The Republican-led Michigan Legislature has lengthened Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s coronavirus emergency declaration by 23 days, through April, rather than adopt a 70-day extension she sought into mid-June. Republicans say they had to vote Tuesday to keep Whitmer’s emergency declaration from expiring. But Democrats say it would not have lapsed because she issued a declaration last week, meaning legislators did …

Officials say Michigan deaths from the coronavirus rose 16% in the largest daily jump since the pandemic hit the state. The state reported 118 additional deaths related to the respiratory disease caused by the virus, raising the total to 845. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases rose 10% to nearly 19,000. Gov Gretchen Whitmer says “it’s another tough 24 hours” …

Fay Wilmer Hart Jr., age 97, of Sturgis passed away Thursday, morning April 2, 2020, surrounded by family at his home in Sturgis. He was born Jan. 29, 1923, in LaGrange, and was the son of the late Fay W. and Kathryn (Wright) Hart. Fay graduated from Brighton High School in 1942 and later proudly served time during World War …

We all have a lifestyle, yet the word “Lifestyle” didn’t exist before 1929. The word entered the English language that year and is defined as “a set of attitudes, habits, or possessions associated with a particular person or group.” Here’s a helpful hint to consider before you mail in your tax return for this year. If you have already received …

Michigan lawmakers plan to convene for the first time in weeks to lengthen Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency declaration amid the coronavirus pandemic but are at odds over the extension and whether the session is even necessary. The Republican-led Legislature is scheduled to meet Tuesday, three weeks after last voting. Since then, one legislator has died from a suspected COVID-19 infection and another has tested …

State officials are reminding residents that permits to openly burn yard debris remain suspended across most of Michigan and that the dangers of fire are increasing as temperatures warm. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources says recent fires, including a 21-acre blaze wildfire in Presque Isle County, have been caused by backyard debris burning. DNR firefighters also have stopped conducting prescribed …

Lee Michael “Mike” Keely, age 59, of Sturgis, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Mike was born in Goshen on May 23, 1960, a son of Martin and Mary (Borntrager) Keely. He attended Fairfield Public Schools.  On December 20, 1986, he married Ony Schwartz at the Locust Grove Mennonite Church in Burr Oak; …

Rosemary Jane Kellogg, age 78, passed away at her home on Thursday, April 2, 2020. She was born on May 2, 1941 to Thomas and Florence (Thompson) Tree in Brookfield, IL or “Chicago Land” (as she would say). On February 28, 1962 she was united in marriage to Terrance G. Kellogg. They would soon after move to Three Rivers, where …

Lynn A. Russell, age 84, of Constantine, died on Friday, April 3, 2020 at his home. He was born June 9, 1935 in Union City, a son of Clyde and Mary (Ady) Russell. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1955. On July 12, 1959 Lynn married Donna Slentz at Three Rivers Bible Church. He began working at Peterson Spring …

Members of the Constantine Village Council have approved the municipality’s 2020-21 budget. Village manager Mark Honeysett said the taxable value is estimated at $36.6 million, with tax revenue unchanged from last year. He added that one area of concern is the sewer fund. Honeysett said the village will not be able to close the gap between revenue and expense to …