WLKM Radio 95.9 FM

A pay raise was granted Tuesday to St. Joseph County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wenzel. Commissioners had previously authorized Wenzel’s job be expanded from 28 to 40 hours, but no action was taken regarding his $33,000-a-year salary. After reviewing the matter Friday at their executive committee meeting, commissioners without comment Tuesday agreed to up Wenzel’s annual pay to $47,500. The amendment …

Tickets are now available for the Three Rivers Community Players’ production of Beauty and the Beast Jr.. This children’s production opens at the Players’ Theatre Thursday, June 21 and runs through Sunday, June 24. Dates and times are June 21, 22, and 23 at 7 P.M. There will be matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24 at …

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced a three-day road project in Constantine that will result in lane closures. MDOT officials said single-lane closures on U.S. 131 at the St. Joseph River bridge started Tuesday and are expected to remain in place through 5 p.m. Thursday. A team of MDOT officials will be involved in bridge repairs, according to an agency …

James Baker, manager of the Three Rives Clean Water Plant, said employees discovered a foam-over from one of the treated biosolids tanks early Saturday. Baker said crews reacted immediately and deployed drain blockers to prevent discharge into storm sewers. An estimated 38 gallons entered into the storm sewer and more than 2,700 gallons spilled around the west side of the …

Sturgis police are investigating a vandalism incident that occurred over the weekend at Augspurger Tennis Courts. A department news release states sometime between 10:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday, someone spray-painted graffiti on two sides of a building as well as two hit-back walls. A tarp and other coverings were used to shield spray-painted profanity from the public’s view. …

A 27-year-old Three Rivers woman was taken to the St. Joseph County Jail after defying an officer’s request and attacking him. The Three Rivers Police Department said officers were responding to a noise complaint at a residence in the 1400 block of Fourth Street, when the woman was asked to not walk in the street and to use the sidewalk …

Three Rivers municipal officials on Monday issued a public thank-you to the city of Sturgis for its help with cleanup efforts from the 2012 Water Festival. According to a Three Rivers news release, after the city’s street sweeper failed to operate over the weekend, Three Rivers DPS crews turned to their counterparts in Sturgis for assistance. Sturgis sent its own …

Everyone complains that the government has too much power. Everyone seems to get upset when new laws or regulations come out that seem to hamper our “freedoms” as Americans. Isn’t that what being an American is all about? Being able to make your own decisions and basically do what you want (within reason of course). The government has taken a …

The 56th Three Rivers Water Festival is in the books and event organizers are declaring the three-day celebration a success. Saturday’s car show, stage performance and fireworks display were met with large crowds, continuing the trend of strong audience participation that started with Thursday’s opening-night parade. A Friends of Scidmore Park fundraising event, “Kiss the Pig,” raised more than $4,000 …

The second “Generate Sturgis” event, where residents with unique and practical business ideas pitch their concepts to city officials, drew four contestants last week. After hearing each idea, judges award first- and second-place cash winnings. Marcia Drake received $1,250 for her concept of a business that makes gift baskets comprised of items purchased locally. Drake told judges that items in …