News

Michigan has passed the grim milestone of 20,000 deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a top state health official warning that people must continue taking precautions. State health officials reported Friday that Michigan had totaled 20,011 confirmed deaths since recording its first one in March 2020. “We’ve seen real devastation and tragedy as a result of COVID-19, and it remains as …

Consumers Energy plans to install about 700 solar panels covering 1.5 acres at its natural gas compression station on “A” Road in White Pigeon Township. Company officials said the goal is to save on power cost. The White Pigeon compressor station is one of eight in the Consumers Energy system that helps to transport natural gas throughout the state. Indiana-Michigan Power now …

A pair of St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board of Education members were sworn into office and board officers appointed last month. Elizabeth O’Dell will remain as board president for 2021-22. She also was sworn in to a six-year term ending in June 2027. Meanwhile, Trustee Patricia Keller was sworn in to a four-year term ending in June 2025. …

New coronavirus cases rose 57 percent in Michigan in the week ending Aug. 8. In all, 7,495 cases were reported statewide. St. Joseph County reported 46 cases and one death in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 39 cases and one death. Throughout the pandemic, it has confirmed 6,373 cases and 104 deaths. St. Joseph County’s vaccination rate is …

St. Joseph County Association of Realtors has named Jennifer Koski as its 2021 “Realtor of the Year.” The award is given in recognition of outstanding commitment and service to the community and the real estate industry. Award-winners are chosen by their peers and recognized both locally and at the state level by the Michigan Realtors. Nominees are evaluated on their …

The remains of a World War II pilot from Lansing who died in 1943 when the military aircraft he was flying crashed during combat over New Guinea have been laid to rest next to his parents. U.S. Army Air Force First Lt. Robert Parker’s remains were buried Monday at Deepdale Memorial Cemetery, with many of his nieces and nephews and …

Southwest Michigan First last week announced the cumulative impact of its economic development and community efforts thus far in 2021 to support job creation throughout the seven-county Southwest Michigan region it serves. Most recently announced July 26 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, economic development grants in support of two new manufacturing campuses in Sturgis were issued for manufacturers Heartland Recreational Vehicles …

A St. Joseph County property has received a notable designation by the National Park Service. The parcel and its residence, located in Constantine, have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Known as the Nettleton-Cond House, the property is at 260 S. Washington St. Nathan Nietering, project coordinator for Lansing-based State Historic Preservation Office, said the label was …

The State Appellate Defender Office issued a media release related to a late-July decision of the Michigan Supreme Court in People v Paul Betts, holding that the 2011 Sex Offenders Registration Act is unconstitutional punishment. With the court’s decision, the registration act’s many requirements cannot be imposed against those whose offenses requiring registration came before introduction of the 2011 SORA. …

A Three Rivers man was arrested last week after leading authorities on a pursuit in Fabius Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle shortly after 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Null Road, near Pulver Road, for a traffic violation. The 37-year-old driver of the suspect vehicle failed to stop, and lead deputies and a Three Rivers Police …