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The December unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by one-tenth 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 7.3 percent December unemployment rate was more than November’s 7.2 percent. December’s unemployment rate was three-tenths of a percent less than the same month …

A 41-year-old man from Niles was arrested last week, following an incident of aggravated domestic violence in Florence Township. State police said the man was involved in an incident with a 47-year-old Three Rivers woman at a residence on Constantine Road. The suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival, but was located a short distance away. The man, …

With the March 31 deadline for mandatory health insurance approaching, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is offering answers to questions people may have about the matter. Steve Todd, health officer for the tri-county health department, said the agency has nine staff members who have met the Medicare/Medicaid training requirements. As certified application counselors, the nine staff members are available …

Some well-known names throughout St. Joseph County are preparing for a first-of-its-kind event in the name of a fundraiser for a child-welfare agency. Eight couples are expected to take part in the inaugural Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars event March 7 at Glen Oaks Community College’s Nora Hagen Theatre. Organizers are trying to get word out early on, …

State officials say they are processing credits to help low-income customers with their winter energy bills. The Michigan Public Service Commission said this week that state treasury officials have mailed instruction booklets and forms pertaining to the Michigan Home Heating Credits for the 2013 tax year. The materials also are available online and at many libraries, post offices and Department …

The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit gathered 28 marijuana plants and made five arrests during a raid in Sturgis this week. SCAN members executed a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 600 block of Jefferson Street, where an additional quantity of marijuana was packaged and appeared to be ready for sale. Arrested were three women, ages 45, …

Electronics and jewelry were reported missing following a breaking-and-entering incident Wednesday in Sturgis. The victim told police the break-in occurred between 4 and 6 p.m. and access was gained by forced entry through a back door at a residence in the 400 block of Center Street.

A 39-year-old Sturgis man was charged with felony retail fraud and felon in possession of a firearm following his alleged role in a retail-theft incident earlier this month at the Three Rivers Walmart. The arrest was made in Sturgis Township in the 25000 block of U.S. 12. The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit and the St. Joseph County Special …

Could Michigan’s speed limits be going up? Legislation that may be considered soon in Lansing would allow speed limits to be changed, in most cases increased, on many Michigan roads.” One idea being considered would be to base speed limits on the rate of speed in which 85 percent of the cars generally travel. Residential roads would not see speed …

A proposal in Lansing to allow schools to make up snow days by adding minutes onto the end of days within the existing schedule, is drawing fire from the state’s top educator. Superintendent of Schools Mike Flanagan calls it an “insane and silly” idea. He points to the number one education country in the world..Finland, and says they don’t add …