County Information

May’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by seven-tenths of a percent from April. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget was released last week and it showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate climbed from 3.4 percent in April to 4.1 percent in May. The rate was 6 percent 12 months earlier. Meanwhile, …

St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said the agency has identified four bridges under its jurisdiction for potential funding from Michigan Department of Transportation. The bridges are in need of upgrades and Lindsey said an application to the state agency as part of its “bridge bundling” program will soon be on its way to Lansing. Lindsey said the …

St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring announced Tuesday tentative contract agreements have been reached with the county’s 10 different labor unions. Doehring said with two exceptions, annual raises of 2 percent will be given in each of the next three years. Meanwhile, corrections officers will receive 3 percent raises annually over the next 36 months while the command group for …

During Tuesday’s county commission meeting, commissioner Jared Hoffmaster said the five-county Southwest Michigan Solid Waste Consortium has been dissolved. He said St. Joseph County, however, will continue to keep its own Solid Waste Committee. On an unrelated note, Hoffmaster said the St. Joseph County Transportation Board is in need of members. The board meets the third Tuesday of the month. …

A Florence Township resident will replace a long-time member of the St. Joseph County Road Commission Board. County commissioners Tuesday appointed David Miars to the six-year term, replacing David Allen. Allen had indicated he was ready to step down from the road commission board after completing a six-year term of his own. Miars, who is chairman of the county’s Public …

St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is appealing to businesses and individuals willing to help support its annual New Year’s Eve Free Ride Home program. The six-hour service starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and is offered free of charge to New Year’s Eve revelers in St. Joseph County. CTA drivers will pick up and drop off a rider anywhere in …

Based on new recommendations from the CDC, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is now offering all manufacturer’s vaccine booster doses to all residents age 18 and older. Those who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine as their primary vaccine with the second dose administered at least six months ago are eligible for a booster dose. Those who are age …

Just about every vote counted in Nottawa Township on election day, as a five-vote margin will allow the township to improve a number of its roads. Passed by a vote of 150 in favor and 145 opposed, the township’s request for an additional 1-mill will cover a five-year period. Township officials said the mill will generate an additional $115,000 in …

A trio of incumbents for the Three Rivers City Commission will serve four more years, while the results of a write-in campaign for an at-large seat to the seven-member board will be announced Thursday. Mayor Tom Lowry, with 22 years served, was re-elected with 390 votes. Meanwhile, First District incumbent Pat Dane topped challenger Justin Mitchell. Dane secured 267 votes …

St. Joseph County officials are asking the public to complete a survey related to damage from last week’s storms. E-911 Director Dennis Brandenburg said the county is interested in receiving damage reports as a result of the severe weather last Wednesday and Thursday. The county is looking to find resources to help residents. Brandenburg said knowing the locations where damage …