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The January 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 6.9 percent January unemployment rate was equal to December’s figure. January’s unemployment rate was 1.7 percent less than the same month one year earlier, when the figure was …

The Three Rivers City Commission last week passed an ordinance related to sidewalk snow removal. The ordinance calls for the owner of a building or lot adjacent to a paved sidewalk to clear the sidewalk within 72 hours of a measureable snowfall. In addition, the ordinance requires sand or an abrasive to be applied if snow is too hard or …

Three Rivers Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson has announced he is resigning from the position later this summer. In a prepared statement, Tomlinson said he will step down around Aug. 1, but a firm date will be set once a replacement has been hired and adequately trained. Tomlinson, who has spent nearly 30 years in the industry, said philosophical differences over …

Results of a needs-assessment questionnaire, distributed jointly by Sturgis Hospital and Three Rivers Health, have been released. The third of five fields focuses on chronic diseases. According to the St. Joseph County 2012 Community Health Needs Assessment, 29 percent of the population surveyed suffers from chronic lower back pain and 28 percent reported having high blood pressure. In addition, as …

The driver of a semi tractor-trailer was killed Thursday following a collision with a train in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at the crossing over U.S. 131 near Indian Prairie Road. Sheriff’s deputies said the southbound semi collided with a slow-moving, eastbound train comprised of an engine and two rail cars. The collision caused a portion …

Methamphetamine-related charges were filed against a Constantine Township man Thursday. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the arrest was the culmination of an investigation that took place over the course of several weeks. The suspect was arrested after a search warrant was executed by narcotics investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. The arrest took place at …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a series of arson incidents that occurred last week in Colon Township. The fires were set around 10 p.m. March 13 in the 59000 and 61000 blocks of Farrand Road, the 57000 block of Hodges Road, the 59000 block of Fairfax Road, and the 59000 block of Long Lake Road.

Seven candidates from a pool of 26 applicants to replace Roger Rathburn as superintendent of Three Rivers Community Schools have been identified. Interviews with the seven will take place over the course of three nights next week. The candidates interviewing Monday are: Tim Staffen, CTE Principal, Calhoun County ISD; John Stryker, superintendent of New Lothrop Area Public Schools; and Mike …

The list of candidates for superintendent of Colon Community Schools has been trimmed to three, following action by the district’s board of education Monday. Board president Ernie Baker said the finalists are: Victor Bungi of Gladstone, curriculum and instruction supervisor for the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District in the Upper Peninsula; Drew Bordner, Richland, director of curriculum and instruction for Gull …

A 33-year-old Burr Oak man died from a gunshot wound during a domestic dispute around 10:30 p.m. in Burr Oak Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Dennis Brooks died from a gunshot wound to the head at Townline Road, near Farrand Road, on the border of Burr Oak and Colon townships. Investigators said Maria Audrey-Louise Williams, 34, is …