News

An annual Christmas tradition is returning to Three Rivers this season. Lights of Love, sponsored by the Three Rivers Health Auxiliary, is once again providing the opportunity to remember a loved one or offer appreciation toward someone through the annual fundraiser. For a donation starting at $3, a light will be added to the Christmas tree on hospital grounds. Event …

Here’s a reminder that the St. Joseph County United Way is less than three weeks from drawing for this year’s Christmas Cash Raffle winner. The drawing takes place at the Sturgis City Commission’s Dec. 9 meeting. Tickets for the 50/50 drawing are $5 each or five for $20. They are available from city employees, at Sturgis City Hall or at …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday repeated her plea to Michigan residents to limit gatherings at Thanksgiving and keep loved ones safe. Whitmer’s appeal came as the state health department reported 7,592 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 134 deaths, including 61 that were added after a records review. “We’re preserving future holiday gatherings together by taking this seriously now, …

A man involved in the hit-and-run death of a woman in the Three Rivers Meijer parking lot was sentenced to prison last week. Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman sentenced 27-year-old Thomas Stambaugh to between 19 and 40 years in prison. He was charged with driving on a suspended license causing death. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. June 18. Stambaugh …

St. Joseph County commissioners agreed Tuesday to replace a 12-year member on the road commission board. The decision, which was not unanimous, sparked a minor debate about the value of experience over the merits of someone new with a fresh perspective. John Bippus, who is concluding his second, six-year term on the five-member road commission board, was not renewed following …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced that procedures for case investigations have changed. Widespread community transmission has placed tremendous strain on public health capacity throughout Michigan and locally, with more cases than there is capacity to handle. As a result, local health department staff may not contact every positive case. Because of the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, …

To comply with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Epidemic Order, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will not be offering group activities at its two enrichment centers starting today. The COA will remain open for single-household exercise and computer use; to purchase restaurant tickets; for medical loan closet needs; to conduct membership renewals and for Medicaid/Medicare-enrollment …

Following orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Three Rivers Community Schools has announced in-person learning at the high school and middle school will be discontinued until next month. Superintendent Ron Moag said the middle school was exempt from the state’s orders but it has experienced a recent upswing in absences, warranting the move to virtual learning. …

St. Joseph County officials have announced that starting today, all county departments within the Historic Courthouse and Annex 2 will be closed to the public. The measure is in place until at least Dec. 8. Most services can be accomplished online, by phone or email. In addition, departments will still be staffed during regular business hours.

A Branch County man was arrested last week after authorities said he fired a gun in the direction of a relative. Michigan State Police troopers were called shortly after midnight Thursday to a residence in the 900 block of West Colon Road in Matteson Township. Authorities said a family member arrived unannounced to the house and was upset that the …