News

Michigan reported far fewer coronavirus cases in the week ending March 6, adding more than 7,800 new cases. That’s down 46.8 percent from the previous week’s tally of nearly 15,000 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. St. Joseph County reported 20 cases and three deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 57 cases and …

The city of Sturgis raised $552.51 Wednesday as part of its coin-fundraising campaign for its impending splash pad. The collection, held at the Doyle Community Center, will be matched by the Sturgis Youth Advisory Council. The city is using various funding sources to cover the cost of the $1 million project. Change may still be dropped off to Sturgis City …

Branch County Sheriff’s deputies took Dylan Brand, 25, into custody last Saturday on a warrant for armed robbery of a woman at her home near Bronson Oct. 22. The Sturgis resident also faces charges of home invasion, a 20-year offense, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charge is a life felony with a two-year …

American Pickers is returning to Michigan and plans to film episodes of The History Channel television series throughout the area in May 2022. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the world of antique picking on The History Channel. The show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited …

Legislation headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk would require county clerks to keep processing concealed pistol licenses during state-declared or locally declared emergencies. The Republican-sponsored bill, a response to what happened in 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic struck and prompted government shutdowns, was approved Thursday by the House on a largely party-line 58-43 vote The sponsor, Sen. Lana Theis of Brighton, …

Constantine Village Council members this week discussed benefits of a special assessment to assist funding the village’s fire department and possibly its police department, too. Council members unanimously decided to seek voter approval and put the special-assessment request on the ballot in November. Village manager Mark Honeysett said a special assessment has to specifically state what the tax is to be used …

An annual event recognizing the production of maple syrup takes place the next two weekends in Cass County. Maple Row Sugarhouse is, once again, hosting its Maple Festival. The event is being promoted as “a festival celebrating everything great about maple syrup.” The program takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 and 26, and 10 a.m. to 3 …

The Republican-led Legislature on Wednesday began voting to lift, for six months, Michigan’s 27.2-cents-a-gallon gasoline and diesel taxes amid pump prices that exceed $4 per gallon. GOP leaders announced the plan a day after Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer urged Congress to suspend the 18.4-cents-a-gallon federal gas tax and 24.4-cent diesel tax. Her office did not embrace temporarily halting state fuel taxes, saying …

St. Joseph County officials took a step closer Tuesday toward finding appropriate allocations for an $11.8 million windfall. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, county commissioners heard an update regarding the money awarded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Led by Tim Dempsey, of Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants, Tuesday’s update centered on some likely destination for the federal …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a hit-and-run crash in White Pigeon Township. According to a department media release, the incident occurred on Lake Road, near East Lake Drive. The date and time were not included in the release. Troopers said a 40-year-old White Pigeon man was stopped on the shoulder of Lake Road making repairs underneath his truck. A …