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The June unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by four-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 6.1 percent June unemployment rate was more than May’s 5.7 percent. June’s unemployment rate was 2.2 percent less than the same month one year …

The former Rexam building in Constantine is getting a new owner. Village manager Mark Honeysett stated during last week’s village council meeting that Central Manufacturing Services of Three Rivers closed on the purchase of the building July 15. Honeysett said he has had extensive conversations with CMS owner Jamie Clark, who indicated the building will house a logistics center comprised …

Saturday’s second-annual “Discover the Treasures of St. Joseph County” dinner drew more than 40 participants. Staged at Rawson’s King Mill Park in Leonidas Township, the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event featured a luau theme. In addition, two participants took advantage of a self-guided kayak ride from Factoryville to the park as part of the $45-per-ticket offering. Chamber director Christy …

Members of the Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education last week agreed to appoint Dan Scott to an open position on the panel. The opening was created when Ray Sterling resigned last month from his position as vice-president. Geoff Smith was promoted to the vice-president position during an organizational meeting last week. Scott is a 1999 graduate of Sturgis High …

A 30-year-old Marcellus man suffered injuries as the result of a one-vehicle accident last week in Mottville Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Charles Harris indicated he was driving on Barker Road around 5 a.m. Thursday when he dropped his coffee cup. Barker told police he leaned over to pick it up, lost control of his truck, drove …

Authorities say a 43-year-old Chicago man was electrocuted while doing work at a home east of Cassopolis. The Cass County sheriff’s department says Michael Koranda was found Sunday afternoon by family members at the home on Diamond Island, which is located in Diamond Lake in Penn Township. The department says he was pronounced dead at the scene.  (AP)

A 23-year-old Indiana woman died and four other people were injured when a speeding vehicle went out of control while passing another vehicle and flipped several times. The Cass County sheriff’s department says it happened about 9:50 p.m. Saturday in Howard Township, northeast of Niles. Sgt. Philip Esarey identifies the dead woman as backseat passenger Rayna Dobrodt of Mishawaka, Indiana. …

While you won’t see winter decorations or hear holiday carols in the local retail stores just yet, it’s time to think about Michigan Christmas trees! The Michigan Christmas Tree Association was in the holiday spirit for their annual meeting at Peterson’s Riverview Nursery in Allegan on July 25. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development works closely with the …

Jonathan Uribe, who was hired in November 2011 to serve as director of St. Joseph County’s 911 Central Dispatch, was relieved of his duties Thursday. Particulars about the issue were limited. County administrator Pat Yoder said he was not at liberty to elaborate on the matter, as details regarding personnel matters are proprietary. Yoder said human resources director Elishia Arver …

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was advised Thursday by the White Pigeon Police Department that Charles Rusher was found in the St. Joseph County community. White Pigeon Police advised that Rusher had broken into a residence during the nighttime hours and fell asleep on a couch. The homeowner discovered Rusher around 8:30 a.m. and notified authorities. The homeowner is not pressing charges and …