Dennis Rumsey

Michigan governor supports vaccine mandate; AG would defend

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that she still supports President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, clarifying comments she made earlier this month in which she expressed concerns about it. After a federal appeals court overruled a decision last week that paused a nationwide vaccine mandate for employers of 100 workers or more, 27 Republican-led state governments have come forward with their intent …

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St. Joseph County announces labor agreements

St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring announced Tuesday tentative contract agreements have been reached with the county’s 10 different labor unions. Doehring said with two exceptions, annual raises of 2 percent will be given in each of the next three years. Meanwhile, corrections officers will receive 3 percent raises annually over the next 36 months while the command group for …

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Report from the county commissioners meeting

During Tuesday’s county commission meeting, commissioner Jared Hoffmaster said the five-county Southwest Michigan Solid Waste Consortium has been dissolved. He said St. Joseph County, however, will continue to keep its own Solid Waste Committee. On an unrelated note, Hoffmaster said the St. Joseph County Transportation Board is in need of members. The board meets the third Tuesday of the month. …

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Two mile trail proposed for Sturgis

Sturgis commissioners are reviewing a plan calling for development of a trail on leased Michigan Southern Railway right-of-way. The proposed route would extend from west of Big Hill Road west to North Jefferson Street, then south to Chicago Road. Initially, the scope of work consists of preliminary design layout, final design, preparation of contractor requests for bids, evaluation of bids, …

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United sets up fund for the Parker family

The St. Joseph County United Way has stepped in to assist the family of a Centreville man and his young son who both died in a car crash last weekend. Director Kelly Hostetler said the agency has established a fund to aid the family of Phillip Parker with funeral expenses and other financial demands. Parker, age 30, and his 5-year-old …

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Derek Guthrie, age 46

When reflecting on the life of Derek Guthrie, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a serving member of his community, and he was always willing to help those around him in ways both great and small. Derek’s resilience and endurance were truly a testament to his inner strength and …

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Robert Mathiak, 64

Robert Louis Mathiak, age 64, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at his residence in LaGrange. He was born Feb. 16, 1957, in Kalamazoo to George Arthur and Julia Belle (Spalla) Mathiak. Surviving are three children, Robert (Abbie) Mathiak of Angola, Danielle A. Mathiak of Elkhart, Myranda (Korrie) Owen of Three Rivers; six grandchildren; four siblings, Bill (Donna) Mathiak of Detroit, …

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SJC commissioners met on Tuesday

A Florence Township resident will replace a long-time member of the St. Joseph County Road Commission Board. County commissioners Tuesday appointed David Miars to the six-year term, replacing David Allen. Allen had indicated he was ready to step down from the road commission board after completing a six-year term of his own. Miars, who is chairman of the county’s Public …

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Free Ride Home – CTA is appealing for financial support

St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is appealing to businesses and individuals willing to help support its annual New Year’s Eve Free Ride Home program. The six-hour service starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and is offered free of charge to New Year’s Eve revelers in St. Joseph County. CTA drivers will pick up and drop off a rider anywhere in …

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Two weeks paid vacation

A Colon business owner is giving a priceless gift to her 10 employees: two weeks of paid vacation. Dawn Furney, owner of Dawn’s Café, said the paid time off was part of a deal she made with her staff. Furney said she adopted a four-days-on, three-days-off work schedule and an hourly pay raise. In exchange, Furney modified the restaurant’s hours …

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