WLKM Radio 95.9 FM

American Axle workers in Three Rivers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike. Ahead of the May 31 contract expiration, nearly 1,000 workers at the General Motors supplier voted by 98% to authorize strike action should the company refuse to offer a fair contract, members said. UAW Local 2093 Region 1D Director Steve Dawes said the message to American Axle …

St. Joseph County Road Commission is involved in a number of local projects this week. According to an agency posting on social media, Findley Road will be closed from M-86 to Bucknell Road in Nottawa Township for a culvert replacement. In addition, Witt Lake Road will be pulverized from County Farm Road to Halfway Road in Burr Oak Township. Meanwhile, …

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said he is resigning next week. Details of his resignation were not stated. In his resignation letter, however, Fitz said it has been an honor to serve with the men and women of law enforcement, as well as other determined partners. He also acknowledged his office staff, past and present. Fitz’s last day will be …

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a fraudulent scheme involving a fictitious “Final Enforcement Notice.” Agency officials said the notice appears to be from Wayne County District Court Traffic Division. Notices use urgent and intimidating language, claiming the recipient is in default and subject to immediate enforcement action. The notice is not legitimate, as Michigan courts and …

A Branch County man was arrested last week and charged with five counts of criminal-sexual contact. Sheriff Fred Blankenship said 32-year-old Ryan Schlueter was arrested after a warrant was issued May 3 in Girard Township. The investigation stems from a report filed by a juvenile and her mother, alleging a sexual assault with Schlueter allegedly occurred at an undisclosed date …

Officials from Menard’s said the Three Rivers location is closed indefinitely as it continues to recover from the March 6 tornado. The EF-2 tornado followed a line that included Menard’s in its path. A partial re-opening took place last month but the store was forced to close April 20 until all repairs can be made. The store lost a good …

March’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by two-tenths of a percent from February. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.5 percent in February to 4.3 percent in March. Its rate in March 2025 was 5.2 percent. Meanwhile, Cass County also experienced …

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is asking for the public’s financial support of its annual “Bird-a-Thon” event, taking place this weekend in Berrien County. Organizers said the event is comprised of a five-person team whose members will document every species of birds they see over a 19-hour period, ending at 7 p.m. Saturday. The sightings are being done by a team …

Southwestern Michigan College recently introduced its ninth president. Klint Pleasant has 28 years of experience in higher education, ranging from enrollment management and athletics, to student retention and community relations. He most recently served as senior vice-president of Oakland County-based Rochester Christian University. Pleasant addressed an audience April 24 at a reception hosted by Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce.

St. Joseph County United Way officials have issued a reminder that the deadline to purchase tickets for its 50/50 drawing is coming to a close. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. They can be purchased over the phone by calling 467-9099, or through the United Way’s website: sjcuf.com. The drawing takes place May 21 in Sturgis.