Local News Archives

State Requires Testing, Finds Nearly 2K Nursing Home Deaths

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From the Associated Press — Michigan’s health department is mandating coronavirus testing of all nursing home residents and staff after reporting the deaths of nearly 2,000 residents – about a third of all COVID-19 deaths across the state. Director Robert Gordon’s order, issued Monday, requires initial baseline testing. All new or returning residents must be tested, and there must be weekly
testing of residents and staff in a home with any cases until 14 days after the last positive result. Michigan for the first time released a firm overall death count for nursing home residents – 1,947. It’s more than 400 more than previously estimated.. ...Read Full Story

Property Tax Deadline This Month

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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

Wendzel Hopeful For Passage Of Expungement Legislation

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State Representative Pauline Wendzel is hoping to see passage soon of legislation that would allow for the expungement of some criminal records in Michigan. She tells WSJM News a package of bills to expand the number of people who qualify for expungement and establish a process passed the state House last year but got held up in the Senate due to the pandemic.. ...Read Full Story

Ballot Drive Organizers Weigh Options Following Supreme Court Ruling

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From the Associated Press — Organizers of a Michigan ballot drive to prohibit discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people are evaluating whether to continue in the wake of a major victory in the U.S. Supreme Court. Fair and Equal Michigan launched the ballot effort after years of being unable to pass LGBT protections through the Republican-led Legislature. The proposal
would change Michigan’s 1976 civil rights law to ban ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. The high court ruled Monday that a federal law that bars job discrimination because of sex encompasses bias against LGBT workers.. ...Read Full Story

Detroit Removes Bust Of Christopher Columbus

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From the Associated Press — The city of Detroit has removed a bust of explorer Christopher Columbus from a downtown spot after 110 years. A spokesman for Mayor Mike Duggan says putting it in storage will give officials time to decide its future. The move comes while other cities and states have removed Confederate Civil War statues and other public monuments to people with a racist past. The Detroit Columbus bust was a gift from the readers of an Italian newspaper in honor of the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ death. By the 1990s, a new generation of Native American activists blamed Columbus for launching centuries of indigenous genocide.. ...Read Full Story

74 New Cases Of COVID-19 Reported For Michigan Monday

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There were fewer than 100 new cases of COVID-19 reported around Michigan for Monday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 74 new cases were identified, along with two additional deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, the state has had 60,064 confirmed cases, and just under 45,000 recovered as of Friday. There have been 5,772 deaths. For Monday, Berrien County had 676 cumulative cases since the start of the pandemic and 57 deaths. Cass County has had 102 cases and four deaths, and Van Buren County has had 182 cases and six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Lawmaker Wants Database Of Disciplined Officers

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From the Associated Press — A Michigan lawmaker is proposing legislation to create a central database of disciplined police officers to boost accountability and help departments vet prospective new hires. The Detroit News reported over the weekend that State Rep. Tyrone Carter is seeking support for the idea and is open to suggestions on provisions in the bill being drafted. Critics say what’s
needed is more and better training, as well as more staff to enforce current Michigan laws mandating information sharing about why officers left a department. The Police Officers Association of Michigan says one of its concerns is that a central database would maintain records about the discipline of officers for comparatively minor acts, such as calling in sick too often.. ...Read Full Story

Police Investigate Drive By Shootings In Dowagiac

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The Dowagiac Police Department is investigating two separate drive-by shootings that were reported over the weekend. It says officers were called to a home on James Street around 6:30 p.m. Saturday on a report of a shooting. Officers were told someone had driven by and fired several shots at the home. No one was hurt. Then on Sunday around 2:30 a.m., police were called to a home on Maple Street, also on a report of a shooting. Arriving officers learned someone had driven by and fired several shots at the home. Once again, no one was hurt. The shootings remain under investigation, and police ask anyone with information to contact them.. ...Read Full Story

Airport Traffic Increasing

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Traffic at South Bend International Airport is starting to rebound after it dropped by a large amount when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Vice President of Marketing Julie Curtis told  WSJM News this week as destinations closed, travel plummeted.. ...Read Full Story

AAA Survey Finds Many Drivers Engage In Risky Behavior

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They don’t think it’s safe, but they do it anyway. Those are the results of a survey released today by Triple Michigan on local drivers. Spokesperson Adrienne Woodland tells Michigan News Network the survey showed while 94% of drivers admitted it was dangerous, nearly 42% also said that they had read their cellphones behind the wheel. More than 30% admitted to texting. Woodland had more.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Reminds Campers Not To Transport Firewood

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The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding the public about the risk of accidentally spreading invasive species while moving firewood. Invasive insects that are a threat to trees can be easily transported into new areas via firewood. Infestations can destroy forests, lower property values, and cost huge amounts of money to control. DNR chief of resource protection and promotion Jason Fleming says as camping reopens around the state, it’s important for those making trips to buy their firewood in the area where they’re camping and not to bring it from home. He recommends buying it at your campground. Also remember to burn all of your firewood on site, and don’t bring it home with you.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Splash Pad Nearing Completion

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South Haven’s new splash pad is starting to take form. Originally scheduled to be completed by now but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the pad will be similar to St. Joseph’s Whirlpool Centennial Fountain. The $612,000 attraction will resemble the tall ship, the Friend’s Good Will that’s featured at the Michigan Maritime Museum. Local elementary school students voted on the pad’s theme. With work now underway on the splash pad again, it’s expected to be finished in early July.. ...Read Full Story

Wendzel Hopes For Passage Of Brewery Legislation

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The Michigan Senate is preparing to consider legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel designed to help breweries around the state. Wendzel tells WSJM News Michigan law currently limits the number of barrels breweries can distribute on their own to 1,000 per year. Her bill, which passed the state House in February, would double that to 2,000 barrels.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Praises Changes To PPP Rules

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Congressman Fred Upton says small businesses hit by COVID-19 will get a break now that Congress has updated the rules of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. He was a champion of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which extended the amount of time allowed for small businesses to meet certain criteria for their loans to be converted into grants.. ...Read Full Story

AAA Urges Caution As Traffic Increases

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AAA of Michigan is urging everyone to avoid falling back into dangerous driving habits as they leave their homes and return to the road during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spokesperson Adrienne Woodland says the “pandemic has highlighted the extent to which individual decisions and behaviors can impact the health and safety of others,” adding “we’re all in it together” when it comes to safety on the road. AAA has identified the most common risky driving behaviors with its annual Traffic Safety Culture Index. It says the report shows a significant gap between what drivers consider dangerous and what they report themselves doing. Top risky activities include typing on a cell phone, talking on a hand-held phone, going too fast, and driving while tired. AAA recommends putting your phone out of sight when behind the wheel and slowing down.. ...Read Full Story

County Road Association: $53 Million Needed For Threatened Coastal Roads

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The County Road Association of Michigan is warning that roads along the Great Lakes shoreline around the state will require $53.4 million in immediate fixes to remain functional in the coming year. That’s due to shoreline erosion and high water levels in the lakes. The association says part of the solution will have to be “rocks the size of a Volkswagen” to be placed along the shore. As tourist season begins and people venture out of their homes during the pandemic, eroding shorelines and damaged roads are becoming an even bigger problem. The County Road Association says in Ontonagon County, for example, high water levels are threatening the east entrance of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s largest state park. The group is hoping Congress and the state can find a way to help protect threatened roads by getting the materials and equipment needed to strengthen coastal areas. The issue is the cover story in the latest edition of Crossroads, the quarterly journal of the County Road Association of Michigan. ...Read Full Story

Spectrum Health Lakeland Sets Aside $50 Million To Help Address Racial Equity

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Spectrum Health Lakeland has announced a new strategy to address racial and ethnic health equity in southwest Michigan. President Loren Hamel says the Spectrum Health Lakeland Board of Directors met this week and approved a capital fund of $50 million for equity work in the communities served by the system. He noted racial inequity in healthcare has been highlighted by the pandemic.. ...Read Full Story

Data Protection Measure Could End Up On Michigan Ballot

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From the Associated Press — A proposed constitutional amendment to consider electronic communication and data as personal property has unanimously passed the Michigan Senate. If it passes the state House, voters would decide in November whether or
not to amend the Michigan Constitution to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to search emails and cellphones seized during an arrest. Sponsor Senator Jim Runestad says the change is essential to preserve personal privacy now that smartphones and other technologies are an integral part of daily life. He says “Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between using new technologies and
protecting their privacy from authority.”. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Flower Planting Event Rescheduled

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SHOUT for South Haven has rescheduled a flower planting event it had to put off due to COVID-19. The organization says volunteers will now be filling planters with soil and planting flowers along the Dyckman Avenue bridge on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Monday will be the day to fill the planters, and the flowers will go out on Tuesday. SHOUT for South Haven is seeking social distancing volunteers for the effort. They’ll start at 9 a.m. both days. Those who take part are advised to bring gloves, glasses, and masks. You can find out more at ShoutForSouthHaven.org.. ...Read Full Story

LARA Head Grilled About State Shutdown

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The state Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic is discussing efforts to reopen Michigan’s economy. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Orlene Hawks was asked about working with various industries in working groups to get ready to reopen businesses. State Representative Matt Hall says some businesses expressed frustration it took so long to reopen.. ...Read Full Story

Niles Fireworks Show Canceled

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There won’t be a Fourth of July fireworks show in Niles this year. Despite the city council approving the event this week, organizers quickly found it wasn’t feasible. The Niles Daily Star reports vendors were difficult to secure with too much uncertainty because of the pandemic. Also, the governor’s orders limiting crowd sizes made planning difficult. As a result, the fireworks show planned for the Applefest grounds will not be happening. Organizers will instead focus on next year.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Hires Security Firm For Health Department

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The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with a security firm in case the Berrien County Health Department has to set up a COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facility. The contract with Lange Investigation and Consultation Service came up at Thursday’s meeting of the board. Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough asked Chair Mac Elliott to explain.. ...Read Full Story

Budget Chairs: Lift July Deadline, Senate Wants Federal Help

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From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers are backing legislation that would waive a requirement that they pass the next state budget in less than three weeks, citing uncertainty over a major shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, a Republican, said Thursday he’ll push for passage of the Democratic-sponsored bill. It would,
for one year, lift the new July 1 deadline by which legislators must send Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a spending plan for the fiscal year starting October 1. The Republican-led Senate also urged Congress to give the state flexibility to use federal relief aid to fill budget holes.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Talks Possibility Of State Bailouts

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With school districts around Michigan looking at massive budget cuts due to COVID-caused shortfalls on the state level, will the federal government take action to bail them out? Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News there is legislation in Washington that would allocate funds to states, counties, and local governments.. ...Read Full Story

218 Additional Cases Of COVID-19 In Michigan For Thursday

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218 additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified around Michigan for Thursday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that brings the total since the start of the pandemic to 59,496. There are 26 additional coronavirus deaths to report for Thursday with the state total now at 5,737. The state is reporting 668 total cases for Berrien County, an increase of five from Wednesday. The number of COVID-19 deaths in Berrien County remains 57. Cass County was at 99 cases for Thursday, an increase of two, while Van Buren County had 174 confirmed cases, the same as the day before. Van Buren County has had one additional COVID-19 death, bringing the county’s total to seven, while Cass County remains at four.. ...Read Full Story

Nursing Homes Eye Visitors If Virus Testing Is Expanded

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From the Associated Press — The leader of a nursing home group says expanded coronavirus testing is crucial to reopening the facilities to visitors, saying Michigan may be close to relaxing restrictions in a phased way. Melissa Samuel, president and CEO of the Health Care Association of Michigan, told lawmakers Tuesday that some initial “baseline” testing of all residents and staff is underway with help from the Michigan National Guard. But it is not complete, and there is not yet resolution on how to pay for ongoing testing or its frequency. Samuel says nursing homes recognize the difficulties of visitation prohibitions for family and residents.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Senate OKs Cocktails To Go, Cut In Liquor Prices

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From the Associated Press — Michigan restaurants and bars could sell cocktails and other liquor for pickup or delivery and would see a temporary cut in state liquor prices under legislation overwhelmingly approved by state Senate. Supporters say the bill passed Wednesday would help bars and restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic. They note that some restaurants already can sell  unopened beer and wine to go if they have a certain license. Under the legislation, local governments could designate a “social district” where people could drink alcohol outside. The bill goes to the House, which is considering similar measures.. ...Read Full Story

Southwestern Michigan Association Of Realtors Holding Blood Drive

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The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors will host a blood drive next month. It says the drive will be on Wednesday, July 29 from noon to 5:45 p.m. at Hidden Pointe Hall on Nickerson Avenue in Benton Harbor. With blood donations down this year due to COVID-19, the association hopes people will come out to help stock up local hospitals. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org with the sponsor code SWMAR. According to the American Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.. ...Read Full Story

Free Fishing This Weekend

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This weekend will be a free fishing weekend in Michigan. Suzanne Stone with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division tells WSJM News events that are normally scheduled during the state’s two free fishing weekends per year have been canceled due to COVID-19, but there ought to be a lot of people hitting up state parks.. ...Read Full Story

SMC Reopening By Appointment

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Southwestern Michigan College is gradually reopening its campus, announcing appointments will be available during limited hours starting on Monday, June 15. SMC tells us all services are still available remotely, but if someone prefers to visit campus to take placement tests, register for classes, take a campus tour, or conduct other business, they can do so by making an appointment. The Fred L. Mathews Library, the Zollar Cafe, the Birdfeeder Cafe, and the Student Activity Center on the Dowagiac campus remain closed until further notice. Those who go to campus for an appointment can be provided a mask if they don’t have one. Anyone interested can call the SMC main number. Southwestern Michigan College has been closed since March 23 due to COVID-19.. ...Read Full Story

Federal Court Upholds Enbridge Great Lakes Spill Plan

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From the Associated Press — A federal court has sided with pipeline company Enbridge in a dispute over plans to deal with a potential oil spill in Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week overruled a judge who had found that a federal agency wrongly approved Enbridge’s plans. The judge agreed with the National Wildlife Federation that the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration should have considered risks to endangered species and required an environmental impact statement. But in a 2-1 ruling, the appeals panel said the agency had correctly based its approval of the plans on criteria in the Clean Water Act.. ...Read Full Story