Representatives from Confluence were present at the meeting and said other cannabis companies that are not vertically integrated — that is, not growing and selling their own products — are struggling. They emphasized that Confluence is locally owned and operated, and that six of their employees have purchased homes in Three Rivers.
After several years of planning, research and grant writing, construction on the amphitheater is nearing completion. The grand opening event will not only mark an infrastructural milestone but serve as a showcase for local musicians.
When the item last appeared before the commission in September, Commissioner Chris Abel raised concerns about language in the ordinance that restricted residents of veterans group homes from participating in recreational activities anywhere other than the backyard. The amendment returned Tuesday for its public hearing and possible adoption.
Among the most requested programs this year has been People Leadership — a series of professional development workshops that equip supervisors with tools for performance planning, coaching and counseling, communication, career development and team building.
Commissioners will hold a public hearing and likely vote on a zoning ordinance amendment allowing group housing for veterans in residential and business districts. The ordinance defines “Veterans Family Homes” and “Veterans Group Housing” by size (2-20 residents) and sets location and permit requirements. The measure, developed with input from the St. Joseph County Veterans Affairs Department, aims to expand housing options for local veterans.
This month’s meeting is drawing heightened attention as commissioners consider a proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) text amendment. Some residents have raised safety and land use concerns about allowing large battery storage units alongside solar facilities, pointing to risks such as fire hazards and changes to rural character. Township officials, however, are urging residents to “slow down and know the facts,” according to a statement on the township’s website.
Project Connect aims to assist low-income families, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness in St. Joseph County.
The plan would consolidate the state’s 10 Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) into just three super-regions. “I worry our clients will just become numbers in a system,” says Amy Davidhizar, provider network manager at Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network in Cass County. “We’ve built a safety net that only works because of trust and follow-through. That doesn’t exist when decisions are made hundreds of miles away.”
Seventh graders across St. Joseph County will soon climb aboard a new mobile classroom designed to introduce them to the world of advanced manufacturing. The traveling lab will make stops at all nine partner districts — Burr Oak, Centreville, Colon, Constantine, Mendon, Nottawa, Sturgis, Three Rivers and White Pigeon — giving every seventh grader a chance to spend 45 minutes exploring its equipment.
In brief discussion, the commission signaled interest in exploring ways to enable building on substandard legacy lots — potentially through setback or variance pathways — so more infill housing could be feasible, with further work expected through the planning commission and master plan process.
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
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