News

The July unemployment rate in St. Joseph County rose by more than a full 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 9.8 percent July unemployment rate was more than June’s 8.4 percent. Still, the July 2013 unemployment rate was one-tenths of a percent less …

Names of the seven suspects arrested during a pair of drug-related raids at neighboring homes last week in Mottville Township have been released. White Pigeon residents Kenna Patterson, 21, and Timothy Patterson, 27, were released on $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Terri Lynn Nowicki, 40, of White Pigeon, remains in the St. Joseph County jail with a $50,000 bond. Gary Nowicki, …

A 68-year-old Three Rivers man sought medical attention after he was involved in a three-vehicle crash last week. According to Three Rivers Police, Richard Crandall and 56-year-old Debra Edwards, of Marcellus, were stopped on southbound Main Street at Hoffman Road Thursday morning, when a southbound SUV driven by 49-year-old David Hembree rear-ended Edwards’ vehicle, which crashed into the back of …

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners have granted requests to fill two court positions. Commissioners OK’d District Court to fill a deputy clerk position to replace Sally Wickum, who plans to retire later this year. The entry-level pay is $13.46 an hour. Meanwhile, Probate Court was given clearance to fill the position of juvenile register. The post …

Some Michigan lawmakers are looking at lifting the 70 mph cap on highway speeds and making other changes to reduce speed traps. Grand Ledge Sen. Rick Jones is working on a bill with fellow Republican Tom Casperson from Escanaba they want to introduce this fall. One upshot could be speed limits rising to 75 mph or 80 mph on some …

A road project in the village of Centreville is progressing toward its completion date of Saturday next week. Nick Schirripa, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Southwest Region, said crews over the past six weeks have been working on East Main Street and creating what will eventually be a three-lane roadway through a majority of the village. The road …

The Three Rivers Department of Public Services wishes to remind residents it will be flushing hydrants starting Sept. 3. The task should continue through the end of the month, weeknights from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. DPS officials said some rusty water may be experienced over the four-week period. Residents who notice prolonged problems may call the DPS office at …

Members of the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County are planning for the agency’s inaugural beer-tasting event, “Ales for Tails.” The program will take place 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Grille Tavern, located at Island Hills Golf Club, near Centreville. Tickets for the fundraiser are $30 each and may be purchased at Island Hills or Beam …

The Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board of St. Joseph County has issued a notice regarding its annual public hearing next month. Though the public is invited to attend any monthly meeting, the September meeting is typically when clients and the public attend to provide feedback or raise issues regarding services and all other relevant matters pertaining to …

The second and final week of the annual Donut Drive, staged by the St. Joseph County United Way, begins Monday in White Pigeon. The Donut Drive started this week and took place in Centreville, Sturgis, Three Rivers and this morning in Colon. Executive director Kelly Hostetler said the donut drive serves as a public thank you for the support provided …