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St. Joseph County’s October unemployment dipped to 6.8 percent, a decrease of half a percent compared to September’s figure. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget indicated seasonal jobs and continued hiring in the education field offset an increase in job losses in the leisure and hospitality areas. Compared to October 2011, last month’s …

An undisclosed amount of heroin and prescription drugs were found in a vehicle stopped Tuesday on U.S. 131. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said four Grand Rapids residents were in a southbound vehicle stopped near Arnold Street in Three Rivers. A motorist had informed central dispatch it appeared the driver may have been intoxicated. Three Rivers Police initiated the …

A bookshelf and nearly five dozen books were dedicated this week at Riverside Elementary in Constantine in memory of Jodi Parrack. The bookcase was assembled by Dale Wentela’s shop class at Constantine High School and funds to purchase 56 books came from proceeds left from a previous fundraiser. Labels inside the new books included a picture of Parrack and reference …

Tim, Goodboy and Tiger Kitty are all still waiting for a good home! Hi all, my name is Baxter. I am a one year old male Beagle. I was found wandering around following my nose. I am very nice walking on a leash and I know to sit. I prefer to go potty outside so it is a little hard …

An incumbent on the Colon Community Schools Board of Education has sought a recount from the Nov. 6 election. Eric Wagner, who finished third in a race for two seats, requested the recount in light of his four-vote loss to second-place finisher Deb Bordner. Incumbent Eric Bower was the leading vote-getter by nearly 100 votes. St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie …

The Michigan House on Wednesday approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Matt Lori that allows the Michigan Department of Community Health to use email to notify Medicaid providers of changes in policy. The House bill allows the DCH to email changes to the Michigan Medicaid Provider Manual instead of using the U.S. Postal Service, as currently required. Lori said the …

Supporters and opponents of a proposed non-motorized trail way made their feelings clear about a 20-mile stretch of abandoned railway between Sturgis and well into Branch County. The former Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. route is being sought as a route for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. Residents who live adjacent to the rail bed, however, have cited lack of privacy and …

The Admiral gas station in Sturgis was robbed Tuesday morning by a man who used pepper spray to disorient the sales clerk. Sturgis police said a black man with cornrows in his hair entered the West Chicago Road station at 8:15 a.m. and discharged the spray on the clerk. The suspect then took a large sum of money from the …

Two high-ranking St. Joseph County officials met with 11 local pharmacists Tuesday to discuss strategies on reducing the sale of products that include an ingredient essential in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Prosecutor John McDonough and Liz O’Dell, executive director of community mental health and substance abuse services of St. Joseph County, staged the meeting as a way of attempting to …

The 22nd annual Lights of Love at Three Rivers Health has set a fundraising goal of $12,000 this year. Campaign chair Diane Reece said proceeds will be used to purchase new equipment for the laboratory at Three Rivers Health. Each donation of $3 or more will add a light to the tree. The light symbolizes the memory of a loved …