The March unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by one-tenth 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 3.8 percent March unemployment rate was greater than February’s 3.7 percent. March’s unemployment rate was 1 percent less than the same month one year …

A team of Three Rivers High School students that spearheaded a safe-driving campaign over the past few months has been recognized for its efforts. Members found out last week they came in second place and were awarded a $1,250 cash prize. The teens facilitated three events that provided the school’s student body with tips about safe driving during the winter …

The 2015-16 season is in the books for the Kalamazoo Wings as the South Carolina Stingrays took the Round One of the Kelly Cup Playoff series four games to one. After failing to take advantage of home ice in the first three games at Wings Event Center, the K-WIngs headed to South Carolina trailing 2-1 in the series. On Thursday …

The National Rifle Association has chosen a northern Indiana gun range to host a competitive shooting championship for the next five years. Chief Wa-Ke’-De Outdoor Range held the National Smallbore Rifle Championships the last two years. The National Rifle Association called the facility “excellent” and awarded it a five-year contract for the event. The NRA also said it had “overwhelmingly …

Elsie L. Christensen, 6 days old, of Constantine, died on Thursday, April 21, 2016. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. Wednesday at the Three Rivers Christian Brotherhood Church. Services will begin at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Mottville Township Cemetery. Arrangements were handled by the Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.

Marilee Dean, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Marilee was born on Feb. 27, 1933 in Three Rivers to Shirlie and Paul Kerr. She was happily married to Ralph Dean Jr. for 62 years. Marilee enjoyed her role as homemaker and mother to her four children. The family lived for 28 years …

Marcus Ann Maher, age 85, of rural Sturgis, died Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at her home. She was born Feb. 25, 1931, in Rochester, a daughter of Alanson and Winifred (Welch) Hobart. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. On Nov. 27, 1951, Ann married Richard O. Maher in Vasser and they moved to Sturgis the …

With sadness the Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home announce the passing of Eugene White, age 60, on Tuesday, April 19th, 2016, husband of Cymantha Channey-White of Detroit. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 25, at Southwestern Church of God, 3032 S. Fort St., Detroit. Final Military Honors with burial will be at Moorepark Cemetery, Three Rivers. …

A man accused of killing six people in southwestern Michigan has been found competent to understand the murder charges against him and assist his attorney. A judge held a brief hearing Friday to acknowledge the exam results for Jason Dalton. His criminal case in Kalamazoo was on hold for weeks while experts determined whether he understood the process. The exam …

James C. Warner, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Riverview Manor in Three Rivers. He was born March 6, 1939, in Three Rivers, a son of the late Carl and Thelma (Califf) Warner. James attended school in Amberg, Wis., and was employed at various jobs in the pulpwood industry and other various factory jobs. He …