April’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by one-tenth of a percent from March. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 3.9 percent in March to 3.8 percent in April. In addition, Cass County also experienced a drop in its unemployment figures from …

A six-week detour around Langley Covered Bridge ended this week, as the county icon – sporting a fresh coat of paint – opened to traffic Thursday morning. The closure, which went into effect April 16, was necessary for workers to complete the final portion of a $3.2 million overhaul that originally started Sept. 11. When the main component of the …

Two people connected to a labor-trafficking situation in Three Rivers waived preliminary examination and were bound over to stand trial in St. Joseph County District Court this week. According to a media release issued by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Ikbahl Machhal and Shila Devi, both of Three Rivers, appeared in court Monday. Machhal is the victim’s husband. Machhal, 40, …

I am remembering the Military and Service dogs for Memorial Day.  My name is “Dori”.  I am an energetic, nose to the ground girl.  I am about four years old, housetrained and I get along with other dogs and kids.  If you sit down with me I will be affectionate and let you love on me.  I love water and …

Eastwood Elementary School in Sturgis has a new principal and will greet students at the start of the 2024-25 academic year. Board of education members agreed Monday to the employment of Christine Welc. She was chosen from a field of three finalists, who were involved in second-round interviews last week. Welc currently serves as an administrator and teacher at Paramount …

The Sturgis Kiwanis Club’s annual “Knowledge is Dynamite” program was held recently at the Sturges-Young Auditorium, and a group of eight Sturgis fourth-graders from Eastwood Elementary School were honored. The eight were recognized for outstanding achievement and growth during the 2023-24 school year. Each student was selected by their teacher and received a special certificate, T-shirt and pencil bundle from …

Michigan Department of Transportation’s Chris Jacobs has provided an update on the U.S. 131 reconstruction project in southern Kalamazoo County. Work completed includes storm sewer and culvert installation south of the railroad tracks in Schoolcraft, crossovers added at four locations and resolution of watermain conflicts. The two-week outlook includes milling and hot-mix asphalt paving, storm sewer work on the southbound …

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman has announced the newest member of the sheriff’s department – a facility dog named CJ. Bingaman said facility dogs are companion dogs trained to enhance stress-management techniques and be a calming presence. He said research shows the relationship between dogs and law-enforcement officers can have positive influence on the ability to prepare for and …

A proposed lighting project in downtown Sturgis has been brought back to the forefront. Sturgis Community Development Specialist Jeff Coney recently presented details for the proposed project to the Sturgis City Commission. The Sturgis Downtown Development Authority and some interested downtown business owners have been investigating a project to light downtown Sturgis buildings over the last few years. Through investigating …

A Flowerfield Township woman has announced her candidacy for Probate Court judge. Attorney Kelly Ward currently serves as a referee and indicated she is the right person for the six-year position. Incumbent David Tomlinson is unable to seek re-election due to age limitations. A county resident of more than 40 years, Ward previously worked for Van Buren County Circuit Court …