Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Michigan rose last week compared with the week prior, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. New jobless claims increased to 7,064 in the week ending June 28, up from 5,964 the week before, the Labor Department said. Meanwhile, U.S. unemployment claims rose to 238,000 last week, up 4,000 claims from 234,000 the week …

Sturgis Public Schools officials are in the process of hiring a replacement for an administrator who retired last month. Assistant Superintendent Nicole Gittinger, a 15-year district employee, served as principal at Wall Elementary School, principal at Eastwood Elementary School and since 2017 as assistant superintendent. She was previously a principal at White Pigeon Community Schools. Her job listing is being …

Indiana Michigan Power has responded to Michigan Public Service Commission’s recent order regarding the “Powering Our Future” plan. The plan outlines I&M’s continued commitment to providing its customers with reliable, safe and affordable service, company officials said. Under the order, a rate amount of $17.3 million was approved by the MPSC. Revised rates based on the order will go into …

Three Rivers Lions Club has announced its “Citizens of the Year” for 2024. Leilani and Bruce Ruesink are the recipients of the annual award. The two were acknowledged at last week’s Three Rivers City Commission meeting. Mayor Tom Lowry said the Ruesinks are community activists whose reach extends to Corey Lake Orchards, Three Rivers Women’s Club, local arts programs and …

Organizers behind the annual “Art on Main” event in downtown Three Rivers wish to remind the public the 2024 event is coming up next week. Sponsored by Three Rivers DDA/Main Street, Art on Main will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. It will feature local artists and live musicians. More information is available from the DDA …

Deputy William Butler Jr. was remembered as a family man and servant leader Wednesday at funeral services attended by hundreds of law enforcement officers and other first responders. Butler died June 27 after being shot during a traffic stop. He was the first Hillsdale County deputy to die in the line of duty since the 1930s. He served a total …

Two of three people involved in a breaking-and-entering incident earlier this week in Branch County’s California Township were arrested. Michigan State Police troopers on Sunday were dispatched to the 1000 block of State Line Road in California Township in response to a breaking-and-entering situation that had occurred around 9 p.m. Tips and leads were received and three suspects were brought …

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said a grant will allow the agency to patrol roadways in the county and focus on speed violations. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working alongside the Centreville-based agency to enforce local speed limits. Bingaman said the grant will allow for additional patrols focusing specifically on speed-related violations through …

St. Joseph County Resources has announced the dates of the 2024 “Produce Pop-Up” event this season. Once a month for three consecutive months, St. Joseph County United Way will host the special event at its Centreville location, 660 E. Main St. They start at 9 a.m. and will be held July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26. Produce Pop-Up is …

A Hillsdale County resident was arrested prior to his shift as an officer at the Lakeland Corrections Facility in Coldwater. According to Michigan State Police, 43-year-old Mark Goodlock was charged with possession of a controlled substance following an investigation led by Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police. Goodlock was questioned prior to the start of his shift June …