News

Man shot by father dies

A Marcellus man shot by his father last week has died. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said 29-year-old Cody Gonder died Saturday, three days after he and his father, Russell Gonder, 55, were involved in a fight. Deputies were called around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 11000 block of Van Buren Street in Marcellus Township in regards to a shooting …

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Two injured in Nottawa Township crash

A 34-year-old Sturgis woman and a 12-year-old passenger in her vehicle were hospitalized following a two-vehicle accident last week in Nottawa Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday to the intersection of Nottawa and Findley roads. Investigators said a 23-year-old man from Naperville, Ill., was driving east on Findley Road and crossed Nottawa Road …

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Local unemployment rate shows a decrease

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 …

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Local COVID vaccination rates

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 …

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SOS offices – Resolution introduced

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 …

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County commission plans interviews for COA advisory board

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 …

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Motorcycle stolen in Lockport Township

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.

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Man shot by father during fight

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 …

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Constantine Schools to consider school-of-choice limit

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 …

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