Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in November declined in 14 of Michigan’s 17 major labor market regions. According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, jobless rates increased seasonally in the states three northern most labor market regions. Total employment rose in most areas over the month, while labor force levels declined seasonally in the majority of regions. Spokesman …

A city-wide snow removal emergency in Sturgis remains in effect, according to municipal officials. By ordinance, during a declared snow removal emergency parking is prohibited on all city streets. Any vehicle parked in violation is subject to being issued a citation and towed at the owner’s expense. The parking prohibition is effective until streets have been cleared of snow between …

Triple A Michigan says it has helped at least 2,200 motorists slammed by snow and low temperatures. Spokeswoman Nancy Cain says it’s not a record, but crews have been “extremely busy” Monday. The problems include dead batteries, cars in ditches after slipping off roads, no gas and people locked out of their vehicles while warming them up. Cain said 2,200 …

Philip “Shorty” Clark, age 71, of Centreville, passed away Saturday, January 4th, 2014 at his home. He born in Three Rivers, MI on September 10, 1942, a son of William P. and Bernice (Parker) Clark. On June 21,1964 Shorty married Janet Brooks in Three Rivers. She preceded him in death on July 20, 2009. He worked as a materials handler …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk has lifted the SNOW EMERGENCY for St Joseph County, MI. Travel is suggested to be of a necessity only. Do not try to travel down a road that is drifted shut. Use extreme caution if you have to be out.

Michelle Dawn Jarratt, age 54, of Sturgis, Mich., and formerly of Constantine, Mich., passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at her home. She was born May 22, 1959, in Three Rivers, Mich., a daughter to the late William Dennis Poorman and Lorna (Shears) Stahl. Michelle was a homemaker and enjoyed decorating, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren. …

Esther S. Howell, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, from injuries received from a fall at home. She was born Oct. 25, 1942, in Laporte, Ind., a daughter of the late Leonard and Jeanette (Linde) Watnick. Esther graduated from Union Township High School in Laporte and then attended Purdue University, …

James S. Kline. age 72, of Sturgis, passed away early Sunday morning, Jan. 5, 2014, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of James S. Kline will be held at 10 …

It’s a winter storm they’ll be talking about for years. And it’s hit Michigan head-on, and has impacted millions in Detroit and much of the Lower Peninsula, with a foot of snow or more, creating hazardous travel and dangerous conditions for anyone who is outside for any length of time. Flight delays and cancellations are leaving passengers stranded at airports …

Sturgis Hospital and Three Rivers Health have announced the first babies of the year have arrived. Ariyanna Comiskey was born at Sturgis Hospital, four hours after the start of 2014. Her mother is Jenna Cross and the newborn is a little sister to 5-year-old Isabella. Meanwhile, Maddison Brady was born shortly after midnight Friday at Three Rivers Health. She is …