Recent Posts

Courts building renovation continues

The estimated $7.7 million renovation of the county courts building highlights what to expect from St. Joseph County government in the coming 12 months. The 50-year-old courts building houses circuit, district and probate/family court operations. The courts building is at the south end of the courthouse campus and connected to the county’s historic courthouse by an interior breezeway. A portion …

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Decrease in unemployment rate – November

November’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by more than a full percentage point from October. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.6 percent in October to 3.5 percent in November. The county’s November rate from a year earlier was an even …

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Cruise ships stop at Muskegon

The Lake Michigan city of Muskegon is now port of call for three cruise ships, attracting vessels used for so-called luxury cruising that started on the Great Lakes six years ago. WGVU reports the financial impact for Muskegon has been positive. Cindy Larsen, president of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, said it is estimated the city netted about $700,000 …

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Out and About – Week of January 1st

Welcome to 2024. May your worst day this year outshine your best day of 2023. May we all have more love for each other and care more about each others feelings than we ever have before. My doctor has told me many times that I should drink more water. By doing so, I would be a healthier person. It’s no …

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Michigan home explosion heard for miles kills 4 and injures 2

Four people died and two others were injured Saturday in a Michigan house explosion that could be heard miles away, police said. The explosion happened before 4 p.m. in Northfield Township, about 45 miles west of Detroit. The structure was destroyed, leaving only the basement, Northfield Township Police Lt. David Powell told reporters Saturday. The blast, which could be heard …

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Annual evaluation for TR schools superintendent

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Nikki Nash earned a rating of “effective” following her annual evaluation. Board of Education members approved the evaluation Dec. 18. Areas in the evaluation included professional practice, student growth and progress toward district goals. Her overall rating was 3.33 on a 4-point scale. The mark is higher than her evaluation score of 3.21 a year …

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New housing development in Vicksburg

The first hurdle for a new housing development in Vicksburg was cleared earlier this month. Vicksburg Planning Commission members discussed the proposed Homestead at Centennial neighborhood. It is slated for development on a 35-acre parcel between Trillium Plat and the original Centennial neighborhoods. It is on the west side of South 22nd Street. Allen Edwin Homes is proposing a 118-unit …

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New monitor/defibrillator for Sturgis ambulance

A new monitor/defibrillator is on its way to the Sturgis ambulance network next year. City commission members last week approved $40,000 for the purchase of a Lifepak 15v4 monitor/defibrillator from Stryker Corp. Sturgis Department of Public Safety Director Ryan Banaszak said the fire division was in need of another cardiac monitor for its third ambulance. Since adding the spare/transfer ambulance …

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