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December’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by more than half a percentage point from November. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate rose from 4.6 percent in November to 5 percent in December. In addition, Cass County also experienced growth in its unemployment figures …

A Cass County man was convicted of weapons-related charges following a jury trial last week. County prosecutor Victor Fitz said 34-year-old Robert Allen Scott Jr., of Dowagiac, was convicted of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a concealed weapon, larceny of a firearm and two counts of felony firearm, Fitz said. Scott chose to represent himself during the …

A preliminary report on the Dec. 30 airplane crash in Ohio that killed the general manager of Elite Air Service at the Branch County Airport reveals a witness heard both engines quit just before the crash. According to media reports, the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary investigation said 46-year-old Vicksburg resident Rob Cole was piloting a 1960 twin-engine Cessna when …

I was discharged from Borgess Hospital on January 15th after a successful Open Heart surgery and have been recuperating at home for the past several weeks. I won’t be able to drive for another week or so and am receiving the best home-care a person could possibly ask for. My experience at Borgess was nothing less than spectacular. From the …

Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce is less than a month away from hosting its 23rd “Ice Breaker” event and silent auction fundraiser. Doors open at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at Armstrong Recreational Hall, 1015 Maple St. Cost is $20 per person, and includes food and beverages. Tickets are $30 the day of at the door. More information is available …

American Airlines will soon add larger, dual-class aircraft on its flights out of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport to and from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airport director Craig Williams said the airline will operate Embraer 170 aircraft on all daily departing and arriving Chicago flights starting June 5. American’s E170s feature 65 seats with 12 in first class and 53 …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has re-appointed a trio of members to key roles of the seven-member panel. During their Jan. 13 meeting, Emily Halling was voted to continue serving as board president. Meanwhile, Lynn Brand maintains her role as its vice-president. Finally, Gwen Donmyer retains her position as board secretary. In addition, Ben Myers was chosen for the …

St. Joseph County Fairgrounds has issued a media release to recognize Glen Oaks Community College. Fair manager Christina Yunker said the college’s welding department recently completed the task of fabricating 27 sign bases. Yunker said the skill and dedication demonstrated by the students and faculty have enhanced the fairground’s ability to provide clear and informative signage throughout its property. She …

Cass County officials recently announced that a solution to a decades-long issue related to an abandoned church is on the horizon. The matter centers on the Church of Cassopolis. Located at 520 Pearl St., it is one of seven buildings set to be demolished as part of a third round of the State Land Bank Authority’s Blight Elimination Program. A …

St. Joseph County United Way is opening a family catastrophic fund for a Sturgis man who passed away in his sleep last week. Thirty-four-year-old Martin Edmisten died peacefully of natural causes. A dairy farmer, Edmisten was the father of four sons and three daughters. Edmisten also worked at Three Rivers Fire Department and volunteered with Tri-Township Fire Department. He was …