St. Joseph County officials appear ready to discontinue the format of virtual meetings. During their executive committee meeting last week, commissioners agreed to not renew the state of emergency that allows them to meet virtually only. The declaration is set to expire July 5. While commissioners have been using a hybrid format – in-person and via Zoom – for their …

I am hoping that everyone enjoyed the past weekend in a patriotic way. If you flew the American flag in celebration of the Fourth of July, please continue to fly Old Glory every day and in the proper way. The American flag is a symbol of the United States of America, and is something to be very proud of everyday. …

About $5 million in cash and college scholarships will be given away in lottery-style drawings aimed at raising Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday. The incentive program features a $2 million jackpot, a $1 million prize and 30 daily drawings of $50,000 for residents ages 18 and older who have received at least one shot. Vaccinated residents …

President Joe Biden stayed mum on policy during a Saturday trip to Michigan, focusing instead on cherries — and cherry pie and cherry ice cream — and voters who were mask-free as coronavirus restrictions have eased. It had all the hallmarks of a campaign stop that he couldn’t make last year. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer greeted Biden when he arrived …

James Edward Noonan, age 76, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, June 30, 2021. He was born January 22, 1945 in Chicago, the son of James and Esther (Pompei) Noonan. James owned and operated Noonan’s Electrical and Remodeling over 40 years. He was a faithful member of the Knights of Columbus, the Dowagiac Elks 889 and an Usher at Immaculate …

Christine Marie Long, age 55, of Sturgis, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Wednesday evening June 30, 2021 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. She was born January 15, 1966 in Sturgis, daughter of Michael and Rose (Chrisman) Allen. Chris was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1984 …

Pauline A. Thomas, age 83, of Mendon, died Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Three Rivers Health after a brief illness. She was born on March 25, 1938 the daughter of William T. and Tressie (Phillips) Hamlett. She resided Louisiana and Utah before coming to Michigan in 1990 following her marriage to Willie David Thomas. She was a caregiver and chef …

Members of the Three Rivers Health Authority Board voted earlier this week to support a member-substitution agreement with Beacon Health System. The step is one of many necessary for the proposed partnership between Three Rivers Health and the Indiana-based health system. The potential agreement now awaits approval by the Three Rivers Health Board of Directors, as well as the blessings …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department and Covered Bridge Healthcare are proposing an agreement regarding the use of a vacant county building. During their executive committee meeting Wednesday, county commissioners fielded input from Sheriff Mark Lillywhite and CBH director Rick Shaffer. Lillywhite said the proposed agreement centers on the former parks and recreation department headquarters, south of the county’s central dispatch …

A 2021 Three Rivers High School graduate received statewide recognition this week for her softball prowess. Coming off a record-setting season, Kali Heivilin was named Gatorade’s Michigan Softball Player of the Year. Heivilin made a name for herself by slamming a state-record 29 home runs during the 2021 season. She finished her COVID-shortened varsity career with 66 homers, seven short …