Sturgis-Coldwater News

Whitmer’s 'free' community college tuition program misses 20% of the state’s residents

By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 9, 2021

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent promise of a program to help adult Michiganders get a degree with free tuition at community colleges has brought confusion and frustration, as the fine print could be dashing the hopes of some potential students.

Michigan lawmakers had a spike in vote absences during 2020

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jan 18, 2021

While the COVID-19 pandemic experienced a recent resurgence in Michigan, a significant number of state representatives also failed to make a significant portion of votes in the state Legislature.

LaSata urges constituents to take precautions after she tests positive for COVID-19

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 20, 2020

Despite taking every precaution prescribed for the prevention of COVID-19, Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Bainbridge Township) recently announced that, while she has yet to show any symptoms, she tested positive for the coronavirus during a routine medical checkup.

Pollack urges voters not to let needed 911 upgrades fall victim to unrelated political controversy

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 2, 2020

With a proposed increase to the local telephone surcharge that helps fund 911 operations in the county on the line, Branch County Sheriff John Pollack has recently written an open letter to the community regarding his concerns that political controversy could overshadow funding needs.

Michigan Election Commission outlines potential voting vulnerabilities on Election Day

By Benjamin Kibbey | Nov 2, 2020

The Michigan Election Security Advisory Commission recently released a report examining the possible problems that could crop up on Election Day, even with more than half of the total number of ballots cast in 2016 having already been cast ahead of the 2020 election, according to the U.S. Elections Project.

Miller questions whether masks would still be effective doused in sweat

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 18, 2020

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently issued a new executive order to clarify her previous order and reinforce that even athletes performing strenuous activity on large, outdoor athletic fields in later-summer heat will have to wear masks at all times, doubling down in response to criticism about Executive Order 2020-176.

From Shiawassee Times

Michigan school districts opt for a variety of options for fall reopening

By Benjamin Kibbey | 4 years ago

Bridge Michigan recently published a list detailing not only the reopening plans for local school districts across the state, but how those plans will progress into the coming year, with the promise to continue updating the information as it changes.

Leutheuser votes for local control over educational decisions

By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 9, 2020

Michigan Rep. Eric Leutheuser (R-Hillsdale) joined fellow legislators in approving an education restart plan that would give individual school districts the ability to work with their local health departments to tailor the educational approach for the coming school year to the needs of their local communities.

Shirkey calls for fiscal responsibility in face of COVID-19 and economic fears

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jul 14, 2020

Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) recently added his voice to calls for fiscal responsibility as government at all levels attempts to navigate the uncertainty following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sturgis and Centreville schools face potential funding shortfalls due to COVID-19 crisis

By Benjamin Kibbey | Jun 24, 2020

After coming through a year with many changes and adjustments due to the COVID-19 crisis, area schools are already looking toward next year and what future challenges await, including potential revenue losses.