TR Schools and City receives check

The city of Three Rivers and Three Rivers Community Schools both landed a handsome windfall Tuesday from St. Joseph County’s largest employer.

During a ceremonial check presentation at Three Rivers-based American Axle & Manufacturing, Mayor Tom Lowry was given $400,000 from American Axle officials. The city will retain $300,000 of the amount, while the $100,000 balance was earmarked for the school district.

Company officials said the donation was made based on a strong improvement in the auto industry, which has greatly benefitted American Axle.

Municipal officials said the gift will allow it to purchase new police cars while an exact target for the school district’s portion will be determined by its officials.

The Three Rivers American Axle plant has a payroll of about 900 employees.