from the race. Rob Sisson, who was expected to challenge current treasurer Judie Ratering for the four-year term in November, notified Clerk Pattie Bender of his decision earlier this week. Sisson’s move means Ratering, who was appointed earlier this year to fill the unexpired term of Phyllis Bainbridge, …

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Bedell acting manager

Constantine police chief Jim Bedell has been appointed acting village manager while full-time village manager Mark Honeysett recovers from a heart attack. Members of the village council last week agreed to the temporary measure, which means Bedell will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the village, as well as the law-enforcement side of the community. It was suggested a …

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Proposed COA facility in Sturgis

A pair of St. Joseph County commissioners has asked Sturgis municipal officials to weigh in on the concept of a Commission on Aging facility in Sturgis. Commissioners John Dobberteen and Don Eaton approached city leaders this week and asked for input into the proposed concept. The COA has a fund balance of about $1.4 million and the county commissioners have …

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Centreville looking for new president

The village of Centreville is looking for a new president to lead its village council. Barb Parker, a council member for 15 years – including the last seven as president – announced her resignation Monday. Parker said she was not planning to seek re-election later this year, but decided to resign for family and other reasons. Parker said she would …

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Early payoff for truck

Sturgis municipal officials have decided to pay off a $648,000 loan five years earlier than scheduled in order to save money on interest charges. City Manager Mike Hughes said the early payoff means the city will save $31,700 in interest from its loan with Century Bank and Trust. The original agreement called for equal payments over a 15-year period, starting …

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Salute to Baker

Dozens of well-wishers gathered Tuesday at Three Rivers City Hall to salute Ken Baker. The 90-minute open house to honor Baker and his 40 years of service to the city culminated with a proclamation presented by Mayor Tom Lowry at the onset of Tuesday’s city commission meeting. With the city’s police force on hand to acknowledge the former chief and …

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Matson sworn in on Tuesday

The Three Rivers City Commission is back at full strength, as Larry Matson was sworn into the post Tuesday. After taking the oath of office from city clerk Lindsay Howes, the 68-year-old Matson took his seat to the seven-member panel. Matson, a longtime former member of the Three Rivers Zoning Board of Appeals, is filling the seat left vacant by …

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Street construction in Sturgis

Sturgis city officials said Balkema Excavating will begin water main construction on West South Street starting today, meaning detours will be in place. Westbound traffic on South Street, starting at South Nottawa, will be detoured north to Magnolia Avenue, then south on Prairie and back to South Street. There will be one-way traffic eastbound only on South Street between Jefferson …

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Contracts for village employees

Two key employees for the village of Constantine have been awarded two-year contracts. Village manager Mark Honeysett and police chief Jim Bedell were recipients of the two-year agreements. Honeysett said he had been working without a contract for three years. The new agreement is almost identical to terms of the previous contract, including a $54,000 annual salary. Chief Bedell, meanwhile, …

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