Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a sweeping order banning dine-in customers at restaurants and closing all bars, movie theaters, gyms and other sports facilities to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The order will last through March. She also prohibited large gatherings of more than 50 people and ordered that more people qualify for unemployment benefits during the global …

It is with immense grief we announce the death of our beloved daughter, Baylor Abbs. She died Friday, March 13, 2020, at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Baylor was born June 5, 2019, to Craig and Jenna Abbs in Fort Wayne, and was diagnosed with transitional atrioventricular canal defect at 2 months of age. For the past nine months, she …

Tim Lewis Miller, age 78, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the Sturgis Hospital emergency room. He was born Sept. 3, 1941, in Lima, Ohio, a son of the late Lawrence L. and Evelyn (Long) Miller. Tim moved to the Sturgis area in eighth grade and graduated from Centreville High School with the class of 1959. He …

Karen Lynette Napier, age 56, of Sturgis, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020, as the result of a single car accident on US-12 west of Sturgis. She was born March 19, 1963, in Gary, Indiana, to Eldon and Carolyn (Harbit) Ralston. Ms. Napier worked at the Dairy Queen in Sturgis. Karen enjoyed caring for her brother’s dogs and making jewelry. She …

St. Joseph County government is temporarily closing to the public its offices in the historic courthouse as well as in its Annex 2, located east of the courthouse complex. County administrator Teresa Doehring announced Friday that the measure is in response to limiting potential exposure to the coronavirus. Departments affected by this move are county administration, county clerk and register …

A Three Rivers woman was involved in a two-vehicle crash last week in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 3:25 p.m. Friday to an area of U.S. 12 near Vera Drive. Investigators said a pick-up driven by 26-year-old Alexander Earl of Goshen was stopped to turn left into a driveway. It was struck from …

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Friday that all 131 Michigan Secretary of State branch offices will be changing operations to slow the spread of the coronavirus. During a three-week period starting today, branches will only offer services for critical transactions that must be conducted in-person and only by appointment. Walk-ins will be asked to make an appointment, for the …

The RV industry in northern Indiana is watching what kind of impact the coronavirus may have on the market. Many of the factories in China that temporarily closed in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 are starting production again. But there are concerns about transportation and whether finished products will make it to their destination. The South Bend Tribune …

Sherrill A. Kline, age 84, of Constantine, died on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Birch Meadows AFC in Three Rivers. She was born April 29, 1935, a daughter of Ralph and Mildred (Crotser) Heminger. Sherrill graduated from White Pigeon High School in 1953. On June 27, 1953 she married Lyle E. Kline at the Mottville Biible Church. He preceded her in …

Statement from Perri Saunders, Director White Pigeon Township Library: In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, and to responsibly demonstrate community mitigation strategies, the White Pigeon Township Library is now closed indefinitely. Curbside service will be available to patrons during regular library hours – 9 to 6 on Monday through Friday, and 9 to 1 on Saturday.  Patrons …