Homepage Featured Other Headlines

Michigan’s unemployment rate increased in August for the third consecutive month. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget says the state’s jobless rate last month edged upward by two-tenths of a percentage point to nine percent. Total employment declined by 7,000 over the month, while the number of unemployed rose by 7,000. There was little change in the state’s …

The Marine Corps of St. Joseph County has announced it is hosting a ball, which is open to all veterans, active duty or families of veterans. Event organizers said the ball is to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the formation of the St. Joseph County group. Plenty of door prizes will be given away and other items will be auctioned …

Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation making it more expensive to get some hunting and fishing licenses in Michigan, in an effort to better support Michigan’s natural resources. The measure sets up a new hunting and fishing fee system. Under the legislation, the cost of a typical deer hunting license will increase from $15 to $30 and the annual restricted …

The Mendon Kiwanis Club is seeking additional participants interested in being a part of the 57th Mendon Kiwanis Showboat fundraiser event in November. “The Not So Wild West” is this year’s theme, and will feature songs and skits from the old west. Kiwanis members would like to extend an invitation to all voices in St. Joseph County to be included …

Attendance for Saturday’s second Colon Historic Home and Business Tour was down compared to the inaugural event in 2011. Still, co-organizer Sherry Engle said the 10-stop, self-guided tour managed to raise funds to help the Colon-based Community Historical Museum cover costs related to repairs around the building’s steeple. The tour featured four houses, four businesses, a church and the historical …

Authorities say a 58-year-old man is charged in the death of his 56-year-old ex-wife, whose body was found inside her southwestern Michigan apartment. Kalamazoo County’s Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Klein says the open murder charge was authorized Saturday against Clinton Edward Smith. He was jailed and scheduled for arraignment by video on Monday afternoon. The prosecutor’s office said Monday morning …

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced it has updated information on its website regarding the safety of 4,422 state highway bridges. State bridge information can be downloaded by route number and/or county, and are current as of Aug. 30. Only highway bridges greater than 20 feet in length are included; ratings for pedestrian, railroad and locally owned bridges are not …

Legislation making it more expensive to get some hunting and fishing licenses in Michigan is on its way to the desk of Govenor Rick Snyder. The state House Tuesday concurred on the Senate’s changes to the bill setting up a new hunting and fishing fee system. Under the legislation, the cost of a typical deer hunting license would increase from …

Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man and his pregnant wife in connection with the shooting death of a Michigan State Police trooper. Eric Knysz is charged with murdering a peace officer, felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. His 21-year-old wife Sarah, who is six-months pregnant, is charged with being …

The Michigan Department of Transportation Southwest Region is holding informational open houses at each of its three Transportation Service Centers this week. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said TSC staff will be present at each location to discuss project selection, transportation funding, construction projects and other issues. Whether it’s highway and bridge conditions, project types, traffic signals and speed limits, snow removal …