The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority will kick off this year's series on Thursday, June 18, with a screening of the 1988 comedy Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The movie is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. at the Three Rivers Amphitheater on Joshua Drive.
Republican State Senator Jim Runestad has introduced a package of three bills that would temporarily halt new data center development across Michigan until April 1, 2027. The trio of bills—Senate Bills 1018, 1019, and 1020—each target a different aspect of data center development, an issue that has become increasingly contentious in communities across the state.
Speaking during the June 4 Cass County Board of Commissioners meeting, attorney Sarah Scoggin thanked county employees, court officials, law enforcement agencies, prosecutor's office staff and community members for helping her transition into the role. “It is a little overwhelming to be one person that is taking over what six people usually do. That is a lot, but the first week is going pretty well,” Scoggin said. “I do want to say that I really appreciate everybody in the county who has been just so supportive. I’ve had so many people offer just whatever they can.” Scoggin was appointed interim prosecuting attorney May 28 by Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Herman following the resignation of former Prosecutor Victor Fitz, and the departure of the office's assistant prosecutors.
Since launching in 2020, the market has grown from 11 vendors to 29 vendors this season, according to Huss Farm Manager and market co-manager Margaret Wenger. "The market has grown significantly since our first season in 2020. Each year we've added new vendors and special events. We started with just 11 vendors and we have 29 vendors planning to sell at the market this season," Wenger said. "The market has become a gathering place for so many in our community. It's exciting to see people from all backgrounds come together around local food and products."
The Three Rivers City Commission approved pursuing a state historic preservation grant for two downtown rehabilitation projects and transferred a city-owned property on Middle Street for redevelopment during its meeting Tuesday. Commissioners also voiced support for members of United Auto Workers Local 2093, who are on strike at the American Axle plant, during commissioner comments at the end of the meeting.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) notified the city May 5 that the drawdown must be completed by July 15. The action follows the agency's latest evaluation of the dam's left embankment, an area that has been monitored for several years through the city's regular dam safety reporting process. City officials said the required drawdown is being implemented as an Interim Risk Reduction Measure while plans continue to move forward for long-term repairs and improvements to the embankment.
“With inflation, cost of living, you know, my members want a living wage, and my members want benefits that are affordable and that they have access to, and I think they have every right to have every one of those benefits,” UAW Local 2093 Vice President Joe Taylor told Watershed Voice. “They want job security, they want to retire with dignity, and they're some of the hardest working people that I know.” Members of UAW Local 2093 work at American Axle & Manufacturing, also known locally as Dauch Corporation, which supplies axles for General Motors pickup trucks. The strike follows months of contract negotiations between union representatives and the company. Earlier in May, workers voted 98% in favor of authorizing a strike if an agreement could not be reached before the contract deadline.
Former Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz announced Wednesday he is joining the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office after resigning from his elected position earlier this month. Fitz’s departure comes alongside the resignations of the office’s remaining assistant prosecutors, leaving all six attorney positions in the office vacant or in transition. Thursday morning, Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark A. Herman appointed attorney Sarah E. Scoggin as interim prosecuting attorney.
The renovation of 104–106 N. Nottawa Street will convert the historic structure into a fully restored, structurally sound building that will serve as the future home of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation’s offices. It will also create shared gathering space for nonprofit organizations, community leaders, businesses, and partners from across St. Joseph County. The project is the first major investment of the newly established SIA Community Impact Fund, a charitable fund held at the foundation dedicated to supporting community and economic development throughout the county.
Commissioner Aaron Miller introduced a resolution asking the commission to authorize an investigation by outside counsel. The proposal would have examined whether Mayor Frank Perez, Richard Bir, Cathi Abbs, and Linda Harrington potentially violated Michigan law, applicable case law, commission procedures and the city charter. Miller said an outside review would provide a path toward greater transparency. City Attorney T.J. Reed clarified that any investigative report would first be reviewed by the commission, which would then determine what information, if any, could be released publicly.
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