More than 350 people gathered at the corner of U.S. 131 and Michigan Avenue on Saturday, March 28, from 3 to 4 p.m. Supportive drivers honked as they passed, while others shouted at demonstrators from their vehicles. At least two trucks repeatedly drove past the crowd in the lane closest to the sidewalk, revving their engines and emitting diesel exhaust toward protesters.
The meeting, which lasted more than three hours Tuesday, included several tense exchanges among commissioners, a closed-door discussion about City Manager Joe Bippus, and an emergency management briefing featuring city officials, first responders, and representatives from the American Red Cross and Samaritan's Purse.
The storm was among the fiercest to strike Three Rivers in recent memory. Despite the destruction, residents across the city rushed to support one another before, during, and after.
To discuss Three Rivers’ future desires for the cameras, Watershed Voice reached out to a representative of the Three Rivers Police Department but was told all media requests are now to be directed to City Manager Joe Bippus. Multiple attempts to seek comment from Bippus were made but, as of the publication of this article, Bippus has yet to respond.
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%.
The used 2023 Chevy Blazer will be utilized as an unmarked vehicle for the Three Rivers Police Department. The purchase will be covered, in part, by trading in three department vehicles with mechanical issues, along with a $14,760 city contribution.
The Commission is expected to vote on adopting its updated WeAreTR: Imagine 2040 Master Plan, a long-term blueprint that guides city growth and development through 2040. The plan outlines policies and goals for housing, downtown redevelopment, transportation, recreation, and land use.
Organized by the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival is one of the city’s most anticipated summer traditions, offering something for all ages — from pancake breakfasts and a parade to duck races and fireworks.
The city will collect approximately $4.6 million in property taxes, while the remainder of general fund revenue will come from state-shared revenue, service fees, and grants.
Located on the north side of The Huss Project building (1008 8th St.) in the Front Porch Pavilion and the Imaginarium, the market has become a community staple in Three Rivers, drawing families, farmers, artists and volunteers into one shared space.
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