Business

April unemployment in St. Joseph County continued a downward trend. Data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Analysis, showed the county’s unemployment rate for April was 7.7 percent. The figure reflects a 1.1 percent decrease from March. The rate is also an even 2 percent lower from April 2011. One other positive note: St. Joseph County’s …

A media release issued Thursday by the St. Joseph County Road Commission indicates a roadway in Fawn River Township, closed since December, is now open. Department officials said Kime Road was slated to open at 6 a.m. today, as crews have finished work on a bridge spanning the Fawn River. The bridge is between Fawn River Road and Stoney Road.

KeyStone Place, a shelter for individuals and families without a permanent residence, is wrapping up its goal to collect $5 from every employee at a number of businesses in the county. The agency is operating on a tight budget and KeyStone officials are hoping the $5-per-employee drive will give it some much-needed financial relief. Its goal is to raise $20,000. …

Members of the Sturgis City Commissioners recently awarded an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate toLTiPrinting, Inc. The 12-year certificate is to not exceed $874,000 Company officials said LTi is investing in equipment for a new six-color offset printing press, fork lifts and air conditioning unit. LTi representatives said the investment in the press will open new markets and industry segments currently …

State legislators last week honored a St. Joseph County community for its contribution to the world of magic and an upcoming milestone. The Michigan Senate passed a resolution honoring the village of Colon and the impending 75-year anniversary of the Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. Led by Sen. Bruce Caswell, Resolution No. 154 was read on the senate floor before a small …

City of Sturgis officials said general street-repair work started in two locations Monday. The first job calls for milling sections of North Centerville Road in an effort to smooth out bumps in the roadway. North Centerville Road will remain open during the process but with some lane restrictions. A news release from the city did not indicate the length of …

Rail congestion along a Detroit Amtrak route is expected to be alleviated with the addition of a new track to separate the movement of freight and passenger trains. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday that the Federal Railroad Administration is providing a $7.9 million grant for the West Detroit Connection Track project. Michigan will match that amount. The project is …

A Portage resident convicted of embezzling more than $100,000 from a local credit union was sentenced in St. Joseph County Circuit Court last week. Kristen Taft, 57, was sentenced to 12 months in jail and five years of probation. Judge Paul Stutesman said her jail sentence would be reduced if she is able to pay more than $160,000 in restitution, …

  A team of investigators from the Sturgis Police Department, along with security officials from Wal-Mart, are investigating an estimated $10,000 embezzlement by an unnamed number of employees. According to a department news release, Sturgis Police said employees were involved in a ring centering on the theft of electronic equipment dating to December. Officers spent several hours overnight Tuesday retrieving …

The Centreville Downtown Development Association has found a seasonal use for the property that previously housed the Village Market grocery store. An attraction called the Centreville Farmers Open Market will start in the parking lot May 4 and run through mid October. It will feature a farmer’s market, crafts, baked goods and flowers. The market is projected to run 2 …