Business

St. Joseph County Association of Realtors has named Jennifer Koski as its 2021 “Realtor of the Year.” The award is given in recognition of outstanding commitment and service to the community and the real estate industry. Award-winners are chosen by their peers and recognized both locally and at the state level by the Michigan Realtors. Nominees are evaluated on their …

Republican lawmakers voted Thursday to stop a $300 weekly federal supplement that is added to unemployed workers’ benefits in Michigan, though the measure is expected to be vetoed when it reaches Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The GOP-controlled Senate passed the bill on party lines, 19-16, after making a change to the measure that cleared the House last week. It would …

State Sen. Kim LaSata issued a statement Tuesday centering on an announcement concerning a considerable expansion at Three Rivers-based American Axle. According to the Michigan Strategic Fund, American Axle has been granted a five-year State Essential Services Assessment Exemption for its $40.6 million expansion project. The tax exemption, worth an estimated $470,000, will help the company complete the project that …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport reports continued growth in passenger traffic during the month of May. A year-by-year comparison shows growth of 788 percent compared to the COVID-decimated travel month of May 2020. Craig Williams, airport director, said the airport handled 14,088 passengers last month, up from 12,370 the month before. However, Williams said, the May 2021 count is down more …

April’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County dropped by three-tenths of a percent from March. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget was released last week. It showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.9 percent in March to 4.6 percent in April. The rate was 28.9 percent a year earlier, as April …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday loosened COVID-19 workplace safety rules so fully vaccinated employees can go without a mask and disregard distancing requirements. Industry-specific regulations were rescinded. Restaurants and bars, for instance, can reopen pool tables and dance floors. Cleaning standards were softened. As expected, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration also lifted a requirement that employers prohibit …

Disney Plus Only Presale: Online Only Presale: Tuesday, May 4th 10:00am – May 6th 10:00pm Thursday, May 6th 10:00am – 10:00pm Public Onsale: Friday, May 7th @ 10:00am For generations, Disney’s Princesses have enchanted us with their courage and kindness. Their music has been the soundtrack to our lives. Now, for the first time in forever, that beloved music will …

The staff at Eickhoff Funeral Home want the citizens of St. Joseph County to be aware, that beginning in April, families that experienced the death of a loved one due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Two pieces of legislation recently passed by Congress – the Coronavirus …

Pfizer is expected to start building a new pharmaceutical production facility in Kalamazoo County. The drugmaker broke ground Wednesday on the multi-story, 420,000-square-foot building on Pfizer’s global manufacturing campus in Portage, MLive.com reported. It is expected to bring 450 new jobs to the area. The $465 million facility is expected to be in operation in 2025, according to Pfizer. The …

Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and a much-anticipated break from winter. It also brings a very real threat of severe weather, according to disaster recovery specialist Anthony Blodgett of SERVPRO of Cass & St. Joseph Counties. “The frequent change in cold and warm temperatures in spring creates an elevated risk for severe weather across the country,” said Blodgett. “Ranging …