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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday extended Michigan’s coronavirus emergency declaration through Aug. 11, five months after she first issued it, pointing to an uptick in new cases over the past three weeks. The move, which was expected, allows the Democratic governor to keep in place various orders designed to curb the virus, including certain business closures, limits on gatherings, a mask requirement …

Various items were stolen from a garage last week in Colon Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called to the 58000 block of Willow Drive, where an Echo brand leaf blower and a Ryobi power washer were reported stolen. The incident occurred between July 1 and the 11th, authorities said. Meanwhile, deputies responded earlier this week to a breaking-and-entering …

Pastor Carl Litchfield of Burr Oak United Methodist Church said the church’s Free Store has closed. Litchfield said all inventory has been sorted, gathered and taken from the building, and it is unlikely the church will be able to restart the Free Store as a church ministry, Litchfield said. He did add, however, if the church can find leadership from …

A Mendon Township man was recently presented a “Citizen Lifesaving” award by Sheriff Mark Lillywhite. According to a department media release, resident Danny Madden went above and beyond during a personal-injury lawn mower accident May 2 on River Run Road. Lillywhite said Madden not only assisted the victim, but the victim’s father and first responders. Madden was the first person …

Larry Walton (R), a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 59th District, has received the “Friend of Agriculture” designation and endorsement from Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac for the Aug. 4 primary election. “It’s an honor to receive the endorsement from AgriPac,” Walton said. “As a member of the St. Joseph County Farm Bureau, this recognition is one not taken lightly. …

May’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was significantly lower than the previous month, but still higher than usual due to jobs impacted by COVID-19. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, which showed the county’s drop in unemployment, was released earlier this month. St. Joseph County’s 19.5 percent unemployment rate for May was …

Members of the Constantine Village Council recently reviewed details for a proposed adult-use marijuana ordinance. The deadline to submit ballot details to the county clerk is Aug. 11. Village manager Mark Honeysett would like to have it prepared shortly after the council’s July 20 meeting. At their May meeting, the council voted to put the proposal of recreational marijuana on …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and its airlines continue to recover and return service to Southwest Michigan, according to the airport’s director. Craig Williams said after significant reductions in seats and passengers in April and May, passengers are returning to the skies and the airlines are responding by returning planes to the Kalamazoo market. After the Fourth of July holiday, Williams …

Dining out has become a real treat since some restrictions were lifted. The experience used to be taken for granted before Covid-19. When the restriction for dining inside was lifted, it was suggested that everyone wear a mask when entering a restaurant or a bar. Once seated, the mask could be removed. A small price to pay for the privilege …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday toughened a requirement to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic, mandating that businesses open to the public deny service or entry to customers who refuse to wear one. The governor also expanded where people must have a face covering beyond indoor public spaces. Starting immediately, they have to wear one outdoors if they cannot consistently …