County Information

January’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was eight-tenths of a percent greater than the same month one year earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 4.3 percent January unemployment rate marked an increase from December’s 3.5 percent. Still, St. Joseph County remained below the state unemployment average, which was …

St. Joseph County could be in line to secure a wooded parcel with river access in Fabius Township. Parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald told commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday that a 60-acre property was willed to three siblings. The so-called Kettles parcel is on the east side of U.S. 131, just south of Gleason Road. It abuts …

A Niles man died this week after he was struck by the engine of a freight train in Cass County’s Pokagon Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the rail crossing a half mile south of Pokagon Highway. Investigators said a Norfolk Southern train traveling north came across a subject on the tracks who …

Two government entities in St. Joseph County have agreed to extend their participation for services with the county’s grant writer. Park Township and the village of Centreville have indicated their interest in continuing to pay $3,714 each annually for the services and expertise of James Hissong. County administrator Pat Yoder said the contracts with both parties are up for renewal …

The start of county commission meetings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. has not resulted in greater attendance. Commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday were provided attendance details by board chairman Allen Balog. The commission for years had met at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. With three new members joining the five-person board at …

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners. During a work session following their executive committee meeting, commissioners reviewed five projects that have been on the drawing board for years but are currently in a holding pattern. After an hour of discussion, commissioners agreed the courthouse …

Three award winners were recognized during the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s 69th annual meeting Wednesday. Executive director Carolyn Grace and board president Carol Higgins presented awards for “Volunteers of the Year,” “Farmer of the Year” and “Supporter of the Year.” In awarding Mendon Boy Scouts Troop 427 as “Volunteers of the Year,” Higgins said the Centreville-based agency is always …

A request for funding by representatives from a well-used temporary housing shelter was taken under consideration by county commissioners. Kelli Tackett, director of Centreville-based Keystone Place, made a request for $60,000 during Wednesday’s executive committee meeting. Commissioners commended Tackett for the role Keystone Place plays in helping people at a time when help is greatly in need. They were told …

The field of candidates for Centreville Public Schools’ new superintendent became a two-person race, as one of the three finalists withdrew his candidacy. District officials were informed Wednesday morning that Tim Donahue decided to not participate in Saturday’s interview. Donahue has been superintendent at Potterville Public Schools since 2010. The development means district officials will interview Stephanie Lemmer at 9 …

Centreville Public Schools Board of Education President Heather Bright said a slate of five semi-finalists was narrowed to three following interviews this past weekend. The finalists are Stephanie Lemmer, director of Head Start at Kalamazoo RESA; Tim Donahue, superintendent at Potterville Public Schools; and Corey Helgesen, superintendent at Litchfield Community Schools. Lemmer will be first Saturday, as she is in …