The April unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by four-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 3.4 percent April unemployment rate was less than March’s 3.8 percent. April’s unemployment rate was eight-tenths of a percent less than the same month …

The World Health Organization and its partners are marking World No-Tobacco Day Tuesday, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is joining WHO, and thousands of organizations and individuals around the globe in an effort to raise awareness about the health harms caused by …

A 32-year-old Union City man was arrested last week on alcohol-related charges in Branch County. State police said a trooper attempted to pull over a driver at 11 p.m. Thursday on Athens Road, near Mendon Road, in Sherwood Township for an equipment violation. The driver, a 32-year-old Union City man, continued driving north on Athens Road and a subsequent road …

Dental clinics to serve Medicaid and uninsured patients are expected to open in Sturgis and Coldwater by the end of September after approval of an inter-local contract Thursday. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency board has approved a recommended agreement with non-profit My Community Dental Centers. Health Officer Rebecca Burns said it will fill a much-needed service in both communities, …

Clara Ann Doan, age 74, died on Saturday, May 28, 2016. In accordance with family wishes, cremation will be conducted and private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Hohner Funeral Home.

Mrs. Elva May Palmer, age 89, of Three Rivers, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at her home with her family at her side.  She was born in Three Rivers, MI., on September 8, 1926 the daughter of the late Edmund and Nellie (Ash) Smallcombe. Elva attended Three Rivers Schools and graduated with the …

Donna J. Hendricks, 65, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, following an extended illness. She was born July 1, 1950, in Three Rivers, a daughter of Harold G. and B. Juanita (Schultz) Wesse. She was a resident of Sturgis since 2009, coming from Centreville and White Pigeon, where she graduated high school. …

Jeffrey A. Schwartz, age 41, of Burr Oak, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at his home. Jeff was born in Kalamazoo, November 8, 1974 to Wayne Schwartz and Carolyn Allen. He graduated from Centreville High School in 1993. Jeff attended Glen Oaks Community College and later graduated from Ferris State University with a Nuclear Medicine Technician degree. He …

Stephen R. Grusell, age 36, of Kalamazoo, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 27, 2016 at home. He was born June 30, 1979 in Montreal, Quebec the son of John Luther Grusell and Susan Fournier. On April 20, 2011 he married Victoria A. Owens, who survives. He was self employed as a maintenance person. He enjoyed watching movies, Star Wars, walking …

As part of GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ commitment to youth in agriculture, the cooperative recently awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 22 incoming college freshmen through the association’s scholarship program. Two area students were among the recipients of the scholarships. Loren King, currently homeschooled, plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a dual degree in foreign agribusiness management and biosystems …