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A 1945 law repeatedly used by Gov. Gretcher Whitmer to respond to the coronavirus pandemic was declared unconstitutional Friday by the Michigan Supreme Court, a striking decision that puts months of restrictions in jeopardy while COVID-19 continues to flare up around the state. The opinion is an extraordinary development in a monthslong conflict between Whitmer, a Democrat, and Republicans who …

St. Joseph County commissioners are expected to decide next week whether to submit a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer regarding the employment of county prosecutor John McDonough. During their executive committee meeting Wednesday, commissioners debated whether to submit the letter in an effort to remove McDonough from the post he has held for nearly 12 years. Board chairman Dennis Allen …

A grocery chain with a presence in Sturgis for nearly 100 years is closing next month. Kroger’s Central Division announced Wednesday it will close the Sturgis store. Financial performance was cited as the key factor in the company’s decision. According to a company media release, the Sturgis location has not operated profitably for a number of years and the company’s …

St. Joseph County Commission On Aging will have to search for a new director, as Tim Stoll has been hired as chief executive officer at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Following an extensive search, Stoll was the clear choice for the position, according to members of the search committee. The 48-year-old Stoll, a Colon High School graduate and Sherwood resident, …

Colon municipal officials have canceled the boil-water order. The source of the problem centered on an issue with the water tower. The village said its tower was being filled and a valve was opened too far, resulting in low water pressure.  

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough pled guilty this week in relation to a bond violation. McDonough appeared Tuesday via Zoom before Kalamazoo County District Court Judge Vincent Westra. The proceeding stems from McDonough’s purchase and consumption of alcohol while on bond for a drunken-driving charge in Lockport Township. The alleged DUI in May resulted in McDonough’s arrest. McDonough waived …

A state agency has recognized the St. Joseph County Road Commission for its low employee-injury rates among Michigan’s county road commissions. The accolade was mentioned at the County Road Association Self-Insurance Fund’s virtual annual membership meeting Sept. 16. The agency provides safety training and workers’ compensation for 69 of the state’s 76 road commissions. The honor roll started in 2011 …

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation and its affiliates are now accepting proposals for its 2021 grant year. Deadlines for Constantine Competitive Grants, Sturgis Competitive Grants and Youth Advisory Council Fund are approaching. Prospective recipients may apply or find out more online at: sturgisfoundation.org/grants.

Three Rivers Community Schools was notified Monday that a middle school student tested positive for COVID-19. According to the district’s Facebook page, it has been determined that the case originated from outside Three Rivers Community Schools. The district said it is responsible for informing students, teachers and staff who are considered “close contacts,” as defined by CDC guidelines. The district …

Michigan State Police troopers are seeking the public’s help for information regarding a suspicious vehicle last weekend in Flowerfield Township. According to a department media release, two teenagers were playing Sunday in the 15000 block of Flowerfield Road. Witnesses said a white utility van pulled up next to one of the teens and opened the passenger door. The other teen …