Business

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is seeking approval for a millage-request renewal in August. During Thursday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners’ executive committee meeting, CTA director Steve Yorks said the request would ask for renewal of 0.33 mills for a four-year period. Committee members recommended the request appears before the board during its twice-a-month meeting Tuesday. After it …

The Meijer grocery chain has confirmed it is looking into a new store in Sturgis. Later this month, the Sturgis Planning Commission will review site plans provided by the store regarding a site at South Centerville Road and West South Street. The location is north of the Sturgis Walmart. Preliminary plans call for a building just under 200,000-square-feet, though its …

February’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased 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 6.8 percent February unemployment rate was more than January’s 6.9 percent. February’s unemployment rate was 1.3 percent less than the same month one year earlier, …

Culver’s won’t be the only new restaurant in Sturgis this year. Company officials from Wings Etc. announced they plan to open a location there by the end of 2014. According to a company press release, project planning has been in progress for many months. There has been no location decided yet for the grill and pub. Wings Etc. is a …

The January unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was unchanged compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 6.9 percent January unemployment rate was equal to December’s figure. January’s unemployment rate was 1.7 percent less than the same month one year earlier, when the figure was …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is looking to fill a full-time position following a retirement and two resignations. County commissioners earlier this month approved a request to fill the position to help offset the resignation of road patrol officer Dru Carney. In addition, patrol officer Terry Baker has resigned and Pete VanCamp retired Friday. In other personnel news at …

Legislation that could make it easier for telephone companies to end landline service has been approved by the Michigan House of Representatives. The bill removes the role of the Michigan Public Service Commission in any effort by a phone company in abandoning a local exchange. Instead, the bill leaves the regulatory role up to the Federal Communications Commission. The Senate-approved …

Researchers at Michigan State University say tourism spending in Michigan was strong in 2013 and is poised for another robust year in 2014. Dan McCole and Sarah Nicholls, of MSU’s Department of Community Sustainability presented their annual report today (Monday) at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference in Traverse City. The MSU researchers say factors fueling the upswing include an improving …

The Home Builders Association of Michigan is confident in its prediction of another good year for residential home construction. There was a 28-percent year-to-year increase for single-family home permits in the state for 2013. And it’s predicted that there will be a 20-percent jump this year when all is said and done. Hillan Homes President Patrick Raye says his business …

A number of local and statewide issues will be discussed Tuesday during a “Community Conversation” in Sturgis. The 90-minute program starts at 11:30 a.m. at Sturges-Young Auditorium and is hosted by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with The Center for Michigan. Organizers said the event looks to offer a forum for community members to discuss pressing issues …