Local News Archives

From the Associated Press — The state’s Surplus Store in Lansing is opening for one day for walk-ins interested in computers, phones, cameras, jewelry and other items. Those items and other property like sporting goods, musical equipment and tools will be available from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Some items were seized by police, voluntarily surrendered at airports, or were surplus from public colleges and government agencies. Michigan’s Technology, Management & Budget department collects and makes the items available for purchase through the surplus store that normally operates only online.. ...Read Full Story

Five human trafficking victims have been identified and rescued by Michigan State Police and the Kalamazoo Area Human Trafficking Task Force. MSP says 20 people were targeted as potential victims during the weekend initiative in southwest Michigan. The investigation is ongoing to find and recover other potential victims. Police have not said where the five who were saved had been located, or if any arrests have yet been made.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven’s gas prices have fallen under the $2 per gallon mark according to GasBuddy. Triple A Michigan’s weekly survey of gas stations around the state finds the average has tumbled another 12¢ a gallon to $2.28, with the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area having the second-lowest average at $2.15 behind the $2.13 average for the Grand Rapids-Holland-Muskegon and Jackson markets. South Haven is not included in the auto club’s research. GasBuddy says the lowest price in the state as of Monday morning was $1.75 at three stations in Mason, just south of Lansing. The Triple A average is the lowest it’s been statewide since July 2017 and the average driver is now spending $13 less on each full-tank fill-up than when prices peaked for the year in May.. ...Read Full Story

Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses and some private nonprofits in several west Michigan counties are now eligible for low-interest economic injury disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The affected area includes Van Buren and Allegan counties, and comes as the result of a USDA disaster declaration for heavy rains that soaked the area from May 9 through June 4 of this year. The loan can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.5% for private nonprofit organizations and 3.61% for small businesses with terms up to 30 years. The SBA will determine eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity, and its financial resources. Applications are available online at disasterloan.sba.gov.. ...Read Full Story

Legislation backed by Congressman Fred Upton is designed to protect senior citizens from being impoverished due to medical problems. He tells WSJM News the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act would extend spousal protections for Medicaid beneficiaries receiving long-term care. Upton says pre-existing protections are currently set to expire.. ...Read Full Story

State Senator-elect Kim LaSata has been named to the Senate Committee on Committees for the 2019-2020 legislative term. LaSata is one of three freshman senators to be picked for the five-person panel, and this is her first committee assignment since being elected to the Michigan Senator for the 21st District this November. LaSata also served on the House Committee on Committees in her first year as a state representative during the 2017-2018 legislative term. The Committee on Committees is a temporary body that hands out committee assignments to lawmakers for the coming year. LaSata tells us she’s “humbled to have been chosen to serve in this important position,” and she thanked Majority Leader-elect Mike Shirkey for choosing her.. ...Read Full Story

A crash late Saturday night or early Sunday morning in Bloomingdale Township has claimed the life of a 30-year-old Plainwell man. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department was called just before 8:30 Sunday morning to the 12-thousand block of County Road 665 where they found the wreckage and the man still inside the car. Deputies say it appears he was wearing his seat belt, but went off the road and hit several trees while rolling the car. The vehicle was badly damaged, and investigators found a large debris field from the crash. The man’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

The blueberry crop in southwest Michigan has been weak this year. Michigan State University Extension fruit educator Mark Longstroth tells WSJM News growers are hurting.. ...Read Full Story

Two 16-year-olds from Berrien County are recovering after being hurt in a crash in the city of St. Joseph Saturday night. The driver hit a tree on Botham Avenue east of Thayer near First Church of God, with both needing to be freed by the Jaws of Life used by St. Joseph Public Safety and the Lincoln Township Fire Department. The two were taken a few blocks away to Spectrum Health Lakeland to be treated for their injuries, and are expected to recover. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the crash, but authorities don’t know yet what caused the 16-year-old to lose control.. ...Read Full Story

Now that winter is here, state Senator John Proos is reminding everyone of where they can turn for help if they have trouble staying on top of their heating bills. He tells us there is a simple first step to take.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A coalition of agencies and groups in the Great Lakes region has released a plan for developing solutions to problems caused by invasive mussels. The strategy is intended to guide investments, policies and research into zebra and quagga mussels. The mussels arrived in the lakes in the 1980s and have spread across much of the nation. They’ve done billions of dollars’ worth of damage by disrupting aquatic food webs, degrading fish habitat and clogging water intake pipes. Great Lakes Commission John Linc Stine says more effective tools are needed to eradicate the mussels. The strategy sets goals to guide development of methods to restore damaged
ecosystems. Members of the Invasive Mussel Collaborative include federal, state, provincial and tribal agencies as well as private stakeholder groups and research institutions.. ...Read Full Story

With the winter now here, the Berrien County Road Department is reminding everyone of rules they have to follow when it comes to shoveling. The department tells us every year it gets calls about people and snow removal businesses pushing snow across roadways. It is illegal to do so. The department says you may not remove or deposit snow across public roads or put snow in a place where it could block a driver’s line of sight. Snow deposited on road shoulders can freeze and damage plows. Everyone is reminded to be mindful of the state law.. ...Read Full Story

The village of Berrien Springs will kick-off the Christmas season this coming week with Kindle Your Christmas Spirit in Downtown Berrien Springs. On Thursday, the downtown streets will be closed from 6 to 9 p.m. to allow for browsing, live music, ice carving, horse-drawn carriages, and tram rides to and from the public library. There will also be a live nativity, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony with a hand bell choir, face painting, crafts, and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will oversee everything from the village hall. Everyone is welcome to come and take part in the festivities.. ...Read Full Story

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released its final plan to stop the Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes. It centers around the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois, and involves a specially-designed vessel channel, noisemakers, and a water-flushing lock to keep the invasive fish out of Lake Michigan. The total cost of the plan — $778 million, much more than the $275 million the Corps estimated in a draft from last year. After a public comment period, the Corps is expected to send the plan to Congress in February as it seeks the funding. You can see the Army Corps plan right here.. ...Read Full Story

A $150,000 donation from Lakeland Health Foundations will help to start up a new center in southwest Michigan for those suffering from a substance abuse problem. Lakeland Vice President of Quality Kendall Troyer tells WSJM News Carol’s Hope will help connect those who are struggling with existing services in the area.. ...Read Full Story

Congressman Fred Upton is pleased the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has set aside more than $32 million to start work on a new Soo Lock. The Soo Locks in the St. Marys River allow for shipping between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. Upton tells WSJM News the money announced this week gets things rolling.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The international ArtPrize competition has announced the schedule and advisory committee for a Michigan art event. Project 1 will be held from September 7 to October 27 next year in Grand Rapids. The event is the first in a series of citywide public art commissions that will be held in the years between biennial ArtPrize competitions. The event’s advisory committee includes museum representatives and independent curators. The group will work with ArtPrize Artistic Director Kevin Buist to invite artists from around the world to create installations for the event. Buist says Project 1 will feature expansive outdoor exhibits that are expected
to extend into various parts of the city. Officials will announce the project’s theme early next year. Project 1 will also feature musical performances, volunteer opportunities and education programs.. ...Read Full Story

Leaders at Southwestern Michigan College are working to make sure students understand SMC’s policy on marijuana now that Michigan voters have opted to decriminalize the substance. SMC President David Mathews tells WSJM News no marijuana is allowed on campus.. ...Read Full Story

Bangor residents are invited to the Railroad Cafe this Saturday, December 1 from noon to 2 p.m. for coffee and conversation with the Bangor Police Department. Coffee with a Cop is a mission to break down barriers between police officers and citizens by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and voice concerns with the officers of the city of Bangor. The event is sponsored by the Bangor Police Department and the Railroad Cafe.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan soybean farmers are feeling the effects of the trade war between the U.S. and China since China has not been buying their soybeans. An educator with Michigan State Extension in Isabella County, Paul Gross, told Michigan News Network sales to China have dropped 98% this year.. ...Read Full Story

By Doug Cunningham. ...Read Full Story

You can brew your own beer or even make your own wine at home but one lawmaker says marijuana is different. Michigan Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof has introduced legislation that would ban growing marijuana at home. He says people don’t make alcohol and serve it at unregulated bars, and so they shouldn’t be able to home grow marijuana. Josh Hovey, the spokesperson for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, is against the bill. He spoke with Michigan News Network.. ...Read Full Story

The annual Toys for Toys drive gets underway this weekend.. ...Read Full Story

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a farm death in Hartford on Friday. It tells us deputies were sent to Red Arrow Dairy on County Road 362 around 6:30 a.m. when a 35-year-old male worker was found unresponsive. Emergency life saving procedures were conducted by employees of the dairy and first responders, and the man was taken to Watervliet Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Deputies learned the worker, who was from Middleville, was subcontracted for a company out of Grand Rapids and was on site to conduct testing. He was found buried in corn silage, which is fermented high moisture food fed to the cattle. Police believe the victim was near the roughly 30 foot-high corn silage when some of it broke away and fell on to him. Officials from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration were contacted and are investigating. The victim’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

by Doug Cunningham. ...Read Full Story

The Grand Rapids-based Bissell Pet Foundation will hold its latest “Empty the Shelters” event on Saturday to encourage pet adoptions. 49 shelters in Michigan are among 81 across the country taking part, and they include South Haven’s Al-Van Humane Society and Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance in Allegan. Bri Olson of the Bissell Pet Foundation says animals can be taken home for just $20.. ...Read Full Story

The city of St. Joseph’s 2019 calendar will be delivered to homes and businesses this weekend. Earlier this month, the city commission approved having high school students deliver them. Mayor Mike Garey says the idea came from Commissioner Jeff Richards.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Bills designed to ease upgrades to 5G wireless systems in Michigan are heading toward Governor Rick Snyder’s desk. The Senate took a final procedural step Thursday, a day after the legislation was passed by the House. The bills would create streamlined regulations, including fees, to install a dense network of smaller, lower-powered cells on telephone poles and other infrastructure in public rights of way. They are backed by wireless providers but opposed by municipalities who say they interfere with their right to recover costs. Other opponents worry about the health effects of the technology. 5G systems are the fifth generation of wireless technology. AT&T Michigan President David Lewis says installing small cells will enable faster wireless internet speeds and provide more capacity for things like streaming music or videos.. ...Read Full Story

With World AIDS Day this Saturday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging everyone to “Know Your Status,” and get tested. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells us between 2013 and 2017, there was an average of 762 new HIV cases diagnosed per year in the state.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A bill moving forward in Michigan’s Legislature is designed to keep secret the identity of donors who give money to nonprofit groups, including organizations involved in elections. Such groups running issue ads already do not have to disclose their donors. But the legislation , approved 25-12 by the Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday, would prohibit public agencies from trying to force disclosure or from releasing personal information without permission. The proposed law would not preclude a lawful warrant being used to obtain information. Democratic Attorney General-elect Dana Nessel has criticized the bill, saying it would hurt her ability to investigate fraudulent charities and calling it a “ham-handed effort to shield dark money.”. ...Read Full Story

An effort is getting underway to build a new home for Hartford Public Library. Library Director Stephanie Daniels tells WSJM News they’re waiting for the paperwork to clear on the acquisition of the old Red Arrow Elementary School, which sits vacant on East Street. The plan is to tear it down to make way for a new library.. ...Read Full Story

This is the time of year when people use electric space heaters to help heat their homes. Fire officials says electric space heaters are safe, but only if you use them properly. South Haven Area Emergency Services Chief Ron Wise has some thoughts on safe space heater usage.. ...Read Full Story

A plan to make improvements along the Kalamazoo River in Allegan and Kalamazoo counties could soon come to fruition. State Representative Mary Whiteford tells us she’s meeting Friday with the Outdoor Discovery Center to get information on its master plan for the Kalamazoo River Greenway. It focuses on recreation, conservation, and education. Whiteford says there are many ways the greenway could be improved.. ...Read Full Story

Legislation backed by Congressman Fred Upton is designed to protect senior citizens from being impoverished due to medical problems. He tells WSJM News the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act would extend spousal protections for Medicaid beneficiaries receiving long-term care. Upton says pre-existing protections are currently set to expire.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A judge has turned aside a legal challenge aimed at trying to keep a prison open in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. State law requires the Corrections Department to consider the economic impact on a community when planning to close a prison. Marenisco Township in Gogebic County claims the department didn’t follow the law. But Judge Stephen Borrello says the lawsuit doesn’t offer any additional details. He says the department simply had to consider the economic impact of closing the Ojibway prison. The judge says there’s nothing in law that would force the department to change its decision. The Snyder administration acknowledges that the economic impact will be significant. The prison has 203 employees, including some who live in Wisconsin. Ojibway is expected to close by Saturday.. ...Read Full Story

A $150,000 donation from Lakeland Health Foundations will help to start up a new center in southwest Michigan to help those suffering from a substance abuse problem. Lakeland Vice President of Quality Kendall Troyer tells WSJM News Carol’s Hope will help connect those who are struggling with existing services in the area.. ...Read Full Story

The blueberry crop in southwest Michigan has been weak this year. Michigan State University Extension fruit educator Mark Longstroth tells WSJM News growers are hurting.. ...Read Full Story

The days of paying a 10¢ deposit on all your carbonated beverage bottles and cans will be over if legislation proposed by a Detroit-area Republican gets passed in the lame duck session. Representative Joe Bellino of Monroe says the deposit isn’t helping the state’s overall recycling numbers.. ...Read Full Story

The push for new rules in the U.S House continues. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the Problem Solvers group appears to be gaining momentum with so many new members having been elected this month. The Problem Solvers want the new House Speaker to ensure amendments or bills supported by a certain number of representatives are guaranteed consideration.. ...Read Full Story

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released its final plan to stop the Asian carp from getting into the Great Lakes. It centers around the Brandon Road Lock and Dam near Joliet, Illinois, and involves a specially-designed vessel channel, noisemakers, and a water-flushing lock to keep the invasive fish out of Lake Michigan. The total cost of the plan — $778 million, much more than the $275 million the Corps estimated in a draft from last year. After a public comment period, the Corps is expected to send the plan to Congress in February as it seeks the funding. You can see the Army Corps plan right here.. ...Read Full Story

Leaders at Southwestern Michigan College are working to make sure students understand SMC’s policy on marijuana now that Michigan voters have opted to decriminalize the substance. SMC President David Mathews tells WSJM News no marijuana is allowed on campus.. ...Read Full Story

State Representative Mary Whiteford of Casco Township has been named to the Michigan House Committee on Committees. That’s a body that decides which lawmakers get assigned to which legislative committees when the new term begins in January. Whiteford tells us the body’s got its work cut out for it.. ...Read Full Story

With snow now on the ground in southwest Michigan, the Berrien County Road Department is reminding everyone of rules they have to follow when it comes to shoveling. The department tells us every year it gets calls about people and snow removal businesses pushing snow across roadways. It is illegal to do so. The department says you may not remove or deposit snow across public roads or put snow in a place where it could block a driver’s line of sight. Snow deposited on road shoulders can freeze and damage plows. Everyone is reminded to be mindful of the state law.. ...Read Full Story

Congressman Fred Upton is pleased the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has set aside more than $32 million to start work on a new Soo Lock. The Soo Locks in the St. Marys River allow for shipping between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. Upton tells WSJM News the money announced Monday gets things rolling.. ...Read Full Story

By Doug Cunningham. ...Read Full Story

There will be intermittent traffic closures on I-196 and Blue Star Highway Wednesday morning between 8 and 11 near the Palisades power plant. The International Transmission Company, or ITC, will be installing a new transmission line in that area and there will be 15 minute traffic stoppages in both directions on I-196 and Blue Star Highway as the line is installed. A spokesperson for ITC stated traffic flow should resume to normal around 11 Wednesday morning.. ...Read Full Story

As many have lined up in opposition to build a tunnel for Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac, the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council supports the tunnel, saying it would create 600 to 1,000 jobs. Council secretary-treasurer Pat Devlin spoke with Michigan News Network.. ...Read Full Story

More than 500 Christmas trees for soldiers on U.S. military bases have been shipped out from Wahmhoff Farms Nursery in Gobles as part of the Trees for Troops campaign this year. The farm’s Betsy Perales tells WSJM News volunteers loaded up the trees Monday.. ...Read Full Story

It’s nine months of probation for the former Benton Harbor Charter School Academy teacher who threw a chair in class this fall, injuring a student. The “Herald-Palladium” reports 49-year-old Thomas Barnes of St. Joseph pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor assault charge and apologized for losing his cool in the classroom. The chair hit 11-year-old Antownisha Johnson in the head, which gave the girl a mild concussion. Barnes was fired for the incident, but he’s not the only one facing legal issues as a result. Principal Timothy Harris and assistant principal Ashley Smith, both of Benton Harbor, are facing misdemeanor charges for failing to report child abuse. They’re accused of not contacting Child Protective Services in a timely manner.. ...Read Full Story

By Doug Cunningham. ...Read Full Story

Buchanan residents want to be part of the discussion about whether or not the city should allow recreational marijuana sales and production with the decriminalization of the drug taking effect statewide next Thursday. The city commission pulled an opt-out ordinance last night after residents spoke up to say they felt their voices weren’t being heard on both sides of the issue. City Manager Bill Marx talked to our partners at WNDU NewsCenter 16, cautioning people interested in setting up shop in town to hold off for now.. ...Read Full Story

This weekend brings the annual Hometown Christmas celebration in Watervliet. Chair Deah Muth tells WSJM News the fun kicks off Saturday afternoon.. ...Read Full Story

The city of St. Joseph will have a new ordinance next Thursday banning any businesses from opening up to sell, manufacture, or transport recreational marijuana now that Proposal 1 will be in place the same day. Mayor Pro Tem Laura Goos says the city commission passed the ordinance opting out as a precaution to wait for the state to implement the laws and rules governing the drug.. ...Read Full Story

State Representative-elect Pauline Wendzel has received her first committee assignment in the Michigan House. She will serve on the House Committee on Committees for the 2019-2020 legislative term. The Committee on Committees chooses chairs and members of the standing Michigan House committees. Wendzel was just elected to the state House in the 79th District this month. She’s replacing state Representative Kim LaSata, who has moved up to the Michigan Senate. In regards to her commmittee assignment, Wendzel says it’s “truly an honor to have been chosen as one of the few first-term legislators to receive this privilege.”. ...Read Full Story

Drivers that take I-196 in the South Haven area probably have noticed that the Michigan Department of Transportation has put up signs indicating traffic will be stopped near the Palisades nuclear plant Wednesday morning from 8 to 11. There has been some electrical power line work near Palisades and, after checking with Entergy/Palisades, they said it’s not related to what they are doing. A company named ITC owns the switchyard and did inspections of transmission towers and lines in our area this past September. Plan to take another route if traveling on I-196 north or south near the Palisades Power Plant on Wednesday morning.. ...Read Full Story

Now that winter is here, state Senator John Proos is reminding everyone of where they can turn for help if they have trouble staying on top of their heating bills. He tells us there is a simple first step to take.. ...Read Full Story

The American Red Cross in the Great Lakes region says it has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors as the holiday season continues. Those donations often decline around the holidays as regular donors are busy and travel is more difficult. Everyone is asked to give now before the blood supply runs low. Those who do donate through December 19 will get a $5 Amazon gift card. You can make an appointment to donate blood with the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.. ...Read Full Story

The potential closure of five plants, including two in Michigan, are part of a restructuring announcement by General Motors. The plants impacted include the Hamtramck Assembly Plant in Detroit and Warren Transmissions Operations in Warren. Kristen Dzichzek with the Center for Automotive Research told Michigan News Network  the workers in those plants will have other job opportunities.. ...Read Full Story