News

October’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was one-tenth of a percent higher than the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.3 percent October unemployment rate marked an increase from September’s 3.2 percent. St. Joseph County was below the state unemployment average, which was 3.8 percent in October. …

Members of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County Board have agreed to extend the contract of the agency’s chief executive officer. During their monthly meeting this week, the board approved extending for 12 months the contract of Kristine Kirsch. Her current contract expired this week. Board members said Kirsch underwent a job evaluation in …

Ten area families took part in last week’s national “Adoption Day” during fanfare at St. Joseph County Probate Court. Judge David Tomlinson, who presided over the event, explained that the Nov. 20 ceremony also marked the 16th annual Michigan Adoption Day. He said the celebrations spotlight the joys of adoption and encourage more families to provide children with permanency through adoption. …

Sturgis Hospital CEO Rob LaBarge announced Thursday that 60 positions will be eliminated starting Monday due to financial struggles the hospital has experienced the past 18 months. A reorganization plan to be implemented next week includes the closing of the hospital’s obstetric services, its Oncology Treatment Center and the discontinuation of hospice services. There will also be a reduction of …

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Three Rivers is conducting a unique fundraiser, with proceeds going toward its dog ministry. Comfort dog Jude is featured on every monthly page of a 12-month calendar for sale by the church. The golden retriever has been used by the church in several capacities, and proceeds from the sale of the calendars will help offset …

Here’s a reminder that Saturday is the deadline for nominations for the 2018-19 John E. Oster Award, which recognizes outstanding teaching and community service by a Sturgis Public Schools teacher. The award is in honor of the late John Oster, a Sturgis attorney who placed high value on education and community service. This will be the 38th award given annually …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has agreed to send a letter to the St. Joseph County Commission and recommend the reappointment of road commission vice chairman Richard Anderson. Anderson, a Park Township resident, was re-appointed to the road commission in 2012; his term expires Dec. 31. Anderson retired from American Axle & Manufacturing in Three Rivers, and previously had …

Sturgis Public Schools is preparing to sell its Arden Park building. Members of the district’s board of education last week voted to prepare the property for sale. Superintendent Art Ebert said the two-room building sits on nearly an acre and a half and that it is used for storage. Ebert said resources from the potential sale of the building would …

Colon Village Council members voted earlier this month to approve development of a Dollar General store at the east end of town. It is to be located at the northwest corner of East State Street and North Burr Oak Road. With the council’s approval, zoning administrator Doug Kuhlman said the next step will be to issue the Tennessee-based company a …

The city of Sturgis has recently been made aware that Sturgis Electric customers have received calls from someone claiming to be with DTE Energy. The caller indicates that the customer’s electrical power is scheduled to be shut off and if they pay a fee, the caller will work with the city to stop the shut-off process. Municipal officials said the …