Local News Archives

Pokagon Fund Reflects On Ten Years

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The Pokagon Fund has released its annual report, and this time around, it’s focusing on the impact the organization has had on southwest Michigan during the past ten years. The fund started in 2007, set up to give three-quarters-of-one percent of the Four Winds Casino’s slot revenues to community projects. The fund’s John Krsul tells WSJM News that’s amounted to more than $25 million in the past decade.. ...Read Full Story

State Spreading Awareness About Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Changes

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Several state agencies are helping to spread the word about some traffic changes planned for the Mackinac Bridge during this Labor’s Days annual walk. Mackinac Bridge Authority Secretary Bob Sweeney tells WSJM News, for security reasons, they’re closing the bridge to vehicle traffic during the 60th annual walk. No vehicles will be allowed on the bridge from 6:30 a.m. to noon that day. The Michigan Secretary of State is now telling customers about the change to help reduce the chances of major traffic headaches for those who will be in the area on Labor Day. The Michigan Department of Transportation is also getting the word out with its road signs.. ...Read Full Story

Chemical Bank Donates $20,000 To SMC Nursing Expansion

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Chemical Bank is the latest big contributor to the nursing program expansion at Southwestern Michigan College. SMC tells us the bank’s president this week delivered a $20,000 check to the board of trustees. The money will go toward a $9.6 million expansion project underway for the nursing building. It’s intended to roughly double both the building’s size and the number of students it can handle. Chemical Bank says it believes investing in the community is a good way to use its resources. SMC is expanding the nursing program in response to growing demand for nurses in the region.. ...Read Full Story

M-139 Speed Limit To Be Reduced During Berrien Youth Fair

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The speed limit will be changing next week on part of M-139 near Berrien Springs. That’s so traffic can be made safer while the Berrien County Youth Fair is underway. The Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department tells us the limit will be reduced from 45 to 35 miles per hour on M-139 between Lemon Creek Road and George Street. The change will be in effect Monday through next Saturday. Police will make sure signs and control devices are posted in the area to let drivers know.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Youth Fair Starts Monday

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The Berrien County Youth Fair starts Monday. This is the 72nd year for the fair in Berrien Springs. Fair Director Karen Klug tells WSJM News the kids will spend their weekend bringing their animals down to the fairgrounds and then the fun starts Monday when the carnival opens at 6 p.m. Tuesday is Kids Day. Klug says the fair is always great fun.. ...Read Full Story

Concourse d’Elegance Car Show Tomorrow In St. Joseph

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The Concours d’Elegance takes place this Saturday in downtown St. Joseph. This is the 13th year for the classic car show along the bluff. It’ll feature automobiles from the Brass, Classic, Vintage, and Muscle Car eras as well as special-interest vehicles. 75 vehicles from seven decades are displayed in Lake Bluff Park for the show. Everyone’s invited to come out to Lake Bluff Park for the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds generated by the Concours d’Elegance go to Hospice at Home.. ...Read Full Story

Armed Robbery In Van Buren County

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Police are looking for a suspect in a Friday morning armed robbery. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells WSJM News it happened at the Phoenix Quick Stop in Geneva Township about 8:45. A man in dark clothing with a mask over the bottom half of his face went into the store, pulled a gun on the clerk and demanded cash from the register. When she refused, he came around the counter and ordered her to give him cash again. This time, the clerk complied, and the suspect started stuffing bills into his pockets. At that time, the clerk ran out of the store. Police say the suspect was using a semi automatic handgun and driving an older black Chevy Impala with Michigan plates. It had tinted windows and damage to the right front end. Anyone with information on the crime is asked to contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story

Plan Would Let Undocumented Workers Get Driver’s Licenses

Legislation has been introduced in the Michigan House that would allow for undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses in the state. Backed by state Representative Dave Pagel of Berrien Springs, the plan is intended to address the fact undocumented migrants are here and need to be able to move around. Pagel tells us many of those workers go to Illinois to get their licenses and registrations.. ...Read Full Story

No Injuries In Fire At Niles Elks Lodge

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No one is hurt following a Thursday fire at the Elks Lodge in Niles. It started about 4 p.m. in a car port toward the front of the building when a club member was doing some maintenance. The place was evacuated, and fire crews managed to get the blaze under control quickly. Responding were fire departments from Niles, Niles Township, Howard Township, Buchanan, Buchanan Township, and Berrien Springs. According to The Niles Daily Star, the fire did about $10,000 in damage, mostly to a column outside of the building.. ...Read Full Story

Near Record Lotto Jackpots This Weekend

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The Mega Millions jackpot is up to $393 million for today’s drawing, while the jackpot for the Powerball is up to $356 million for tomorrow’s drawing. The Michigan Lottery tells us that makes for a total of $749 million available in jackpots this weekend. The $393 million Mega Millions jackpot is the game’s fourth largest ever. Meanwhile, the $356 million in the Powerball is the game’s third largest ever jackpot. The odds of winning Mega Millions — 1 in 258 million. The odds of winning a Powerball jackpot — 1 in 290 million. Good luck.. ...Read Full Story

Pedestrian Killed While Crossing US-12

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A South Bend woman is dead after being struck by a vehicle while crossing US-12 in Cass County Friday morning. Michigan State Police tell us 78-year-old Carole Ann Martin had been shopping at a garage sale along the side of US-12 near Bell Road in Milton Township around 9:40 a.m. when the incident occurred. She was taken to South Bend Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. State police remind everyone taking part in this weekend’s US-12 statewide garage sale to use caution when crossing the road. The woman had parked on the opposite side of the road of the sale she’d been browsing.. ...Read Full Story

Two-State Crime Spree Suspect Caught

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A man who was involved in a series of unarmed robberies in west Michigan and northern Indiana over an eight-day period earlier this month has been arrested. Witnesses and surveillance cameras linked Jacob Savickas to a series of hold-ups at gas stations, convenience stores, fast food franchises and banks from south of South Bend to north of Grand Rapids in late July and early August. He was arrested at a Grand Rapids hotel Wednesday by an FBI task force and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Getting New Voting Machines

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November’s elections in Berrien County will feature brand new voting machines in some communities. Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler tells WSJM News they’re thanks to a state grant the county received recently. Soon, elections workers around the county will train on the new machines, and then they’ll start to be rolled out come general election time.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien Commissioners Plan Hearings On Road Commission

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The issue of the Berrien County Road Commission continues to be considered by the full Berrien County Commission. Chair Jon Hinkelman tells WSJM News commissioners held a meeting Thursday where they heard from representatives of counties that have opted to take over their road commissions. Up next will be a couple of public hearings on the issue. Hinkelman tells us county commissioners are not year leaning one way or another.. ...Read Full Story

Lotto Ticket Worth $276,000 Sold In Benton Harbor

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There’s been another big lottery winner in Berrien County. The Michigan Lottery tells us a woman who has chosen to remain anonymous bought a ticket worth $276,000 from the Bait Shed on West Main Street in Benton Harbor. She was playing the Fantasy 5 game and matched all five numbers. The lucky ticket buyer was watching a movie with her husband on Monday when she found out she had won, and told the lottery she had trouble sleeping after that. She picked up her winning check later this week.. ...Read Full Story

Man Sets Self On Fire Trying To Eradicate Bees

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A 46-year-old Cass County man is recovering from burns he suffered when he was trying to get rid of a bee hive at his home in Silver Creek Township. The sheriff’s department tells WSJM News that 46-year-old Leslie Cross the Second had to be airlifted to the Bronson Hospital Burn Center in Kalamazoo after the accident. A neighbor was able to extinguish the flames before first responders arrived, likely saving Cross’ life. The bee hive was underground in the 28-thousand block of Middle Crossing Road.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Hoping For Action On New Soo Lock Soon

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A new Soo Lock is on Congressman Fred Upton’s wish list. He tells WSJM News the Soo Locks, located in Sault Ste. Marie, are essential for allowing cargo to be shipped between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. The largest lock, the Poe Lock, is quickly aging, and Upton says a new one is needed in case it fails.. ...Read Full Story

Report Looks At Ten Years Of The Pokagon Fund

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The Pokagon Fund has released its annual report, and this time around, it’s focusing on the impact the organization has had on southwest Michigan during the past ten years. The fund started in 2007, set up to give three-quarters-of-one percent of the Four Winds Casino’s slot revenues to community projects. The fund’s John Krsul tells WSJM News that’s amounted to more than $25 million in the past decade.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Commissioners Take Part In Washington Discussions

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Several Berrien County Commissioners were in Washington, D.C. this week for a gathering of county officials called by the Trump administration. The White House tells us commissioners from all over Michigan were on hand as discussions were held on local policies with administration staff. The commissioners also saw presentations by various federal agencies with the intent of building stronger relationships with local governments. Of all southwest Michigan counties, Berrien had the largest contingent on hand for the event. Present this week were David Vollrath, Debra Panozzo, Donnie Meeks, Ezra Scott, James Curran, Mamie Yarbrough, and Teri Freehling. As part of Wednesday’s events, the commissioners heard from U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos.. ...Read Full Story

Sixth District Democratic Candidate Motivated By Bernie Sanders

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A political newcomer says he wants to replace Congressman Fred Upton because he doesn’t believe Upton represents the people. David Benac is history professor at Western Michigan University who is running in the Democratic primary for the Sixth District. He tells WSJM News he started getting involved in politics when he was inspired by the Bernie Sanders run for president. He wants to work for many of the same priorities.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Primary Election Held Tuesday

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The three St. Joseph City Commission incumbents to appear on Tuesday’s primary ballot have emerged the top three vote getters. According to the numbers available late in the evening, with all precincts and absentees reporting, the top three were Michael Garey, Mary Goff, and Fran Chickering. They’re currently on the commission, and voters were asked to pick three candidates out of seven for the body. However, according to the Berrien County Clerk’s office, the top six will appear on the November ballot. That means challengers Laura Goos, Peggy Getty, and Al DiBrito will also be on the general ballot. Primary challenger Kim Gane came in seventh Tuesday. Elsewhere in Berrien County Tuesday, voters in Oronoko Township approved a millage renewal for the Berrien Springs Community Library, and voters in Three Oaks Township approved millage renewals for the library and for roads.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joe Public Safety: Watch Out For Sick Fox

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The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety has said a fox is roaming the area with mange mite disease. It was last seen on Monday by Lakeshore Drive. Berrien County Animal Control has been informed of the fox, trying to live trap it, but has had no luck yet. Animal Control has said that the fox should die by fall as the skin disease progresses, but that the fox might try to find shelter or food closer to homes. If you see it, you are encouraged to call Animal Control, as aggravating it may cause aggression.. ...Read Full Story

Upton: Asian Carp Money Could Be In Infrastructure Bill

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Now that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released its long-awaited Brandon Road Lock and Dam study on the Asian carp, Congressman Fred Upton says it’s time for Congress to take action. The report released on Monday outlines ways the invasive Asian carp could be kept out of the Great Lakes. Upton tells WSJM News the corps should now tell Congress if its ideas will really work. He thinks action could come soon after that.. ...Read Full Story

Child Dies After Incident At Warren Dunes State Park

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A four-year-old boy who was rushed to a hospital in critical condition following a near drowning last week at Warren Dunes State Park has died. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells WSJM News Matthew Ramirez of Palatine, Illinois passed away early Saturday morning at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was airlifted there last Tuesday after he was found in Lake Michigan off the state park. Good Samaritans gave him CPR when they found him. Police say Ramirez was playing in the water with family and other children when family thought he had returned to the beach area. An autopsy has been performed, and the case will be forwarded on to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department for review once its results are evaluated.. ...Read Full Story

Jim McCloughan To Speak At Illinois State Fair

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Medal of Honor recipient Jim McCloughan of South Haven is headed to Illinois to give the keynote speech at this year’s Illinois State Fair Veterans and Gold Star Family Day. President Trump presented McCloughan with the Medal of Honor at the White House on July 31. The Army medic saved wounded soldiers during a Vietnam War battle despite his own serious wounds. He is the first Medal of Honor recipient under Trump.. ...Read Full Story

MI Doctors Group: More Primary Care Physicians Needed

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A group of doctors is saying that addressing the primary care physician shortage in Michigan is key to creating a healthier state at a lower cost. Dr. Karen Mitchell is program director for Providence Family Medicine Residency in Southfield and tells us part of the solution should involve increasing STEM programs and opportunities for high school and college students in rural parts of the state.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Blueberry Festival This Week

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The 54th annual National Blueberry Festival gets started this Thursday in South Haven. Susan Diepen, with the chamber of commerce, tells WSJM News the event attracts thousands to town each year. Not only are there activities all over South Haven, but there will be no shortage of blueberries to try.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Offering Recycling Event Next Week

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If you’ve got some old household chemicals or electronic items sitting around in your basement or garage, you’ll have a chance to get rid of them for free next week. Berrien County Parks Department Environmental Property Manager Jill Adams tells WSJM News they’ll be taking items to be recycled next Wednesday. She says it’s better to properly process unwanted electronics.. ...Read Full Story

Man Sent To Prison For Cass County Rape

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A Benton Harbor man who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl has been sentenced to at least six years in prison. On Friday, a Cass County Judge sentenced 22-year-old Markal Leneal Jackson to between 81 months and 20 years. That’s after he pleaded guilty to two counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Prosecutors say Jackson had been staying with acquaintances at a home in Dowagiac when he raped a girl who lived there. In a surprise move, he pleaded guilty during his trial in June.. ...Read Full Story

Long Awaited Report On Asian Carp Released

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From the Associated Press — Environmental groups say a new federal report makes clear that urgent action is needed to prevent Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a long-awaited analysis Monday of steps that could block the invasive fish at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois. The draft report includes technological and structural measures such as underwater noisemakers, an electric dispersal barrier and a new flushing lock. The estimated price tag is $275 million. Howard Learner of the Environmental Law and Policy Center says the government should quickly secure Chicago-area waters, where Asian carp from the Mississippi River and its tributaries could enter Lake Michigan.Other environmental groups say the plan is a step forward but doesn’t address the need to stop Great Lakes species from migrating to the Mississippi.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Medal Of Honor Recipients Meet

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Two of South Haven’s Medal of Honor recipients are now acquainted with each other. Vietnam War veteran Jim McCloughan, who received the honor last week from President Trump, met on Sunday at the American Legion Post 49 with Korean War veteran Duane Dewey. The 85-year-old Dewey was the first to be given the Medal of Honor by President Eisenhower in 1953, while McCloughan was the first to be given the medal from President Trump. South Haven’s first Medal of Honor recipient was William Wilcox, who earned the distinction in the Civil War. He was given the medal in 1896 by President McKinley for his actions in 1864, and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. The Rotary Club of South Haven’s Tom Renner tells WSJM News that for a city the size of South Haven, having three Medal of Honor recipients in its history is “significant.”. ...Read Full Story

Gas Prices Decline In Michigan

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The state’s average gas price is down by 6¢ a gallon from last week, standing at $2.42. Triple-A Michigan says the drop is likely to be short-lived due to low gasoline inventory and high demand in the Midwest. While we don’t have the lowest prices in the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph area, the average has fallen nearly 11¢ from a week ago to $2.39. The state’s lowest prices are in the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland area at $2.32, while Ann Arbor drivers pay the most at $2.46 a gallon. The statewide average is higher than last year at this time by 9¢, and we have the 14th most expensive gasoline in the country. According to GasBuddy, South Haven prices are at $2.29 a gallon.. ...Read Full Story

Report To List Options For Strengthening Asian Carp Defenses

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to release a draft report on possible measures at a crucial site in Illinois that could prevent invasive Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan. The report due out Monday is expected to list options for upgrading the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet. The complex is on the Des Plaines River a few miles downstream from electric barriers intended to prevent fish in the Mississippi River watershed from reaching the Great Lakes through Chicago-area waterways.. ...Read Full Story

Suspected Drunk Driver Badly Hurt In Allegan Co. Crash

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A suspected drunk driver is hospitalized after a crash near South Haven in Allegan County. Michigan State Police say Tony Brush was ejected from his pickup when he left the road and rolled it in a cornfield early Sunday morning on 66th Street near 106th Avenue. Brush was not wearing a seat belt. Michigan State Police suspect he had been drinking, but have not revealed a blood-alcohol level. Brush is being treated for life-threatening injuries at Bronson Hospital in South Haven.. ...Read Full Story

State Records Increase Of Legionnaires’ Disease Cases On East Side

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From the Associated Press — State officials are working with health departments in Detroit and Macomb, Wayne and Oakland counties to investigate an increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says Friday that 73 cases
of legionellosis were identified in June and July in southeastern Michigan. An average of 30 cases were identified over the same two months from 2014-2016. A common source of the infection has not been found. Legionellosis is a respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria. The
bacteria are found naturally in fresh water lakes and streams, but also can be found in man-made water systems. Transmission to people occurs when mist or vapor containing the bacteria is inhaled. Legionnaires’ disease is an infection with symptoms that include fever, cough, and pneumonia.. ...Read Full Story

Preparations Underway For 2017 Berrien County Youth Fair

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Preparations are well underway for the 2017 Berrien County Youth Fair. This is the 72nd year for the fair, and this time around the theme is “Fairadise.” From August 14 through the 19, more than 125,000 people are expected to stop by the fairgrounds in Berrien Springs. Fair Director Karen Klug tells WSJM News they’ll have something on the grandstand every night, including a demolition derby, live music, and tractor pulls.. ...Read Full Story