By Jef Rietsma
Journal Correspondent
Recreational-marijuana facilities can continue to operate in Constantine, after voters decided to support a measure retaining that option.
By a margin of 396 to 74, voters on Tuesday opposed a request that would have amended two sections of the village ordinance related to the issue.
The amended ordinance would have banned all components of recreational marijuana.
In essence, the 396 “no” votes mean there will be no change to the ordinance.
The vote does not affect medical-marijuana operations, which will continue to operate under established rules.
The vote’s outcome mattered greatly to Shari Stewart of White Pigeon. Before The Dude Abides provisioning shop opened in Constantine, Stewart’s most viable option was in Kalamazoo County. In addition to a shorter drive, Stewart prefers to patronize and financially support businesses in St. Joseph County.
By Jef Rietsma
Journal Correspondent
Renewal of a millage to support ambulance service in the village of White Pigeon will be decided May 4.
At stake is renewal of 0.35 mills, inititally established in 2017. That is slightly more than $11,000 annually and is dedicated specifically to Emergent Health Partners, formerly called LifeCare Ambulance.
Village officials said the request is for a four-year period.
The 0.35 mills represents White Pigeon’s share of ambulance service provided by Emergent Health Partners, to a total 11 local units of government. The amount paid is based on each entity’s population.
Municipal leaders said the initial millage passed four years ago by a lopsided margin.
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NLRB Official Says Uninked Deals Can t Bar Union Ouster Vote
Law360 (February 18, 2021, 4:47 PM EST) An effort to decertify a union as the representative of EMTs and paramedics at a Michigan ambulance company can go forward, a National Labor Relations Board official has ruled, saying tentative deals on a contract between the employer and union were not enough to bar the election.
In a decision issued Wednesday, NLRB Detroit office Regional Director Terry Morgan said tentative deals between Emergent Health Partners and an International Association of EMTs and Paramedics local did not include signatures from both sides or clear start and end dates. As a result, Morgan said, the documents could not trigger the NLRB s so-called contract.