The commission held its annual organizational meeting, and a regular business meeting previously scheduled for Monday, November 10 that was rescheduled due to election results not yet being fully certified.
Because the Michigan Constitution can only be amended through a voter-approved ballot measure, Senate Joint Resolution F, must first secure a two-thirds majority in both legislative chambers. In the Senate, that means 25 votes. Democrats hold 19 seats, and Sen. Jeremy Moss said all have co-sponsored the resolution, leaving six Republican votes needed for passage. If approved by the Senate, the resolution would move to the House, where a two-thirds vote is also required – 73 votes total. Republicans currently hold a 58–52 majority.
Citywide, 6,292 registered voters reside in Three Rivers, and 1,231 cast ballots, for an overall turnout of 19.56%. Turnout was slightly higher in Precinct 1 (24.17%) than in Precinct 2 (15.97%). Across both precincts, voters 60 and older had the highest participation rate at 37.19%, continuing a trend of strong turnout among older residents. In contrast, representing the lower end, voters ages 22–30 had a participation rate of 7.32%, while voters ages 18–21 participated at a similarly low rate of 6.74%.
Farrand Hall’s original location in Colon opened in 2019 and quickly built a following for its farm-to-table approach, inventive menus, and focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. In 2023, the owners added a bakery and production kitchen in Colon, expanding their capacity and supporting both retail and restaurant operations.
The ordinance converts curbside recycling from an add-on service to a full city utility, billed as a mandatory fee on utility bills for eligible residential properties. The commission’s approval of the second reading triggers a 20-day waiting period before the ordinance can go into effect. The measure is designed as an alternative to letting the city’s existing recycling contract with Borden expire at year’s end. Previously, the commission had moved toward ending curbside service at the end of the current contract because of rising costs and a roughly $150,000 funding shortfall, even at the maximum allowed fee under state law.
Wednesday’s meeting will feature the second reading of the ordinance. If approved, the city would enter a 20-day waiting period before the measure becomes law. The commission will also need to decide the length of its next contract with Borden — likely between one year, which allows flexibility if prices change or the commission later discontinues recycling, and three years, which would reduce per-household costs through volume pricing.
During the organizational meeting, the newly sworn-in Three Rivers City Commission will elect a mayor pro tem, who serves in the mayor’s absence. The commission will also review parliamentary procedure, approve commission and administrative guidelines, set the 2026 meeting schedule, and approve the 2026 holiday schedule for full-time, non-union staff.
Residents are asked to place brush and tree limbs in the right-of-way or terrace area, off the street, by 7 a.m. on November 17 to ensure pickup. Crews will make one pass through the city, starting on the north side and working south. Brush placed out after crews have passed may not be collected.
Organizers emphasized that both the demonstration and food drive are open to all, regardless of political affiliation, and are intended to foster connection and mutual support.
Shrek the Musical runs from November 14-16 at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts in Sturgis. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for both children and adults.
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
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