Government

Faced with spiking COVID-19 infections, Michigan health officials issued a public health advisory Friday recommending that everyone over age 2 wear a mask at indoor public settings regardless of their vaccination status. The guidance also says public-facing businesses and other establishments should implement masking policies and encourage compliance. Unvaccinated or immunocompromised people are urged to avoid large crowds and gatherings. The state …

Citing concerns over the leadership in Lansing and the direction of our state, local businessman Scott McGraw has announced his candidacy for state house in St. Joseph and Cass counties. McGraw, a Republican, is the current Sixth District chairman and formerly the Kalamazoo County chairman. “As a small business owner, I have felt the squeeze of government on companies … …

Michigan drivers will have the option to renew their vehicle registration every two years instead one under a new law that will take effect in October 2022. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill Wednesday. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said two-year license plate tabs “will add yet another convenient service to our catalog.” Michigan once implemented two-year registrations in the …

A Kalamazoo man fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with police following a standoff has been identified as the suspect in a recent shooting that critically injured a woman. Alex Rawls, age 35, was found dead in a house in Kalamazoo where he had been holed up during an armed standoff lasting more than 16 hours, Michigan State Police …

After voting in favor of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill on Friday, Republican Congressman Fred Upton of Michigan received a threatening voicemail in which the caller repeatedly called him a “traitor” and said he hopes the congressman, his family and staff all die. The voicemail, provided by Upton’s office, was played during an appearance by the Michigan Republican on CNN’s “AC360” and is …

Just about every vote counted in Nottawa Township on election day, as a five-vote margin will allow the township to improve a number of its roads. Passed by a vote of 150 in favor and 145 opposed, the township’s request for an additional 1-mill will cover a five-year period. Township officials said the mill will generate an additional $115,000 in …

A trio of incumbents for the Three Rivers City Commission will serve four more years, while the results of a write-in campaign for an at-large seat to the seven-member board will be announced Thursday. Mayor Tom Lowry, with 22 years served, was re-elected with 390 votes. Meanwhile, First District incumbent Pat Dane topped challenger Justin Mitchell. Dane secured 267 votes …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called Monday for insurance refunds of up to $675 per vehicle to be quickly issued to drivers. In a letter to the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, the Democratic governor cited a surplus of $5 billion that she attributed to premium overcharges and a 2019 law that cut insurers’ medical costs for people injured in crashes. The surplus was up …

State officials have barred a township clerk in southern Michigan from running her community’s local election next week. Stephanie Scott, the clerk in Hillsdale County’s Adams Township, failed to take steps to ensure the security of the vote, the Michigan Bureau of Elections said. The county instead will supervise the election in the township. The state said Scott did not …

The boil advisory for the Village of White Pigeon drinking water has been lifted as of 12:45pm on Friday, October 22, 2021. Recent sampling shows no bacteria detected, thus the boil advisory has been lifted.