Business

The Centreville Downtown Development Authority recently completed a transaction that includes the purchase of the former Village Market. DDA officials announced details of the purchase Tuesday, saying the $75,000 deal includes the 20,600-square-foot grocery building and attached plaza that features four storefronts. DDA Chair Pattie Bender said the association’s interest in the property was – in part – because of …

November’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County remained less than 7 percent, as it dropped one-tenth of a percent compared to October. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget indicated seasonal retail hiring helped offset job losses in the construction and hospitality fields. St. Joseph County’s 6.7 percent November unemployment rate was not only …

The city of Sturgis has been recognized for the third consecutive year for its work to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development. The annual honor was given following the 2012 annual eCities research project survey conducted by iLabs through the University of Michigan-Dearborn Center for Innovation Research. Sturgis was honored as a Five-Star Community, joining 27 other Five-Star and 26 …

A 34-year-old Elkhart man was charged with driving on a suspended license and open intoxicants after he was involved in a one-car crash last week in Nottawa Township. Sheriff Brad Balk said Chad Ginther was driving east on Butler Road when Ginther crossed the center line, drove off the roadway and his vehicle struck a tree east of North Angling …

A 55-year-old Sturgis man, whose license has been expired since 1987, was arrested after forcing a Michigan State Police trooper to take evasive action from being struck head-on Sunday evening in Mottville Township. The trooper was driving westbound on U.S. 12 when an oncoming vehicle forced him to drive off the roadway. The driver of the eastbound vehicle was stopped …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman said area residents should take extra care in making sure their vehicles are locked overnight. Bringman said his warning comes on the heels of a rash of break-ins Sunday and Monday, centered in the city’s First District. Chief Bringman said 10 incidents were reported over the course of the two days, and it’s likely …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a hit-and-run incident that took place early Sunday in Mendon Township. According to a department media release, a motorist heading north on Silver Street failed to stop at Michigan Avenue and struck a cement wall at the north end of the three-way intersection. The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m., damaged the …

Thirty-one rides were provided to New Year’s Eve revelers Monday and Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority, according to the agency’s director. Steve Yorks said 12 rides were provided from the Three Rivers-based bus and 19 from the vehicle serving the east half of the county, including the Sturgis area. The number of riders was slightly less than …

Sturgis police were called Wednesday evening to a report of an attempted armed robbery at the Walmart store on Centerville Road. According to a department media release, a well-dressed, white man who appeared to be in his 50s, met privately with the store manager after convincing her he was with the sheriff’s department. During a subsequent conversation, the man displayed …

A 46-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday on drug-related charges following a traffic stop in Burr Oak. The man, whose name was not released, was stopped at 3 a.m. at Burr Wood Drive and found to be under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license. Upon further investigation, deputies found an undisclosed amount of marijuana and a …