News

St. Joseph County experienced an unemployment drop of seven-tenths of a percent from January to February. The monthly report from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Analysis shows February’s unemployment rate in the county was 9.2 percent. The figure was also a decrease from the county’s unemployment rate in February 2011, which was 11 percent. St. Joseph County’s …

Voters in White Pigeon Community Schools may now obtain an absentee ballot for the May 8 millage renewal sought by White Pigeon Community Schools. The 780-student district is seeking renewal of a 3-mill sinking fund for five years. If approved, the $5 million generated as a result will allow the district to continue building, infrastructure and technology upgrades. The original …

The Michigan Department of Transportation is asking motorists to use caution the next two weekends, as almost 3,200 volunteer groups across the state will be picking up litter through the agency’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteers the next two Saturdays will be scattered along more than 7,200 miles of state highways and roadways during the first of three pickups this year. The …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has tabled a matter regarding a public hearing on a millage renewal in support of the E-911 Central Dispatch operation. Commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting agreed that further research into the agency’s long-term needs and projected expenses should be evaluated before authorizing a public hearing on the potential millage request. E911 director Jon Uribe was …

Two incumbents on the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners have filed paperwork in order to seek re-election. Commissioners Don Eaton and John Dobberteen are the first to declare for their return to what will be a five-member board in 2013. The seven-seat panel will be reduced as a result of redistricting performed by the St. Joseph County Apportionment Commission. …

Members of the Police Officers Labor Council in Three Rivers agreed to a new contract with the city, following action Tuesday. City manager Joe Bippus said the union agreed to concessions that include a reduced rate of pay for holidays and unused vacation time. Bippus said the three-year agreement includes raises of 2 percent the first year and 1.5 percent …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved an out-of-state travel request for two employees. According to a memo from Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite, deputies Tim Barnes and Brandon Dahl will attend a Drug Enforcement Agency “Clan Lab” state and local certification school April 16-20 at the FBI training center in Virginia. The invitation-only class was offered to the …

The surge in gasoline prices has stalled around $3.92 per gallon, but experts caution that more increases are coming.  Many refineries still haven’t undergone a seasonal maintenance period that will force them to produce less gas. That will tighten supplies in some parts of the country, especially in the Great Lakes region, and push prices higher.

The Three Rivers Clean Water Plant experienced a discharge of biosolids from the treated storage tank early Wednesday. The discharge volume, which was estimated at 600 gallons, entered the St. Joseph River through the Lincoln Street storm drains. Crews responded immediately to stop the discharge and to clean the street. Plant officials said water samples will be taken from the …

Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and city commission members have OK’d a plan to offer early retirement to municipal employees who qualify for the option. During Tuesday’s meeting, finance director Cathy Lawson noted that as many as six of the city’s 57 full-time employees would qualify for the early-retirement incentive. If accepted, a recipient would receive a one-time payout of …