County Information

The September unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by one-tenth of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 5.2 percent September unemployment rate was more than August’s 5.1 percent. September’s unemployment rate, however, was a full 2 percent less than the same …

Investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit last week performed parole/probation-compliance checks on residences in conjunction with parole agents with the Michigan Department of Corrections. As part of Operation Night Hawk investigators from SCAN and agents from the DOC on Thursday checked six separate residences. Four individuals were arrested, with charges ranging from outstanding warrants, parole violations and …

The Colon Food Pantry has four additional boxes of food and more than $500 in cash thanks to the generosity of about 40 people Saturday. The third annual benefit magic show, staged by Rick Fisher of FAB Magic, took place at Colon Elementary School. The participants – Jeff Jackowski, Mark Joseph, Tamara Sterlini, Preston “Scoop” Eakins and Jeff Boyer – …

The pairings for the 2014 high school football playoffs were announced Sunday night. Four area teams will play in the post season. In Division 4, Three Rivers will take its 6-and-3 record to Vicksburg Friday night for a Wolverine Conference rematch with the 7-and-2 Bulldogs. Three Rivers won the regular-season battle, 25-12, earlier this month. Constantine, with an 8-and-1 record, …

Colon-based FAB Magic Co. is sponsoring its third annual benefit magic show Saturday in support of the Colon Food Pantry. Event organizer Rick Fisher said the show will feature five acts and admission to the 7 p.m. event is the contribution of non-perishable food items or a financial donation. The show was moved from the high school to the elementary …

A 27-year-old man was arrested this week on a felony warrant from Elkhart County. According to authorities, a White Pigeon Police K-9 unit on Monday stopped a driver on a 4-wheeler in the 400 block of Elkhart Street. Police said a check on the subject revealed a warrant for delivery and manufacturing methamphetamines. The suspect was found to be in …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week renewed a three-year contract for indigent-defense services. County administrator Pat Yoder said a pool of nine area attorneys were accepted to represent defendants who cannot afford legal services during their judicial process. The agreement, between the county and the Michigan Municipal Corporation, comes with a cost averaging about $480,000 each year …

Sturgis police said a 45-year-old man was arrested this week for attempted breaking and entering into a residence, possession of burglary tools, malicious destruction of property, and resisting and obstructing police. The incident happened just after 1:25 a.m. Wednesday, as officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Chicago Road for a suspected breaking and entering. The suspect fled …

Bond for a Sturgis woman accused of allegedly stabbing her sister earlier this week has been set at $1 million. Erica Gosnell, 22, was arrested following the incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. Tuesday at an apartment in the 1200 block of Laura Drive. Police arriving on the scene found a 27-year-old woman who had been stabbed several times. Gosnell, …

The executive director of St. Joseph County’s Commission on Aging made some clarifications Tuesday regarding the proposed Sturgis Senior Center building, its funding and related issues. Addressing the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Lynn Coursey noted the $2.6 million the commission fronted to the COA Oct. 7 was a loan and set aside in an account as a fund …