Branch-St. Joseph Area Agency on Aging officials recently summarized a webinar about the ending of Medicaid Pandemic coverage. Some key points: States can start re-determinations Feb 1. No one can be terminated from Medicaid until April 1. If someone is terminated from Medicaid and they don’t have Medicare, they can apply for insurance coverage through the Healthcare Marketplace. Being terminated …

Nurses at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital are indicating to superiors they are giving consideration to calling a strike. Nurses at the Coldwater-based facility have been working without a contract since the start of the year. Furthermore, they have voted down three contract proposals presented by ProMedica. The two organizations started contract-related talks in September. No new talks have been scheduled. …

A free wellness clinic is coming to Sturgis next month. Co-sponsored by the St. Joseph County United Way, the clinic will take place 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at Sturgis Fire Department, on North Nottawa Street. The clinic will feature Moderna and Pfizer COVID booster shots. In addition, flu vaccines will be available. Insured individuals are asked to bring …

Colon Community Schools is in the process of organizing a new program called “Magi Reads.” Details are still being worked out but the core of the free program centers on children from newborns through 4-years-old having exposure to age-appropriate books and reading material. Logistics are still being worked out but the delivery service would include books and a small stash …

Glen Oaks Community College is, once again, seeking help in selecting individuals for three awards presented annually during the college’s commencement ceremonies in early May. The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a Glen Oaks alum who has demonstrated achievement in his or her career field, service to the community or outstanding contribution to the college. The Fellows Award is …

Longtime Three Rivers varsity football coach J.J. Wagner recently announced he is stepping down from the position after 24 years with the Wildcat football program. Wagner served the last 18 years as the school’s head coach. District officials said Wagner met with team members to inform them of his decision. Wagner said he will continue in his teaching role with …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week took care of a few housekeeping matters, including renewal of service with two parties. Grant writer-service agreement with James Hissong was approved. The 2023 cost will be $35,800. Meanwhile, the seven-member board agreed to continue services with MSU Extension for nearly $208,000. Commissioners also approved an annual appropriation of nearly $260,000 to …

The Three Rivers Community Kitchen is in need of help, as one of its groups is unable to continue serving meals at the site. Kitchen officials said they are looking for a group – or several groups that can share the day – to prepare and serve meals on the second Tuesday of each month. The kitchen cooks enough food …

Speed is suspected as being a factor in a single-vehicle crash last week in Cass County’s Jefferson Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 7 p.m. Friday to Hess Road, just north of Pine Lake Street. Behnke said Vandalia resident Jeri Rickeys was driving north on Hess Road before her vehicle crashed head-on with a tree. Rickeys …

Cities, villages and townships experiencing financial struggles can now apply for a grant to help fund special projects and free up tax dollars for important services, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. Applications are being accepted for the “Financially Distressed Cities, Villages and Townships” grant program. Municipalities interested in applying for an award must submit applications to the state …