WLKM Radio 95.9 FM

St. Joseph County reached a dubious milestone, as its 100th person to die from COVID-19 was recorded late last week. Officials from the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency said the 100th death occurred 15 months after the pandemic first reached the county in March 2020. Agency officials said there have been more than 5,500 cases of the coronavirus in St. …

A Sherman Township residence was destroyed by fire that authorities believe was caused by a lighting strike. The incident occurred Friday morning during a storm that included a fair amount of lightning. A specific location of the residence was not indicated by authorities. Nobody was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries suffered by members …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport reports continued growth in passenger traffic during the month of May. A year-by-year comparison shows growth of 788 percent compared to the COVID-decimated travel month of May 2020. Craig Williams, airport director, said the airport handled 14,088 passengers last month, up from 12,370 the month before. However, Williams said, the May 2021 count is down more …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency and Branch District Library have partnered to bring COVID vaccine clinics to patrons using the agency’s mobile clinic. The mobile operation will be available at the Branch District Library’s Quincy site noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday, and noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Coldwater branch. In addition, it will partner with the Bronson …

A Dowagiac man was injured after he suffered a medical condition and the car he was driving went off the road in Cass County’s Newberg Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of M-60 and McKinley Street in the community of Jones. Investigators said Fredrick Reed, 69, was driving east on …

Who is responsible for setting the trends in styling? I have a feeling that most of the trend setters are celebrities. For example, Guy Fieti, of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” fame is responsible for making it cool to wear your sunglasses backwards on the back of your head. I’m pretty sure that Rock groups of the early sixties are responsible …

Sheriff Richard J Behnke reports that on Sunday at approximately 1:37 p.m., deputies responded to a single crop duster aircraft crash around the 27000 block of Indian Lane near Cassopolis. The pilot, 68-year-old Ralph Edward Lutes of Shipshewana, was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for treatment of unknown injuries sustained in the crash. The plane was crop dusting a nearby …

A store in Mottville Township was robbed by an armed suspect earlier this week. Michigan State Police troopers were called at 9:30 p.m. Monday to investigate an incident at Dollar General, on U.S. 12 in Mottville. The suspect is described to be a white male, approximately 6’3” with a heavy-set build. The suspect vehicle is a Trailblazer, tan and gold …

A Sturgis woman was airlifted from the scene of a two-vehicle collision earlier this week in Florence Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called around 3 p.m. Wednesday to the intersection of Lutz and Dickinson roads. Investigators said a Ford pickup driven southbound on Lutz Rd by the 58-year-old Sturgis woman was struck by a Chevrolet SUV driven west …

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners discussed a few matters of note Tuesday. Chairman Dennis Allen said the county’s Commission on Aging is hosting karaoke at its Sturgis location 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. The Three Rivers site will host karaoke from 5 to 8 p.m. June 29. In addition, commissioner Ken Malone said the county’s parks …