News

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic hit a bright note Thursday, as United Airlines returned to the airport. Airport director Craig Williams said United had pulled its schedule for July, August and September to navigate the impact of COVID-19 on flight operations. United will operate one or two flights daily to and from its Chicago O’Hare gateway, …

Michigan Department of Transportation has announced crews will begin the final stage of U.S. 131 reconstruction in Three Rivers starting today. Traffic will be in the right lanes of northbound and southbound U.S. 131 while construction is completed on the median and Michigan-left turn lanes. Construction is expected to be completed by Nov. 15. Until then, left turns will be …

A Sturgis man died from multiple gunshot wounds following an incident Friday in Sturgis. Police said officers were called around 5:30 p.m. to a residence in the 500 block of North Prospect Street in response to a shooting. According to authorities, officers found a 33-year-old man who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Sturgis Hospital, where he …

A 1945 law repeatedly used by Gov. Gretcher Whitmer to respond to the coronavirus pandemic was declared unconstitutional Friday by the Michigan Supreme Court, a striking decision that puts months of restrictions in jeopardy while COVID-19 continues to flare up around the state. The opinion is an extraordinary development in a monthslong conflict between Whitmer, a Democrat, and Republicans who …

St. Joseph County commissioners are expected to decide next week whether to submit a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer regarding the employment of county prosecutor John McDonough. During their executive committee meeting Wednesday, commissioners debated whether to submit the letter in an effort to remove McDonough from the post he has held for nearly 12 years. Board chairman Dennis Allen …

A grocery chain with a presence in Sturgis for nearly 100 years is closing next month. Kroger’s Central Division announced Wednesday it will close the Sturgis store. Financial performance was cited as the key factor in the company’s decision. According to a company media release, the Sturgis location has not operated profitably for a number of years and the company’s …

St. Joseph County Commission On Aging will have to search for a new director, as Tim Stoll has been hired as chief executive officer at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Following an extensive search, Stoll was the clear choice for the position, according to members of the search committee. The 48-year-old Stoll, a Colon High School graduate and Sherwood resident, …

Colon municipal officials have canceled the boil-water order. The source of the problem centered on an issue with the water tower. The village said its tower was being filled and a valve was opened too far, resulting in low water pressure.  

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough pled guilty this week in relation to a bond violation. McDonough appeared Tuesday via Zoom before Kalamazoo County District Court Judge Vincent Westra. The proceeding stems from McDonough’s purchase and consumption of alcohol while on bond for a drunken-driving charge in Lockport Township. The alleged DUI in May resulted in McDonough’s arrest. McDonough waived …

A state agency has recognized the St. Joseph County Road Commission for its low employee-injury rates among Michigan’s county road commissions. The accolade was mentioned at the County Road Association Self-Insurance Fund’s virtual annual membership meeting Sept. 16. The agency provides safety training and workers’ compensation for 69 of the state’s 76 road commissions. The honor roll started in 2011 …