Local News Archives

State and federal leaders from southwest Michigan are waiting for Governor Rick Snyder to accept Berrien County’s disaster declaration following this month’s floods. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News he toured Berrien Springs and Niles this past week and was convinced the Berrien County Board of Commissioners was justified in declaring that disaster.. ...Read Full Story

The Better Business Bureau of West Michigan has issued list of what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re a flood victim to avoid scammers. Phil Catlett of the BBB says floods and natural disasters tend to bring out the worst in people.. ...Read Full Story

Unit 2 of the Cook nuclear power plant is now undergoing another refueling outage. Cook plant spokesperson Bill Schalk tells WSJM News Unit 1 just wrapped up a refueling outage late last year. Unit 2 shut down at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. There is now a large number of extra workers on site to help with maintenance.. ...Read Full Story

It’s almost moving day for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. Director Jill Svoboda tells WSJM News the new shelter in Royalton Township is pretty much ready, and they’re just waiting for a green light from the township to move in, which could come in a few weeks. She tells us the new facility was very much needed.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A 19-year-old Central Michigan University student suspected of killing his parents at a campus dormitory on Friday has been apprehended. He was found early Saturday following a search that included more than 100 police officers. James Eric Davis Jr. was arrested after someone saw him on a train passing through the north end of campus shortly after midnight, according to a release posted on Central Michigan University’s website. CMU President George E. Ross thanked the campus, community, and police who he said “came together to keep each other safe and apprehend the suspect.” The shooting on Friday sent the university into lockdown for the day.. ...Read Full Story

A Lawton man was taken to a hospital in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on Friday. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells WSJM News sheriff’s deputies were called to M-40 just south of 72nd Avenue around 12:45 p.m. They found a 2011 Chevy Cruze driven by Sarah Romeo was northbound on M-40 when 39-year-old Harley Streeter walked into the road. Romeo’s vehicle struck Streeter. Deputies learned Streeter had just left his workplace to go to lunch when he was hit. He was taken to a hospital in Kalamazoo. Police say Romeo and Streeter are in a dating relationship.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A television station has found that Michigan officials didn’t immediately inform residents about unsafe levels of chemicals in fish. WOOD-TV reports that the state began testing fish from Freska Lake in September after residents raised concerns.
The lake is near a site where Wolverine World Wide buried per- and polyfluoroalkyl sludge for years. Studies suggest that PFAS affect fetal
development, disrupt hormonal functions, damage fertility and immune systems, and boost the risk of cancer. A November email acquired by the TV station through a records request says there were problematic levels of PFAS in the lake’s bluegill and cautions limiting consumption to two meals a month. Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Angela Minicuci says the agency decided to wait to release the results this spring through their Eat Safe Fish guide.. ...Read Full Story

It’s possible Congress will approve some gun control measures following the nation’s most recent mass shooting, this time at a high school in Florida on Valentine’s Day. That’s the thought of Congressman Fred Upton, who tells us the bipartisan “Problem Solvers” have talked about the issue this past week. Upton spoke with students from Parkland High School in Florida on Tuesday, and told WSJM News later the talk about gun control is serious.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A Michigan lawmaker charged with putting a no-show employee on the public payroll has pleaded guilty, resigned from office and faces up to a year in prison. Senator Bert Johnson, a Democrat from Highland Park, must repay $23,000 to the
state of Michigan. He will be sentenced on August 7. After pleading guilty Friday to conspiring to steal money, he resigned. He was
accused of putting Glynis Thornton on his payroll in order to repay $14,000 in loans from her. Federal investigators say Thornton did no work but collected $23,000. Thornton cooperated with investigators after getting caught in a separate corruption case involving bribes for a Detroit school principal. U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider says public officials “cannot treat the people’s money as their own.”. ...Read Full Story

Southwest Michigan residents are proving to be caring when it comes to their neighbors. The United Way of Southwest Michigan tells WSJM News the disaster relief fund it set up last week to help out folks affected by floods this month has already raised more than $20,000. That’s in just about five days. United Way’s Anna Murphy tells WSJM News the money will be used for a variety of needs.. ...Read Full Story

Congress ended out the week having failed to approve a replacement program for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — or, DACA — program. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News lawmakers in Washington had a shortened week.. ...Read Full Story

This weekend will bring an opportunity to snag some sweet deals, thanks to the Lake Michigan College Foundation’s 28th annual Winners Circle Benefit Auction. LMC Foundation Director Mary Clem tells WSJM News the Saturday auction raises money for scholarships at LMC. Organizations and businesses from all over southwest Michigan offer up goodies to be bought.. ...Read Full Story

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is running a children’s book drive all throughout this month. The organization’s Julee Laurent tells WSJM News they’ve got book drive stations in businesses and other locations all over Berrien and Cass counties, hoping to gather 5,000 of books by the start of spring break.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Police say they’re starting to escort students and staff from buildings at Central Michigan University while they continue to search for a young man accused of killing two people. School President George Ross says Friday is a “tragic day” for Central Michigan. Police are searching for 19-year-old James Eric Davis Jr. of Plainfield, Illinois. Police declined to confirm news reports that the two victims shot at a residence hall were Davis’ parents. Parents who were traveling to the Mount Pleasant, Michigan, campus to pick up students for spring break were told to go to a local hotel instead. A basketball game between Central Michigan and rival Western Michigan was postponed.. ...Read Full Story

New legislation from state Representative Kim LaSata is designed to make it easier for people suffering from a terminal illness to get the pain medications they need. With all kinds of new restrictions in place for opioids, LaSata’s measure would exempt hospice care providers from having to get a Michigan Automated Prescription System report on a patient before giving them a controlled substance. The law requiring doctors to get a MAPS report before filling out those prescriptions was passed last year, but LaSata says that rule was intended to prevent doctor shopping. LaSata says she believes it shouldn’t pertain to hospice providers giving end-of-life care. LaSata tells us the state shouldn’t interfere in the delicate task of providing comfort for the terminally ill. Her bill is now before a state House committee.. ...Read Full Story

Two people have been killed in a shooting in a dorm on the campus of Central Michigan University. According to campus officials, neither are students. CMU has canceled all classes for today, and the campus is on lockdown as the shooter remains on the loose. He is 19-year-old James Eric Davis Jr., a black male who was last seen wearing mustard-colored pants and a blue hoodie. The shootings happened this morning on the fourth floor of Campbell Hall, and the incident is believed to have started with a “domestic situation” according to the university.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police are confirming that two people have been shot on the Central Michigan University campus in Mount Pleasant today. The suspect is still at large, and the campus is on lockdown. According to the city of Mt. Pleasant’s Twitter account, the suspect is black, 19-years-old, about 5-feet-9 and wearing yellow jeans and a blue hoodie. Classes have been canceled on what was the last day of school before spring break at CMU. The extent of the injuries to the victims shot at the Campbell Hall dormitory has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

The Central Michigan University campus is on lockdown and classes are canceled due to shots being fired on campus. Campus police say shots were reportedly fired inside a residence hall, and CMLife says no arrests have been made as of 10 a.m. A text alert to students says shots were fired near the fourth floor of Campbell Hall. University police were telling students to stay away from the building just after 9 a.m. Students are being told to shelter in place.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Rick Snyder has signed into law a plan to forgive outstanding extra fees owed by drivers for certain traffic infractions and to speed up the elimination of newly assessed fees. Newly assessed fees were supposed to end in October 2019. But now they will go away this coming October under legislation enacted Thursday. The Michigan Department of Treasury will no longer collect outstanding fees after September 30. Hundreds of thousands of motorists face the debt totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Drivers also can have their license reinstated quickly. The reinstatement fee is being eliminated for those who license was suspended due to nonpayment of the driver “responsibility” fees.. ...Read Full Story

Few details have been released, but Van Buren County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the shooting death of a man in a mobile home park outside of South Haven. They were dispatched to the scene of the homicide in the Port of Call West Mobile Home Park at about 9 pm Thursday. All that’s been made known about the victim is that he’s a man in his 40s. The suspected gunman left the scene and remains at large.. ...Read Full Story

Three new endowments have been created for the South Haven area to enhance the community culturally well into the future. The South Haven Community Foundation tells us it’s teaming up with the Al-Van Humane Society, the Historical Association of South Haven, and the South Haven Center for the Arts to launch three new endowment funds for each of those organizations so they can continue their missions. Anyone who wants to donate to one of the endowments can go to the South Haven Community Foundation’s website. The South Haven Community Foundation was established in 1996 with the goal of enriching the community in the areas of education, economic development, and the arts. To date, it’s awarded more than $250,000 to local groups.. ...Read Full Story

As an accounting firm moves in to take over the job of serving as the district’s finance director, the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has voted to break up one job into two. At a Wednesday meeting, School Board President Marletta Seats said the post of chief operating officer and chief financial officer have been combined into one since this past fall. Rehmann-Robson of Grand Rapids will be the new CFO.. ...Read Full Story

The Michigan House this week approved a package of five bills intended to improve mental health treatment in the state, and one of them was from state Representative Mary Whiteford of Casco Township to create a psychiatric bed registry. The system would be used by healthcare professionals to access for real-time information about the availability of in-patient beds. Whiteford says her bill came out of the Michigan House mental health task force which met around the state last year.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Animal Control has been busy the last couple of weeks due to the flooding. It’s been Animal Control’s job to round up pets in evacuated areas and then hold on to them until their owners can reconnect. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us any pet owners ready to pick up Fido or Bowser can contact animal control. For now, Berrien County Animal Control is providing the displaced flood victims with Starter Pet Packs. For dogs, they include food, dishes, a collar, and a leash. For cats, they include a litterbox, litter, cat food, bowls, a collar, and a carrier if needed. Also, at this time, Berrien County Animal Control needs donations of pet items. They include things like dishes, blankets, paper towels, kitty litter and dish soap. Anything you can give will be appreciated. You can reach Berrien County Animal Control at (269) 927-5648.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s initial estimate for flood damages is about $3.5 million, but the number will go up as some roads in Royalton Township still can’t be accessed. Several agencies responding to floods gave the public an update Thursday. Anthony Meyaard with the Berrien County Equalization Department gave some numbers.. ...Read Full Story

The Michigan House has approved a bill from state Representative Beth Griffin intended to expand access to broadband internet in rural areas. The Mattawan Republican tells WSJM News her plan, approved Wednesday, would put a cap on fees that can be charged by road commissions for right-of-way access for broadband companies.. ...Read Full Story

State Senator John Proos is putting the word out to young people in southwest Michigan about the Michigan Attorney General’s OK2Say tip line. Proos tells WSJM News it’s an anonymous way someone can report a potentially-dangerous situation in their school. He notes OK2Say is especially relevant right now given all of the talk about school shootings.. ...Read Full Story

Invasive species and you. That’s what the Van Buren Conservation District has been talking about this week as the spring approaches. The district’s Eleanor Serocki tells WSJM News this is Invasive Species Awareness Week and she hopes people realize they can take simple steps to help slow the spread of non-native plants and bugs.. ...Read Full Story

Residents of a mobile home community in Berrien Springs evacuated last week due to flooding will get some help cleaning up their properties this weekend. Volunteers will descend on the River Springs Estates mobile home community Saturday and Sunday. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us folks who want to help out are welcome to come down to the Berrien Springs water treatment plant those two days after registering in advance. People who show up will be provided with gloves and protective masks and also some safety training prior to the cleanups. Lunch will be taken care of by the Salvation Army. Everyone who volunteers needs to register in advance at the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s website. You can register right here. The cleanup events will be Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Remember — you have to register in advance at the website of the United Way of Southwest Michigan. Click the above link if you are interested.. ...Read Full Story

It’s almost moving day for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. Director Jill Svoboda tells WSJM News the new shelter in Royalton Township is pretty much ready, and they’re just waiting for a green light from the township to move in, which could come in a few weeks. She tells us the new facility was very much needed.. ...Read Full Story

Three bids have come into the Berrien County Land Bank for the vacant Alreco Metals property in Benton Harbor. Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News two of the three met the county’s requirements for consideration. However, both of those two involved using the vacant industrial property for medical marijuana production. Witkowski says the land bank won’t sell the property to either of them if the city of Benton Harbor has not signed off on the possible use.. ...Read Full Story

Last week’s mass shooting at a high school in Florida has many parents around the country nervous about sending their kids to class each day, but school leaders in southwest Michigan say they do all they can to ensure a safe environment is always maintained. Covert Public Schools Director of Communications Brittany Millan tells WSJM News visitors to the school will have to answer some questions before being let in.. ...Read Full Story

As floodwaters recede throughout southwest Michigan, there comes the risk of people trying to scam flood victims. The Better Business Bureau of West Michigan’s Phil Catlett tells us the bogus contractors can be very persuasive and slick, but you are far better off taking your time and doing your homework first.. ...Read Full Story

Among the businesses in southwest Michigan that have stepped forward to help flood victims is United Federal Credit Union. UFCU announced on Tuesday a $5,000 donation to United Way of Southwest Michigan and the Berrien Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund to help with the recovery needs of families impacted by flooding. Not only that, but starting this week and running through March 28, UFCU will match donations made to the fund for a total of up to $10,000. UFCU President Terry O’Rourke says, “Emergencies like this can create lasting financial hardships and we are hoping to help alleviate some of that burden.” He adds the situation is “heartbreaking.” Donations to be matched by UFCU can be dropped off at any UFCU branch location. You can also make a donation directly through the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s website at UWSM.org/Relief.. ...Read Full Story

The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has ordered Superintendent Shelly Walker to undergo two examinations as it continues an investigation into her performance. At a Wednesday meeting, the surprise resolution was read by Trustee Lisa Gulley.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Prosecutor’s office is putting out word to parents and children in the area that it takes any potential threat to a school seriously and will pursue criminal charges when applicable. Prosecutor Michael Sepic tells WSJM News in recent weeks there has been a rash of statements by students in some local schools amounting to potential threats of violence. The prosecutor’s office and police have investigated incidents at public school districts in Bridgman, St. Joseph, Watervliet, and Berrien Springs, along with at Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs. Sepic says in most cases, it was determined no threat was actually made. However, in the cases involving Watervliet Schools and Andrews Academy, a petition will be filed with the Berrien County Juvenile Court alleging threatening electronic communications. Sepic says it is unknown whether the cases will be accepted by the court. He adds in each case, law enforcement has taken considerable time and acted with great speed.. ...Read Full Story

It took a Cass County jury about ten minutes to conclude that driving a riding lawnmower while intoxicated is enough to warrant a drunk driving conviction. Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz tells us the case involves 32-year-old Steven Bakeman of Dowagiac. The prosecutor says Bakeman was arrested the night of June 11 when sheriff’s deputies found him riding a John Deere lawnmower down Middle Crossing Road in Silver Creek Township. The deputies had been called to the area by nearby children concerned about Bakeman’s level of drinking. When deputies found him on the mower on the dark road, it had no lights. The prosecutor says Bakeman failed to complete a field sobriety test and his blood alcohol level tested for more than three times the legal limit. A trial this week ended with a unanimous guilty verdict from the jury on a charge of operating while intoxicated. It was his third drunk driving conviction, and he faces up to five years in prison.. ...Read Full Story

It’s possible Congress will approve some gun control measures following the nation’s most recent mass shooting, this time at a high school in Florida on Valentine’s Day. That’s the thought of Congressman Fred Upton, who tells us the bipartisan “Problem Solvers” have talked about the issue this week. Upton spoke with students from Parkland High School in Florida on Tuesday, and tells WSJM News the talk about gun control is serious.. ...Read Full Story

Southwest Michigan residents are proving to be caring when it comes to their neighbors. The United Way of Southwest Michigan tells WSJM News the disaster relief fund it set up last week to help out folks affected by floods this month has already raised more than $20,000. That’s in just about five days. United Way’s Anna Murphy tells WSJM News the money will be used for a variety of needs.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan residents will get a $25 tax cut per individual within a few years under legislation signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The Republican governor signed the bills Wednesday at his Capitol office in Lansing. GOP legislative leaders who pushed for the tax relief joined him for the bill-signing event. The measure also clarifies that Michigan’s personal tax exemption continues,
after concerns were raised that the recent federal tax cuts could eliminate it due to how the state code is linked to the U.S. code. The main bill gradually raises the personal exemption until it gets to $4,900 in the 2021 tax year – $600 higher than what it was scheduled to reach. That is a $25.50 tax cut per individual, or $102 for a family of four.. ...Read Full Story

A whole lot of bridge work is about to get started in Berrien County. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News MDOT will be doing repairs on the bridges going over I-94 at M-239, Kruger Road, Lakeside Road, Maudlin Road, and Union Pier Road starting this Thursday. There’s a reason why all are being done at the same time.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is searching the Paw Paw River for a missing kayaker. Emergency crews were called to the river near the 42-hundred block of R. Smith Street in Watervliet just before 8 p.m. Tuesday after two kayakers hit a log in the river and were tossed out of their watercraft. One was able to swim to shore, but a 35-year-old Niles man remains missing. The dive team resumed the search at daybreak today.. ...Read Full Story

A year of probation is the penalty for a Buchanan man for the deaths of two people from Indiana last April in a crash. 81-year-old Charles Habenicht pulled out in front of a motorcycle in Oronoko Township, hitting the bike and killing David and Christine Cox of Granger. Habenicht pleaded no contest to a single charge of a moving violation causing death, and will also have to pay almost $31,000 in court costs, restitution for funeral expenses and fines. He’s not allowed to drive for the next year and will also have to perform 250 hours of community service as part of the plea deal and sentencing agreement. Habenicht was sentenced in a Berrien County courtroom yesterday.. ...Read Full Story

The Bridgman Police Department could use the public’s help in catching some vandals who have damaged windows around town. The department says on its Facebook page someone’s been shattering glass doors and windows with what appears to be a pellet gun or small caliber firearm. Anyone who has information that could lead to an arrest in the case is asked to call the Bridgman Police Department or Crimestoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous.. ...Read Full Story

The search is on in St. Joseph for a man who robbed a gas station in the 2800 block of Niles Avenue Tuesday night. Public safety tells WSJM News the suspect is a white man who was wearing a ski mask, and they don’t have any other information on him, including his height or an approximate weight. The robbery happened as the St. Joe Mart Marathon station was closing around 10:30 p.m., and St. Joseph Public Safety and St. Joseph Township police spent about 90 minutes at the scene and searching the area between Niles Avenue and Lakeland Hospital. A K-9 was unable to track the suspect, who had made off with all the money from the register. We’ve not been told if a weapon was used in the holdup. If you have any information, call St. Joseph Public Safety or 9-1-1.. ...Read Full Story

A new report from the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research takes a look at west Michigan’s economy now versus at the start of the Great Recession. Upjohn economist Brian Pittelko tells WSJM News they looked at data from January of 2007 through the end of 2009. What’s striking is how slow the economic recovery was.. ...Read Full Story

State and federal leaders from southwest Michigan are waiting for Governor Rick Snyder to accept Berrien County’s disaster declaration following this month’s floods. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News he toured Berrien Springs and Niles Monday and was convinced the Berrien County Board of Commissioners was justified in declaring that disaster.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Treasurer’s office says the Orchards Mall in Benton Township is once again facing foreclosure. Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News the mall’s owners owe $275,000 in property taxes from 2015, and if it’s not paid by April 3, then the county will foreclose. Witkowski will not allow a payment plan for the mall.. ...Read Full Story

Unit 2 of the Cook nuclear power plant is about to undergo another refueling outage. Cook plant spokesperson Bill Schalk tells WSJM News Unit 1 just wrapped up a refueling outage late last year. When Unit 2 shuts down at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, there will be a large number of extra workers on site to help with maintenance.. ...Read Full Story

Indiana Michigan Power is hoping to restore power soon to 300 homes in Berrien County affected by flooding. Spokesperson Schnee Garrett tells WSJM News the restorations come slowly as public safety officials give them the all-clear. She has a suggestion to affected homeowners.. ...Read Full Story

Road closures remain in effect in several locations throughout Berrien County due to this month’s flooding. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us drivers should stay away from roads that are barricaded until the roads get the all-clear. In some cases, the road department needs to do engineering inspections done on the roads that were left impassable due to flooding before they can reopen.. ...Read Full Story

If your home has been damaged by flooding, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department wants you to know the right way to report that damage. It’s set up a webpage where damage reporting can be done, and there is also a phone line open for that purpose. You can find the webpage right here, and the phone number to call is 1-800-815-5485. The dedicated phone lines for flood damage reporting will be staffed through this Friday. The hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. . ...Read Full Story

Democrats in the state House are making their agenda for this coming election known. At the top of their list is fixing Michigan roads. State Representative Jeremy Moss of Southfield says the additional funding recently passed by the House and awaiting a Senate vote is not enough.. ...Read Full Story

The Kalamazoo Public Safety Department has released the name of the man whose body was found by a kayaker in the floodwater near a business along Riverview Drive on Sunday. Captain Shannon Bagley says 48-year old James Jackson’s family has been notified of his passing. The investigation continues. They say that his car was found submerged not far from where his body was found in the deep water under the rail viaduct and the intersection of East Michigan and Riverview. An autopsy was conducted. They are now waiting for toxicology tests which could take a month or more.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The federal Education Department has opened an investigation into how Michigan State University handled allegations of sexual assault against Dr. Larry Nassar. Nassar was a campus sports doctor who has been sentenced to decades in prison
for sexually assaulting gymnasts and other women and girls and for child pornography crimes. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos says investigators will look at “systemic issues” with regard how to the school deals with such complaints. She says Nassar’s actions “are unimaginable.” She adds, “The bravery shown by the survivors has been remarkable.” DeVos says the university’s acting president, John Engler, has ordered the school to cooperate fully with the investigation. The Michigan Attorney General’s office also is investigating Michigan State’s handling of Nassar.. ...Read Full Story

The Better Business Bureau of West Michigan has issued list of what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re a flood victim to avoid scammers. Phil Catlett of the BBB says floods and natural disasters tend to bring out the worst in people.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Teachers looking for a way to work Michigan’s animals and plants into their lessons have a new option to choose from. The state Department of Natural Resources has developed a curriculum called Michigan’s Wondrous Wetlands and Waterfowl. It’s intended for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades and will provide information about the importance of local wetland ecosystems. The six lessons focus on waterfowl species, their biology and life cycles, plus wetland management and history. The program also recommends a field trip to a local wetland. Educators are asked to register for the classroom program by March 30. Materials will be provided via email to eligible educators.. ...Read Full Story