News

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has partnered with Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service of St. Joseph County to offer a free, weekly COVID-19 testing site. The first testing opportunity is today. It will continue 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through the summer at CMH’s Administrative Entrance parking lot, 677 E. Main St. in Centreville. The Centreville …

Americans should get used to “uncomfortable” postage rate increases in coming years as the U.S. Postal Service seeks to become self-sufficient, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Thursday. The Postal Service Board of Governors sets postage rates, but DeJoy said he’ll advocate for raising prices until “we have accomplished our objective of projecting a trajectory that shows us being self-sustaining.” “I …

A lifelong Three Rivers resident has been tapped to serve as the city’s Downtown Development Authority director. DDA board members last week selected Cameron Mains to replace Tricia Meyer. Mains, 23, is operations manager at GG’s Cookies in downtown Three Rivers. DDA officials said Mains is expected to graduate from Central Michigan University in December, with a business degree. Second …

Sheriff’s deputies were called to a location in Burr Oak Township to investigate the theft of irrigation wire. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident occurred overnight between May 12 and 13 from a location on Hackman Road, near Needham Road.

Sturgis city commissioners last week approved plans for Sturgis Fest 2022. Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce has set Sturgis Fest for June 21- 26. As before, the chamber of commerce and other event organizers are requesting city collaboration for the festival, including street closures and the use of city staff and facilities. The festival will include “Family Night,” “Bike Night,” …

Company officials from Abbott Nutrition said the Sturgis plant could be back at full production soon. A media release from the Ohio-based company said officials from the Food and Drug Administration have completed their investigation at the North Centerville Road plant. The company back in February voluntarily recalled three powder formulas manufactured at the facility. Subject to FDA approval, Abbott …

A company based in Kansas City has emerged as an option for internet services for St. Joseph County residents. Internet and phone provider Mercury Broadband recently opened a location in Schoolcraft. Mercury’s presence in Michigan is projected to provide broadband internet services to rural locations in St. Joseph County and surrounding areas. Company officials said there’s a good chance service …

A new, free store has opened in White Pigeon. Compassionate Ministries opened recently. Its hours of operation are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday. It is located at 118 S. Kalamazoo St. It is the brown building next to Lighthouse Church, which is the old movie theater. Operators of the free store are always on the lookout for …

A winning, multi-million-dollar lottery ticket was sold in Sturgis last month. According to the Michigan Lottery, a Lotto 47 ticket matching all six numbers was sold April 20 at the Meijer gas station on South Centerville Road. Winning numbers were 4-6-11-17-23-31. The winner has one year from the date of the drawing to redeem the ticket.

Colon Community Schools officials have agreed to tender a contract to Rachel Kowalski to serve as superintendent of the 525-student district. Board president Deb Bordner said the unanimous decision to offer the job to Kowalski was a relief, as the board managed to fill a position vacant since Penny Brockway resigned in January. Selecting Kowalski became a bit easier after …