The Michigan House has approved a budget for the next fiscal year, and it includes an increase in funding for schools. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News she’s pleased to see lawmakers are committing to education.. ...Read Full Story
There is a new Republican now running for the Michigan House in the 79th District. It’s Bruce Gorenflo of St. Joseph. Gorenflo is a technical writer and graphic designer who has lived in southwest Michigan almost his entire life. He tells WSJM News a big priority is reducing auto insurance rates.. ...Read Full Story
Legislation has been introduced to make the OK2Say school safety tip line a permanent program. State Representative Brandt Iden of Kalamazoo County’s Oshtemo Township tells WSJM News his bill and a couple of others would not only establish that OK2Say is here to stay, but set aside funding for the program each year. The OK2Say tip line was launched by the Michigan Attorney General’s office in 2015 to create a way for students to report potentially dangerous situations in their schools without fear of repercussions.. ...Read Full Story
The Al-Van Humane Society is preparing to open its brand new shelter in South Haven next week. Executive Director Jennifer Nuernberg tells us the new 8,000 square foot building on Blue Star Highway is just around the corner from the current facility, and the animals will be moved this coming weekend. The Humane Society had to raise $500,000 to make the move possible.. ...Read Full Story
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and the Berrien County Health Department is hoping to remind all parents and young people about the dangers of underage drinking. The department’s Lisa Peeples-Hurst tells WSJM News the brain doesn’t stop developing until the age of 25 for some. Introducing alcohol to a young brain can make a variety of already-existing problems even worse.. ...Read Full Story
About 600 silver and blue pinwheels were placed in a park near the state Capitol in Lansing this week as part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services 10th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day. Spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News a rally was held at the Capitol Wednesday to show support for those who fight child abuse and to raise money for the state’s Children’s Trust Fund.. ...Read Full Story
Everything is falling into place for the 2018 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor. The PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle tells WSJM News there will be several new features this year for the event slated for May 22 through May 27.. ...Read Full Story
AAA has released a new report showing the number deaths from hit and run crashes has been increasing. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News the latest numbers are troubling.. ...Read Full Story
37 at-risk students from Benton Harbor, Hartford, Dowagiac, and Cassopolis have had a chance to learn what it’s like to interview for a job at Whirlpool thanks to the Youth Solutions program. Youth Solutions Engagement Director Jan Ennis tells WSJM News the students took part in mock interviews with Whirlpool Wednesday.. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien County Land Bank is prepared to approve the sale of the former Alreco Metals property in Benton Harbor to a medical marijuana operation, but only as long as the city of Benton Harbor approves it. Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News the land bank got a letter this week from Mayor Marcus Muhammad expressing support for the sale of the vacant industrial property to the Harvest Foundation, a medical marijuana producer.. ...Read Full Story
Benton Harbor is getting a new theater. Planned for May of 2019 is the brand new GhostLight Theatre to be located at 101 Hinkley Street right behind the Citadel Dance and Music Center. GhostLight co-owner Martha Hesse tells WSJM News the place is vacant right now.. ...Read Full Story
Flick Pick – Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero. ...Read Full Story
Visitors to some of Berrien County’s most popular parks will soon be able to use credit cards to gain entrance. Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey tells WSJM News Wi-Fi technology will be installed at the entrances to make the transactions possible.. ...Read Full Story
There will be a drug take-back event tomorrow, Saturday the 28th, in Berrien County. Michigan State Police Lieutenant Melinda Logan tells WSJM News law enforcement offices and the Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services on Hollywood Road in St. Joseph will take unused prescription medications so they can be safely disposed.. ...Read Full Story
State Senator John Proos is praising school security money approved this week by a Senate committee. He tells WSJM News a supplemental appropriation bill for the current 2018 fiscal year allows $15 million for competitive grants for schools to beef up security. Proos says the program will allow for some flexibility on a case by case basis.. ...Read Full Story
Police say they have recovered a body found at a park in Benton Township. The Benton Township Police Department tells WSJM News it responded to Rocky Gap Park about 9:20 a.m. Friday on the report of a body that washed up near the shore. Investigation found the deceased was Ralph Ford of White Pigeon. Ford was reported missing on April 10 from Brian’s Marina in St. Joseph where he was seen on his dock. The body was taken to Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph by Medic 1, and police say there is no evidence of foul play at this time.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A Michigan electric utility says decommissioned power cables it owns beneath the waterway connecting Lakes Huron and Michigan may have been damaged in the same incident that ruined two cables belonging to another company. Consumers Energy said Thursday it was notified by American Transmission Co., which recently used an underwater vehicle to inspect a network of its cables on the floor of the Straits of Mackinac. Two had been severed in what state officials say was an April 1 tugboat anchor strike. The strike caused the release of 600 gallons of insulation fluid. Consumers says the inspection found potential damage to other cables in the
area. The company also says its cables were taken out of service in 1990 and would not experience a similar leak. The Jackson-based utility says it will do its own inspection.. ...Read Full Story
As marijuana legalization language was approved Thursday by the State Board of Canvassers, the Speaker of the House Tom Leonard says a vote by lawmakers in the state House will not happen.. ...Read Full Story
Everyone will have a chance to learn more about the opioid epidemic at a meeting planned for next week in St. Joseph Township. St. Joe Township Police Officer Rick Knapp tells WSJM News the neighborhood watch program is welcoming a guest speaker from Families Against Narcotics and the Berrien County Medical Examiner to come and speak at the township hall next Wednesday.. ...Read Full Story
Shri Thanedar is defending himself against an eight-year old report which has resurfaced online. In 2010, the now leading Democrat in the race for Michigan governor was forced to close a New Jersey-based research clinic due to financial trouble. It said over 100 animals were left behind. Thanedar spoke about the situation with Michigan News Network.. ...Read Full Story
Ford Motor Company has announced it will be ditching its sedan lines over the next few years. That includes the Taurus, Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, and C-Max models. They don’t sell like their trucks and SUVs, and the automaker needs to cut $11 billion in costs. Auto Analyst John McElroy told Michigan News Network this week the price of gas isn’t a big concern as Ford is making trucks more fuel efficient at a time when domestic energy supplies are in better shape.. ...Read Full Story
There’s a new Republican in the running for the Michigan Senate in the 26th District. That’s the district currently represented by state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, who is being term limited out of office. The latest to announce for the post is Don Wikstra, a dentist and township planning commissioner from Allegan County’s Hamilton. He spoke with WSJM News.. ...Read Full Story
The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says alcohol and drug-related crashes remain a significant problem in the state, even though a new report shows overall traffic deaths decreased 3% last year. MSP spokesperson Kendall Wingrove tells WSJM News the latest statistics are a bit troubling.. ...Read Full Story
May will bring the first of two Girls on the Run 5Ks planned in southwest Michigan this year. Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan Dirctor Julie Bos tells WSJM News the organization will stage the runs in Berrien Springs on May 17 and in Decatur on June 1. Nearly 900 girls will take part, and Bos says the atmosphere is exciting.. ...Read Full Story
The Van Buren District Library has big plans for Cinco de Mayo next month. Van Buren District Library Adult Education and Community Relations Coordinator Kay McAdam told WSJM News more.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A legislative leader says initiated legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use will go on the November ballot. The Michigan Legislature could enact the bill on its own after it was certified by election officials Thursday, but House Speaker Tom Leonard says there is “not much support” within his Republican caucus. Assuming the GOP-controlled Legislature does not act within 40 days, voters will decide the proposal’s fate in November. The proposal would let people 21 and older possess up to 2.5 ounces
of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants at home. A 10 percent tax on marijuana would be assessed on top of the 6 percent state sales tax.. ...Read Full Story
The Michigan House has approved a budget for the next fiscal year, and it includes an increase in funding for schools. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News she’s pleased to see lawmakers are committing to education.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A group is trying to stop Nestle Waters North America Inc. from pumping more western Michigan groundwater for its Ice Mountain brand. Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation says Wednesday that it’s preparing a petition for a contested case against Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality, which approved Nestle’s application to remove 400 gallons (1,514
liters) of water per minute from an Osceola Township aquifer. The group says the DEQ will get the administrative challenge within 60 days.
Nestle had been permitted to withdraw 250 gallons (946 liters) a minute from the aquifer. The conservation group says the DEQ has “clearly bent the law to favor Nestle” by granting the permit before the company could provide “real data” on the consequences of withdrawing the additional water. The DEQ declined to comment on the petition. Nestle did not respond to a request for comment.. ...Read Full Story
Cedar Point has introduced its latest roller coaster to the media. Steel Vengreance was unveiled Wednesday, and it’s being called the world’s first ever hyper-hybrid roller coaster that climbs over 200 feet into the air before diving back down to earth into a series of hills, twists, dives, and over-banked turns lasting 2 and a half minutes. Cedar Point General Manager Jason McClure told Michigan News Network it’s easy to lose your senses on this ride.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley is escalating his criticism of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette’s prosecution of top state officials for the Flint water crisis, calling it a “gross abuse of power.” His comments to The Associated Press on Wednesday are the strongest words to date from Governor Rick Snyder’s administration on the criminal cases. Calley and Schuette are running to succeed the term-limited governor. Schuette’s criminal probe has led 15 current or former government officials to be charged, including two members of Snyder’s cabinet. Calley said the ongoing, long-running preliminary exams for state Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon and chief medical executive Eden Wells are “show trials” and “political stunts.” A Schuette spokeswoman declined comment, saying the cases are still before a judge.. ...Read Full Story
A new Michigan State Police Museum and Learning Center opened on Wednesday in Dimondale with a ribbon cutting. MSP Captain Mike Krumm told Michigan News Network the museum features weapons and vehicles that state police used back when the department began in 1917. He says it’s interactive.. ...Read Full Story
An award has been given to state Senator John Proos for his work to promote organ donation in Michigan. This month, the Michigan Secretary of State’s office gave Proos the Shining Star Award. It’s for his role in getting Lauren’s Law approved in the state. Proos tells WSJM News the law requires the Secretary of State to ask people if they want to sign up for the organ donor registry when they renew their licenses.. ...Read Full Story
A national drug take-back event is being held this Saturday, and Congressman Fred Upton is reminding everyone about it. He tells WSJM News the Drug Enforcement Agency is working with police agencies across the nation to collect unneeded prescription medications. Last year, the DEA collected more than 912,000 pounds of pills across more than 5,000 sites.. ...Read Full Story
About 600 silver and blue pinwheels have been placed in a park near the state Capitol in Lansing as part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services 10th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day. Spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News a rally was held at the Capitol Wednesday to show support for those who fight child abuse and to raise money for the state’s Children’s Trust Fund.. ...Read Full Story
The United Way of Southwest Michigan has set up a long-term recovery team to help those affected by flooding this year in the region. The United Way tells WSJM News it will now host bi-monthly meetings with state and local organizations focused on uniting resources with community needs to ensure everyone recovers from the disaster. President Anna Murphy says a large number of southwest Michigan families were displaced by the flooding, and in some cases, their homes cannot be repaired. The United Way is teaming up with groups that include the Berrien Community Foundation, the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the Michigan State Police Office of Emergency Management to get ongoing help to those people. Anyone looking for more information can call the United Way of Southwest Michigan. It also notes the disaster relief fund it set up following February’s floods remains open. You can find it right here.. ...Read Full Story
Arbor Day is this Friday, and one place where they will be celebrating is Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles. The garden’s Elaine Rowland tells WSJM News they’ll hold a traditional tree planting in the Fernwood arboretum at 2 p.m. Friday.. ...Read Full Story
It’s a proposal to legalize the sale and possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use in Michigan, and we’ll find out this week if it makes the November ballot. Josh Hovey, spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol,tells Michigan News Network Colorado got it right when it comes to legalizing pot.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Kids hoping to get high off laughing gas would have a harder time under a bill that is headed toward Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk. The Michigan Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to prohibit the sale or distribution of devices intended to hold nitrous oxide to minors. Commonly known by the street name “whip-its,” these containers have surged in popularity due to the temporary buzz produced from inhaling the gas. Those who fail to adhere to the sales ban would face a maximum $500 civil fine under the House-sponsored bills. The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police testified in support of the bills, citing abuse of laughing gas as the root of multiple injuries and at least one death in the state.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton has made it official. He has filed for re-election, submitting more than the number of petition signatures required to qualify for the ballot. He announced last November that this was his intention. He had toyed with the idea of running for the U.S. Senate against Debbie Stabenow but after assessing his chances, the support available and consulting with his family, he has decided instead to try for his 17th term representing South West Michigan in Congress. The 6th District includes all of Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties and most of Allegan County. A half-dozen democrats have come forward to run for the seat, and will face off in an August Primary to determine who will challenge Upton this fall.. ...Read Full Story
The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan is on the move. The organization put out word Tuesday morning that it is now closed until its relocation to the new shelter in Royalton Township is complete. The facility on M-139 replaces the old Crystal Avenue shelter in Benton Township, which the Humane Society tells us had become grossly inadequate. While the move is ongoing, the Humane Society asks everyone to be patient and understand it could take some weeks to complete the process. It says the staff and animals both appreciate your understanding. We’ll keep you posted when the organization announces its ribbon cutting celebration for the new shelter.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — The Michigan House wants to direct 4 percent of the Liquor Control Commission’s revenue toward fighting substance abuse. The chamber voted 104-3 Tuesday to earmark state funds from alcohol taxes, liquor licenses and liquor code violation fees for distribution among community health agencies. The bill would inject the money into services such as substance abuse prevention and treatment programs – one-fourth of which could not be exclusively alcohol-centric. Supporters of the bill say it provides a much-needed bridge for funding gaps in Michigan’s health entities, which would gain almost $20 million from the measure. During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, the Liquor Control Commission’s net revenue topped $430 million. The bill now heads to the Senate.. ...Read Full Story
A recent study of the community’s water system in St. Joseph is helping city officials better plan for repairs. St. Joe Public Works Director Tom MacDonald tells WSJM News the city commission in September hired a company that came in and used specialized sounding equipment to find underground leaks. The survey found seven leaks, which were causing about five million gallons of water per year to be wasted.. ...Read Full Story
There is a new Republican now running for the Michigan House in the 79th District. It’s Bruce Gorenflo of St. Joseph. Gorenflo is a technical writer and graphic designer who has lived in southwest Michigan almost his entire life. He tells WSJM News a big priority is reducing auto insurance rates.. ...Read Full Story
Now is the time to get some dredging done in recreational harbors in southwest Michigan. So says Congressman Fred Upton, who has sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asking that money be set aside for harbors in Saugatuck, South Haven, and New Buffalo. He spoke with WSJM News about the issue.. ...Read Full Story
Former Lake Michigan College President Bob Harrison is now running for the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. He’s filed to run for the Republican nomination in the 7th District, which includes the village of Stevensville and part of Lincoln Township. Harrison tells WSJM News he sees the county commission facing challenges specific to southwest Michigan.. ...Read Full Story
No one was hurt and one man was taken into custody following a domestic violence incident in St. Joseph Tuesday that got a response from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Response Unit. The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety tells us it happened in the 1700 block of Forres Avenue around 4:30 p.m. Officers arrived at the scene and were told by a woman that she had been assaulted. A man inside the home refused to come out, and police were told he was intoxicated and armed. St. Joseph Public Safety called in the sheriff’s department for assistance, and the man eventually gave up. He was taken into custody.. ...Read Full Story
The southwest Michigan real estate market has managed to turn around after a relatively slow February. According to the latest numbers released by the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, the number of houses sold in March of 2018 was down 13% from March of 2017, but the average selling price was up by 15%. Plus, year-to-date, the average selling price this year has been up by 10%. Home sales in March were up 35% compared to February. Part of the reason prices are up is the low inventory, which continues to be a problem for the southwest Michigan housing market. The inventory is at a 4.5-month supply.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s public schools would receive their largest increase in base per-student funding in 17 years under a budget plan endorsed by the state House. The Republican-controlled House approved the plan Tuesday, including a boost ranging from $120 to $240 per pupil proposed by Governor Rick Snyder. Once the Senate passes a proposal and revised revenue estimates are released, a budget agreement will be finalized in June. Though the House backed the governor’s base K-12 funding proposal, it rejected proposed cuts to online charter schools and to aid that helps public schools enroll private students in elective classes. Unlike Snyder, the House voted to close a prison next fiscal year. Republicans rejected Democratic amendments to spend more on road improvements and to restore free bottled water for Flint residents.. ...Read Full Story
A public hearing on the budget and the local tax rate will be held by St. Joseph City Commissioners next month. Mayor Mike Garey tells WSJM News the commission is grappling with multiple considerations as it looks at possible millage increases. That includes the need for street repair money. He credits city staff with being on top of the looming challenges.. ...Read Full Story
The Al-Van Humane Society is preparing to open its brand new shelter in South Haven next week. Executive Director Jennifer Nuernberg tells us the new 8,000 square foot building on Blue Star Highway is just around the corner from the current facility, and the animals will be moved this coming weekend. The Humane Society had to raise $500,000 to make the move possible.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A trial is expected to run about two weeks for a man involved in a 2016 crash that killed five bicyclists and injured four others in southwestern Michigan. Prospective jurors in the case of Charles Pickett are appearing Monday in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court and jury selection is expected to take place Tuesday. The Michigan Supreme Court earlier this year decided against hearing an
appeal of the second-degree murder charges he faces. Pickett is accused of driving under the influence of drugs and plowing into a group of bicyclists in Cooper Township on June 7, 2016. His girlfriend told police he downed handfuls of pain pills and muscle relaxers before driving. Pickett’s lawyer has argued the evidence established, at most, the elements of reckless driving causing death.. ...Read Full Story
A new report calls for raising the federal minimum wage to 15-dollars an hour to reduce poverty and promote pay equity. While the minimum wage in Michigan is $8.25 per hour, it still is $7.25 an hour in 21 other states. Since the current federal minimum wage went into effect nine years ago, it has lost 13% of its value, and the minimum federal wage for workers who get tips has stayed at $2.13 an hour since 1991. Emily Chatterjee, senior counsel at the Leadership Conference Education Fund, says raising the wage would do more than help lift people out of poverty.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Businessman Shri Thanedar has submitted 30,000 signatures to run for governor, becoming the third Democratic candidate to file. Thanedar turned in the petitions Monday, before Tuesday’s deadline. He says he wants to be governor to “make a difference for this state, which has given me so many breaks.” Thanedar is a scientist by training and immigrant from India who last year told a stake in his chemical-testing company for tens of millions of dollars. The political novice has been airing TV ads to build his name recognition. Other Democrats running are Gretchen Whitmer and Abdul El-Sayed. Retired business executive Bill Cobbs is running, too, but may not have enough voter signatures to qualify.. ...Read Full Story
The latest candidate to announce she’s running for the Michigan House in the 79th District says she has the perspective it will take to represent Berrien County. Maria Moen works as a relocation consultant for folks moving to southwest Michigan. She tells WSJM News they always ask about the schools first.. ...Read Full Story
The north pier in St. Joseph will have life rings installed by Memorial Day weekend. So says St. Joe City Manager John Hodgson, who told city commissioners Monday night the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is on board, and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department will help with maintenance. Hodgson told WSJM News the north pier model will follow the county’s example with life rings at the south pier.. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien County Health Department is reminding everyone to talk with their doctor about getting the Hepatitis A vaccine. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News Hepatitis A is a liver disease that has been on the rise in Michigan, especially in the southeast part of the state.. ...Read Full Story
Combating the fight against opioid addiction before it starts. That’s the idea behind a new bill in Lansing. State Representative Joseph Bellino tells Michigan News Network he has a plan that would require certain prescriptions to come in locked vials that can administer pills at specific intervals. Bellino admits to once being a cocaine addict himself.. ...Read Full Story
Next month’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores will be missing one key player. Last year’s champion, Bernhard Langer, announced at Monday’s Media Day he will sit out the event, slated for May 22 through May 27, because his son is graduating high school that same week. He did have some praise for the Harbor Shores golf course.. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has cleared two of its deputies of wrongdoing in a crash this month that killed three this month.. ...Read Full Story
Later this week, some 40-thousand students, mentors, and family members are descending on downtown Detroit for the FIRST Robotics Championship at Cobo Center and Ford Field. Nearly 700 qualifying teams from around the world will start competing Wednesday. Students will build and operate robots to complete a task which increases in difficulty at each level. Co-Director Patti Poppe is President & CEO of Consumers Energy.. ...Read Full Story
