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Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency Health Officer Rebecca Burns told her board of directors last week that the five confirmed cases of chickenpox the agency recently documented were all in Hillsdale County. The Coldwater-based agency reported the cases earlier this month but, at the time, did not disclose the county of origin. The cases were all centered on people originally …

More than $20,000 worth of stolen property was recovered last week in Edwardsburg. Cass County Sheriff Clint Roach said deputies executed a search warrant Friday at a location on U.S. 12 in response to an anonymous tip. During their search, deputies located property that had been stolen from locations in Jefferson and Mason townships. Following an inventory of the items, …

As long as I can remember, I’ve dreaded visiting the dentist. Like my mother, I’ve always tried to make dental appointments twice a year. As a result, I’ve been lucky when it came to cavities. Last week when I arrived for my cleaning, I informed the hygienist that I was not a big fan of the use of the high …

A Marcellus man was hospitalized after a vehicle in which he was a passenger was involved in a crash over the weekend in Cass County’s Newberg Township. Sheriff Clint Roach said deputies responded at 2 a.m. Saturday to an area on Savage Road, near Bald Hill Road. Investigators said a vehicle driven by 38-year-old Marcellus resident Gayland Campbell was northbound …

An Indiana man was arrested last week after allegedly staging his own kidnapping and assault. Sheriff Chad Spence said the man was arrested Thursday at an undisclosed location in Mottville Township. The suspect faces charges of aggravated stalking and violating a personal-protection order, according to Spence. Deputies said the suspect used a telecommunications device to contact a protected party, prompting …

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area opened for its 58th season last week. The Jones-area resort is under new ownership, though management has not changed. Skiers will see new technology, more snow and a friendly experience. Guests have the option to purchase a seasonal or day pass on RFID cards for automatic admission to the slopes. Facility upgrades, meanwhile, include …

A family catastrophic fund has opened for a St. Joseph County boy who experienced a medical emergency earlier this month. Overseen by St. Joseph County United Way, the fund is dedicated to the family of Vaughn Geiger. He is under the care of personnel at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. The goal is for Geiger to be transferred to Mary Free …

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly during September compared to the previous month. According to data released by Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, the state’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.2% to 5.1%. Overall employment declined by 2,000 during the month. Meanwhile, the number of Michigan residents unemployed withdrew by 5,000 people, resulting in a workforce decline of …

Fabius Township Board members will be acting on a recommendation from its planning commission related to a proposed solar and battery storage project. Fabius Township Planning Commission met Tuesday to review a special-land-use application, aimed at building a commercial solar array and Battery Energy Storage System on agricultural land designated as a Solar Overlay District within the township, according to …

A food program, believed to be the first of its kind in Michigan, opened Wednesday at Centreville High School. Superintendent Chad Brady welcomed district officials, community stakeholders, representatives from Michigan Farm Bureau and media members to the kickoff of Centreville Public Schools Food Club. The in-school market is designed to get food, toiletries and other necessities into the hands of …