St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate experienced a 1.7 percent drop from July to August. According to the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, St. Joseph County’s August unemployment was 8 percent, down from 9.7 percent in July. The August figure is lower than Michigan’s statewide August unemployment rate of 9.2 percent and the county’s …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has named Christopher Bolt as the agency’s chief executive officer, engineer and manager. Bolt will hold the same positions with the Cass County Road Commission, a dual-role arrangement that started with his predecessor, Louis Csokasy. Bolt’s appointment was announced last week. He has been serving in the capacity on an interim basis since July, …

More than 100 people took part in an inaugural event last week that brought awareness to the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Pathfinder Center and its support of the Special Olympics. The Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run was staged Friday morning. The jog around Centreville started at the county fairgrounds and ended at Centreville High School’s track. Along the …

Ernest J. “Ernie” Knapp, age 69, of Three Rivers, passed away early Friday, September 28, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Three Rivers, MI. on May 18, 1943 the son of Ernest Knapp Sr. and Mildred (Meier) Knapp. Ernest has been a life time resident of Three …

Officials responsible for a $1.3 billion pipeline project in Indiana and Michigan said a staging area in Mendon Township has received all of its 110 miles of pipe, concluding a major component of the undertaking. Joe Martucci, Enbridge spokesman for the so-called 6B Replacement Project, said the 72-foot-long steel pipes have been shipped since July from a railroad site in …

State Rep. Matt Lori this week was awarded the “Champion of Hope” award by the Michigan Association of Substance Abuse Coordinating Agencies. The award recognizes Lori’s extraordinary leadership in bringing substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery issues to the attention of legislatures. Lori, a Constantine-area resident, said he is committed to working as a member of the House to not …

Here’s a reminder that the St. Joseph County Conservation District is planning its last river cleanup of the season Saturday. A stretch of the Portage River in Mendon and Park townships will be the focus of the agency’s eighth cleanup event this summer. Cleanup efforts will focus on a stretch of the Portage River in Mendon and Park townships. The …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was called Wednesday to investigate the break-in to and vandalism of a pole barn in Burr Oak Township. According to a department media release, the building – located in the 33000 block of Deer Park Road – was entered. Windows were damaged by BBs from a pellet gun and thrown rocks, investigators said, further …

Police have released the identity of the man who died following an explosion at his home on Monday. 30-year-old David Loach died at Bronson Methodist Hospital, after he was severely injured in his garage at 109 South Andrews Street. Three Rivers Police say the explosion was caused by a chemical reaction during the production of methamphetamine. Law-enforcement is continuing their …

Harold G. Wesse, 88, of White Pigeon, died Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at his home, following an extended illness. He was born Aug. 27, 1924, in Dolton, Ill., a son of Herman and Elsie (Beckman) Wesse. He had been a resident of the White Pigeon area since 1948, having spent his early life in Illinois. On Sept. 25, 1948, he married B. …