State Rep. Steve Carra last week stepped up his effort to get more than $650 million in specifically targeted COVID-19 relief funding into the hands of Michigan families and small businesses. Carra’s action was in response to a measure taken by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who trimmed nearly $1.5 billion from a plan recently approved by the Legislature, including $405 million …

A St. Joseph County-based agency is one of nearly two dozen facilities in Michigan to receive COVID-19 doses to enhance the state’s vaccine-equity strategy. Michigan Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the Protect Michigan Commission, have awarded 35,800 vaccine doses to 22 pilot projects, including Covered Bridge Healthcare in Centreville. According to a department of public health media …

Glen Oaks Community College announced it will hold an in-person graduation ceremony for its classes of 2020 and 2021. Guests, however, will not be allowed to attend but the ceremony will be live-streamed. In addition, an edited video will be made available on the college’s social media sites. The ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. May 7 at the school’s …

On the heels of the Three Rivers Water Festival Committee announcing it is moving forward with its 2021 event in June, organizers of Sturgis Fest said a scaled-down version of the annual festival will take place in July. The four-day festival will begin July 28 and its theme is “125 years of Sturgis.” The theme acknowledges the city being incorporated …

White Pigeon officials are appealing to the public for information about a vandalism incident involving the White Pigeon Depot. Located on West Peck Street, the depot was damaged recently – the second incident within a few months. In the previous incident, windows were broken and entry into the building was made. Village officials were dismayed by the situation and said …

Somehow I got the name of Dumpling.  I have been spayed.   I am about five months old.  The ladies here think I am super silly, playful, loving and an all-around sweetheart! I love to rub my head on people and I am very affectionate.  My docket number is 45699, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at 652 E. …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will offer in-person activities, such as group exercise classes and bingo, at both its enrichment centers beginning Monday. Class size is limited, so prospective participants must call the COA to register. Masks are required in the centers, and there will be markings on the floors and other signage to help ensure social distancing. …

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a destruction-of-property and hit-and-run incident. Investigators said a pickup struck a fence in the 55000 Block of Franklin Drive, near an industrial park, in Park Township. The vehicle also appeared to have driven through a large entrance gate in the same area, causing extensive damage. Authorities said the incident occurred around March 1. The suspect vehicle …

A former state senator, whose jurisdiction included St. Joseph County, has died. Jack Welborn passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Starting in 1975, early in his political career, Welborn represented a district that included most of St. Joseph County, as well as portions of Cass and Van Buren counties. He represented the district for eight years. After district …

The coronavirus made 2020 Michigan’s deadliest year, driving a 17.9% increase in deaths over 2019, according to preliminary data. It was the largest annual percentage jump on record, surpassing a 15.6% increase in 1918 — when the flu pandemic struck. More than 115,300 people died in Michigan last year, up from about 97,800 the year before, according to an Associated …