WLKM Radio 95.9 FM

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency officials have confirmed five cases of chickenpox in youth who live within the three-county jurisdiction. Chickenpox, a highly contagious disease, causes an itchy, blister-like rash, fatigue, headache and fever. The virus spreads from an infected person through airborne particles as well as direct contact. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 21 days after exposure, and individuals …

The engineering firm behind a major public-works project in Constantine was recognized for its role in the process. Fleis & VandenBrink was behind the village’s effort to re-start Constantine’s waste-water treatment plant. The project was honored as “Project of the Year” by Southwest Michigan American Public Works Association. The accolade was bestowed for projects between $5 million and $25 million. …

A 20-year-old Sturgis woman was involved in a two-vehicle, fatal crash last week in LaGrange County’s Newbury Township. According to Indiana State Police, troopers responded at 3 p.m. Tuesday to an area along U.S. 20 near County Road 1000 West. Investigators said a dump truck driven by Gael Reyes was heading east on U.S. 20 when the vehicle drifted onto …

Hopefully this finds everyone doing what you can to stay warm and upright. With the recent snow storm, we are officially into the winter season. Flies and mosquitoes are no longer a problem, and for this I am truly thankful. We must now concentrate on the upcoming Christmas holidays. Please don’t forget to take your patience and understanding with you …

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is issuing its annual, end-of-year appeal in support of the Galesburg-based agency. SWMLC officials said membership from companies and individuals over the past decade has helped secure 20,000 acres of now-conserved prairies, wetlands, forests, dunes and savannas. Recent examples of member-supported achievements include repairs to the crumbling causeway at Portman Nature Preserve in Paw Paw, development …

St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deb Davis provided more information this week related to the case of a Vicksburg man who faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to operating while intoxicated causing death. Davis issued a media release Wednesday detailing the case of 30-year-old Logan Thomas. Thomas entered a plea in the fatal crash that killed 10-year-old Anthony …

A Three Rivers man won the grand prize in a promotion overseen by Arbor Financial Credit Union. In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Arbor awarded a $9,090 cash prize to James Kern. A Vietnam veteran and lifelong mechanic, Kern was selected in a promotion in which members were automatically entered based on the Arbor services they use. Arbor officials said …

A Battle Creek man was taken into custody following a two-hour standoff against authorities earlier this week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Branch County Sheriff’s Department officials said deputies were dispatched at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to a location on Arney Road, where a man inside was wanted on a warrant for parole absconding. When officers made contact, the man refused …

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Nikki Nash received high marks during her recent annual evaluation. Board of education members met in a two-hour executive session before announcing Nash’s rating was 2.939 on a 3-point scale. Nash’s rating of “effective” is the highest level available under such an evaluation. Over the course of her four years as Three Rivers superintendent, Nash …

Here’s a reminder of three public daytime warming centers in St. Joseph County. In Sturgis, Commission on Aging Enrichment Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. It is located at 306 N. Franks Ave. There are two locations in Three Rivers. The first is at Commission on Aging, 1200 W. Broadway St. Its hours are also 8 to …