News

Indiana governor orders residents to stay home due to virus

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has ordered residents to remain at home for two weeks starting Wednesday except for workers in essential industries or those who need to go outside for groceries and medicine. The governor’s order issued Monday mirrors similar orders in adjacent Illinois, Michigan and Ohio to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Holcomb’s order begins at 11:59 p.m. …

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Grieving and saying goodbye in the time of coronavirus

The coronavirus that has upended nearly every element of public life also has dramatically changed the way people grieve for the dead.  Ministers have closed their doors to funerals. Fear of quarantine has prevented families from flying in to pay their last respects. Cemeteries have drastically altered what they do out of fear that some mourners who don’t know they …

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Michigan governor issues stay-at-home order to curb virus

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the spread of the coronavirus, with an exemption for certain workers, outdoor exercise and trips to the grocery store or hospital. The order, which will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, will allow essential employees necessary to sustain and protect life to continue going to work. Businesses also …

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City commission accepting applications for board position

The Three Rivers City Commission is accepting applications to complete a term for a citizen-at-large spot on the seven-member board. Citizen interest forms are available online through the city’s website, threeriversmi.org. Deadline for the applications is noon April 3. The position became available with the resignation of Janelle Hart, a five-year board member who is moving out of the city. …

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Community Health Agency closes offices to public

All offices of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency are closed to the public. The Coldwater-based agency closed at 8 a.m. Friday and its closure is indefinite. Public health services will be available by appointment only, though individuals presenting to any of the offices for an appointment will be subject to a health screening prior to being permitted entry into …

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Foreclosure deadline extended

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Governor Whitmer has issued an executive order to extend the property tax foreclosure deadline until May 29, or 30 days after termination of the state of emergency. As a result, the St. Joseph County Treasurers office will not be foreclosing on properties with unpaid 2017 and prior taxes until the deadline is met. The office …

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Tools stolen from vehicles in Fabius Township

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a larceny incident that took place last week in Fabius Township. According to a department media release, the incident involved a vehicle in the 14000 block of West Ridgeview Drive. The suspects entered a power company vehicle in the area and stole several tools. The incident is believed to have …

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AP FACT CHECK: Trump hype on auto industry and ventilators

President Donald Trump is falsely asserting how quickly automakers including GM, Ford and Tesla can manufacture ventilators to help fill an acute U.S. shortage of the medical equipment for coronavirus patients. That’s the finding of an AP Fact Check. In fact, Ford and GM have yet to start production. It would take those companies months, if not longer, to begin …

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Michigan stops some medical procedures to help hospitals

Michigan doctors and dentists have been ordered to postpone all nonessential medical procedures. Meanwhile, people who are suddenly out of work because of the coronavirus threat have flooded the state with claims for unemployment aid. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says medical procedures should be scratched unless necessary to preserve health and safety. At least 549 people in Michigan have tested positive …

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MDHHS lobbies closed statewide

Due to heightened risk of the COVID-19 disease, all lobbies of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services locations statewide are closed. Agency officials urge residents to avoid public spaces and visit the office only if it is the result of a scheduled appointment or visit. Payment or benefit questions are being referred to 467-1200. The same number can be …

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