Local News Archives

Vigil For Motel Victims

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The victims in a deadly motel fire on Saturday have been honored with a vigil. Mourners gathered on Wednesday night at the Cosmo Extended Stay Motel on M-139 in Sodus Township where a fire killed 26-year-old Kiarre Curtis and five of her children. At the vigil, family of Kiarre Curtis remembered her as someone who was struggling the best she could for her family.. ...Read Full Story

Upton On PFAS Contamination

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Congressman Fred Upton is hoping to hold hearings on the PFAS contamination found in the water system serving Parchment and Cooper Township in Kalamazoo County. He tells WSJM News making sure such a problem doesn’t happen again — or happen elsewhere — will depend on figuring out how the situation occurred. In the meantime…. ...Read Full Story

Saugatuck Night Out

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Next Tuesday is the National Night Out and the first ever held in Allegan County. You’re invited to Saugatuck’s Coghlin Park Tuesday, August 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. for food and drink, giveaways, and demonstrations of fire district and safety equipment. The Saugatuck-Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau will be sponsoring a free parking shuttle bus. It will run between Saugatuck High School and Coghlin Park from 5:30 to 8:30. More information available at Saugatuck’s City Hall and on Facebook.. ...Read Full Story

MI Supreme Court Orders Anti-Gerrymandering Proposal To Ballot

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We will get to vote on a constitutional change regarding how congressional and state legislative districts are drawn. The Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling around 10:30 Tuesday night dismissing a lawsuit challenging the ballot proposal from Voters Not Politicians to take the responsibility of drawing the districts out of the hands of lawmakers. The lawsuit contended the proposal made too many changes to the state Constitution, and would create a new branch of government, but the state’s highest court disagreed. Katey Fahey is the executive director of the grassroots group that worked to get the measure before voters, and is very relieved.. ...Read Full Story

FBI: Benton Harbor Fugitive Antwan “Tank” Mims Caught In Georgia

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Caught. The FBI says Antwan “Tank” Mims of Benton Harbor is in custody after being added to the bureau’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list earlier this summer for two murders on March 25. Mims was arrested just after 4 p.m. yesterday at a home in College Park, Georgia by FBI agents and the FBI Atlanta Metro Major Offenders Task Force. He is wanted for the murders of Cortez Miller and Michael Johnson at a house party on Lavette Street in Benton Harbor, during which witnesses say he shot them both, and then shot them again while they were on the ground. Mims is the 486th person captured of the 519 who have been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list since it was established in March 1950. He will be brought back to Benton Harbor to face charges.. ...Read Full Story

“Thrill On The Hill” This Week

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Buchanan’s summer Thrill on the Hill is this weekend. The fun actually starts Thursday at 4 p.m. with a giant Slip and Slide set up on the big hill downtown. You can pay $5 to ride an inner tube or flotation device down it. The action will continue Friday and Saturday. The “riding at high speeds down a big hill” angle isn’t the only fun taking place as part of Thrill on the Hill. Other planned activities include an adult luau on Friday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. The Thrill on the Hill will also feature music, games, and contests throughout the weekend. The summer event compliments the annual winter Thrill on the Hill when they rig up the downtown hill to be extra slippery by bringing in snow. You can find out more at the Buchanan Thrill on the Hill Facebook page.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Pushes For House Rule Changes

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A new effort is being launched by a bi-partisan group in Congress to get some procedural rules changed so more can get done. Spearheaded by the Problem Solvers group, Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the “Break the Gridlock” campaign aims to implement new rules when the next Speaker is chosen. He said the changes are a bit “Inside Baseball,” but gave us some examples.. ...Read Full Story

Red Cross Maintaining Shelter For Motel Residents

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The Red Cross of Southwest Michigan continues to provide a shelter in St. Joseph for residents displaced by a Saturday motel fire. The Cosmo Extended Stay Motel on M-139 in Sodus Township was evacuated due to the deadly blaze, leaving many residents with nowhere to go. Breeze Ettl with the Red Cross tells WSJM News they were devastated.. ...Read Full Story

Court: Shooter Statements To Be Suppressed

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From the Associated Press — A Michigan appeals court has ruled certain statements made to police by an Uber driver charged with killing six people and wounding two others in southwestern Michigan cannot be used at trial. The three-judge panel said Tuesday that some of Jason Dalton’s statements should be suppressed because a detective continued questioning him after Dalton “invoked both his rights to counsel and to remain silent.” The 48-year-old Dalton is charged with murder and attempted murder. Investigators have quoted him as saying a “devil figure” on Uber’s app was controlling him on the night of the 2016 shootings in Kalamazoo County. He’s not accused of shooting customers. Prosecutors say they are reviewing the appeals court ruling. Dalton’s attorney, Anastase Markou, says the appeals court “did an excellent job rendering a very thorough and thoughtful opinion.”. ...Read Full Story

Tests: Chemicals In Well Above Standards

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From the Associated Press — Tests of a groundwater well in southwestern Michigan show chemical contamination levels far above federal guidelines. MLive reports Tuesday that levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid of more than 900 parts per trillion and perfluorooctanoic acid over 800 parts per trillion were found in the Parchment-area well. The newspaper says the government’s lifetime health advisory is 70 parts per trillion for total PFOS and PFOA. The substances are referred to as PFAS and are used in manufacturing, firefighting and thousands of household and consumer products. About 3,000 people in Parchment and Cooper Township have been told not to drink or cook with the water, and bottled water is being distributed while the water system is flushed. Parchment is about 125 miles (200 kilometers) west of Detroit.. ...Read Full Story

Police Night Out Next Week

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Next Tuesday will bring the 35th annual Police National Night Out as local police departments look to mingle with the public and establish good relations. St. Joseph Township Police Officer Rick Knapp tells WSJM News there will be a gathering at St. Joseph’s Riverview Park featuring demonstrations for the public.. ...Read Full Story

Health Department: PFAS Not An Issue In Berrien County

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With the state of emergency declared this past weekend in Kalamazoo County for PFAS in the drinking water in the city of Parchment and Cooper Township along with the discovery of the chemicals in northern Kent County, the Battle Creek area, and near Selfridge Air National Guard Base in suburban Detroit, is it a problem here? We put that question to Gillian Conrad of the Berrien County Health Department.. ...Read Full Story

Honor Credit Union Expanding To Buchanan

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Banking will get a little more convenient for Honor Credit Union members in Buchanan next year, as currently their closest branches are in Niles and Berrien Springs. The financial institution is announcing plans to open a branch in the city at 117 North Red Bud Trail in early 2019. The branch will be within walking distance to many restaurants and shops in Buchanan, and will open up across from the Duck Pond and Lehman’s Farm House. The building is currently being designed. Berrien Springs branch manager Karol Behrle will be the manager of the new location in her hometown. In a statement, Honor Credit Union CEO Scott McFarland said “Buchanan has been a great community partner of Honor’s for years.” He adds, “we are excited to bring the increased convenience of a local branch to our Buchanan members and look forward to getting to know new friends in this growing community.” Honor Credit Union has been a supported the Buchanan community through providing volunteers for the annual Thrill On The Hill events, sponsoring floor hockey teams, and supporting the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce. The credit union has over 80,000 members in the state. The Buchanan branch will be its 25th in Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

Group Cries Foul Over 3D Printed Guns

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Gun violence prevention groups have signed onto a letter demanding Secretary of State Mike Pompeo block online publication — set for this Wednesday — of instructions on how to make a plastic gun with a 3D printer. For the past five years, the State Department fought plans by a Texas company to put the blueprints online, but the Trump administration has reached a settlement with it. Linda Brundage with the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence tells us the settlement an outrage.. ...Read Full Story

Schuitmaker Endorses Nesbitt

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State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker has endorsed Aric Nesbitt in the race for Michigan Senate in the 26th District. Schuitmaker currently occupies that post and is being term-limited out of office. She tells WSJM News Nesbitt, a former state representative and head of the Michigan Lottery, is right for southwest Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

School Mourns Students Killed In Motel Fire

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Countryside Academy is mourning the loss of three of its students following Saturday’s deadly fire at a motel in Sodus Township. Six people — 26-year-old Kiarre Curtis and five of her children — were killed in the blaze at the Cosmo Extended Living Motel on M-139. Countryside Academy Lead Administrator Sarah Brookshire tells WSJM News Marquise Thompson, Gerome Randolph, and Samuel Curtis were all students remembered fondly by their teachers.. ...Read Full Story

Bond Denied In Dowagiac Shooting Case

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Bond has been denied for the suspect in a Dowagiac shooting on Sunday. The Cass County Prosecutor’s office tells us 24-year-old Rolandis Russell shot and killed 42-year-old Fabian Wesaw following a fight at the Beeson Street Bar in the early morning hours. Russell was arraigned Monday on charges that include first degree murder, assault with intent to murder, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent, and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle. He faces life in prison if convicted on the murder charge. At Russell’s arraignment Monday, prosecutors asked that bond be denied in the case, and the request was granted by Judge Stacey Rentfrow. Russell will be back in court on August 9.. ...Read Full Story

Police Investigate Dog Bite

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Police in Bridgman are asking for the public’s help as they investigate a dog bite on Sunday. The Bridgman Police Department says on its Facebook page the attack happened around 6:20 p.m. on Lake Street near Toth Street. A woman who had been walking a light brown lab mix allowed a young child to pet the dog. As the child walked away, the dog bit the child in the face, which later required surgery. The woman with the dog continued walking east on Lake Street after the incident. Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident to call them at 465-3880.. ...Read Full Story

Lawmaker Calls For PFAS Ban

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Michigan’s new water crisis is coming from a chemical used in manufacturing, fire suppression foam and other uses. PFAS has turned up in wells north of Grand Rapids, near Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, and has now rendered the city of Parchment’s water system unusable in Kalamazoo County. State Representative Peter Lucido of Macomb County wants an immediate ban on the substance enacted. He spoke with Michigan News Network about it.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Sends Fire Help To California

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As wildfires continue to burn across multiple states out west, some assistance is being provided by Michigan. It comes in the form of a firetruck, which is stationed at the Carr Fire in northern California. Dan Laux, Fire Supervisor with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, spoke with Michigan News Network about the matter.. ...Read Full Story

Lt. Gov. Declares Emergency In Kalamazoo County For Water

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Residents of the city of Parchment and Cooper Township in Kalamazoo County are not being allowed to drink or use the tap water due to the discovery of PFAS contamination in Parchment’s water. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley declared a state of emergency for the county on Sunday, authorizing the coordination of state efforts by the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Homeland Security Division. Calley says they’ve been testing smaller water systems statewide for the likely carcinogen since it was found in wells in northern Kent County and in Battle Creek.. ...Read Full Story

Proos Backing LaSata

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State Representative Kim LaSata has received the endorsement of the man she is running to replace in the Michigan Senate’s 21st District. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News he’s backing LaSata because he believes her priorities will be the best. Proos says LaSata voted to roll back the state income tax, for example.. ...Read Full Story

Cass County Treasurer Dies

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WSJM News has learned that Cass County Treasurer Linda Pruett has died. Pruett passed away Sunday evening. She had been in office since 2002. No details surrounding her passing have yet been released by Cass County officials, including naming an interim treasurer or setting a special election. We will have more on this story on Monday.. ...Read Full Story

Realtors Contribute To Watervliet Clock

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The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors has chipped in to help spruce up downtown Watervliet. It’s given the city a $3,500 Placemaking Grant to purchase a two-faced Victorian-style exterior post clock for the area. The clock will be installed near Library Park on Main Street, and the Watervliet Community Development Coordinator says it’s intended to become a focal point in the community. The total cost for the clock is $7,500, and the Watervliet DDA, city, and some residents have also helped reach the total amount needed. Mikki Swisher with American Homes Real Estate in Coloma is the realtor sponsor for the donation. The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors Placemakers Grants are awarded to various community projects in the area, and are typically in the range of a few thousand dollars. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story

Autopsies Show 6 Killed In Motel Fire Died From Smoke Inhalation

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Smoke inhalation is what killed a mother and her five children between the ages of 10 and 2 in a fire at the Cosmo Extended Living Motel in Sodus Township on M-139 just north of I-94 on Saturday. The fire started just before 2 a.m. and has been ruled accidental. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells us the Michigan State Police Fire Marshal and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found no evidence of accelerants or narcotics manufacturing at the scene. ...Read Full Story

SJ Water Pipe Work

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One of the water intake pipes from Lake Michigan for the city of St. Joseph’s water supply needs to be cleaned out. Greg Alimenti is the city’s water plant superintendent and utility services director and told the city commission the north intake has between two and four-feet of sand that has accumulated along with a layer of zebra mussels that need to be removed. He says there are other worries as well.. ...Read Full Story

Man Caught In Act Burglarizing Van Buren County Home

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A man is in the Van Buren County Jail awaiting arraignment on home invasion and other charges after breaking into a Porter Township home Saturday night. A couple had gone to their parents’ home and discovered the suspect inside. He threatened to kill the woman, who was calling 9-1-1, and she and her husband were forced to leave the home. While still on the phone with dispatchers, they saw the suspect leave the home with one of the homeowner’s vehicles, and gave chase until Lawton police took over. The suspect then crashed into a field and tried to run away before being caught a few hours later with the help of a K-9 from the Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post. Several items from the home were found with him. He also had outstanding warrants for his arrest.. ...Read Full Story

Fatal Shooting In Dowagiac

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The Dowagiac Police Department is investigating a shooting Sunday that left one man dead. It tells us officers were sent to the Beeson Street Bar for a large fight in progress at approximately 2:30 a.m. While on the way, the officers heard several gunshots coming from the area around Beeson Street.  Officers arrived and found a large crowd of people and what they described as a chaotic scene. The officers found one man who was dead from a gunshot wound.. ...Read Full Story

Walk In Clinic For South Haven

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Bronson Healthcare is opening a new walk-in clinic in South Haven. The Bronson FastCare location will be there for anyone seeking treatment without an appointment for minor conditions or illnesses like sore throats, flu, ear and sinus infections, pink eye, and allergies. It’s a way for someone to get quick care without having to go to an emergency room. Bronson says FastCare will take most insurances, and will honor the office visit co-pay determined by the patient’s insurance company. The facility will be located across the street from Bronson South Haven Hospital at 970 South Bailey Avenue. Its opening is set for Wednesday, August 1.. ...Read Full Story

Fatal Crash During Chase

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says a 24-year-old Berrien County man is dead following a chase with police that ended in a crash. Deputies tell us it started around 5:30 p.m. Friday when a report came in of a possible drunk driver. A deputy spotted the vehicle in question in Niles and tried to pull it over, but it took off at a high rate of speed. The sheriff’s department tells us during the chase, the driver of the vehicle made several erratic maneuvers and exceeded 100 miles per hour on some stretches of Niles-Buchanan Road. He eventually lost control on westbound Niles-Buchanan Road west of Mayflower Road, left the north side of the road, and hit a tree. The driver, identified as David Lee Bross Jr., was pronounced dead at a South Bend Hospital. The Berrien  County Sheriff’s Department tells us the pursuing deputy did not have sight of the fleeing vehicle at the time of the crash and the deputy only saw the dust cloud caused by the vehicle leaving the road and hitting the tree. The crash remains under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

One Dead In Van Buren County Crash

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Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal crash in Almena Township. Troopers say it happened on M-43 near  22nd Street shortly after midnight on Sunday. They tell us the driver of a westbound passenger vehicle lost control and swerved off the road. The vehicle went down an embankment and rolled over. It had 3 occupants, all men from Weslaco, Texas. The front seat passenger was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. The rear seat passenger was released from the scene without injuries. The driver was arrested for operating while intoxicated, causing death. He was taken to the Van Buren County Jail. The crash is still under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Water Safety Reminder

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Even the strongest swimmers and most experienced boaters will be in big trouble if they fall into fast-moving river water. That’s a lesson to learn after a Kalamazoo kayaker was found dead in the St. Joseph River after a three day search this past week. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News the river conditions have been harsh lately.. ...Read Full Story

Comments Being Taken On MDOT Plan

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The Michigan Department of Transportation has released its next five-year plan and is taking the public’s comments. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News the biggest projects tend to be in the large metro areas, although there are about 15 Berrien County road and bridge projects planned. They include laying the groundwork for the eventual connection of US-31 and I-94. The prep work includes two separate projects.. ...Read Full Story

Governor Praises Company Expansion

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Governor Rick Snyder is pleased to see his Good Jobs for Michigan tax incentive being used for the first time in the expansion of Pfizer that was announced this week. The drug maker is investing in its plant in Portage. Snyder tells WSJM News the Pfizer plan is exactly what Good Jobs for Michigan was designed to do.. ...Read Full Story

Changes At SJ Public Safety

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City officials in St. Joseph are remaining tight-lipped about the sudden resignation on Friday of Public Safety Director Brian Uridge after a little less than two years on the job. City Manager John Hodgson wouldn’t address rumors that have been floating about the conduct of the former director. He did tell WSJM News there were some other issues, however.. ...Read Full Story

Motel Fire Under Investigation

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The American Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter for those who were displaced by a motel fire in Sodus Township early Saturday morning. Six people were killed in the blaze at the Cosmo Extended Living Motel on M-139. They were a 26-year-old woman and her five children. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey spoke with WSJM News at the scene.. ...Read Full Story

Buchanan Gets Dog Park

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The city of Buchanan has opened its first dog park. City Manager Bill Marx tells WSJM News the Field of Dreams Dog Park, located at the south end of Clark Street and is part of the McCoy Recreation Area, is the result of a four year campaign by the dog park committee.. ...Read Full Story

Tariffs Hit Whirlpool

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Whirlpool stock took a hit after the release of second quarter earnings this week. The appliance maker reported a loss in the quarter of $657 million, and fell short of Wall Street expectations with just $3.20 earnings per share. CEO Marc Bitzer says there were several macroeconomic factors going against them in the last three months, notably the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported steel and aluminum.. ...Read Full Story

Victims Identified In Deadly Sodus Twp Hotel Fire

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Six members of one family have been killed in an overnight fire at the Cosmo Extended Living Hotel in Sodus Township. The fire started just before 2 a.m. Saturday, firefighters and other first responders immediately began to evacuate the building when they arrived to see it filled with fire and smoke. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department estimates 90% of the rooms had fire, smoke, or water damage. The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined. The sheriff’s department has identified the victims as:. ...Read Full Story

Rental Rule Vote Coming Soon

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The city of South Haven isn’t the only municipality having to deal with the short-term rental issue. Casco Township has seen a rising number of homes being acquired by investors to rent out as short-term vacation homes. Some year-round residents say they have had to repeatedly call police to report rowdy behavior. Casco Township officials have been working on a zoning ordinance for residents to approve or disapprove on August 7. The ordinance limits the number of guests allow in a vacation rental, stating guests must follow the township noise ordinance. The ordinance also set up a home inspection program that requires smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Already in place is a 24-hour hotline for short term rental complaints.. ...Read Full Story

Nature Preserve Planned In Chikaming Township

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Chikaming Open Lands is looking to set up a new nature preserve, and it’s raising money to make that happen. Executive Director Ryan Postema tells WSJM News the conservation group wants to purchase 49 acres in Chikaming Township on Warren Woods Road between Warren Woods State Park and the Chikaming Township Preserve.. ...Read Full Story

Property Auction Next Week

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The summer Berrien County Land Auction is Tuesday. Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News it’s a chance for anyone to bid on recently-foreclosed properties. Although the number of available properties is down, Witkowski says the variety is wide.. ...Read Full Story

Former Officer Going To Trial

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A former officer for the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is heading to trial for running a man down with his squad car during a chase in May. The Berrien County Prosecutor’s office tells us 51-year-old Patrol Officer Steven Johnson ran over a man who was trying to escape police in Benton Harbor the night of May 10. Officers were investigating a report of a stolen lawnmower when it happened. The man, 25-year-old Ronald Glover, Jr., recovered, and was later sentenced to a year in jail for resisting and obstructing as well as possession of marijuana. In court last week, prosecutors showed dashcam video taken from that night as Johnson pursued Glover into an alley and struck him with his squad vehicle. Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic tells us the footage makes it appear the collision was intentional. The video shows Glover get up after being hit, pause, and then continue fleeing. Judge Arthur Cotter last Thursday set Johnson’s trial on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon for October 16. Johnson faces up to four years in prison if convicted.. ...Read Full Story

County Considers Transportation Aid

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Berrien County could be lending a hand to Cass County when it comes to managing transportation services. This week, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners tabled a proposal to have the county’s transportation planner and coordinator work for Cass County one day per week. Berrien County Administrator Bill Wolf spoke with WSJM News about the matter.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joe Lighthouse Featured On Vernors Cans

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The St. Joseph Lighthouse has a new claim to fame, now appearing on some limited-edition cans of Vernors ginger ale. Working with Pure Michigan, Vernors is featuring historic Michigan lighthouses on its cans. They are the St. Joseph Lighthouse, along with the lighthouses at Forty Mile Point in Rogers City, Old Mackinac Point in Mackinaw City, Point Iroquois in Brimley, Point Betsie in Frankfort, Little Sable Point in Mears, and Fort Gratiot in Port Huron. The image of the St. Joe Lighthouse appearing on those Vernors cans is courtesy of an image from well-known photographer Josh Nowicki. Vernors says it wanted to showcase Michigan lighthouses on its cans as a way of celebrating the state. The cans will be available through October.. ...Read Full Story

Payments To Nassar Victims Halted

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From the Associated Press — Michigan State University has halted payments from a $10 million fund it set up for counseling services for victims of now-imprisoned former sports doctor Larry Nassar amid concerns about possible fraudulent
claims. The Lansing State Journal reports the school stopped making payments Wednesday after the Healing Assistance Fund administrator’s flagged the issue. MSU spokeswoman Emily Guerrant says stopping payments will allow an investigation
into the issue. Guerrant says the fund had distributed more than $1.1 million as of June 30. Nassar worked for Michigan State and USA Gymnastics, which trains Olympians. He is imprisoned for molesting athletes and possessing child pornography.
The Detroit News reports John Manly, a civil attorney for roughly 200 victims, says fraud should be rooted out but that he worries about how victims will cope without.. ...Read Full Story

Democrat Whitmer Releases Plan To Fight Urban Poverty

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As the August 7th primary approaches, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Gretchen Whitmer is releasing her plan to fight urban poverty. It includes her support for regional transit, the effort to cut auto insurance rates, and expand affordable housing. Whitmer, who served in Lansing in the House and Senate for several years, was asked why she didn’t try to fix those pressing issues during her time in the Legislature.. ...Read Full Story

PFAS Renders Drinking Water Unusable In Parts Of Kalamazoo County

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Don’t try to boil it or filter it. Health officials in Kalamazoo County are telling residents of the city of Parchment and Cooper Township to not drink the water. Officials are advising residents to immediately stop using tap water for drinking, making baby formula and washing vegetables. Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford says authorities only became aware of the situation on Thursday.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Rental Meeting

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The South Haven Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on Friday to discuss and fine tune two proposals regarding short-term rentals. One of the proposals to be discussed is possibly to prohibit short-term rentals in newly-constructed homes and-or prohibit occupancy increases after renovations. The other proposal to be discussed involves prohibiting or putting a cap on new short-term rentals in certain areas of the city, generally south of the Black River and close to Lake Michigan. This special meeting is a Planning Commission Work Session at 1pm. The next Regular Planning Commission Meeting will be held on August 2nd at 7.. ...Read Full Story

Realtors Spruce Up Park

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The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors has helped to improve another park in the region. This time it’s the playground area next to Milton Township Hall in Cass County. The realtor’s association provided the township with a Placemaking Grant of a little more than $2,400 to make it happen. The township used the money to buy bike racks and trash receptacles for the area. Members of the Association of Realtors also volunteered to install the items and to paint and spruce up the park. Realtor Mark VanDusen was the sponsor for the Milton Township Park grant. He says the area next to the town hall is for the community to play, have picnics, and hold family events. You can find out more about Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors Placemaking Grants right here.. ...Read Full Story

Changes Coming To School Board

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There will be some new faces on the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education next year. That’s because four trustees who could have run in November have opted not to file. Trustees Joseph Taylor, Martha Momany, Margaret Gast, and Marletta Seats, who is also the board president, are sitting out, according to The Herald Palladium. They did not file by Tuesday’s deadline. The Berrien County Clerk’s office tells us three candidates have filed. They are Patricia Rush of Sodus Township, Matthew Bradley of Benton Harbor, and Lue Buchana of Benton Township. Buchana is a former school trustee for Benton Harbor Area Schools. The board of education, whoever is on it, will have a reduced role going forward. That’s after the board agreed this summer to hire Robert Herrera as the district’s new CEO. Herrera is working directly under the state, which is now mostly in control. The school board at this point only controls things related to taxes and borrowing.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien Judge Appointed To Circuit Court

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Berrien County Judge Donna Howard has a new appointment. On Thursday, Governor Rick Snyder appointed Howard to serve as the new judge of the 2nd Circuit Court in Berrien County. The governor’s office says Howard was elected as a district judge to the Berrien County Trial Court in 2014. She has been assigned to both the Criminal and Civil Divisions and oversees the problem-solving courts. She also presides over the Business Court. Howard has been appointed to the Circuit Court to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge John Donahue. Howard will have to seek election in November 2020 for the remainder of the term. Prior to serving as a judge, Howard served as Corporate Counsel to Berrien County.. ...Read Full Story

Treasurer Hearing From Generous Residents

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The Berrien County Treasurer’s office has been receiving inquiries from residents who would like to chip in to help those in need of property tax assistance. Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News since an article published this month about an 88-year-old Niles woman who walked a mile to his office to sign up for a payment plan, he’s been getting calls. Witkowski says one woman even sent him $250 to help people in similar situations to the Niles case.. ...Read Full Story