News

September’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was eight-tenths of a percent lower than the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.7 percent September’s unemployment rate marked a decrease from August’s 4.5 percent. St. Joseph County was below the state’s unemployment average, which was 4.1 percent in August. …

State police troopers are investigating a larceny incident that occurred last month in Lockport Township. Investigators were called to the 57000 block of Mitchell Road, where an 8-foot pole saw, a Husky 24-inch snow blower and a Stihl weed cutter were stolen. The victim told authorities the items were likely taken during early-morning hours Sept. 21, as the homeowner reported …

Members of the White Pigeon school board last week presented Brett Cropsey of Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial with a certificate of appreciation for his $7,000 donation toward a new scoreboard at Everett F. Gray Stadium. In September, the board approved the purchase of the scoreboard at a total cost of more than $12,800. The current 20-year-old scoreboard will be replaced …

Fed-up doctors and health advocates want Michigan lawmakers to curb insurers’ cost-control methods they say are delaying care, frustrating patients, and creating unnecessary red tape and expense. Physicians say requirements to get pre-approval from insurance companies once were limited to newer, expensive services and medications. But now, they contend, it has been expanded to necessary, routine and lower-priced treatments — …

A study has found few Michigan residents are taking advantage of a legal option that allows people to erase their criminal convictions, even though an expungement can open doors to housing, student loans and employment. The Lansing State Journal reports that a University of Michigan law school study estimates just 6.5% of people who meet the requirements end up having …

A northern Indiana airport’s parking ramp for aircraft will undergo a half-million-dollar repaving job after two jets sank into the asphalt over the summer. Elkhart city attorney Lawrence Meteiver says the ramp was installed at the Elkhart Municipal Airport last year by the city at a cost of about $50,000. Indiana Flight Center President Brett Zierle says a 30,000-pound Bombardier …

An 8-year-old northern Indiana girl has died of injuries she sustained in a fire at her home. The LaGrange County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called to the home in Topeka around 7:15 p.m. Friday on reports of a fire and a child still inside on the second floor. Deputies attempted to enter the home but could not due to …

Authorities have released the name of a Three Rivers man arrested late Tuesday following a stabbing in Park Township. The suspect in the stabbing, Akinyele Bell Jr., 23, left the scene prior to deputies’ arrival. He was found at a nearby property and tried to flee once again, authorities said, but was later arrested without incident. The incident occurred in …

A Park Township man was arrested earlier this week after allegedly assaulting a family member. Sheriff’s deputies were called shortly after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to the 53000 block of North Fisher Lake Road in response to a report of assault between family members. Deputies found that a 21-year-old woman sustained a knife wound to the neck. The wound, however, was …

Schoolcraft Village Manager Cheri Lutz said the community is looking for a new chief of police. Lutz, in a media release issued Wednesday, said Bryan Campbell has given notice that he will be retiring later this year. His last day of work will be Dec. 20. Campbell was appointed chief in August of 2005. Prospective candidates for the position must …