Local News Archives

Benton Harbor Man Facing Slew Of Drug Charges

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A 58-year-old Benton Harbor man is facing drug charges after a traffic stop in Benton Township led to the search of his home and the discovery of cocaine, marijuana, crack cocaine and meth. Police had been tipped off about drug activity at the man’s home in the 400 block of Emery Avenue and got a search warrant after pulling the man over on April 6. Along with the drugs, they also found three guns and over 32-hundred dollars cash in the home. The suspect had $200 on him, with a $10 being marked from the Berrien County Narcotics Buy Fund. Police say the estimated street value of the drugs found at the home is around $12,000. The suspect is expected to be arraigned Monday, and his name is being withheld until then.. ...Read Full Story

Police Trying To Find Missing Autistic Man

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Michigan State Police are working to find a missing 18-year-old autistic man from Paw Paw. Detectives tell us Shawn Cappaccio was seen around noon Friday near his home, but troopers haven’t yet been able to make contact with him. He is believed to have Asperger syndrome and authorities say he likely is trying to hide from people. Before Friday’s sighting, he was last seen around 6 a.m. Thursday. Cappaccio’s family no longer believes he’s in danger, but they do want him home. He is 5’8″ and about 160 pounds with shaggy brown hair and black framed glasses.. ...Read Full Story

Fire Damages Geneva Township Home

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Nobody injured from a house fire in Geneva Township. South Haven Area Emergency Services were called to a home on County Road 380 near 68th Street around 9:40 Thursday night. They quickly extinguished that fire, with the help of Bangor and Columbia Firefighters. The residents, along with pets, all escaped without injury. The fire was confined to the home’s heat source and the cause remains under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Judge Mulls Whether To Allow Uber Gunman’s Comments

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A Kalamazoo judge is considering whether to allow statements at trial made by an Uber driver accused of fatally shooting six strangers in between picking up riders. Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Alexander Lipsey said Thursday that he would rule by April 20 after hearing arguments.
Police have quoted the suspect, Jason Dalton, as saying a “devil figure” on Uber’s app was controlling him on the night of the shootings around Kalamazoo.. ...Read Full Story

Former Benton Harbor Superintendent Charged

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Former Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Leonard Seawood is facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted on charges of embezzlement and obtaining money by false pretenses. Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic accuses Seawood of being paid for 80 vacation days above and beyond the five his contract allowed per year from July 2010 to October 2015. The prosecutor’s office says the extra day cash payouts totaled around $45,000. Seawood was suspended in April 2015, and he stepped down six months later. When he left, the school district paid him $80,000 as part of a separation agreement. Seawood posted bond and is due back in court for preliminary hearings on April 21 and 27.. ...Read Full Story

[VIDEO] Berrien County Dispatcher of the Year Announced

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It’s sometimes overlooked, but the job of a 9-1-1 dispatcher can be among the most stressful positions in law enforcement. To that end, the Berrien County 9-1-1 Advisory Committee is honoring those who did outstanding work in 2016. Chikaming Township Police Chief Todd Taylor made the announcement of this year’s Dispatcher of the Year, Danyeal McGee, Thursday morning before the Berrien County Board of Commissioners.. ...Read Full Story

Crash Sends Paw Paw Man to Hospital

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A 24-year-old from Paw Paw suffered life threatening injuries after crash investigators believe he suffered some sort of medical issue and lost control of his SUV as he approached the Stadium drive bridge over U.S.131. Deputies say the man was headed into Kalamazoo from Van Buren County just after 1:00 Wednesday afternoon when his car suddenly veered across a raised median and the opposite traffic lanes, hit the bridge abutment and his car caught fire. Oshtemo Rescue was able to douse the fire and pry the young man out of the wreck. He was admitted to Bronson Methodist in critical condition. The investigation is continuing.. ...Read Full Story

Mass Murderer Pre-Trial Today

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Suspected mass murderer Jason Dalton’s lawyers are in court today for a pre-trial hearing to argue that some of the statements that the Cooper Township man made to detectives after his arrest should be suppressed. Judge Alexander Lipsey will hear legal arguments from both the prosecution and the defense. Dalton is the Uber Driver who was arrested after he allegedly shot eight people in three different locations, killing six of them and maiming two women in February last year. Dalton reportedly told detectives several stories, including one claiming that the same Uber App that was telling him where to pick-up passengers had been taken over by a demon and was telling him who to shoot. Judge Lipsey may or may not rule on the motions today.. ...Read Full Story

US Steel: Failed Pipe Apparently Caused Spill

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(Portage, IN – AP) – U.S. Steel says a failed pipe apparently caused a spill at the company’s northern Indiana facility that sent a potentially carcinogenic chemical into a Lake Michigan tributary. The company said Wednesday its preliminary investigation shows an expansion joint failed in that pipe Tuesday at its Portage, Indiana, plant.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor To Hold Town Hall On Water, Sewer System

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Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson is holding a town hall meeting Thursday night at City Hall. He’ll be talking to residents about the city’s water and sewer system as part of a series of forums he’s been holding for the past few months. Benton Harbor has been replacing old water meters since last year, and was awarded a grant of nearly $400,000 in February by the state for a slew of water projects. Watson told WSJM News at the time the city will be replacing the water main on Territorial from Paw Paw Avenue to Hull Street, replacing and connecting the water main on Sherman Court off of Colfax, and doing water valve replacements city-wide. The town hall meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.. ...Read Full Story

Western Michigan University Picks New President

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Western Michigan University has its next president. The school’s Board of Trustees has picked a dean and professor of economics at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy to succeed John Dunn, who is retiring. Edward Montgomery has been picked after a national search. Montgomery served as President Barack Obama’s auto-recovery czar. He has held faculty positions at Carnegie Mellon and Michigan State universities as well as the University of Maryland during a more than 35-year academic career. He has been at Georgetown since 2010. Dunn had planned to retire June 30, but the school says he will continue in his role until July 31. Montgomery will be WMU’s ninth president.. ...Read Full Story

Attorney General Takes Over Murder Investigation

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The Attorney General’s office is confirming that it’s taken over a murder investigation in Van Buren County because a relative of Sheriff Dan Abbott is now being investigated. Reportedly the gun used to kill Eddie “EJ” Holland during a sour drug deal in Lion’s Park in February belonged to the Sheriff’s son. He is a friend of the prime suspect in the killing, Thurman Fletcher, who has been charged with open murder. The State Police will conduct the actual investigation, and turn over their investigation file to the Attorney General’s office for any additional charges.. ...Read Full Story

Former Rep. Gamrat Files Wide-Ranging Federal Lawsuit

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Disgraced former state Representative Cindy Gamrat of Plainwell is alleging wiretapping, stalking and defamation in a lawsuit against the Michigan House, former House Speaker Kevin Cotter and her soon-to-be former husband. The defendants include Cotter and his chief of staff and general counsel, ex-staffers Keith Allard and Ben Graham, Joe Gamrat and many others. Fellow Republican and former lover Todd Courser previously filed a suit with a similar list of defendants, but later filed a motion to dismiss over failing health. Both conservative Christians were accused of using taxpayer resources to cover up their affair. That scandal led to Courser tendering his resignation in September 2015. Gamrat was thrown out of office an hour after Courser stepped down.. ...Read Full Story

Waterfront Film Festival Finds Permanent Home

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The Waterfront Film Festival will not be returning to South Haven. The festival left South Haven in 2013 for Saugatuck and was canceled in 2015 due to a partnership with ArtPrize in Grand Rapids for a film competition. Organizers now say they have a permanent home being set up in Holland that will give them a year-round facility for screening films and for education and other purposes. A matching grant from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs helped to make the permanent home possible. Ticket information for the grand opening on June 22 will be announced next month.. ...Read Full Story

One Hurt In Bridgman Rollover

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A 78-year-old Harbert man is being treated at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph for back, head, and neck injuries after a rollover crash in Bridgman. Police were called to the scene around 11:20 a.m. Tuesday on Lake Street near Pine Street and found the man trapped inside the car. Investigators believe he suffered a medical incident prior to the crash, causing him to cross into the oncoming lanes and then into a brick planter. The crash is still being looked into, and the man’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

Car-Bike Accident Sends One to Hospital

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A woman remains in the hospital after being hit by a car while riding her bicycle. The incident happened around 11:30 yesterday (Monday) morning on County Road 354 in Porter Township. 67-year-old rider was riding southbound when a car, driven by a 35-year-old man hit her from behind. Sheriff’s Deputies report the driver appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was arrested. He is being held in the Van Buren County Jail for possession of Marijuana and operating a motor vehicle with the presence of drugs. The bicyclist was transported to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo and is listed in stable condition. Their names have not been released.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Veteran To Receive Medals Tuesday

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Congressman Fred Upton will be in St. Joseph Tuesday to honor a veteran. He’s presenting 11 overdue service medals to Lewis Bolman, of St. Joseph. Bolman served in the United States Army during Operation Desert Shield and Storm. Among the honors Bolman is getting are the Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Upton will hand over the medals to Bolman at his office on Main Street in St. Joseph at 4 p.m.. ...Read Full Story

Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament Down To Final Four

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We’re down to the final four in state Senator John Proos’ Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament. Proos holds the contest each year to find out which community has the most pride in its schools, taking photo submissions through his Facebook and Twitter accounts. Folks just need to show how they’re proud. Proos announced Monday the final four this time around are Michigan Lutheran versus Watervliet, and Centreville versus Marcellus. The schools that enter Proos’ contest each year are all in his district. You can find out more at SenatorJohnProos.com.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Holding Recycling Event His Week

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If you’ve got a bunch of junk piled up in your basement or garage and you’d like to have it recycled, this is your week. Berrien County Environmental Property Manager Jill Adams tells WSJM News the county is doing a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle event on Wednesday at Lake Michigan College. Lots of people always show up.. ...Read Full Story

Children, Woman Attacked By Dog In Cass County

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Two children are recovering after they were attacked by a dog in Cass County on Sunday. The sheriff’s department tells our newsroom the two-year-old and seven-year-old were saved by a 44-year-old woman who was also hurt. The attack happened about 5:40 p.m. in the 63,000 block of Crooked Creek in Calvin Township. Sheriff’s deputies were able to get the dog into custody, and it’s being kept in quarantine for ten days before they decide what to do with it. The two-year-old is now in an Indianapolis hospital after being airlifted to South Bend due to severe head trauma. The seven-year-old was treated at Lakeland in Niles, along with the woman who helped them. Police say criminal charges could be pursued in the case against the dog’s owner.. ...Read Full Story

Expelled MI Lawmaker Sues For Back Pay

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From the Associated Press — A former Michigan lawmaker kicked out of the House because of a sex scandal says she was illegally expelled and deserves back pay. Cindy Gamrat, a Republican from Allegan County, says House leaders violated her rights in 2015. She filed a new lawsuit last week in federal court in Grand Rapids. Gamrat is seeking back pay as well as money for distress and humiliation. She says she had struck a deal to be censured, not removed from office. Attorney Sarah Riley Howard, a lawyer representing two former House aides, says the lawsuit “has no merit.” Gamrat’s former husband is also named in the lawsuit. He’s accused of using listening devices to try to catch Gamrat and Todd Courser, a Lapeer County Republican, in their affair. Courser quit the House.. ...Read Full Story

Consumers Energy Shopping For New Gas Powered Plant

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The Associated Press erroneously reported this weekend that Consumers Energy planned to buy the Palisades Nuclear Plant and convert it to Natural Gas. That is not happening, and the AP has since issued a correction. The real story is that Consumers Energy is shopping around for an existing gas powered facility that can provide the megawatts they will be losing when the Covert reactor shuts down in the summer of 2018. The Michigan Public Service Commission says it may not approve the closure of the plant without the assurance that Consumers has the juice it needs to cover peak loads. They are planning a pair of public hearings on the issue on May 8th.. ...Read Full Story

Two Arrested in High Speed Chase

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Three people have been arrested after a 40-mile high-speed chase across multiple midMichigan counties. It began as police in Gratiot County were searching for a suspect who allegedly punched an elderly man in a grocery store and tried to take his groceries. Authorities pursued a car on U-S 127 matching the description of one linked to the incident. After the chase that hit speeds of 110 miles-per-hour, police arrested the woman for fleeing and eluding authorities… and for outstanding warrants from multiple counties. Two men inside were also arrested.. ...Read Full Story

Niles Hotel Reopens After CO Leak Kills Teen

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The Quality Inn in Niles reopened over the weekend, after making the necessary improvements, and passing a building inspection. They booked their first rooms since the death of 13-year-old Bryan Watts on April 2nd. Watts and 5 friends were overcome by Carbon Monoxide fumes that accumulated in an indoor pool because of a faulty ventilator on the gas fired heater that warmed the water in the pool. The others all survived. The building was technically in compliance, and was not required to have a detector because of its age. That building code is currently being reviewed by Lansing Lawmakers. The Watts family is reportedly consulting with an attorney and may file a civil suit.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Supreme Court on Religious Schools

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The Michigan Supreme Court will hear arguments this week in an uncommon case — can courts intervene when religious schools reject students? Churches and faith-based schools operate with broad protections under the First Amendment. But this case raises questions about whether a student claiming discrimination can overcome that legal threshold. The parents of a student at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Pontiac say she was illegally turned down because of a learning disability. The Catholic school denies any discrimination and insists the girl was rejected because of low grades.. ...Read Full Story

Talons Out Honor Flight Set For This Month

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Talons Out Honor Flight, the group that takes veterans on free trips to Washington, D.C. to see war memorials, is planning its next trip for April 22. Vice President Dan Moyle tells WKZO News by the time it’s finished, they will have taken more than 750 vets to Washington. He’s hoping a big crowd comes to welcome the veterans back to Michigan at Kalamazoo Christian Middle School the night of the trip.. ...Read Full Story

Free Pet Adoption Day Coming Up

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The Grand Rapids-based Bissell Pet Foundation is once again planning to empty out the shelters this month. Last year, the group helped find homes for more than 2,800 cats and dogs with a couple of events in which it paid the adoption expenses at shelters around the state. Spokesperson Holly Kroeze tells WSJM News they’re doing it again April 29.. ...Read Full Story

UPDATE — Police Identify Victim In Friday Shooting

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The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety has identified the man killed in a shooting outside the Salvation Army on Friday. They say 30-year-old John Conyers had come to the area from Tampa, Florida about six months ago. He was employed locally and staying at the Salvation Army. Conyers was shot and killed near the parking lot about 8 p.m. Friday. An autopsy was done in Grand Rapids on Saturday, and the death has been ruled a homicide. Police are still looking for a suspect, and anyone with information on the case is asked to contact them.. ...Read Full Story

One Arrested In Benton Harbor Shooting

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The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety has arrested one suspect in a Saturday shooting. It happened in the late evening hours at River Terrace apartments, and the victim has been identified as 22 year-old Ronald Hill, of Benton Harbor. Upon arrival at the scene, police detained several people and were able to identify their suspect through interviews. He was taken to the Berrien County Jail and his name has not yet been released. The victim was taken to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, and is expected to recover. Michigan State Police are assisting Benton Harbor Public Safety in the investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Crime Victims Honored With New Plaque At Berrien Courthouse

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The victims of crime are now permanently honored at the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph. On Thursday, Prosecutor Mike Sepic and representatives from several groups that help victims dedicated a plaque and a flower bed right out front honoring those directly hurt by crime. County Victim Services Coordinator Carolyn Groen told WSJM News they wanted to send a message.. ...Read Full Story

Andrews University International Food Fair Today

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Today brings the annual Andrews University International Food Fair. The Berrien Springs university tells us it usually gets around 8,000 visitors for the event. This time around, they’ll offer samplings from nearly two dozen ethnic clubs, including the Korean Club, Peruvian Club, Brazilian Club, Indian Club and Haitian Club, among others. Everyone’s invited, and there’s a small fee to get in. The proceeds will go to the clubs organizing the event. The International Food Fair will take place from noon to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Gym on campus.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Supportive Of Strike On Syria

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Congressman Fred Upton has come out in favor of the missile strike ordered Thursday by President Donald Trump on Syria. He’s issued a statement, saying he believes “these targeted, measured airstrikes were an appropriate response to the unfolding atrocities.” However, Upton also says the president should work with Congress on dealing with Syria as he moves forward. The president ordered more than 50 Tomahawk missiles fired on a Syrian air base this week after Syria launched a chemical attack on one of its rebel-held cities on Tuesday.. ...Read Full Story

One Dead In Benton Harbor Shooting

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The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is investigating a fatal shooting on Friday night. It tells us officers were called to 233 Michigan Street, outside the Salvation Army, around 7:50 p.m. They arrived to find a 30-year-old man severely wounded by gunfire. He was taken to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not yet been released, and police are investigating the circumstances of the shooting. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Benton Harbor Public Safety.. ...Read Full Story

Everyone Reminded To Stay Away From Downed Power Lines

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Everyone’s reminded to keep a safe distance from downed power lines following this week’s wind storm. Most utilities say the safe distance is about 25 feet. The Lincoln Township Fire Department is also issuing a warning after a close call on Friday. In a Facebook post, it says someone picked up a downed power line that was wrapped in a tree along Lincoln Avenue. Luckily for that person, the line was dead. If you do find a downed power line, you should call the fire department. It has voltage detectors that can be used to determine whether the line is dangerous. You can also notify the electric company.. ...Read Full Story

Longtime Andrews University Symphony Director Stepping Down

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The Andrews University Wind Symphony will present its annual spring concert on April 23, and it will be the last performance of the symphony’s longtime director. Alan Mitchell has directed the ensemble for nearly three decades, and he’s retiring this summer. The Wind Symphony will perform Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland, Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein, and Irish Tune from County Derry by Percy Granger, among other pieces. The program will also have two soloists on hand. The retiring Alan Mitchell will be on trombone. Anyone who wants tickets can get them at the Andrews University website or at the box office.. ...Read Full Story

Comerica Park Unveils New Food Options On Opening Day

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Friday was opening day for the Detroit Tigers, and Comerica Park Chef Marc Szubeczak came up with a new menu for the year. He’s added some healthy options like Chicken Shawarma nachos, which replaces the standard tortilla chips with chips made out of toasted pita. However, he told Michigan News Network there are also options if you want to break your diet.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Lighthouse Project Wins Statewide Award

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The lighthouse restoration project in St. Joseph has received a statewide honor. It’s getting the Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2017 Building Award. The MHPN is a non-profit that recognizes efforts to preserve Michigan’s history. Heritage Museum and Cultural Center Interim Director Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News the work done by volunteers to fix up the North Pier Inner and Outer Lights in St. Joe deserves praise.. ...Read Full Story

Today Is National Beer Day

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Today is National Beer Day. It came just as as heavy tailgating took place in Detroit for the Tigers home opener. When it comes pairing the perfect beer with your snack of choice, master brewer Tom Block told Michigan News Network he has a suggestion for a good beer when eating a hot dog. It’s a Michigan craft beer.. ...Read Full Story

United Way Report Examines The Working Poor

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The United Way has compiled a report on the condition of working families in Michigan and found low-wage jobs are prevailing. United Way of Southwest Michigan Program Director Doug Ferrall tells WSJM they’ve identified a class of workers they’re calling ALICE. That is, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but still Employed. He says ALICE workers aren’t poor. Yet, they have few assets, struggle with child care and healthcare, and are one emergency away from disaster.. ...Read Full Story

One Arrested In St. Joseph Twp Heroin Bust

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a Benton Harbor man as part of a heroin bust in St. Joseph Township. It tells us officers raised a home along Parker Avenue on Thursday afternoon after gathering evidence drugs were being sold there. During their search, officers found seven grams of heroin, worth about $900, along with marijuana and an assault rifle. Turns out that rifle had been stolen out of Benton Township. 36-year-old Reuben Holliday the Third was arrested on several drug charges. He’s now in the Berrien County Jail.. ...Read Full Story

Utilities Expect All Outages To Be Restored By Late Tonight

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Tens of thousands of Michigan residents are still waiting for their power to be restored following Thursday’s wind storm. DTE, on the east side of the state, was working to restore power to just under 38,000 customers Friday afternoon, while Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler told Michigan News Network they’ve made a lot of progress from having almost 80,000 out at the storm’s peak.. ...Read Full Story

Wayne County Circuit Court Gets The Day Off

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The court that serves Michigan’s largest county can’t compete with the first home game for the Detroit Tigers. Wayne County Circuit Court says Friday is a holiday for jurors. No one needs to report to the two courthouses that handle criminal and civil cases. Why? Parking is simply too tough around Comerica Park.. ...Read Full Story

I&M Power Restoring Continues

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Indiana Michigan Power has restored service to more than two-thirds of customers who lost power as a result of heavy wind gusts on Thursday. Service is expected to be restored to the remaining customers – most of them in southwest Michigan – by 11 p.m.. ...Read Full Story

Crews Working to Restore Power

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Crews are working to restore power to thousands of customers in Michigan after storms packing high winds, snow and heavy rain hit the state. Authorities say Thursday’s weather was a factor in at least one death, a fatal crash on snowy roads in southwestern Michigan. DTE Energy says nearly 50,000 of its customers lost power. Thursday’s mix of snow and rain across much of Michigan also caused flooding.. ...Read Full Story

Gobles Woman Dies in Crash

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County Deputies say a PT Cruiser driven by a woman from Van Buren County passed a Dodge Ram pick-up headed toward Kalamazoo Thursday morning. Deputies say she was going too fast in the slushy conditions, went out of control and was struck when she veered into the path of the trailing pick-up. Dead is 57-year-old Kelli Roberts of Gobles.  The driver of the pickup, a 38-year-old man from Mattawan was not injured.. ...Read Full Story

Workshops To Provide Information On Great Lakes Fish

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From the Associated Press — A series of spring workshops has been scheduled to provide information about the status of fish populations in Michigan’s Great Lakes waters and Lake St. Clair. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring the events with other agencies and local organizations, including Michigan Sea Grant and the U. S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center. Workshops are free and open to the public. Officials say they should be helpful to anglers, charter captains, resource professionals and other community members.
They’ll focus topics such as fish survey numbers, angler catch data, invasive species and fisheries management. Pre-registration is requested for most workshops. Schedules and other details are available on the Michigan Sea Grant website.. ...Read Full Story