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Today is the third day of a strike by workers for Dauch Corporation – formerly American Axle – and the standoff appears to be at an impasse. Workers would like to see top-level wages rise from $22 an hour to $30 an hour. In addition, employees are seeking better benefits. They said considerable concessions were given back in 2008, when …

Sturgis municipal officials recently approved a resolution to direct an independent investigation into potential violations by some of its members. Presented by commissioner Aaron Miller, the resolution seeks outside counsel against Miller, commissioners Jeff Mullins, Cathi Abbs, Rick Bir, mayor Frank Perez and former commissioner Linda Harrington. Miller said the investigation centers on potential violations against specific parts of Michigan …

A community icon in Constantine was recently recognized for her commitment to the community. A prairie rose crabapple tree honoring Kathy Messner was planted at the culmination of a ceremony May 23 outside the village office. Messner, 68, is a founding member of the Constantine Area Community Foundation. In addition, she spent three decades as administrative assistant at Constantine Middle …

Here’s a reminder that St. Joseph County Conservation District is staging its first river cleanup of the year later this month. Agency director Carolyn Grace said the state grant that supports the four-times-a-year cleanup was not extended this year. Regardless, she said the conservation district plans to self-fund the events to support what will be the 16th summer of river …

Cass County has filled the post of interim prosecutor. With Victor Fitz vacating the position last month, Sarah Scoggin was sworn in Thursday, albeit in a temporary capacity. Scoggin took the oath with more positions soon to be filled. She has spent the past 13 of 18 professional years at her own law office in Cass County. County officials said …

A longtime fixture at the Colon Police Department is retiring. Chief Mark Brinkert, who joined the agency in 1993, is helping with the task of finding his replacement. Brinkert, who graduated from the Kalamazoo Regional Recruit Academy in 1984, has previously worked for police departments in Vicksburg and Schoolcraft, and in 1982 he was named Benton Harbor Police Department’s “Officer …

The strike at Dauch Corporation in Three Rivers has entered its second day. Nearly 1,000 members of United Auto Workers Local 2093 remain off the job after contract negotiations failed to produce a new agreement. Union leaders say the dispute centers on wages and benefits. The Three Rivers plant supplies axle components to General Motors facilities around the country. Neither …

Neighbors near Dowagiac’s Hyperscale data center have filed a federal class-action lawsuit against owners of Hyperscale Data, “Alliance Cloud Services.” According to WSBT, neighbors are making strides to stop what they say is a perpetual noise emitting from the center. Neighbors have said they hear a constant humming sound detectable even from inside their homes. The perpetual sound is created …

Nearly 1,000 union workers at Dauch Corporation in Three Rivers walked off the job at midnight Monday after contract negotiations failed to produce a new labor agreement. According to WWMT, members of United Auto Workers Local 2093 began the strike following months of negotiations with the company, formerly known as American Axle. Union leaders say workers have not received what …

Cass County Sheriff Clint Roach issued a media release last week detailing an encounter with former prosecutor Victor Fitz. Last Wednesday, Roach and Undersheriff Tim Schuur attended what they believed was going to be a press conference. Roach said he was confronted by a person as he entered the venue. Roach said he was then approached by Fitz, who advised …