Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday announced the further loosening of Michigan’s coronavirus restrictions, easing capacity limits in restaurants and a host of other businesses while also allowing for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. The revised state health department order will take effect Friday and last through April 19. The state also said families will immediately be able to visit nursing …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced seasonal weight restrictions are now in effect. Restrictions apply to vehicles on various roads in the county and went into place Monday. John Lindsey, managing director of the Centreville-based agency, said weight restrictions are enforced to minimize damage caused during Michigan’s seasonal thaw. He explained that as the ground thaws, water is …

A Portage-based gambling disorder prevention specialist said Monday kicked off Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Justin Rolin said he hopes the public will help spread the message by liking and sharing content on the Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Facebook page. Rolin said new information will be posted daily throughout the month. He further noted this type of campaign relies on Facebook …

Sturgis city officials have issued a boil-water advisory following a water-main break impacting a small number of houses on three city streets. The precautionary action is the result of a loss of pressure in the city’s water-distribution system caused by the break. All residents in the affected area have been notified, municipal officials said. The impacted areas are: Neuman Avenue, …

The center-turn lane on North Nottawa Street in Sturgis will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday. The closure will remain in effect through March 26. Michigan Department of Transportation officials said the closure is necessary to conduct an extensive amount of sewer repair. The area impacted is between U.S. 12 and West Street.

Three Rivers Middle School and its high school buildings are returning to a hybrid learning format, starting today. Superintendent Ron Moag said the district for the past two weeks has conducted in-person learning. There has been an upswing in positive COVID-19 cases, Moag said, and consequently, the board voted during a special meeting last week to return to the virtual …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a hit-and-run incident that occurred earlier this week in Sherman Township. According to a department media release, troopers responded to the 6000 block of Stubey Road. Additional information was not available but authorities said the suspect’s vehicle was described to be an older, box-shaped Jeep. It is white or silver in color and now …

Michigan State Police troopers responded last weekend to an attempted burglary in the 6000 block of M-66 in Sturgis. Investigators were called to Dunham’s Sports, where the attempted burglary occurred between 8 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Troopers were unable to obtain a description of the suspect. More information was not available in a department media release.

Anna M. Arnold, age 69, of Constantine, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Borgess Hospital from complications of a chronic illness. Ann was born in Three Rivers on May 28, 1951, a daughter of John and Doris (Harlan) Kazwell. She graduated from Constantine High School in 1969. On December 27, 1969, she …

Albert Dale Bumann, age 94, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Feb. 23, 2021, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born March 7, 1926, in Schleswig, Iowa, a son of the late William and Johanna Bumann. Mr. Bumann had resided in Sturgis since 1948. His early life was spent in Iowa, where he worked on the family …