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After considering several options, the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently selected the theme for this year’s Water Festival. Event organizers said “The Wizard of Oz” has been chosen as the theme for the 2021 event, with the tag line, “There’s no place like home.” According to chamber president and CEO Christy Trammell, the theme resonated with …

State Rep. Steve Carra is calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to revoke settlement funds of more than $155,000 included in a contract with former state health department director Robert Gordon. Gordon resigned last month under what Carra called questionable circumstances. He said Gordon’s former deputy director, Sarah Esty, has also received a separation payout of an undisclosed amount. Carra said …

A Sturgis couple was recognized Tuesday for their contribution to the county’s veterans affairs office. During their board meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County commissioners approved a resolution acknowledging Robert and Marilee Yoder and their $10,000 donation. The money was earmarked to the St. Joseph County Veterans Affairs and emergent needs. Needs such as housing, food and clothing will be easier …

A milestone was reached during Monday’s Three Rivers High School girls basketball game. Wildcat senior Kali Heivlin scored her 1,000th career point during the 50-39 win over Edwardsburg. The landmark was reached with a basket Heivlin scored in the third quarter. She needed 14 points from the start of the game to reach the elite level and went on to …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday announced the further loosening of Michigan’s coronavirus restrictions, easing capacity limits in restaurants and a host of other businesses while also allowing for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings. The revised state health department order will take effect Friday and last through April 19. The state also said families will immediately be able to visit nursing …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced seasonal weight restrictions are now in effect. Restrictions apply to vehicles on various roads in the county and went into place Monday. John Lindsey, managing director of the Centreville-based agency, said weight restrictions are enforced to minimize damage caused during Michigan’s seasonal thaw. He explained that as the ground thaws, water is …

A Portage-based gambling disorder prevention specialist said Monday kicked off Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Justin Rolin said he hopes the public will help spread the message by liking and sharing content on the Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Facebook page. Rolin said new information will be posted daily throughout the month. He further noted this type of campaign relies on Facebook …

Sturgis city officials have issued a boil-water advisory following a water-main break impacting a small number of houses on three city streets. The precautionary action is the result of a loss of pressure in the city’s water-distribution system caused by the break. All residents in the affected area have been notified, municipal officials said. The impacted areas are: Neuman Avenue, …

The center-turn lane on North Nottawa Street in Sturgis will be closed starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday. The closure will remain in effect through March 26. Michigan Department of Transportation officials said the closure is necessary to conduct an extensive amount of sewer repair. The area impacted is between U.S. 12 and West Street.

Three Rivers Middle School and its high school buildings are returning to a hybrid learning format, starting today. Superintendent Ron Moag said the district for the past two weeks has conducted in-person learning. There has been an upswing in positive COVID-19 cases, Moag said, and consequently, the board voted during a special meeting last week to return to the virtual …