County Information

The August unemployment rate in St. Joseph County fell by more than two percent compared to the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 7.7 percent August unemployment rate was less than July’s 9.8 percent. The August 2013 unemployment rate was three-tenths of a percent less than the …

An attempt to break the world record for the most number of strollers pushed at the same time fell short Saturday. Nonetheless, organizers behind the event at Glen Oaks Community College said the effort was still a worthwhile affair. Amy Brauer, coordinator of the St. Joseph County Great Start Collaborative, said the attempt brought attention to nearly a dozen area …

Sturgis municipal officials said three new programs are being introduced as a result of the Generate Sturgis entrepreneurial forums earlier this year. A committee of 12 members has continued to meet since the Generate Sturgis sessions and has developed the programs BizCon, Business Boost and Buy Sturgis. Biz Con is a business conduit that will focus on events happening in …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District has announced the winner of its kayak giveaway. Staged as a promotion at the agency’s booth at last week’s St. Joseph County Grange Fair, the kayak giveaway was awarded based on an entry slip chosen randomly from submissions collected during the week. Winner of the kayak was Sturgis resident Marcie Wade.

The Three Rivers Department of Public Services has issued a media release detailing its fall brush pickup schedule. Residents may start placing brush on their terrace starting Saturday, as crews will begin the pickup process Oct. 7. The four-day pick up will take place Oct. 7 in the city’s Third District, Oct. 8 in its first district, Oct. 9 in …

A detached workshop was destroyed by fire shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday in Burr Oak Township. Burr Oak Fire Chief Rich Ultz said the workshop at 30144 Kelly Road was engulfed in flames. The 2,400-square-foot shop, which belonged to Royal Klingler, owner of Burrwood Ltd., was a total loss. Ultz said the building was used as a wood shop. The …

The Centreville Post Office is staging a promotion starting Oct. 1 to tie in with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The month-long “Pink at the Post Office” event will take place to promote the sale of the Breast Cancer semipostal stamp. The Centreville Post Office is one of several hundred post offices in the Greater Michigan District participating …

Six people were in a vehicle involved in a personal-injury accident last weekend in Cass County. Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. said deputies were called shortly after 1 o’clock Sunday morning to North Peninsula Drive, near Union Road, in Porter Township, regarding a one-vehicle accident. Underwood said the driver, 18-year-old Connor Gest, of Elkhart, was the driver of a vehicle that …

State Reps. Matt Lori and Dave Pagel announced Oronoko Township and Cass County have been awarded grants to help offset costs associated with consolidating some services. The money is part of $6 million in funding through the Competitive Grant Assistance Program, awarded to 17 local units of government across Michigan this year. Oronoko Township will receive a $28,800 grant to …

Here’s a reminder from the Constantine Area Foundation: the deadline for grant proposals for the foundation’s fall 2013 grant period is Friday. Eligible recipients include 501(C)(3) organizations, public schools and governmental entities. The foundation encourages potential recipients to focus on improving working and living conditions in the village; youth and recreation opportunities; public, educational, charitable or charitable purposes; and care …