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The April unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by four-tenths 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 3.4 percent April unemployment rate was less than March’s 3.8 percent. April’s unemployment rate was eight-tenths of a percent less than the same month …

The World Health Organization and its partners are marking World No-Tobacco Day Tuesday, highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is joining WHO, and thousands of organizations and individuals around the globe in an effort to raise awareness about the health harms caused by …

A 32-year-old Union City man was arrested last week on alcohol-related charges in Branch County. State police said a trooper attempted to pull over a driver at 11 p.m. Thursday on Athens Road, near Mendon Road, in Sherwood Township for an equipment violation. The driver, a 32-year-old Union City man, continued driving north on Athens Road and a subsequent road …

Dental clinics to serve Medicaid and uninsured patients are expected to open in Sturgis and Coldwater by the end of September after approval of an inter-local contract Thursday. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency board has approved a recommended agreement with non-profit My Community Dental Centers. Health Officer Rebecca Burns said it will fill a much-needed service in both communities, …

As part of GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ commitment to youth in agriculture, the cooperative recently awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 22 incoming college freshmen through the association’s scholarship program. Two area students were among the recipients of the scholarships. Loren King, currently homeschooled, plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a dual degree in foreign agribusiness management and biosystems …

Sturgis Public Schools will once again offer a summer meal program. It will run June 13 through Aug. 19, except for the week of July 4. Free meals will be made available to ages 18 and under, or up to age 26 for people who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally or physically disabled, if the program …

How to keep students reading at third-grade level was the focus of a recent presentation before the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board of Education. Diane Talo, director of instructional leadership, and Carla Osborn, educational consultant, were the presenters. Their focus was tied to a new state law requiring that all third- grade students who do not meet grade-level …

Hi! My name is Sylar and I am a male black lab mix. I am about 1-1/2 years old and have a lot of energy to play with you. I have a beautiful, black coat and my fur is a little longer than most labs. The more attention you give to me, the more I will like it. I’m very …

St. Joseph County sheriff’s deputies responded this week to a report of larceny from a motor vehicle in Fabius Township. According to a department media release, deputies were called Tuesday to the 57000 block of Gearharts Landing, where power tools were stolen from the back of a pickup. Investigators concluded the culprit broke into the cab of the truck and …

Volunteers and participants are sought for the Memorial Day observance in Sturgis this weekend. A Memorial Day parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the VFW hall on Fawn River Road, then proceeds to Oak Lawn Park, where a ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Veterans, recently discharged and current service members, are invited to walk in the parade. Meanwhile, a flag-placement …