News

April’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County dropped by three-tenths of a percent from March. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget was released last week. It showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.9 percent in March to 4.6 percent in April. The rate was 28.9 percent a year earlier, as April …

Vaccination level in St. Joseph County reached 40 percent last week. Meanwhile, in Branch and Hillsdale counties, the number of eligible recipients remains below 40 percent. The percentage of eligible residents vaccinated by May 24 was 40 for St. Joseph County, 39.7 for Branch County and 36.2 in Hillsdale County. St. Joseph County experienced the greatest increase in vaccinations over …

State Rep. Steve Carra recently introduced a resolution calling for services to remain accessible to the public at Michigan Secretary of State offices. Carra said the appointment system does not work for everyone, especially someone who needs services on short notice. He added that if secretary of state offices do not resume a walk-in option, then the appointment system should …

St. Joseph County commissioners plan to interview candidates interested in serving on the advisory board that oversees Commission on Aging. During the county commission’s executive committee meeting Wednesday, county administrator Teresa Doehring said five of the six have expressed interest in returning for another term. She has not heard from the sixth person. Terms of six current board members expire …

A motorcycle was stolen from a Lockport Township residence Thursday. State police troopers were called to the 18000 block of M-60, where a 2002 Yamaha YZFR1 motorcycle, black in color, was reported stolen. It was taken from a driveway shortly after midnight, authorities said.

A Marcellus man is in critical condition after he was shot by his father earlier this week. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 11000 block of Van Buren Street in Marcellus Township. Investigators said Russell Gonder, 55, and his 29-year-old son, Cody, were involved in a fight. During the confrontation, the …

Constantine Public Schools officials are considering a limit on the number of school-of-choice students it will accept. During the district’s board of education meeting this week, superintendent Jim Wisely said there has been a tendency for some students to enroll and attend school in Constantine, only to leave mid-year. In some cases, those same students return to Constantine still within …

Centreville Board of Education members agreed this week to follow through on the installation of a new roof over Centreville High School’s gymnasium and an adjacent hallway. The board agreed to hire Morrow Roofing of Mason for $230,000 to complete the task. Morrow was the high bidder, as Lyster Exteriors came in around $210,000 and Diversified Services at about $165,000. …

A longtime St. Joseph County Grange Fair employee has settled into a newly created position. Tom Miller, a fair board member and past president, said the decision was made to create a position called fair venue coordinator. The $45,000-a-year job was given to Missi Tefft, who has been with the fair for more than three decades, he said. He said …

Officials with Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy are encouraging the public to participate in a challenge that they hope will put a dent in the reproduction of two invasive species. Garlic Mustard and Dame’s Rocket, both non-native species, are the target of the latest campaign. Anyone who fills three garbage bags with either of the weed will earn a complimentary, one-year …