News

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 …

A small group of gun-toting demonstrators rallied Sunday outside of Michigan’s Capitol building near a sizable presence of law enforcement officers on high alert after this month’s deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol. About a dozen protesters openly carried guns, including some who promoted the anti-government “boogaloo” movement, a slang term adopted by the pro-gun extremist movement that is a reference to …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the National Guard, the state police continued to augment its presence at the Capitol and crews installed a 6-foot, chain-link fence around the 142-year-old building before expected protests ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. The Legislature on Friday also canceled session next week, citing law enforcement’s concerns about “credible threats regarding events” at the Capitol. Michigan …

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Constantine man this week after he led law-enforcement officials on a pursuit that concluded in Sturgis. Investigators said deputies attempted to stop the vehicle after it was observed driving left of center around 10 p.m. Wednesday. Its driver failed to stop and instead sped from Fawn River Township into Sturgis. The 22-year-old driver continued onto Orange, …

Here’s a reminder that a few dates remain this month for a Fresh Food Distribution, sponsored by South Michigan Food Bank and the St. Joseph County United Way. Volunteers will be on hand at 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Fabius Park Township Fire Department; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday next week at Colon High School; 4 to 6 p.m. …

COVID19 Cares Act and other funding sources will allow Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency the opportunity to purchase a long-awaited mobile health van. Board members recently approved the $150,000 bid from Tesco Transportation Equipment Sales Corp. The vehicle will be built on a 2021 Ford F-350 frame. Health officer Rebecca Burns said the van will fill a real need but …

Centreville High School Athletic Director Jill Peterson said she received notice late Thursday that Clarkston Everest Collegiate will have to forfeit tonight’s state semi-final football game due to COVID-19. The forfeit means Centreville advances to the state’s Division 8 championship game next week. The contest will take place at 10 a.m. next Friday against the winner of Saturday’s contest between …

A teenager who was 13 when accused of killing another youth in northern Indiana was sentenced Thursday to 63 years in prison. Alphonso James III, now 16, was convicted of murder in the death of 18-year-old Jaren Minies in Elkhart on Sept. 12, 2018. Minies was shot multiple times during a dispute over a gun, money and a video game system. He …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is asking for patience as scheduling for COVID-19 vaccine appointments become available to category 1B and 65-to-74 year olds. COVID-19 vaccine supplies remain limited. As a result, the Coldwater-based agency said it is following prioritization guidelines issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which gives priority to people with greater risk. Any …

State Rep. Steve Carra was sworn in Wednesday for his first term as a Michigan state representative. Carra’s swearing-in was conducted by House Clerk Gary Randall. The 101st Michigan Legislature began session following the ceremony. A Three Rivers resident, Carra said he takes an oath to uphold and defend the United States and Michigan constitutions and to represent the people …