News

White Pigeon Township Library has reopened. Director Perri Saunders said the library’s staff is offering a variety of programs for all ages. The library is offering virtual programs on the library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Programs already underway or starting soon include: “Craft Time with Mrs. Krull,” first Monday of the month; “Gentle Yoga with Alyse,” 10 a.m. Wednesdays; …

Winter hats and scarves, and a variety of other winter wear, are available at Free Church Park in Sturgis. The clothing is being offered at no cost for anyone in need. It is part of ministries at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis and has been available since late last week. In addition to winter items in the park, more …

Sturgis Public School officials recently fielded two offers to purchase the former Park School. Identities of the potential buyers were not released and only differentiated between “offer 1” and “offer 2.” Offer 1, which the board ultimately accepted, is a $17,500 cash offer with a detailed plan to repair the building on Neuman Street and convert it into a retail …

Glen Oaks President David Devier recently provided an update to the board of trustees regarding the college’s COVID-19 plan. Devier said the college is modifying its preparedness and response plan to reflect changes in quarantine guidelines, based on recommendations from the state. Very few employees have tested positive, the result of everyone doing their part to be safe in helping …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency said starting next week, it will post available vaccine appointments on its webpage. Beginning Monday and every subsequent Monday, appointments will be posted at 9 a.m. Current demand for COVID-19 vaccination exceeds the amount of vaccine allocated to the tri-county area. Agency officials last week rolled out an online scheduler that allows citizens to …

A Sturgis man was the victim of an armed-robbery attempt last week in Colon Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. Friday in the area of M-86 and Fairfax Road. The 45-year-old victim told deputies he was flagged down by a subject in a Ford F-150 pickup with Illinois license plates. The vehicle was stationary alongside …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will offer group exercise classes at both its enrichment centers starting this week. COA director Pam Riley said sessions will begin Wednesday. Class size is limited, so registration is required. COA’s phone number is 279-8083. Masks are required at all times, and there will be floor markings and other signage to ensure social …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering complaint originating from an incident in Sturgis Township. Investigators were called to the 25000 block of U.S. 12, where a barn was entered illegally. The victim said the incident occurred between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1. An air compressor and two Stihl chainsaws were reported stolen.

Two local high school football teams fell short over the weekend in their quest to make it to the state championship game. Playing at Tecumseh High School, Constantine lost a tough contest against Clinton. The Falcons came up short in their Division 6 game, 40-to-6. Meanwhile, in a Division 7 matchup in Fenton, Schoolcraft suffered a 36-to-21 defeat to New …

Relief is coming to Michigan businesses after a board last week approved $58.5 million in grants for economic losses due to the coronavirus pandemic that has strained the state’s economy. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month signed into law a spending plan to help repair the economic impact from the coronavirus. It included an allocation to the Michigan Strategic Fund under the Michigan …