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Vol. 124, Issue #103 Thursday, May 3, 2018 75¢

TRDDA executive director leaving post

By Alek Frost
Managing Editor
THREE RIVERS — At Tuesday’s
city commission meeting Three
Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry said
Dave Vago, executive director of
the Three Rivers Downtown
Development Authority, was asked
to resign earlier this week.
“Yesterday Dave Vago was fired
and I am pretty upset about that
— and I just have to do this
publicly — city manager (Joe
Bippus), your fingerprints are on
that,” Lowry said.
“You have every right as a board
member to be a part of that process
but I just want you to know that
your political capital downtown
has diminished because of that.
The second thing, the list of
reasons that were given to him for
his dismissal — he was actually
asked to resign, so he was not
fired, and he agreed to that — but
there was a list and some of the
reasons for why he was asked to
leave could fall on your lap, and by
that I mean fundraising and a lack
of volunteers — I just want you to
think about that. You crucified
that man. (…) I just think some
soul-searching needs to be done as
we start the process for the next
See VAGO, page 3

City reviews option agreement Property must be

on file for 30 days
and could be interested in doing the
same with the aforementioned Spring

for former hospital property,

before agreement
can be signed
places resolution on file
By Alek Frost
Managing Editor
THREE RIVERS — The Three Rivers
city commission reviewed a proposed
option agreement between Rivercaddis
Development and the City of Three
Rivers for the “old hospital site” located
at 214 Spring St. in Three Rivers, before
placing the property on file for 30 days to
give the company time to explore options
for redevelopment.
In the executive summary portion of a
letter sent by City Manager Joe Bippus to
the city commission prior to Tuesday’s
meeting, Bippus states “(Rivercaddis
Development) would like an option
agreement to ensure they could own the
property if a viable redevelopment plan
is discovered.”
“The City must place the property on
file for 30 days before an agreement can
be signed. They are proposing a $100 fee
for the option agreement. The option
agreement needs some revisions that will
take place over the next 30 days,” Bippus
Candidate speaks wrote.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Bippus said
Dennis Smith, a Democratic candidate for the position of 59th District State Representative, introduced himself to the
city commission and those in attendance during a commission meeting on Tuesday, May 1 at Three Rivers City Hall. Rivercaddis has redeveloped properties
Commercial-News/Alek Frost around the state of Michigan for housing,
Street property.
“There are new grant programs that
this property apparently — I don’t have
all of the specifics — but apparently
Three Rivers falls within an area that the
government, the federal government,
says you can use certain grants or tax
abatements (for this property). We just
got a new one from them, a new grant
that we qualify for that may help, so it’s
worth them investigating developing
property in this area, in our community,”
he said.
In other business the commission…
•Adopted a budget amendment for
the city’s FY 2017-18 budget.
Additionally, Mayor Tom Lowry said the
commission will have a meeting on
Tuesday, May 8 to discuss the city’s FY
2018-19 budget.
•Authorized two purchase orders for
FY 2018 Wastewater Treatment
Additional Chemical Purchases,
including one purchase order to Jones
Chemicals, Inc. in the amount of
$15,000, and another to Solenis LLC in
the amount of $18,000.
•Adopted a state resolution for the
Liquor Control Commission in order to
enable Kelsey Block Brewing Company
to expand its liquor license to become a
“small wine maker,” in addition to
brewing craft beer.
Alek Frost can be reached at 279-7488
ext. 22 or alek@threeriversnews.com.

Judge hears oral arguments

in St. Joseph County-City of
Three Rivers lawsuit
Decision expected in two to four weeks
By Samantha May
Staff Writer

CENTREVILLE — Berrien County Judge John Donahue heard oral

arguments Wednesday afternoon in a lawsuit filed by St. Joseph County
against the City of Three Rivers seeking return of funds provided for use
in the development of a sports complex.
In the suit the county alleges a breach of its January 2016 “Recreation
Facility Agreement” with the City of Three Rivers, and is asking for a
judgment requiring Three Rivers to return $755,000 that the county
provided for purchase of acreage in Lockport Township upon which a
“sports complex” was to have been built.
Following oral arguments from attorney Kristen L. Baiardi, representing
the county, and attorney Pamela Enslen, representing Three Rivers,
Donahue said the “nightmare” for some of those in attendance would
have to continue, as it will be another two to four weeks before he issues
a decision.
During oral arguments, Baiardi argued the city missed certain deadlines
declared in the contract, and as a result the city is asking the county to
essentially operate under an expired contract.
“Unfortunately, here we are in 2018 with the city wanting to force the
county to perform under an essentially expired contract,” she said.
“[…] We have a contract. We have an amendment to the contract. We
have had an extraordinary passing of time, and extraordinary litigations
in several different forums. We had Lockport Township, non-party to
this case, but obviously interested in the litigation. I think that we are
here today needing direction from this court on what the party’s rights
and obligations are under this contract, as of this date.” railer fire T
Fire departments from Centreville and Three Rivers responded late Tuesday afternoon to a house trailer fire in the village
Baiardi continued and said according to the amended contract,
of Centreville.
See TR LAWSUIT, page 3
Commercial-News/Scott Hassinger

Megan Tr i b u t e S u m m e r
Happel Fri., Aug 31 The Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
Graduation Sat., Sept 1 Fri., July 20 8:00 p.m. $25 - $30
Concert
Showtimes 8:00 p.m. The Johnny Rogers Show:
Sat., May 5 6:30 p.m. Buddy and Beyond
Friday, May 4 – 7:30pm Tickets: $10 – $12 $35 - $40
Saturday, May 5 – 7:30pm Sat.,June 23 8:00 p.m. $15 - $20
Sunday, May 6 – 2pm
RIVIERA THEATRE & BAR Upcoming Events
Visit trriviera.com
Three Rivers Community Players Theater for more info & events
trcommunityplayers.org

WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON:

FPFD considers satellite station in Park Twp. TODAY’S WEATHER
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©2018 Three Rivers Commercial, Inc. a news tip call: 269.279.7488
 Thursday, May 3, 2018 – 3

Commercial-News Today
Since 1930
Insurance – Our Only Business OBITUARIES
Championship Team in 1948. Sales Mgr., General Sales Mgr. John S. Rivers and younger
He furthered his education at of Cybersonic Corp Divn., sister Geraldine A. Rivers
Wayne State University. He was Manager Energy Management (Pullum).
a certified Life Insurance Services and Director of Sales Surviving to cherish his
Underwriter (LUTC), Certified (Europe) Armstrong Service memory is wife JoAnn
National Association Stock Inc. where he eventually retired (Stiefvater) Rivers; daughters,
Dealers, and held several in 1999. Jody (Larry) Daugherty;
Gary Rifenberg Chris Katsaros American Management He was also active in Christine (Eric) Perry; son
Association Certificates. community service of Three John (Sherri) Rivers II;
Norm served his country in Rivers. He served as Chairman grandchildren Steven
273-5305 the U.S. Naval Reserves and the on the Airport Advisory Board (BrieAnna) Daugherty and
Glenn Rifenberg & Associates, Inc. U.S. Army during the Korean and Planning Commission Danielle (Korben) Kavanaugh,
500 N. Main St., P.O. Box 304, Three Rivers War where he was a heavy during the late 1970s. He was Samuel and Alexandria Perry,
weapons instructor at Fort elected City Commissioner in John Rivers III, Kegan and
NORMAN JAMES Riley, KS, and also participated 1980 and Mayor of Three McKenna Rivers and four great
in A-Bomb tests, in Yucca Flats, Rivers in 1981 and City grandsons.
RIVERS Nev. in 1953. Commissioner again in 1996. The family will receive
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Norman James Rivers, age Norm was employed with
Ford Motor Company, Goeble
He was a member of the Three
Rivers Chamber of Commerce
friends from 12 p.m. noon until
time of funeral services
87, of Three Rivers, passed
FREE LEGAL CLINIC
✰✰ ✰✰
away on Friday, April 27, 2018 Brewing Company, John
Hancock Life Insurance
for 25 years , Three Rivers
Rotary for over 40 years, and
beginning at 1 p.m. on Sunday,
May 6, 2018 at First Presbyterian
SECOND THURSDAY OF EVERY at the Rose Arbor Hospice
Company as Assistant District the First Presbyterian Church Church, 320 N. Main St, Three
Center. Norm was born on Feb.
MONTH 15, 1931 in Detroit, the son of Manager, St. Paul Fire & Marine since 1974 where he taught Rivers, MI with Rev. Brenda
1PM TO 3PM the late John F. and Lillian Insurance Company as a Life Sunday School and served as Deily officiating. A luncheon
First Come First Served (Stainsby) Rivers. Sales Supervisor for the State of Deacon and Elder. Norm made will follow the service at The
Hosted by: Norm graduated from Michigan. He was Co-Owner a run for Congress for the U.S. First Presbyterian Church.
and Operator of Hackenberg- House of Representatives for Cremation and interment will
UAW LOCAL 2093 Cooley High School, Detroit. in
1949 where he lettered in Schrieber Insurance Agency. In Michigan in 1988. be at a later date. Memorial
15802 Hoffman Rd. baseball and football and was a 1979 Norm started with Norm was preceded in donations may be directed to
Three Rivers, MI 49093 golden gloves boxing champion. Armstrong International Inc. passing by his parents and Rose Arbor Hospice Center.
and where he was Vice President of brother George Rivers and Online condolences may be
Norm played shortstop on the
Attorney Bill Webster of Carey, American Legion Baseball Iroquois Development corp., sister Ruth Rivers (Naumowitz). shared at www.hohnerfh.com.
Purchasing Agent, Regional Surviving are older brother
Kirk, Webster & Kihm, PLLC
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269-343-5566 and WebsterKihmLaw.com
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n Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
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n Well organized
n Self-Motivated
DYANA SUZANNE
HIGLEY
Dyana Suzanne Higley, age 65
of Three Rivers died Monday,
April 30, 2018. She was born in
St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada on
May 16, 1952 the daughter of
Donald P. and Sheilah (Ryder)
Wilder.
She graduated from Arthur
Voaden High School in St.
Thomas and later from
Fanschawe College in London,
LOCAL DRIVER
CLASS A CDL DRIVER NEEDED
START IMMEDIATELY
Ontario. She has been a
permanent resident of the US
since 1994. She was the former
office manager at Higley
Chiropractic in Three Rivers.
Dyana enjoyed making her
special cheesecake, collecting
dolls and figurines. She loved
animals, especially her rescued
Pomeranians, Bella and Andrew.
She is survived by husband,
Dana; step-daughter, Carla
(William) Barr of South Bend;
mother, Sheilah Sears of Three
Rivers; brother, John (Ann)
VAGO
Continued from page 1
Wilder of St. Thomas; nephew,
Jeffery Wilder of Colon; niece,
Jessica Wilder of Nottawa; step-
brother, Paul (Rhonda) Sears of
Centreville; step-sister, Elizabeth
Gruber of Three Rivers. She was
preceded in death by her father,
Donald Wilder; step-father,
Harry Sears; and three brothers,
Hugh, David, and Michael
Wilder.
In keeping with her wishes,
cremation has been conducted.
A memorial service will be held
2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018 at
the Eickhoff Funeral Home in
Mendon with Rev. Karleen
Kinker, Pastor of Trinity
Episcopal Church of Three
Rivers officiating. Interment will
follow in South Park Cemetery. It
is suggested that memorial
donations be directed to the St.
Joseph County Animal Shelter,
652 E. Main, Centreville, MI
49032. Condolences may be
expressed to the family at www.
eickhofffuneralhome.com.

n Friendly team attitude OTR & LOCAL POSITIONS

(director).” “I will be happy to share place on Friday, May 4 at 8
AVAILABLE
Position Details Competitive Wages Vago declined to comment more about my remaining a.m. at the Three Rivers
FULL TIME No Docks at length on Wednesday but role in the DDA and Main Area Chamber of
Start Immediately No Tarps
HOME WEEKENDS
confirmed he is leaving the Street Program once we Commerce, the situation
Office Hours 7:00am – 3:30pm Monday-Friday HOME SOME WEEKNIGHTS position, and intends to have finalized those details,” will be discussed.
Answer phones, assist accounting, order parts Experience with skid steer is a plus work with the organization Vago told the Commercial- Alek Frost can be reached
Stop in or email resume: APPLY IN PERSON
3001 Tuscany Dr
to ensure a smooth News. at 279-7488 ext. 22 or alek@
3001 Tuscany Drive, Elkhart IN 46514 Elkhart, IN 46514 transition “so its progress According to the TRDDA’s threeriversnews.com.
mmatthews@superiortireaxle.com Or Email resume to: and momentum downtown agenda for its next board
mmsuperioraxle@aol.com
can continue.” meeting, which will take

Music for the TR LAWSUIT

back country roads. WWW.WRCIRADIO.COM
Continued from page 1
construction on the property
was required to begin one year
following the case’s resolution
date, and “according to law,”
the case was resolved once the
property was legally annexed,
to comply with the agreement,
and what the county defines as
“the case resolution date” as
well as the deadline for
construction of the sports
complex to be completed, has
was a stay. The city quite
literally could not do anything
until Jan. 19 of this year when
Judge Middleton released that
stay.”
Enslen said the city has done

WRCI 97.1
which took place on June 21,
2017 when the Department of
Licensing and Regulatory
Affairs issued its decision
upholding the State Boundary
Commission’s recommendation
to allow the proposed
What’s old is NEW again! annexation.
“From the county’s
perspective, that must be the
CLASSIC COUNTRY from the 70s • 80s & 90s! case resolution date. The
argument that the city is
ALSO BROADCASTING LOCAL NEWS AND WEATHER making to basically ask the
court to judicially revise the
definitional section of the case
resolution date is nothing more
than that. They are asking you
to rewrite the contract to make
it more favorable to the city at
When your this point,” Baiardi said.
Enslen argued the city has
need is greatest, we done everything it needed to do
changed over the past two
years.
“The county had in its
various pleadings somewhat of
a moving target. In the
complaint they first argued that
construction had to be
completed by July 1, 2017. Then
later in the complaint they said
it had to be completed Jan. 1,
2018. Here for the first time in
the reply brief by the county,
they are arguing that the initial
decision by the State Boundary
Commission in June is the case
resolution date,” she said.
“What they ignored and the
court touched upon is that
there was an automatic appeal
because it was an administrative
decision, that went to St. Joseph
County Circuit Court and there
nothing wrong in complying
with the agreement and made a
motion asking the court to
declare Jan. 19, 2018 as the case
resolution date, which would
mean the city would have until
Jan. 19, 2019 to complete
construction.
The case was assigned to
Berrien County Judge John
Donahue because all St. Joseph
County judges asked to be
recused from all involvement in
the proceedings. Wednesday’s
hearing was conducted in St.
Joseph County Circuit Court in
Centreville.
Managing Editor Alek Frost
contributed to this report.
Samantha May can be
reached at 279-7488 ext. 23 or
sam@threeriversnews.com.

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