County Information

The February unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was unchanged compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 3.7 percent February unemployment rate was equal to the figure posted for January. February’s unemployment rate, however, was 1.1 percent less than the same month a year earlier, …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is reporting the first flu associated death this year, as the number of flu cases caused by Influenza A, H1N1 strain, increase. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is now reporting widespread flu activity throughout the state. Widespread means that outbreaks of influenza or increases in influenza-like illnesses are being reported, and …

Two public hearings and six matters of new business, including a contract for street-sweeping services, will be fielded this evening by the Three Rivers City Commission. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners are expected to stage public hearings on a zoning amendment at 1001 Wood Street and surrounding parcels, and an IFT request for precision wire form. New business includes a …

Seven cases of chickenpox have been reported to the health department’s St. Joseph County office this past week. In January, the Michigan Disease Surveillance System confirmed seven cases in Hillsdale County; most of these cases involve school-age children. According to Michigan law, all students are required to be immunized with two doses of Varicella vaccine or have had a history …

A county-owned building is being targeted as the location of a new health clinic for low-income and indigent St. Joseph County residents. But at least one commissioner made clear he will not support a plan to pay for costs associated with remodeling the site. During last week’s county commission executive session, commissioners discussed a bid from Brussee/Brady Inc. of Three …

A dog had to be shot to death Friday after it attacked a mail carrier and police officer in Sturgis. According to a Sturgis Police Department media release, officers were called around 4 p.m. to a residence in the 400 block of South Jefferson Street following a report of a dog attacking a mail carrier. Sturgis officers and the dog’s …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday is expected to authorize a survey of the Plumb Lake property it plans to develop into a park in Burr Oak Township. County administrator Pat Yoder during last week’s county commission executive committee meeting said a state requirement calls for the property to be surveyed, with relevant data recorded with the …

The validity of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County Board could become a topic of discussion by county commissioners this week. Commissioner Robin Baker inquired during Wednesday’s county commission executive committee meeting about interviews with prospective new members and reappointments of three current members. Baker said applicants to the CMHSAS Board need to be …

Litigation regarding the proposed development of a multi-sports athletic complex in the Three Rivers area has forced county officials to make a few amendments to its facility agreement. During Wednesday’s county commission executive committee meeting, commissioners agreed to vote on the amendments at next week’s board meeting. County administrator Pat Yoder said time-sensitive dates had to be revised because of …

Reimbursement for college tuition will become an easier process for county employees, pending action taken by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. A matter discussed during this week’s county commission executive committee centered on making the process of applying for reimbursement an easier procedure, Pat Yoder, county administrator, said a few of the likely changes include a provision that …