News

North Pole mailbox available in Sturgis

The city of Sturgis is offering a North Pole Express mailbox through Dec. 16 for children to deliver Christmas lists to Santa. The arrangement was created after the city’s DDA had to cancel this year’s Christmas in the City due to COVID- 19 gathering restrictions. The mailbox is located in front of the Sturgis police and fire station on North …

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Cautious optimism, uncertainty as Michigan virus cases decline

A top Michigan health official said Tuesday she was cautiously optimistic that more residents took steps to combat the surging coronavirus last month, citing declining case rates, but warned that the spread remains significant and the effect of Thanksgiving will not be known for two to three weeks. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive and an adviser to Gov. …

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Jackson couple married 47 years, died of COVID seconds apart

A Michigan couple who was married for nearly 50 years died seconds apart from the coronavirus. The couple died Nov. 24 in Henry Ford Allegiance Hospital in Jackson. Leslie and Patricia McWaters spent a week at the hospital after getting sick with COVID-19. “The time on both of their death certificates is 4:23 p.m., because (the difference) was too close …

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Falling tree injured Cass County man

A Cass County resident was injured after a tree fell on him in Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called around 6 p.m. Sunday to the 18000 block of Brownsville Road. Investigators said 40-year-old RoMell Dungey was removing trees from his property when one fell on top of him. Authorities said his 14-year-old son removed the tree then …

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Contact tracing at capacity in Van Buren/Cass counties

Based on the overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases in Van Buren and Cass counties, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department has made the decision to focus efforts on containing potential outbreaks. Recent cases have reported numerous close contacts, making contact tracing efforts difficult to sustain. Even with assistance from partner organizations and increased staffing, capacity has been reached. As a …

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Woman found dead in Cass County

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said the agency is investigating a death that deputies believe to be suspicious in nature. The body of a deceased female, age 29, was found in a vehicle at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. Behnke revealed little more about the situation, as it remains under investigation. He did say, however, that the location of the vehicle was …

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Two confirmed COVID-19 cases at Three Rivers Schools

Three Rivers Community Schools has announced two confirmed cases of COVID-19. Superintendent Ron Moag said one case involved a student at Norton Elementary and the other was confirmed as a teacher at Andrews Elementary. Moag announced the cases last Monday. He said anyone identified as a close contact of either person has already been advised by district officials. Moag said …

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Rooted receives donation while event canceled

Due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, an annual event to benefit St. Joseph County children has been called off, but the organizations and businesses involved have still provided a donation to help the cause. The joint efforts of Sturgis Elks, Sturgis Kwanis, Key Club, Willer’s shoes and Ayres Insurance, led to a donation to Rooted of St. Joseph County, for …

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Reminder of snow removal ordinance in Sturgis

Ryan Banaszak, Sturgis director of public safety, wishes to remind residents about the city’s snow-removal ordinance and what to do when a weather emergency is called. By Sturgis city ordinance, when a forecast calls for snow and ice accumulation greater than four inches, a snow-removal emergency may be declared. During such an alert, parking is prohibited on all city streets, …

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Two die in fire near Union

Two people died late Saturday afternoon in a Porter Township house fire. The victims have been identified as 69-year-old Patricia Cloud, and Brandon Cloud, age 37. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said they were unable to escape their burning home, located in the 70000-block of Tharp Lake Road, west of Union. The investigation continues.

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