News

The coronavirus has claimed 133 additional lives in Michigan, pushing the state’s death toll from the outbreak to 4,526, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Saturday. With 430 new cases reported, Michigan has a total of 46,756, the agency said. The number of state residents who have recovered from the disease has reached 22,686, it said. It …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has delayed the expiration of Michigan driver’s licenses and state ID cards until late July amid the lingering coronavirus pandemic. An executive order Whitmer signed Friday extends until July 31 the expiration date of state ID cards, valid driver’s licenses and operator endorsements that expired or were set to expire between Feb. 1 and June 30. A previous order …

Michigan restaurants and bars on Friday pushed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to let them reopen in three weeks, saying they need a lifeline to survive financially and a chance to show the public it is safe to return. The businesses have been closed to dine-in customers since March 16. They hope to resume service on May 29, when restrictions are currently …

The goal of the Three Rivers Area Community Foundation was to replicate the success of a community-investment program tried elsewhere in the region through a “$20 for $20” gift card promotion. The effort, to benefit nearly 50 businesses in the 49093 ZIP code, was a success, as the gift cards sold out in 8 minutes! Foundation Executive Director Melissa Bliss …

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is inviting visitors to help nature by joining in self-guided garlic mustard pulling at any of eight SWMLC nature preserves. Due to restrictions caused by the pandemic, SWMLC has had to cancel its usual springtime volunteer activities, including the garlic mustard pulls that help keep this invasive plant from colonizing woodland habitats. Garlic mustard can be …

Glen Oaks Community College will hold commencement Dec. 18, president David Devier announced this week. The ceremony will include all students who were scheduled to cross the stage this evening and those who will complete their degrees by the end of fall semester. Devier made the announcement Wednesday through a video on the Glen Oaks Facebook page. He said graduating …

Sturgis Public Schools will hold a summer meal program, beginning June 8 and continuing through Aug. 14. Free meals will be available to ages 18 and under or people up to age 26 who are enrolled in an educational program for mental or physical disability. Breakfast and lunch for preschool children must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Meals will …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Thursday that auto and other manufacturing workers can return to the job next week, further easing her stay-at-home order while extending it through May 28 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Manufacturers — which account for 19% of the state’s economy — can resume operations on Monday, which is key for auto parts makers a week …

Three Rivers High School Principal Carrie Balk said plans for prom, graduation and other events for its senior class of 2020 are taking shape. Balk, who provided an update to board of education members this week, said a graduation ceremony is planned for July 9 at the high school football field. If weather is an issue, Balk said a date …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has issued nearly $2 million in funding for cleanup of four contaminated properties in the region, including one in St. Joseph County. The agency said $300,000 will focus on the city of Three Rivers and its downtown area. Priority sites include the Old Three Rivers Hospital; the vacant White House building, which operated …