WLKM Radio 95.9 FM

As many as 6,000 residences and businesses in St. Joseph County lost power as a result of a wind storm Monday afternoon and evening. Winds were clocked in excess of 60 miles in various locations around the county, according to emergency management officials. Consumer’s Energy reported more than 4,000 customers lost power Monday afternoon, while Indiana-Michigan Power said nearly 2,000 …

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation is transitioning to a county-wide foundation and board of trustees, now serving all of St. Joseph County. The move marks an important step in the foundation’s continued growth, and reflects its expanding role in county-wide philanthropy and community leadership, according to Erin Melchi-Baker, board chair. SACF has experienced significant growth over recent years, increasing from …

Waste Management’s second quarterly Styrofoam recycling collection of 2026 is coming up next week. The collection is offered 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 9 at Westside Landfill Recycling Center, 60050 Roberts Road, Three Rivers. The recycling station is on the east side of the landfill. There is no charge and acceptable items include dinnerware, take-out containers, meat and fish trays, …

A major draw to the region kicks off its 2026 season next week. The Shipshewana Flea Market, which claims to be the Midwest’s largest flea market, opens its doors Tuesday. Officials said the attraction features an open-air market featuring 700 booths, a farmers market, a plants and garden section, and a large quantity of food vendors over a 40-acre property. …

St. Joseph County Bar Association has announced the winner of its annual “Liberty Bell” award. The Centreville-based association has selected Tabitha Wedge, 3B District Court administrator/magistrate, as its 2026 recipient. Wedge follow’s last year’s Liberty Bell Award winners, WLKM radio of Three Rivers and WMSH radio of Sturgis. Wedge has served St. Joseph County Courts for nearly 40 years, starting …

Officials from Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport gathered Monday to break ground on its Runway 17-35 Extension project. AZO director Craig Williams said the project is a milestone in the airport’s long-term infrastructure and safety-enhancement efforts. The project will extend the runway 450 feet to the south, providing pilots with additional operational distance and improving overall safety margins. In addition …

Glen Oaks Community College recently conducted its annual awards program, honoring its staff and alumni. During the April 21 event, the E.J. Shaheen Chair for Teaching Excellence was presented to Melissa Blair. Meanwhile, Abby Hurles received the Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Also, Levi Gowan was the recipient of the college’s Outstanding Service Award. In addition, the Fellows Award was …

Sturgis Area Community Foundation officials have announced the search for the agency’s next executive director. Anna Brand, interim executive director, said the foundation is seeking a community-focused leader to build on the organization’s strong local legacy and guide its future growth. Serving Sturgis and the greater St. Joseph County region, Sturgis Foundation plays a key role in supporting local nonprofits, …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is investigating a possible chickenpox outbreak, Health and Disease Prevention Director Heidi Hazel told board members last week. Hazel said her department is investigating a possible outbreak at a St. Joseph County school, but could not release further information. Chickenpox is a contagious viral disease that causes itchy blisters, fever and fatigue, the agency states. …

St. Joseph County United Way is hosting a pop-up sale coming up later this week. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 o’clock to 2 o’clock Saturday, the agency is selling holiday décor, Halloween costumes and other themed items. The two-day event will be held at the Fraternal Order of Police, on M-86, east of Centreville. More information …