Local News Archives

The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is planning to host a town hall this month on discrimination faced by LGBTQ Michiganders and the protections they have. Set for May 16 at Lake Michigan College, the presentation will feature guest speaker Jay Kaplan, the LGBT Project Staff Attorney of the ACLU of Michigan. He’ll talk about case law and current policy developments, and also take questions. The event is being held as part of the OutCenter VOICES program. The OutCenter’s Mary Jo Schnell says she often hears from people who want to know about the protections in place for them, and this will be a chance for many to learn more. The town hall will be Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Michigan College’s Todd Center.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A northern Michigan village is weighing a possible tobacco ban at its parks and beaches following complaints about discarded cigarette butts. The Elk Rapids Village Council is expected to hear testimony Monday and possibly decide whether to adopt a proposed tobacco ban. Residents Christine Petersen and Beth Guntzviller tell the Traverse City Record-Eagle they’re tired of picking up cigarette butts at Elk Rapids’ parks and beaches. Guntzviller is a member of the village’s parks and recreation committee. She says she doesn’t think anyone will oppose the proposed ban. Village Clerk Caroline Kennedy reviewed communities’ tobacco restrictions before drafting the village’s proposed ordinance. She says the idea is to protect air quality for parkgoers and beachgoers, while also minimizing litter in public places from smoking.. ...Read Full Story

Lawmakers are taking aim at high car insurance premiums by giving initial approval to a plan that would no longer make Michigan the only state to require drivers to buy unlimited medical benefits through their auto insurer. The bills won passage from the Republican-controlled Senate on a largely party-line vote Tuesday. Senator Aric Nesbitt of Lawton is the lead sponsor.. ...Read Full Story

The recruitment of volunteers for the 2020 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores is underway. The PGA of America is looking for 1,600 people to help make the event run smoothly upon its return to the area. There are 20 committees for volunteers to chose from, and the minimum age to take part is 14. Adult volunteers are required to be at Harbor Shores for at least four shifts during the championship for a total of 16 to 20 hours. It costs $120 to volunteer, and with that comes four tickets for family and friends, a discounted round of golf at Harbor Shores, an official program, and the volunteer golf shirt, jacket, and hat. Harbor Shores has hosted the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship every other year since 2012. Next year’s championship will is scheduled for May 19-24. To volunteer, just follow this link.. ...Read Full Story

A Pure Michigan Trail Town is now in southwest Michigan. South Haven was one of four towns to be awarded the designation Tuesday morning by Travel Michigan vice president Dave Lorenz.. ...Read Full Story

The resignation of the city’s former finance director has been rejected by Benton Harbor City Commissioners. At a Monday meeting, some commissioners indicated they never received the resignation letter of former Finance Director Andrew Clark. He stepped down in February, with The Herald Palladium reporting he had complaints about how city income tax payments were being handled. At Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Juanita Henry said the body should investigate.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor City Commissioners have plenty to say about who is hired to do the city’s landscaping. At Monday’s meeting, the commission discussed at length who should be hired to cut grass in the city, and how. Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats, who has long had issues with the city’s landscaping bills, said efforts should be made to divvy up the work between multiple contractors.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien RESA is planning a couple of family reading events around the area for this month. It tells us the Parents as Teachers Program and libraries of Berrien County are teaming up for Read Around the County. It’s for kids ages five and under. They can hear some of their favorite stories read by characters in costume on May 21 in Niles and May 23 in St. Joseph. The activities are free, and the first 100 children at each location will receive a book. Snacks are also provided. The May 21 event will be at 11:30 a.m. at Niles Riverfront Park, and the May 23 event will be at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph bluff across from the library. Anyone looking for more information can contact Berrien RESA.. ...Read Full Story

The issue of short term rentals is back in southwest Michigan. This time, the cities of St. Joseph and South Haven are both speaking up in opposition to House Bill 4046, which would wipe out local ordinances regarding where those rentals can be located. St. Joseph City commissioner Jeff Richards says it’s about local control.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette is floating his fiscal year 2019=2020 budget for public comment over the next two city council meetings. He says the City Council took action to formally introduce the proposal on Monday, and it’s available now on the city’s website at south-haven.com.. ...Read Full Story

A new milestone has been reached by Carol’s Hope, the addiction recovery center that opened late last year in the St. Joseph area. Michigan State Police Lieutenant Melinda Logan tells WSJM News they’re now able to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. She says Carol’s Hope connects those who are struggling with an addiction to recovery resources in the community. They’ve had a strong response since opening in December.. ...Read Full Story

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced record high water levels are forecast on several of the Great Lakes over the next six months. Corps hydrologist Keith Kompoltowicz tells WSJM News new records are expected for Lakes Superior, St. Clair, and Erie. Lake Michigan is also expected to be high.. ...Read Full Story

The executive director of the Pokagon Fund is stepping down. The fund’s board of directors announced Monday that Janet Cocciarelli is leaving the organization, effective June 7, to spend more time with family in the Grand Rapids area. Cocciarelli has lead the Pokagon Fund for four years. Board Chair Rob Gow commended Cocciarelli, saying she “implemented with extraordinary vigor and vitality the board’s strategic vision of the fund as a leader in community development.” Cocciarelli says she “will sorely miss Harbor Country.” The Pokagon Fund, based in New Buffalo, was set up in 2007 as a way for a small portion of Four Winds Casino slot revenues to be distributed to the community. Since then, it has awarded more than $25 million in grants and scholarships in southwest Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

The Drug Enforcement Agency is touting a very successful National Prescription Drug Take Back Day last month. Held on April 27, the DEA says nearly 64-hundred collection sites took in and destroyed nearly 469 tons of medicines. In Michigan, almost 27,000 pounds of unwanted, expired, and unused pills were given back to law enforcement and hospital collection sites. The events have been held since the fall of 2010 to try to cut back on prescription drug abuse, misuse and theft and to prevent medications from being flushed down toilets and getting into the water supply.. ...Read Full Story

The average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in the state is up 3¢ from a week ago. Triple-A Michigan says the average is $2.91, but notes prices have slipped from a high for the year of $2.93 on Friday. Saginaw has the highest price in the state at $2.95, while the lowest prices are in Traverse City at $2.81-cents a gallon, and the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area is in the middle at $2.90. That price is steady with a week ago. AAA says prices will keep flirting with the $3 per gallon mark through the end of the month.. ...Read Full Story

A disorderly conduct charge is being faced by a 36-year-old Dowagiac woman who was arrested late Friday night while naked and high on meth. Police were called to the 200 block of Dewey Street around 11:30 pm on a report of the woman laying in several yards, in the road, and taking off her clothes. She told police upon her arrest that she had recently smoked meth, and it was making her do it. One neighbor told investigators the woman had been walking through gardens and looking into windows in the area as well.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has released two surveillance photos as part of the investigation into a recent fire at the Niles Walmart. The Walmart was evacuated the afternoon of April 27 when a fire broke out in the clothing department. No one was injured and the fire was quickly put out. The sheriff’s department on Monday posted the surveillance photos to its Facebook page, saying it’s trying to “find the identity of the female that may have information reference the Niles Walmart Arson that occurred on 4/27/19.” The sheriff’s department says anyone with information is asked to give it a call at 269-983-1747, extension 7224.. ...Read Full Story

Two people are in the Cass County Jail awaiting arraignment on charges of possession with intent to deliver meth. The county’s drug enforcement team raided a home in the 21-thousand block of Calvin Hill Street in Calvin Township on Saturday after being tipped off to possible drug activity. They seized several bags of meth along with paraphernalia and items used in the sale and distribution of the drug. The suspects are a 37-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, and their names have not yet been released.. ...Read Full Story

Tomorrow is an election day, with millage and bonding requests before voters around the state. Locally, Royalton Township voters are being asked to approve a small millage increase for the fire department to raise $35,000 over five years and to renew the township’s millage for fire, ambulance and library services over 7 years at just over $292,000. St. Joseph Public Schools have a $5.8 million millage renewal over five years on the ballot. In Cass County, Edwardsburg and Jefferson Township both have road funding millages before voters, while Edwardsburg Public Schools are seeking a millage renewal to bring in $2.1 million. Two issues are before voters in Van Buren County. In Bangor, the Bangor Historical Society is asking for a millage increase over 5 years for $16,000 and Lawton Community Schools have a bonding request up for approval. That is for a half-mill over 14 years and would raise $4.5 million. For the first time, you can register to vote on election day.. ...Read Full Story

Two veteran southwest Michigan law enforcement officers will be honored next week. They’ll be in Lansing on Monday for the 26th annual Michigan Peace Officers Memorial Service at the Michigan Capitol. Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department Detective Loren Tarner will be representing all Michigan police officers injured in the line of duty, and Michigan State Police Sergeant Jim Campbell will represent all state officers who serve until retirement. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us Deputy Loren Tarner was seriously injured in the line of duty on January 17, 2016 when a semi crashed into the scene of a previous crash that Tarner was working on I-94. After a lengthy recovery period, the sheriff’s department says Tarner returned to service and is now a detective. Meanwhile, Sergeant Campbell retired this year after 31 years with Michigan State Police. He most recently served in Paw Paw. You can find out more about Monday’s memorial service at MICOPS.org.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — State funding is available for local efforts to control or get rid of invasive plants in Michigan’s inland lakes.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says a new grant program will reimburse permit fees required for projects that use physical, biological or chemical controls targeting the unwanted species. A total of $100,000 will be awarded this year. Details on eligibility are available online. The department’s Water Quality Division is developing a handbook and application procedures, which will be posted June 1. Applications for grants will be accepted from June 1 through July 1. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is operated by the departments of Agriculture & Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Today is busy making preparations for the seventh annual BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival. Set for Saturday, May 18, the event will feature headliner JD McPherson performing with his back to Lake Michigan starting at 6:50 p.m. at Whirlpool Centennial Park. St. Joe Today’s Daniele Crevier tells WSJM News McPherson isn’t the only performer. There will be a lineup of six beginning at 12:30.. ...Read Full Story

Plans have been announced by Andrews University for a new agricultural center on campus. Sustainable Agriculture Department Chair Katherine Koudele tells WSJM  News the former dairy is being converted into three barns that could be used for ag education programs.. ...Read Full Story

White, sticky foam that’s fouled quite a few Michigan shorelines is more dangerous than previously believed. That’s why state environmental officials are warning people not to touch it. Prior warnings about toxic PFAS foam advised against swallowing it, but new data shows high concentrations of unsafe chemicals in the foam, so the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is telling people to stay away from it altogether. Deb MacKenzie-Taylor is the toxicology and response section manager with DHHS.. ...Read Full Story

Testimony on a package of bills to update Michigan’s high school graduation requirements was taken by the state House Education Committee this week, and on hand was state Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan.. ...Read Full Story

New legislation in the U.S. House and Senate is intended to help prevent a repeat of the Larry Nassar debacle at Michigan State University. At a press conference this past week, Congressman Fred Upton joined colleagues to announce the ALERT Act. The act would require university leaders to certify they have reviewed any reports of sexual abuses perpetrated by university employees each year. Upton said he’s found backing for the idea among local education leaders.. ...Read Full Story

Coming up on May 18 will be the next Whirlpool Appliance Sale to benefit the United Way of Southwest Michigan. Whirlpool Senior Manager of Global Operations Gokul Nair tells WSJM News they will sell new, discontinued, refurbished, and obsolete products that had been sitting in warehouses as part of the event.. ...Read Full Story

Drivers are being notified of a street closure planned in South Haven next week. The city tells us Broadway Street from Church Street to Conger Street will be shut down Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. while a contractor removes the asphalt and concrete for the installation of a new water line. The street in the same area will be closed again on Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. while the work is finished up. Anyone with questions can contact the South Haven Public Works Department.. ...Read Full Story

Representatives of the Pure Michigan campaign will announce this year’s picks for the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program on Tuesday. Although they haven’t yet said which communities will be awarded those distinctions, it’s probably a good sign for South Haven that the announcement is being made there. South Haven Visitors Bureau Director Scott Reinert tells WSJM Nwws the community does have a robust trail system.. ...Read Full Story

A new program has been announced by the Berrien Community Foundation to give free hearing aids to low-income seniors. The foundation’s Lisa Cripps-Downey tells WSJM News the Starkey Hearing Foundation is expanding to Berrien County this year thanks to the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. As part of the Hear Now Mission, the BCF is working with Dr. Kasewurm’s Professional Hearing Services in St. Joseph to get these hearing aids to those in need.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Authorities say two people suspected of defacing the gravesite of former President Gerald Ford and first lady Betty Ford have been charged with misdemeanors. Prosecutors in Grand Rapids, Michigan, have charged Christian Johnson with malicious destruction of tombs and memorials and Alexis Binkert with receiving and concealing stolen property. Police had released a photo that appears to show Johnson marking or digging into panels that say, “Lives Committed to God, Country and Love.” They had been skateboarding in the area and stopped. Police say they turned themselves in after the March 27 incident and returned a missing letter. Johnson has told The Grand Rapids Press he was sorry and didn’t know what the gravesite was. Both await arraignment. The Fords are buried outside a museum dedicated to Gerald Ford’s presidency.. ...Read Full Story

The annual Mattawan Senior and Veterans Expo will be next week. State Senator Aric Nesbitt tells us it’s set for Monday at the Antwerp Township Activity Center in Mattawan from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. He says the event is held as a way for Van Buren County area state lawmakers to talk with seniors and veterans about their concerns, and also to inform them of the services available.. ...Read Full Story

An open house regarding the Palisades nuclear power plant in Van Buren County is planned for next week. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Viktoria Mitlyng tells WSJM News the agency’s own inspectors, including those who work full-time on site at Palisades, will be there to talk about the plant’s safety record in 2018.. ...Read Full Story

This year’s Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade is tomorrow in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. The two-and-a-half mile parade starts at 1 p.m. at Main and Pearl streets in St. Joe and ends at Main and 5th streets in Benton Harbor. This year’s theme is “America, the Places You’ll Go.” The Youth Parade at St. Joseph High School was canceled yesterday due to the weather, and won’t be rescheduled. You’re also being reminded that you can’t put out anything to mark your spot along the parade route before 6 a.m. In St. Joseph, Lake Boulevard will be closed along with the drawbridge over the river, Niles Avenue from 1st Avenue to Main Street, and Main Street will also be closed from 1st Avenue to where it merges with Niles. This is the 113th year for the event.. ...Read Full Story

The Bissell Pet Foundation is doing another Empty the Shelters event across the country this weekend. Among the 52 shelters in Michigan taking part will be Berrien County Animal Control, Cass County Animal Control, Van Buren County Animal Control, and the Al-Van Humane Society on Saturday. Cats and dogs can be adopted at the shelters for just $25, with the Grand Rapids-based foundation covering the rest of the costs.. ...Read Full Story

Two law enforcement officers from southwest Michigan will be honored on Monday at the 26th annual Michigan Peace Officers Memorial Service held at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us its own Detective Loren Tarner will be there to represent Michigan police who have been injured in the line of duty. Tarner was seriously hurt in January of 2016 when a semi crashed into the scene of a crash he was working on I-94. It says, despite his injuries, Tarner continued to help others at the crash site until he could be relieved. He then took some time off to recover, and went back to work for the sheriff’s department as a detective. Also at Monday’s memorial will be Michigan State Police Sergeant Jim Campbell, who retired this year from the Paw Paw post after 31 years with the MSP. He will represent law enforcement officers who have worked through to retirement. You can find out more about Monday’s memorial service at MICOPS.org.. ...Read Full Story

As a measles outbreak around the country continues, the Berrien County Health Department is using National Infant Immunization Week to urge everyone to make sure they are vaccinated, and also to be sure their kids get all the vaccines they need. Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News some adults are unsure if they got all the measles vaccine. She suggests contacting the health department.. ...Read Full Story

As renovations continue at the Watervliet Parcourse behind Lakeland Hospital Watervliet, a new matching grant for the project has been announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Lakeland Health Foundations Development Officer Mark Libs tells WSJM News the MEDC has offered a match of up to $35,000 for the parcourse’s crowdfunding campaign.. ...Read Full Story

If you have some old tires laying around, the Van Buren Conservation District would like to have them. Executive Director AJ Brucks tells us they’re holding a collection event this weekend.. ...Read Full Story

Court documents are shining new light on the bomb threat made against the Islamic Association of Southwest Michigan mosque in Benton Township in late April. Malik Mohammed Nisar has been identified as the suspect, and the criminal complaint shows he admitted calling 911 to make the bomb threat on April 26. Nisar had been given a ride to the mosque earlier in the day by a Benton Township police officer, and was arrested just a few blocks away. After being read his Miranda rights, the man said he had called in the threat. Nisar told investigators he did so to get officers on the scene to quote, “lay them all out because they are illegal and here as refugees.” According to the charging documents, the suspect is homeless and has been charged with a felony of making a terrorist threat, false report of a bomb. Nisar is being held in the Berrien County jail and is due in court on May 6.. ...Read Full Story

An autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death of a Baroda man in a farming accident. Baroda-Lake Township Police say 45-year-old Patrick Freehling was found in a barn on his farm by an employee around 7 a.m. Thursday, and his death appears to have been a farming accident. There were no signs of foul play. Freehling was the husband of Berrien County Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling, and his death has prompted tonight’s county board meeting to be canceled. He operated a 200-acre farm and was also a US Navy veteran.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners meeting is canceled for tonight. The board had been scheduled to meet at the St. Joseph/Lincoln Senior Center at 6 p.m. According to a statement from the county, the cancellation is due to “unforeseen circumstances,” and no further information is being released. The next meeting for the Board of Commissioners will be next Thursday at the normal time of 10:30 a.m. at the Berrien County Administration Center in St. Joseph.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. tonight, May 2, 2019 has been canceled. County administration tells us it’s due to unforeseen circumstances. The meeting was going to be held at the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center. It is unknown at this time whether the meeting will be re-scheduled at that location.. ...Read Full Story

An anonymous call to the state’s OK2SAY tip line has resulted in the arrest of a 15-year-old for allegedly making a threat against Berrien Springs High School. Police say several students overheard a classmate asking for help getting a gun to shoot others at school. Authorities were notified shortly before 4:30 Wednesday afternoon of the threat and took the teen into custody. He is facing a felony with a 10-year sentence if convicted. The Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department says no weapons were found, and the suspect was unable to get his hands on a gun, and add the school’s safety and security plans worked as designed. The school district has been promoting the OK2SAY tip line as a way to report any unsafe activity.. ...Read Full Story

As South Haven celebrates 150 years of existence, the public is invited to view and vote on works of art by students from South Haven Public Schools at the South Haven Center for the Arts. Students were asked to imagine how the town looked in the past, present and future through art. You have a chance to vote on your favorite pieces through Friday from 10 to 4, Thursday until 7. The winning entries will be displayed at the sesquicentennial Kick-Off Picnic on Friday, May 10th and continue at the Art Center through May 18th. Visit the Art Center website at southhavenarts.org for more information.. ...Read Full Story

Kinexus is announcing more than $224,000 in grants secured to train 100 Certified Nursing Assistants by creating an apprenticeship program. The money is part of $1.3 million recently awarded by the federal government to the state’s Talent Investment Agency’s Workforce Development Agency. Kinexus Sector Strategy Coordinator Erin Sunlin tells WSJM News there will be a projected 19-hundred job openings in the Berrien-Cass-Van Buren county region between now and 2028.. ...Read Full Story

(Lansing, MI – AP) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is ordering a review of how Michigan auto insurers use non-driving factors to set rates and how they price policies in which medical coverage is coordinated with drivers’ health insurance. The Democratic governor made her directive to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services Wednesday. The move comes as Republican lawmakers prepare legislation designed to lower auto premiums that are the highest in the country.. ...Read Full Story

Lake Michigan College will bestow 505 degrees and certificates on 485 students at Sunday’s commencement at the Mendel Center Mainstage. The student speaker for the 72nd annual exercise will be Jenna Dolezan, a 2017 St. Joseph High School graduate and native of Benton Harbor who is receiving an Associate in Business Administration. She chose to go to LMC after her mother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer during her senior year of high school, saying she wanted to stay home for college. Dolezan is a first-generation college student and got involved immediately by joining the Student Senate in the second week of her freshman year. She will attend Grand Valley State University in the fall, seeking a bachelor’s degree in marketing with the goal of having a career in sports marketing management.. ...Read Full Story

A 42-year-old Dowagiac man is in the Cass County Jail after being arrested for allegedly breaking into a shed and stealing a motorcycle. Police say James File admitted he stole the bike and other items with the intent of selling them to fund his “severe” meth addiction. The incident happened overnight between March 26 and March 27, with the homeowner noticing the break-in just before 7 a.m. Everything that was taken has been recovered. Police spent the next month investigating, and arrested File Tuesday morning on North Lowe Street in Dowagiac. He’s being held on a $30,000 bond and is also facing charges for not appearing to be sentenced on a pair of larceny from vehicles charges from last fall.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police say the AMBER Alert for 16-year-old Calista Kay Rose of Kalamazoo County is over. The teen was found safe this morning, though no details have been released. The Galesburg teen had been reported missing Tuesday afternoon, and the AMBER Alert was issued around 1:30 am.. ...Read Full Story

The lineup is set for the next season of the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan Speaker Series. The season kicks off October 16 with retired US Air Force Colonel Nicole Malachowski, who was the first female Thunderbird pilot and also was a combat veteran, fighter squadron commander, and a White House Fellow and advisor. She will be followed on November 2 by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ann Coury. On December 2nd, Detroit Free Press columnist, author, and Detroit radio host Mitch Albom will come to Benton Harbor. After a few months off, former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will address the Econ Club on March 18, followed by National Geographic Live underwater photographer Brian Skerry, and the season wraps up on May 19 with the Fonz, actor Henry Winkler. The Young Professionals special presentation speaker will be Nic Sheff, the author of “Beautiful Boy,” who is also a recovering addict. All keynote presentations next season will be in the Mendel Center Mainstage, a change from past years when the address was given in the Grand Upton Hall.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police are looking for a 16-year-old Kalamazoo County girl missing since early Tuesday afternoon. They issued an AMBER Alert for Calista Kay Rose early this morning, saying she might be with 45-year-old Samuel Chrispens. Both are white, and he is believed to be driving a gray 2011 Chrysler four-door sedan with the Michigan licence plate 1MC-W51. Police have not said what the relationship is between the teen and the man. She was last seen in a black T-shirt and a pink winter coat. Anyone who spots her is urged to call 911.. ...Read Full Story

Testimony on a package of bills to update Michigan’s high school graduation requirements was taken by the state House Education Committee Tuesday, and on hand was state Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Today is busy making preparations for the seventh annual BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival. Set for Saturday, May 18, the event will feature headliner JD McPherson performing with his back to Lake Michigan starting at 6:50 p.m. at Whirlpool Centennial Park. St. Joe Today’s Daniele Crevier tells WSJM News McPherson isn’t the only performer. There will be a lineup of six beginning at 12:30.. ...Read Full Story

New legislation in the U.S. House and Senate is intended to help prevent a repeat of the Larry Nassar debacle at Michigan State University. At a Tuesday press conference, Congressman Fred Upton joined colleagues to announce the ALERT Act. The act would require university leaders to certify they have reviewed any reports of sexual abuses perpetrated by university employees each year. Upton said he’s found backing for the idea among local education leaders.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan will delay a key change in its evaluation system for teachers and schools administrators under legislation signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The laws enacted Tuesday will halt, at least for a year, a requirement that student growth and assessment data be given greater weight in educators’ year-end performance evaluations. Such information now accounts for 25% of an
evaluation but was scheduled to rise to 40% this academic year under a 2015 law. The change will now be delayed until the 2019-20 school year. The Democratic governor says test scores are “only one piece of the puzzle and not the whole story.” The legislation is supported by teachers unions, school districts and groups representing administrators. Legislators say Michigan’s main standardized test, the M-STEP, does not adequately measure students’ learning over time.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan’s attorney general says she’ll move to shut down an oil pipeline in the Great Lakes if the governor can’t find a “swift and straightforward” resolution. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer is open to allowing construction of tunnel beneath the lakebed to house a new segment of Line 5 in the channel where Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. But she has concerns her predecessor’s plan would keep the existing pipeline in the water too long. During her campaign, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel pledged to sue to close the pipeline – saying operator Enbridge has violated a state easement. Nessel released a statement Monday saying if Whitmer’s ongoing talks to resolve the contentious issue fail, she’ll use “every resource available to our office” to shut the pipeline to protect the lakes.. ...Read Full Story

Volunteers from Comcast will be taking part in a nationwide community service day this weekend. Saturday is the 18th annual Comcast Cares Day, and locally, Comcast spokesperson Greg Gomolka tells WSJM News they’ll be working at the Avenue Family Network in Benton Harbor.. ...Read Full Story