News

Michigan, which not long ago had among the country’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates, is confronting an alarming spike that some public health experts worry could be a harbinger nationally. The resurgence is being fueled by loosened restrictions, a more infectious variant and pandemic fatigue. While rising vaccination rates provide protection for seniors, the upswing is boosting hospitalizations among younger adults …

A months-long road project will begin next week in downtown Constantine. Michigan Department of Transportation officials said work on the U.S. 131 Business Loop bridge over the St. Joseph River will start Monday. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said the $4.4 million project will include bridge deck and superstructure repairs, water-main and lighting replacements, and 2.2 miles of chip-sealing from Spring Street …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging has reopened in-person activities at its centers in Sturgis and Three Rivers. COA executive director Pam Riley said the sites re-opened March 15 and so far, all is going well, she noted. Limited activities include exercise classes and bingo at both locations. The agency is adhering to a limited capacity of 25 percent per …

Nearly 370 students attending Glen Oaks Community College this semester will receive federal emergency grants through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. While the process of awarding grants is almost complete for this semester, any remaining funds will be available to assist students enrolled over the summer as well. …

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Ron Moag has announced the district’s middle school and high school students have returned to everyday, in-person learning. Moag explained the district stayed true to its Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan. The plan stated that when the county’s health agency’s School Risk Assessment reflected a seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests in St. Joseph County of …

A Colon woman was injured after the vehicle she was driving went off the roadway and struck a tree in Sherman Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to a location on Shimmel Road, near Banker Street. Investigators said the 65-year-old woman was driving south on Shimmel Road when her vehicle veered off the …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a larceny from a motor vehicle and subsequent arson. Troopers were called around 3:30 a.m. March 15 to a report of a stolen Ford F-250. The vehicle, an early 2000s model and dark blue, was found on fire on Allen Road, near Stokes Road, in Branch County’s Kinderhook Township. The pickup featured a tow …

Organizers of Sturgis Fest have announced a date change for the 2021 community celebration. Originally scheduled for late July, Sturgis Fest has been moved to begin its four-day run Aug. 18. Sturgis Fest officials said the original date conflicted with Burr Oak Heritage Days. Now, Sturgis Fest organizers discovered the new dates conflict with Mendon River Fest, but it plans …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has now opened vaccinations for COVID-19 to anyone who resides in Branch, Hillsdale or St. Joseph County ages 16 and older. Agency officials said 16 and 17 year olds must receive the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments can be scheduled online at bhsj.org/events/341.

Members of the Centreville Public Schools Board of Education have reconfirmed the continuation of their education plan as part of routine, mandated extended COVID-19 plans reported to the state. The district currently is using face-to-face instruction. Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer said the district will continue that method at the junior high and high school for the time being. After meeting with …