The Three Rivers City Commission Tuesday approved the use of over $1 million of the city’s fund balance to demolish the old Three Rivers Hospital, which City Manager Joe Bippus says has become “a public nuisance” after falling into disrepair decades ago. The project is expected to begin in the spring, and take approximately six months to complete.

City Manager Joe Bippus announced Friday that Ronald “Scott” Boling will be the next Three Rivers Police Chief, succeeding longtime Police Chief Tom Bringman who retired in November. Boling most recently served as police chief of the Schoolcraft Police Department where Bippus has previously been employed as a patrol officer in addition to his duties as city manager. It is unclear whether Bippus still serves in any capacity with the Schoolcraft PD.

Executive Editor Alek Haak-Frost writes, “Neighborhood skateparks, basketball courts, and open grass with no entry fees are paramount for low-income residents, and with Tuesday’s decision to approve the allocation of $17,000 to extend the Memory Isle basketball court from a half court to a full court, as well as the installation of a second hoop, the city commission chose to invest in an incredibly important and underserved demographic within our community.”

The Three Rivers City Commission approved a $50,000 donation to the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Tuesday following a presentation from TRDDA Executive Director Tricia Meyer. The TRDDA was instrumental in bringing approximately $326,000 in grants to downtown Three Rivers in 2020, benefiting local businesses amid a global pandemic and economic downturn, and facilitating the continued beautification of downtown Three Rivers.

Three Rivers City Commissioners Clayton Lyczynski and Alison Haigh questioned whether Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Chair Andrew George should be reappointed during Tuesday’s commission meeting. Lyczynski cited George’s involvement in a suit filed against the city concerning a petition to place a marijuana ordinance on last November’s ballot, questioning George’s “integrity” and “desire to do what’s best for the city.”