Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered that students in the state will not return to K-12 school buildings the rest of the academic year due to the coronavirus pandemic and instead will learn remotely. All public and private schools are more than halfway through a four-week shutdown ordered by Whitmer to combat the outbreak. She said Thursday face-to-face instruction will …

Claims for unemployment benefits continue to skyrocket in Michigan during the coronavirus pandemic. A record 311,000 people filed initial applications last week. That is more than double from the previous week — shattering the previous high of 128,000 that was set the week before. The system has been deluged. The website went down Tuesday before being restored. The state Unemployment …

The number of Michigan residents infected with the coronavirus is moving closer to 10,000, one of the highest totals in the U.S. Michigan cases increased by 1,719 on Wednesday, bringing the state’s total to 9,334. Coronavirus-related deaths rose by 78, for a total of 337. The state says hundreds of ventilators from the federal government will be quickly put into …

I am called Penelope. They tell me that in Greek “Penelope” means “Weaver”. I would like to weave my way into your heart. I am a female, five month old, grey and white kitten. I will need my spay surgery soon. I get along with other cats, I don’t know about dogs. Due to the Shelter in Place restrictions, you …

Households eligible for Food Assistance Program benefits will receive additional benefits in April to bring all current SNAP cases to the maximum monthly allowance for that group size. According to the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division of the Michigan State Police, this change only applies to customers not currently receiving the maximum benefit amount. Michigan Department of Health and …

A former Three Rivers man will serve eight to 20 years for a drug-related offense. Kerry Richards II, 43, was sentenced recently for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Richards pleaded guilty to the charge in April 2019. He also entered guilty pleas to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Richards was arrested in March 2019. Other …

Richard Chrisman, age 88, of Constantine, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020 at his home. He was born on October 10, 1931, in Constantine, a son of Leslie and Delia (Harvey) Chrisman. Richard graduated from Constantine High School with the class of 1949 after leaving school in the 11th grade to serve in the United States Navy. On June …

Though most of its programs originally scheduled through April have been canceled, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has announced its preserves are open and available to anyone in need of some time outdoors. Conservancy official Miko Dargitz said people should still practice social distancing outdoors. Still, he said, the 17 preserves and their trails are open during the governor’s stay-at-home …

A house in Florence Township was burglarized earlier this month, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called to the 62000 block of Constantine Road, where suspects forced entry into the residence. Items stolen include a freezer, refrigerator, microwave and stove, women’s clothing, children’s toys and bicycles, a dinner table and chairs, dishes …

Statement of Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power, updating communities in the I&M service territory regarding delivery of energy service during the coronavirus pandemic: Thank you for this opportunity to update the community about the status of Indiana Michigan Power at this crucial time. I&M does not anticipate any interruptions in our service related to …