The Kent County Sheriff’s Department is investigating what has the looks of a triple-murder-suicide that has left 3 young children and an adult woman dead in a home near Cedar Springs in northern Kent County. Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young says it’s believed the children were killed somewhere else and then taken to a home on 19 Mile Road, where the woman took her own life.. ...Read Full Story
President Trump has triggered bipartisan opposition in Congress by attempting to bypass lawmakers to fund his border wall. Congressmen Fred Upton and Dan Kildee both say that only Congress can spend money. Upton says to look for Congress to possibly try to block the order.. ...Read Full Story
No recreational marijuana businesses will be allowed in the city of South Haven for at least six months following the adoption of a placeholder ordinance. The ordinance gives the Planning Commission six months to work out local regulations, and Mayor Scott Smith says they want a full study on the who, what, and where of weed businesses. He talked to our newsroom about what would have happened had the city council not hit the brakes on the issue Monday.. ...Read Full Story
The South Haven Performance Series has announced its 2019 lineup. The series began in 2010 as a way to bring quality music to the residents of South Haven, and it’s all non-profit and volunteer-based. The series will kick off this year on June 28 with the Chicago-based Lincoln Trio, a Grammy-nominated chamber ensemble. On July 26, they’ll welcome the Alliance Brass from Chicago, followed by opera singer Meredith Arwady on August 30. October 4 will bring the Lang Lang International Music Foundation Young Scholars to the community, and the South Bend Chamber Singers will perform a holiday concert on December 17. The venues vary from engagement to engagement. You can find out more at SouthHavenPerformanceSeries.org.. ...Read Full Story
A new series of forums intended to spread awareness about the southwest Michigan transgender community and related issues will begin this week at Lake Michigan College. The OutCenter in Benton Harbor tells us “Southwest Michigan VOICES: Real Stories of Transgender Life” will explore things like coming out to friends and family, public acceptance, what religion says, and wellness services. Thursday’s forum will feature teacher and scholar Jamie Wagman from St. Mary’s College in South Bend. The topic will be a transgender oral history project. Those who attend are welcome to take part in the discussions. The forum will be Thursday in room B-309 at Lake Michigan College in Benton Township from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Anyone with questions can contact the OutCenter in Benton Harbor.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers are considering whether to cut schools some slack after frigid temperatures and other weather caused a high number of snow days. State law forgives schools from making up six days that have been canceled, and schools can get a waiver for three additional days. Some legislators from both parties say the wintry weather has been so extreme that the law should be
loosened. Many districts have already reached or exceeded nine snow days. Some are up to 15 or 16. Newly introduced legislation would exclude days that are canceled during state-declared emergencies from counting as snow days. If enacted, the five-day period from January 28 through February 1 – when an arctic deep freeze shut down many normal activities, including school – would be forgiven statewide.. ...Read Full Story
Former Michigan State University basketball player Anthony Ianni will make a stop in St. Joseph Tuesday as part of his anti-bullying Relentless tour. Started by Ianni in 2013, Relentless is intended to raise awareness of autism and the problem of bullying. Ianna tells WSJM News he wants young people to be inspired.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A Florida-based company may build a $30 million commercial eel farm in Michigan. The Lansing State Journal reports that Aqua Vida Aquaculture is considering land in an industrial park in St. Johns, near Lansing. The facility would occupy
up to 2 acres and could create about 25 jobs. Company founder Kit Munday says the facility would raise African longfin eel and American eel. He says the fish are a source of “high quality protein” and are often grilled, stewed or roasted. Stephen Hussey is the aquaculture and poultry program manager for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. He says the facility would be the state’s first commercial farm that raises eel for food. Hussey says the company must acquire an aquaculture research permit to move forward.. ...Read Full Story
Gas prices have made a huge jump around the area to $2.55 a gallon. GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan put out the warning about the unexpected increase late this morning, and prices started moving higher a short time later. Triple A Michigan had put the statewide average at $2.37 before the jump, which was an 8¢ increase from a week ago. Crude oil prices have hit three-month highs. The increase is a 20¢ jump in pump prices in the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor area since this morning. The national average as of this morning according to AAA was $2.31 a gallon.. ...Read Full Story
Charges are pending against several teenagers accused of stealing a car outside the Northside Liquor store in Dowagiac. A woman told police she left the car running while she went inside to make a purchase, and when she came out a few minutes later, it was gone. A Cass County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the car about five miles away a few minutes later and pulled it over after a short chase near the intersection of M-51 North and Elm Street. Two 17-year-old boys from Benton Harbor were sent to the Cass County Jail on charges of receiving and concealing a stolen car and the 15-year-old from Dowagiac who was driving was also arrested. Two other juveniles were released to their parents. The car wasn’t damaged and was given back to the victim.. ...Read Full Story
