News

September’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by nine-tenths of a percent from August. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget was released last week. It showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.9 percent in August to 4 percent in September. The rate was 6.2 percent 12 months earlier. Meanwhile, Cass …

A hero in the world of law enforcement was memorialized Saturday in Three Rivers. A ceremony honoring Three Rivers native and former St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department member Ryan Proxmire took place at Armstrong Park. A bench was unveiled and dedicated in Proxmire’s memory. The effort to add a bench in the children’s area of the park was led by …

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer announced late last week that the district will return to face-to-face instruction for students in the elementary school. Students in the high school building, however, will remain in virtual-learning mode for the entire week. Lemmer over the weekend announced the district’s three kindergarten sections will be learning remotely due to positive COVID cases. The …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency began offering all manufacturer’s vaccine booster doses to residents last week. Due to high demand for booster doses, the Three Rivers clinic will be open until 3:30 p.m. Thursday. Residents should make appointments on the agency’s website: bhsj.org/scheduling. The phone number is 273-2161, ext. 7. As a reminder, those who received a Pfizer or …

Two stolen campers were returned to their respective owners earlier this week. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 12000 block of Riverside Drive. Deputies secured a search warrant and discovered a $35,000 camper on the premises. Upon further investigation, deputies found a second camper, valued at $27,000. Additional information about possible arrests …

Here’s a rundown of trick-or-treat days and times in the area. Saturday trick-or-treating will take place in Burr Oak from 6 to 8 p.m.; 5 to 7 o’clock in Centreville and Three Rivers; and 5:30 to 7:30 in Mendon and White Pigeon. Sunday trick-or-treat hours are 5:30 to 7:30 in Sturgis and Constantine; and 6 to 8 p.m. in Colon. …

Sheriff’s deputies responded Tuesday to a crash in Florence Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the agency was notified around 10 a.m. Tuesday of a two-vehicle collision on Lutz Road, near Featherstone Road. Investigators said a 61-year-old woman from Constantine was driving west on Featherstone Road and failed to stop at the intersection of Lutz Road. Her vehicle struck a Chevrolet …

A special event honoring a Three Rivers native will take place this weekend. A memorial bench commemorating the life of Sgt. Ryan Proxmire will be unveiled during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday at Armstrong Park in Three Rivers. Family and friends will be present for the event. Proxmire succumbed to injuries he sustained during a vehicle pursuit Aug. 15 …

The Sturgis City Commission appointed two residents to fill a pair of openings. Wednesday’s vote by the city commission means Brandon Kinsey and Aaron Miller will complete unfulfilled terms. One opening was the result of the passing of commissioner Jon Good. The other was due to Justin Wickey stepping down before completing his full term. Kinsey and Miller will take …

The Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals has recognized the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce with the 2021 “Award of Distinction” at the MACP Leadership Conference last week. Joe Bauman, chair of the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals, said Three Rivers and chambers of commerce across the state play an extraordinary role in keeping businesses informed about changes in government …