News

Albeit bare-bones, there will be a Fourth of July celebration in St. Joseph County after all. Members of the Constantine Village Council this week discussed plans related to an Independence Day parade and fireworks display. The council had discussed funding the fireworks at several recent meetings. This week, however, the legality of having an Independence Day celebration came into question. …

Three Rivers Health officials said staff members are calling patients, and establishing previously scheduled surgeries and procedures that were postponed. Hospital administrators said many patients have delayed care for several weeks and chronic conditions can potentially worsen if left unmanaged. The hospital’s health and safety steps include screening everyone upon entry, limiting visitors, requiring everyone to wear a mask, practicing …

Three fresh-food distributions are on tap in St. Joseph County. Fabius Township will host the next event. It takes place 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Three Rivers High School. White Pigeon has a distribution planned for next week. The two-hour event starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday at White Pigeon High School. Finally, the Doyle Community Center in Sturgis will …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating two breaking-and-entering incidents in Branch County. According to a department media release, the first incident occurred between 4 and 7 p.m. April 20 in the 300 block of Teds Drive in Coldwater Township. Items reported stolen include a Dewalt impact drill, two rechargeable chain saws, a Samsung tablet, and an Xbox. The other incident …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday extended Michigan’s coronavirus emergency declaration through July 16, enabling her to keep intact certain business closures, longer unemployment benefits and other changes after she previously lifted a stay-at-home order. The Democratic governor — who has been gradually reopening the state — hopes to let gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys restart by July 4. They …

The state of Michigan has lifted the suspension of a barber’s license, but he still faces a hearing for cutting hair while shops and salons were closed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. An administrative law judge on Tuesday granted the state’s request to lift Karl Manke’s suspension. Regulators said an “imminent threat” to public health no longer exists at the Owosso barbershop. …

A “Juneteenth” community event is scheduled to take place 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Free Church Park in Sturgis. Sturgis City Commission members last week approved use of the park for the event. Elise Taylor and fellow organizer Angie Wilson told commissioners “Juneteenth” is a celebration of freedom and African American history, celebrating the day Union troops rode into …

Three Rivers Public Library re-opened this week, though services remain limited, according to interim director Bobbi Schoon. With Tuesday’s re-opening, curbside pickup is available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. In addition, students wishing to participate in the library’s Summer Reading program can pick up materials in the same manner. Schoon said returns can be made at the outdoor drop-box. …

The Centreville Village Council has approved a request from The Local restaurant to offer café seating on a temporary basis. Plans are to set up seven picnic tables on the sidewalk in front of its building, with a 40-inch walkway to comply with ADA requirements. While the approval is for a temporary setup, if the arrangement works well, owner Dan …

In the absence of Abbott’s Magic Get-Together in Colon this summer, FAB Magic owner Rick Fisher plans to host “Magic Flea Market and Auction” with free, live entertainment. It will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7 and 8 at the FAB Magic Campus on M-86, at the east edge of town. Fisher said a portion of the …