Local News Archives

Bill Sent To Whitmer Requires Reports On Firefighting Foam

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From the Associated Press — Fire departments that use a foam containing a group of chemicals known as PFAS would be required to report its use within 48 hours of ending a fire under legislation sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The bill won unanimous approval from the Michigan House Tuesday. It would mandate that fire chiefs report incidents in which PFAS-containing firefighting foams are used to Michigan’s pollution emergency alert system. The state environmental department would have to accept the foam concentrate free of charge and properly dispose of it – contingent on the Legislature allocating money to cover program costs.. ...Read Full Story

Police Investigate Early Morning Shooting In Benton Township

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The Benton Township Police Department is investigating after a man was shot while sitting in his car outside of his home early on Wednesday. It says officers were called to the 1,300 block of Jennings Street shortly after 1 a.m. The 29-year-old victim had been hit in the right forearm and chest. He said he’d been sitting in his car when someone came up and shot him. He could not identify the shooter. The victim was taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland with non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Benton Township Police Department.. ...Read Full Story

SWM Housing Market Down In May

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Southwest Michigan’s housing market was hit hard in May. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors says the overall economic downturn caused by COVID-19 pushed local homes sales to their lowest level since 2006. Selling prices also dropped. However, association executive Alan Jeffries says, “Since our market has been robust for the last three years, we are expecting this to be a temporary disruption of home sales.” The realtors group says the number of houses sold in May dropped to 142, a 61% decline from May of last year. From April, it was a 27% drop. Year-to-date, the number of houses sold has fallen 27%. The average selling price in May was $240,000 compared to $264,000 in May of 2019 for a 9% reduction. With fewer houses sold, the total dollar volume fell 64% in May. The drop in southwest Michigan home sales happened as the national real estate market also saw a downturn.. ...Read Full Story

State Asks Residents To Watch Out For Invasive Insect

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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is asking the public to be on the lookout for a new invasive insect that has the potential to devastate the state’s agriculture and natural resources. Spokesperson Jennifer Holton tells WSJM News the spotted lanternfly has not yet been found in Michigan, and the state wants to keep it that way.. ...Read Full Story

GOP Lawmakers Release Plan For Safe Start Of School

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Michigan legislative Republicans have announced their proposal for getting students back in school. State Representative Pauline Wendzel tells WSJM New the House and Senate have jointly worked out a package of legislation called the Return to Learn plan. It allows districts to start whenever is best for them without obtaining a waiver.. ...Read Full Story

Police Investigate Shots Fired Into South Haven Home

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A Covert man is being held for an early Tuesday morning shooting in South Haven. The South Haven Police Department says officers were called out to a home in the 21,000 block of M-140 on a report of shots being fired into a home. No one inside was hurt, but the house was hit multiple times. A sergeant with the South Haven Police Department saw a vehicle speeding away from the area and was able to stop it a short distance away. In the vehicle, he found guns and ammo consistent with the spent casings found at the home. The 21-year-old driver is now being held pending charges from the Van Buren County Prosecutor.. ...Read Full Story

John James Touring Michigan

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From the Associated Press — U.S. Senate candidate John James has begun an in-person tour of Michigan amid the pandemic, visiting a Jackson County farm to criticize the overregulation and overtaxation of farmers. Monday’s stop is believed to be the Republican’s first solo one, with reporters, outside of appearing with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence. The challenger to Democratic Senator Gary Peters had been gearing up for a more visible public schedule when the coronavirus struck. He says small businesses need help and aren’t getting it from Peters. Democrats say James supports Trump’s agenda, including trade wars that have threatened farmers’ livelihoods.. ...Read Full Story

University Of Michigan Term To Start August 31, Online Classes Still Key

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From the Associated Press — The fall term at the University of Michigan will open August 31 with a mix of remote learning and in-person classes at the Ann Arbor campus. The school announced its latest response to the coronavirus. Residence halls will be open, but there will be an emphasis on boxed meals and fewer people at one time in dining rooms. Large classes will be held online. Small
classes will meet in-person, and class sizes in the middle will be a mix of both. President Mark Schlissel is promising more details in the weeks ahead. Schlissel says there are few, if any, one-size-fits-all solutions.. ...Read Full Story

Paw Paw Public Schools Announces New Team Name

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Paw Paw Public Schools has announced its new district team name. After the district dumped the Redskins in March, discussions started on what the new mascot will be. This week, the district announced it’s going to be the Red Wolves, assuming the name is approved by the board of education. The name will be officially presented by student members of the Nickname Task Force to the Board of Education for adoption on July 13, along with recommendations of images to be adopted. The district received more than 700 submissions and thousands of votes as a new team name was sought. It says the Nickname Task Force agreed the chosen nickname and imagery needed to be respectful, inclusive, and non-controversial, and also had to bring people together in a unique way. Paw Paw Superintendent Rick Reo says he’s pleased to support the recommendation of the Red Wolves to the board.. ...Read Full Story

Lawsuit Filed Over Death Of Teen In Detention Facility

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A civil, wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court following the death of a 16-year-old alleges that video from a Michigan youth facility recorded the teen saying “I can’t breathe.” Attorney Jonathan Marko said Monday the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services investigation has revealed workers at Lakeside Academy sat on Cornelius Fredericks for up to ten minutes.. ...Read Full Story

School Leaders Warn About Danger Of State Cuts

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School leaders across Michigan are warning lawmakers that districts are facing unknown costs related to the coronavirus and budget cuts will only add to the problem. Oakland Schools Superintendent Wanda Cook-Robinson is part of the School Finance Research Collaborative which is calling on lawmakers to look at research when determining funding. She spoke with Michigan News Network.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Commission Honors March Organizers

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The organizers of a unity march on June 13 have been honored by St. Joseph City Commissioners. During a Monday virtual meeting, Gwen Swanigan, Tiera Wallace, and Trenton Bowens were all given honorary St. Joseph street signs by the body. Swanigan said the success of the march shows it is time for the two communities to come together as one.. ...Read Full Story

Advocates Want E-Cigarette Bills To Be Stronger

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A package of tobacco regulation bills is headed to the Michigan House, and some health organizations are concerned that it doesn’t go far enough to protect children. Senate Bills 781 and 786 passed the Senate last week, and include new regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes. Andrew Schepers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Michigan says they’re especially troubled by SB 781, which sets a tax rate for vaping products at 18%. He contends all e-cigarettes should be defined as a tobacco product and taxed at the same 32% rate.. ...Read Full Story

Advocates Want E-Cigarette Bills To Be Stronger

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A package of tobacco regulation bills is headed to the Michigan House, and some health organizations are concerned that it doesn’t go far enough to protect children. Senate Bills 781 and 786 passed the Senate last week, and include new regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes. Andrew Schepers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Michigan says they’re especially troubled by SB 781, which sets a tax rate for vaping products at 18%. He contends all e-cigarettes should be defined as a tobacco product and taxed at the same 32% rate.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Reminds Residents Of Fireworks Rules

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The South Haven Police Department is reminding residents of the rules surrounding fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches. It says state law allows Michiganders to use consumer grade fireworks, which means things like firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. According to South Haven city rules, Fourth of July fireworks may only be used between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. on June 29 through July 5 if that date is a Friday or Saturday. The police department says it’s illegal to discharge fireworks on public, school, church, or private property without permission of the owner. That includes all public parks and beaches in South Haven. The fines have also increased to a maximum of $1000. Finally, everyone is asked to be courteous.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Reminds Residents Of Fireworks Rules

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The South Haven Police Department is reminding residents of the rules surrounding fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches. It says state law allows Michiganders to use consumer grade fireworks, which means things like firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. According to South Haven city rules, Fourth of July fireworks may only be used between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. on June 29 through July 5 if that date is a Friday or Saturday. The police department says it’s illegal to discharge fireworks on public, school, church, or private property without permission of the owner. That includes all public parks and beaches in South Haven. The fines have also increased to a maximum of $1000. Finally, everyone is asked to be courteous.. ...Read Full Story

RESA Board Names New Superintendent

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Berrien RESA has selected Eric Hoppstock to be the next district superintendent. Hoppstock is currently RESA’s assistant superintendent and chief academic officer, and he’ll take over his new role on July 1. The Berrien RESA Board of Education met on Monday morning to discuss its next steps after the board’s first choice for superintendent, Matthew Wandrie of Lapeer, backed out. Hoppstock has worked in education in Berrien County for more than 30 years, starting with RESA in 1987 as a school psychologist. Berrien RESA Board of Education President Cathy Bair says his “in-depth educational background, understanding of ISD-level operations, his management skills and his leadership abilities will serve our staff and constituents well.” Hoppstock will take over for RESA Superintendent Kevin Ivers when Ivers retires at the end of the month.. ...Read Full Story

Nonprofits Bail People Out Of Detroit Jails Amid Pandemic

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From the Associated Press — Dozens of people in the Detroit area have been bailed out of jail during the coronavirus pandemic by nonprofits pushing to dismantle the cash bail system. The Detroit Free Press reports that roughly 55 people in the area have been bailed out of jail during the pandemic by Michigan Liberation and The Bail Project. The immediate release from jail before trial for low-income people grew urgent with the arrival of the coronavirus for these nonprofits advocating to transform the criminal justice system. Under Michigan law, cash bail can be used for any criminal offense.. ...Read Full Story

State Reports 179 New COVID Cases For Monday, One In Berrien

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COVID-19 numbers in southwest Michigan continue to improve. After having no new cases of the illness to report for Sunday, Berrien County had one new case for Monday. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the county has had a cumulative total of 693 cases with 60 deaths. Cass County reported two new cases for Monday, now with a total of 111 and four deaths. Van Buren County had one additional case for the day, making the county’s total 193 with six deaths. Statewide, the number of new coronavirus cases for Monday was 179 with seven additional deaths. The state has had a total of 61,409 cases of the illness, and 5,853 patients have died since the start of the pandemic. As of Friday, the state had more than 49,000 recoveries.. ...Read Full Story

Benson: Voters Need Clear Choices Of How To Vote In Pandemic

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From the Associated Press — Michigan’s chief election officer says she is cautiously optimistic about preparations for the 2020 elections amid the coronavirus outbreak, emphasizing the state can avoid failures seen elsewhere by giving people clear choices of how to vote absentee or in person. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said her office has recruited at least 2,000 workers for the August and November elections to address shortages due to veteran volunteers’ safety concerns and because local clerks will need extra staff to process a surge in absentee ballots. She said encouraging people to vote by mail will not limit the ability to vote in person.. ...Read Full Story

State Resumes Charging For Admission At Parks

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Michigan state parks has resumed collecting admission fees after a three-month break because of the coronavirus. The recreation passport costs $12 when renewing a license plate registration through the secretary of state or $17 at park entrances. The cost is lower for motorcycles. The pass is valid for one year or until the current vehicle registration expires. The pass allows people to visit more than 100 state parks and recreation areas. Camping, overnight lodging facilities and day-use shelters in state parks also reopen Monday.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Medical Schools See Increase In Applications

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From the Associated Press — Some medical schools in Michigan are increasing their class size because they’re receiving an influx of applicants during a time marked by a shortage of physicians. The Lansing State Journal reports that while some schools are taking steps to increase class sizes, the MSU College of Human Medicine says it’s not increasing its nearly 200-student per class capacity.
Joel Maurer, assistant dean of admissions for the college, says that would require the school to hire more faculty and expand at its East Lansing and Grand Rapids campuses to increase class sizes.. ...Read Full Story

State Ending Ties With Company After Teen’s Restraint, Death

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From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to no longer work with a company that provided staffing for a facility where a 16-year-old died earlier this year while being wrongly restrained. Whitmer said in a statement late Saturday that Sequel Youth and Family Services cannot provide services for facilities licensed by the state agency. Cornelius Frederick died May 1 after going into cardiac arrest April 29. At the time, authorities said he was being restrained by staff after throwing a sandwich. The state on Thursday terminated its contracts with Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo. The Associated Press left an email Sunday morning seeking comment from Sequel Family and Youth Services.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Announces Forest Cleanup Challenge For This Summer

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Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Michigan’s forests this summer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the “100 in 100 Forest Challenge,” inviting residents to clean up 100 forests in 100 days. DNR program developer Conor Haenni tells WSJM News you’d be surprised at what needs to be hauled out of Michigan’s more than 600 state and federal forests.. ...Read Full Story

146 New Cases Of COVID-19 Reported In Michigan For Sunday

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Michigan is reporting 146 new cases of COVID-19 for Sunday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,230 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported three additional deaths for Sunday, bringing that total to 5,846. As of Friday, the state has had 49,290 recoveries from COVID. Berrien County had no new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, leaving the total at 692 with 60 deaths. Cass County had one new case for Sunday, making its total 109 with four deaths. Van Buren County also had one additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 192 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Property Tax Deadline Approaching

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The property tax due date is fast approaching. Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich tells WSJM News due to COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer moved it back to June 29. If you still owe on your taxes, the treasurer’s office will work out a payment plan with you.. ...Read Full Story

Property Tax Deadline Approaching

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The property tax due date is fast approaching. Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich tells WSJM News due to COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer moved it back to June 29. If you still owe on your taxes, the treasurer’s office will work out a payment plan with you.. ...Read Full Story

Body Found In St. Joseph River

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Police say they believe the body of a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River in Royalton Township on Friday has been found. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says the man went under while helping a struggling juvenile in the water about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch Friday evening. The search for him continued through the weekend, and a body was found about a half mile downriver shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday. An autopsy will be done at Western Michigan University. The man’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

Body Found In St. Joseph River

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Police say they believe the body of a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River in Royalton Township on Friday has been found. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says the man went under while helping a struggling juvenile in the water about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch Friday evening. The search for him continued through the weekend, and a body was found about a half mile downriver shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday. An autopsy will be done at Western Michigan University. The man’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Taking Action To Address Street Flooding

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The South Haven City Council has approved a short-term plan to address flooding near the intersection of Dunkley Avenue and East Wells Street, just to the east of the Black River. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News high water levels in Lake Michigan have created persistent problems there, and the council this past week approved a plan from Department of Public Works to mitigate them.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Taking Action To Address Street Flooding

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The South Haven City Council has approved a short-term plan to address flooding near the intersection of Dunkley Avenue and East Wells Street, just to the east of the Black River. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News high water levels in Lake Michigan have created persistent problems there, and the council this past week approved a plan from Department of Public Works to mitigate them.. ...Read Full Story

SHAES Puts Out Fire At Clementine’s In South Haven

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South Haven Area Emergency Services was able to contain a small fire at Clementine’s restaurant on Saturday. SHAES says it was called to the restaurant at 500 Phoenix Street around 1:30 p.m. when employees smelled smoke. The restaurant was safely evacuated, and when firefighters arrived they found fire in a first-floor kitchen wall behind a broiler. It was put out with water to prevent contamination of food preparation areas. The cause is under investigation. Clementine’s had just re-opened last Monday after being closed for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed again Saturday afternoon due to the fire. One SHAES firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.. ...Read Full Story

SHAES Puts Out Fire At Clementine’s In South Haven

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South Haven Area Emergency Services was able to contain a small fire at Clementine’s restaurant on Saturday. SHAES says it was called to the restaurant at 500 Phoenix Street around 1:30 p.m. when employees smelled smoke. The restaurant was safely evacuated, and when firefighters arrived they found fire in a first-floor kitchen wall behind a broiler. It was put out with water to prevent contamination of food preparation areas. The cause is under investigation. Clementine’s had just re-opened last Monday after being closed for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed again Saturday afternoon due to the fire. One SHAES firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Warns Of Wildfire Risk

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Be careful if you’re having a campfire this weekend. There’s an elevated risk of wildfires statewide because of hot, dry weather. Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource protection manager Don Klingler told Michigan News Network this week they’ve had many fires this year.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Warns Of Wildfire Risk

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Be careful if you’re having a campfire this weekend. There’s an elevated risk of wildfires statewide because of hot, dry weather. Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource protection manager Don Klingler told Michigan News Network this week they’ve had many fires this year.. ...Read Full Story

255 New COVID Cases In Michigan For Saturday

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Michigan is reporting 255 new cases of COVID-19 for Saturday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,084 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 20 additional deaths for Saturday, bringing that total to 5,843. Berrien County had three new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 692 with 60 deaths. Cass County had two new cases for Saturday, making its total 108 with four deaths. Van Buren County had two additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 191 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

255 New COVID Cases In Michigan For Saturday

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Michigan is reporting 255 new cases of COVID-19 for Saturday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,084 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 20 additional deaths for Saturday, bringing that total to 5,843. Berrien County had three new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 692 with 60 deaths. Cass County had two new cases for Saturday, making its total 108 with four deaths. Van Buren County had two additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 191 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Youth Fair Director: Decision To Postpone Not Made Lightly

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Postponed and not cancelled. That’s what leaders at the Berrien County Youth Fair are saying about the event for this year. Due to COVID-19 and uncertainty about what the situation and rules will be in August, the fair announced this year it’s being moved to August of 2021. Berrien County Youth Fair Manager Karen Klug tells WSJM News the decision came after much deliberation.. ...Read Full Story

Youth Fair Director: Decision To Postpone Not Made Lightly

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Postponed and not cancelled. That’s what leaders at the Berrien County Youth Fair are saying about the event for this year. Due to COVID-19 and uncertainty about what the situation and rules will be in August, the fair announced this year it’s being moved to August of 2021. Berrien County Youth Fair Manager Karen Klug tells WSJM News the decision came after much deliberation.. ...Read Full Story

Bank Donates To SMC Virtual Run Planned For This Summer

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Fifth Third Bank has made a $7,000 donation to Southwestern Michigan College for Steve’s Run. Due to the pandemic, a virtual run will be held this year from July 25 through August 1. SMC President Joe Odenwald says a “virtual run this year supports the race’s ultimate goal — raising funds for cancer research and the Steven Briegel scholarship while practicing social distancing.” Participants can run or walk their favorite route at a preferred time anytime between Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, August 1. Those who sign up by Sunday, July 5, at will be mailed a race T-shirt. When they’re finished, runners can share their time and a photo wearing the T-shirt to the Steve’s Run Facebook page, and top runners will be recognized on the page once the race is done. Odenwald accepted Fifth Third Bank’s contribution to the cause this week.. ...Read Full Story

Bank Donates To SMC Virtual Run Planned For This Summer

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Fifth Third Bank has made a $7,000 donation to Southwestern Michigan College for Steve’s Run. Due to the pandemic, a virtual run will be held this year from July 25 through August 1. SMC President Joe Odenwald says a “virtual run this year supports the race’s ultimate goal — raising funds for cancer research and the Steven Briegel scholarship while practicing social distancing.” Participants can run or walk their favorite route at a preferred time anytime between Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, August 1. Those who sign up by Sunday, July 5, at will be mailed a race T-shirt. When they’re finished, runners can share their time and a photo wearing the T-shirt to the Steve’s Run Facebook page, and top runners will be recognized on the page once the race is done. Odenwald accepted Fifth Third Bank’s contribution to the cause this week.. ...Read Full Story

Man Missing In St. Joseph River

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River on Friday. It says deputies were called out to the river about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch in Royalton Township around 7:15 p.m. They learned two adults and three children had been out on a pontoon boat and swimming when one of the children began struggling in the water. One of the adults jumped into the water and was able to save the child, but then went under. The sheriff’s department says the 46-year-old Berrien County man is still missing. A search for the man is underway.. ...Read Full Story

Man Missing In St. Joseph River

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River on Friday. It says deputies were called out to the river about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch in Royalton Township around 7:15 p.m. They learned two adults and three children had been out on a pontoon boat and swimming when one of the children began struggling in the water. One of the adults jumped into the water and was able to save the child, but then went under. The sheriff’s department says the 46-year-old Berrien County man is still missing. A search for the man is underway.. ...Read Full Story

Hiring Rose In 46 States In May, Yet Jobless Rates Still High

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from the Associated Press — Employers added jobs in 46 states last month, evidence that the U.S. economy’s surprise hiring gain in May was spread broadly across the country – in both states that began reopening their economies early and those that did so only later. Unemployment rates fell in 38 states, rose in three and were largely unchanged in nine, the Labor Department said. All told, the figures illustrate the unusually broad nature of the recession, with all states enduring unemployment rates that soared in April as the coronavirus forced business closures and then generally fell but remained painfully high in May.. ...Read Full Story