Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday refused to discuss the circumstances surrounding the abrupt departure of Michigan’s health director during the coronavirus pandemic, including whether she asked for his resignation. The Democratic governor also declined to set a date for the return of youth contact sports, despite growing pressure after her administration extended the ban through Feb. 21, three months after …

Brent Matthew Morris, age 61, of Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 22, 2021 at his home. He was born in Three Rivers on February 25, 1959, a son of Richard Morris and Carol (Cottingham) Stumpf. Brent attended Three Rivers schools. He enjoyed going hunting and fishing, and had a passion for the great outdoors. Surviving Brent are …

John M. Boggs, age 80, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Aug.10, 1940, in Hudson, Ind., a son of the late John and Grace Boggs. John resided in Sturgis for more than 50 years. John retired from Rehau Inc. in Sturgis following over 30 years of dedicated employment. Following …

Jimmy Lee “Gee,” “Geebo” McGee, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, January 18, 2021 at Borgess Medical Center. He was born September 1, 1952 in Brookhaven, Miss., the son of Roosevelt Jr. and Annie Lee (Martin) McGee. A Three Rivers resident since age 9, Jimmy graduated in 1970 from Three Rivers High School where he played football, baseball, …

December’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County dropped more than 1 percent from the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s unemployment rate was 3.2 percent, down from 4.3 percent in November.  St. Joseph County featured the lowest unemployment rate in the region in December. The rate in Kalamazoo …

The St. Joseph County United Way is winding down its 2021 campaign and agency officials are issuing an end-of-campaign challenge. Director Kelly Hostetler said the seven-day, $15,000 challenge is on and will conclude Friday. Prospective donors are able to donate with a credit card, check or cash at the United Way’s Centreville office. Pledges can also be made and a …

St. Joseph County is home to a high school state championship team. Centreville High School’s varsity football squad claimed the Division 8 state title Friday in Detroit, where the Bulldogs defeated Ubly, 22-0. The defensive-led team entered the game 10-0 and took a 16-0 halftime lead to the locker room thanks to a pair of second-quarter scores. Sam Todd secured …

Sallyann Marie Taylor, age 87, of Mendon, died Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 at Thurston Woods in Sturgis. She was born in Ludington, MI on Oct. 7, 1933 the daughter of Charles and Marguerite (LaBarr) Vorac. Her parents died when she was quite young, and Sallyann became a foster child of Margaret Travis of Mendon. She graduated from Mendon High School …

One winning ticket was sold for the $1 billion Mega Millions jackpot to someone who bought it in Michigan, making it the third-largest lottery prize in U.S. history. The winning numbers for Friday night’s drawing were 4, 26, 42, 50 and 60, with a Mega Ball of 24. The winning ticket was purchased at a Kroger store in the Detroit suburb of …

Michigan restaurants and bars can reopen for indoor dining at 25% capacity and with a 10 p.m. curfew starting Feb. 1, and concessions can resume at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Friday. The state health department’s coronavirus restrictions were loosened again amid a continued drop in cases and hospitalizations. They will be effective for three weeks, …