News

Sturgis schools plan summer meal program

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 …

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Whitmer restarts manufacturing, extends stay-home to May 28

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 …

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Three Rivers High School is planning senior events

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 …

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Three Rivers receives EPA funding for cleanup sites

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 …

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Constantine schedules public hearing on marijuana ordinance

Members of the Constantine Village Council continued to review a potential adult-use marijuana ordinance. A public hearing regarding the ordinance is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 18. During Monday’s meeting, village manager Mark Honeysett said village attorney Howard Bush suggests the zoning code be amended. Honeysett said while he has nothing ready for the council, Bush suggested it be amended …

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Sturgis resumes issuing building permits

The city of Sturgis community development department will resume issuance of building permits and inspections for all construction projects, effective immediately. Under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order, construction work in the state can resume today. Building-permit applications submitted prior to or during the stay-home order will be processed and city staff will contact residents as necessary. In addition, inspection of …

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Michigan Legislature sues to block Whitmer’s virus orders

The Republican-led Michigan Legislature sued Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, asking a judge to declare invalid and unenforceable her stay-at-home order and other measures issued to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The lawsuit, filed in the state Court of Claims, says a 1945 law that gives the governor broad emergency powers to order such restrictions governs local, not statewide, declarations like …

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Guns not banned at Michigan Capitol unless lawmakers act

Guns cannot be banned from Michigan’s Capitol unless legislators change state law, an official who helps oversee the building said Wednesday, less than a week after some protesters armed with rifles shouted at lawmakers inside the Senate chamber. John Truscott, vice chairman of the Michigan State Capitol Commission, said he received “early indications” from the panel’s lawyer that “we do …

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Man sentenced for Three Rivers bank robbery

Demario Shelton, 32, of Three Rivers, has been sentenced to a minimum 53 months to 40 years prison for last year’s robbery of the Three Rivers branch of Century Bank and Trust. Shelton was sentenced Friday by Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman after pleading guilty to bank robbery. On Nov. 18, police were dispatched to the West Broadway Street location …

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United Way moves golf outing to August

The St. Joseph County United Way annual golf outing has been moved to a new date. Executive director Kelly Hostetler said the fundraiser was supposed to take place Friday but will instead be Aug. 14 at St. Joe Valley Golf Course. The 10 a.m. shotgun start will feature a scramble format, lunch, appetizers and awards. Cost to participate is $65 …

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