Local News Archives

From the Associated Press — In the capital of the U.S. auto industry, drivers have been slow to accept that more Americans are choosing bicycles over cars for commuting or for fun and exercise. Now Michigan is trying to make up for lost time by passing some of the nation’s strictest bike-safety regulations, including tough penalties on distracted drivers. While other states adopted bike-friendly safety laws in
recent years, Michigan steered clear of the trend and watched as more riders got killed by cars. If the proposals become law, Michigan cyclists would gain additional legal protections and motorists would have to wait for 5 feet of clearance before passing a bike – a wider berth than all but one other state. Cyclists say it is time for the state with the Motor City to change.. ...Read Full Story

Looking back on 2017, state Representative Kim LaSata can identify several things accomplished by the Michigan Legislature. She tells WSJM News a big one from last year is a reform plan for teacher pensions.. ...Read Full Story

The Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter is closed to the public due to a disease outbreak. Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Jim Charon tells WSJM News they’ve detected Parvo at the shelter in Hartford.. ...Read Full Story

If you’re looking for an after school program for your daughter, one option is Girls on the Run. The southwest Michigan program is now taking registrations for its 2018 program. Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan Director Julie Boss tells us girls between the third and eighth grades can sign up to learn life skills and self-esteem, leading up to a 5K run in the spring.. ...Read Full Story

The cold weather isn’t leaving us anytime soon. WNDU Meteorologist Mike Hoffman tells us you can expect to be freezing for the next two weeks. He tells WSJM News we may have reached some record lows in the last week. The coldest point was Monday night into Tuesday morning. Hoffman notes South Bend did get colder than Berrien County.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan lawmakers will have several time-sensitive issues to address when they are back in session this new year. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley identified spoke with Michigan News Network about 2018 and identified two priorities.. ...Read Full Story

Southwest Michigan’s first baby of the year is Lillian Helton, born at Lakeland Hospital in Niles yesterday. According to Lakeland, she was born at 4:46 a.m. to Ciara Lamb and James Helton of Union. The little girl was eight pounds, eight ounces and 21 inches long. The Lakeland Auxiliary provided the family with a gift basket of baby items with a value of $100, as is their tradition. In the last fiscal year, 1,630 babies were born at Lakeland hospitals in St. Joseph and Niles.. ...Read Full Story

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph has launched a crowdfunding campaign as it aims to replace the museum’s HVAC system. Heritage Director Elizabeth Andrews tells WSJM News the aging system caused flooding that was discovered on December 11, prompting the shutdown of the attraction.. ...Read Full Story

Southwest Michigan lawmakers are looking forward to what they hope will be a busy 2018. WSJM News caught up with several of them and learned auto insurance reform remains a priority. State Representative Dave Pagel of Berrien Springs told us more.. ...Read Full Story

Child care workers will need to pass criminal background checks and day care facilities will see increased inspections under legislation signed by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley last week week. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News the new laws qualify Michigan to continue receiving $4 million in federal funding.. ...Read Full Story

How did Michigan’s economy fare in 2017 and what’s expected going forward in 2018? Michigan’s economy had a solid 2017 and the head of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is optimistic for 2018. MEDC CEO Jeff Mason spoke with Michigan News Network about his expectations.. ...Read Full Story

2017 was a busy year for state Representative Dave Pagel. He tells WSJM News he looks back at the year and regards a failed House vote to eliminate the Michigan income tax as a significant moment. Pagel was one of the handful of Republicans who shot that idea down.. ...Read Full Story

The new president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society is a fruit grower from Eau Claire. Monica Teichman of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has been selected to lead the horticulture society for 2018. Michigan State Horticultural Society Secretary Ben Smith tells WSJM News the group supports the fruit industry in the state.. ...Read Full Story

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley this week signed legislation designed to fight the opioid epidemic in Michigan. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News one of the bills Calley signed Wednesday was her plan to have the Michigan Department of Education create an opioid curriculum for health classes in the state’s schools.. ...Read Full Story

The Michigan Department of Transportation is pointing to a recent bridge project in St. Clair County as an example of how the agency could team up with local agencies and others to make road projects more efficient in the future. MDOT spokesperson Jocelyn Hall tells WSJM News the state agency helped the St. Clair County Road Commission find a new high-performance concrete project to use for joints on one of its bridges. The new concrete was produced by the University of Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

Westbound I-94 is back open in Van Buren County between Decatur and Paw Paw. The highway had been shut down for a few hours Sunday afternoon due to a massive pileup involving as many as 50 vehicles. MDOT tells WSJM News the road reopened around 3:30 p.m.. ...Read Full Story

Westbound I-94 is closed in Van Buren County between exit 56 (Decatur/Dowagiac) and exit 60 (Paw Paw). Police have shut down the highway due to a massive pileup involving as many as 50 vehicles this afternoon. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department has activated its emergency operations center, and buses are being used by the Red Cross to help get stranded drivers out of the area. There are injuries reported, but there have not been any deaths as yet from the crash. Police are advising people who need to head west through that area to go Red Arrow Highway.. ...Read Full Story

2017 was a busy year for Michigan lawmakers, and each is now reflecting on what they feel were the biggest accomplishments. State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton tells WSJM News she is disappointed the Michigan House didn’t get auto insurance reform approved. Still, she’s hoping for something on that front in 2018, perhaps in the Senate. ...Read Full Story

Due to a shortage of skilled trades workers, the number of new homes being built in 2018 is only expected to increase by 1%. Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, spoke with Michigan News Network about the state of the industry.. ...Read Full Story

Lots of snow has meant some pretty good business for some Berrien County parks this week. Love Creek County Park Manager Kip Miller tells us the cross-country skiing action at Love Creek is quite popular this time of year.. ...Read Full Story

All of the state lawmakers who represent southwest Michigan get a gold star for perfect attendance in 2017. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has released its latest tally of missed votes for Michigan lawmakers, and the seven lawmakers who represent either Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties all missed zero votes this year. The Mackinac Center’s Jack McHugh tells WSJM News the group started watching lawmaker attendance in 2003.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is sending out a message to all property owners. He says you can’t pay next year’s property taxes right now in order to get a deduction that’s about to go away. Witkowski tells WSJM News his office and others have been hearing from folks trying to pay their taxes early. It has to do with a new cap of $10,000 on property tax deductions soon to take effect.. ...Read Full Story

AAA of Michigan has seen a 157% increase in calls for roadside assistance this past week with single digit or near-single digit temperatures around the state. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News your car needs extra care when it’s this cold.. ...Read Full Story

With this week’s dangerously cold weather, health experts are reminding everyone how avoid needing to make a trip to the emergency room. Lakeland Emergency Department Nurse Manager Kathy Effa tells WSJM News they do see a spike in visits when it’s this cold. One major cause is frostbite. Bundle up to avoid it.. ...Read Full Story

If you’ve got a pet, animal experts say you need to be extra aware of its safety in the kind of cold weather we’ve had this week. Berrien County Animal Control Director Tiffany Peterson tells WSJM News your dog should not be left outside, especially if it’s not used to the cold.. ...Read Full Story

2017 has been a busy year for Michigan lawmakers, and state Senator John Proos says much of the work has positioned the state for a successful future. Proos tells WSJM News a big focus this year has been the budget and reducing long-term liabilities, sometimes in the form of pensions.. ...Read Full Story

If you’re felling generous now that the holidays are over, the Michigan Department of Treasury is recommending you consider the gift of a college education for a young person just coming out of the foster system. Michigan Education Trust Executive Director Robin Lott tells WSJM News the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund provides scholarships for in-state colleges and universities to foster kids who are aging out. It’s been helping foster youths since 2012.. ...Read Full Story

The following statement has been issued by the National Weather Service:. ...Read Full Story

Travel has been difficult in southwest Michigan with plenty of slide offs and jack-knifed semis to talk about along the highway. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News road salt won’t work when it’s this cold.. ...Read Full Story

With frigid temperatures this week, homeowners have a few extra things they need to do to protect their properties. James Oleson with Home Comfort Experts in Mishawaka tells WSJM News freezing water lines are always something to fear. They’re easy to spot.. ...Read Full Story

Be careful this New Year’s Eve. That’s the message from Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey. He tells everyone to never drive drunk. Bailey told WSJM News there are many ways to keep yourself from doing so.. ...Read Full Story

While President Donald Trump dominated the headlines in 2017, one media expert says he crowded out other important stories, namely coverage of climate change. Lisa Hymas with Media Matters tells us covering climate change can be hard for journalists because it’s a relatively slow-moving phenomenon and often feels like a faraway threat.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County 4H program has held its annual Member and Leader Recognition Program, honoring individuals who have worked with the 4H recently and for the long-term. At the banquet last month, Janice Gruss of Benton Harbor and Robert Lausch of St. Joseph were named the 2017 Berrien County Outstanding 4-H Leaders. 4H tells us Gruss has been a leader in the Countrysiders 4H Club for 18 years, educating young people in projects that include the arts and crafts, clowning, leathercraft, and cake decorating. Lausch has been a 4H leader for more 20 years working with youth in woodworking.. ...Read Full Story

Police are reminding southwest Michigan residents how to be safe on ice this winter. Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott tells WSJM News ice has to be five inches thick to hold the weight of a person and eight inches thick for a snowmobile or ATV. He also notes you can now buy low-profile flotation vests you can wear under or over your coat when out on the ice.. ...Read Full Story

Next year, Michigan’s gubernatorial election will have the nation watching. That’s according to Republican candidate and Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. Michigan News Network asked him this week if he would welcome an endorsement from President Donald Trump.. ...Read Full Story

The Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph will be closing down its Discovery Zone this month for some renovations. The museum tells us the Discovery Zone located in the Silver Beach Center on Broad Street will be closed to refinish the floors from January 8 through January 21. During that time, all Discovery Zone memberships will be honored at Curious Kids Museum. Additionally, the Silver Beach Carousel will be closed during the same period for carousel maintenance. Anyone with questions can call the Curious Kids Museum at 983-2543.. ...Read Full Story

Child care workers will need to pass criminal background checks and day care facilities will see increased inspections under legislation signed by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley this week. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News the new laws qualify Michigan to continue receiving $4 million in federal funding.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Authorities say perhaps 20 vehicles were involved in a pileup that closed a section of a southwestern Michigan highway as fresh snowfall snarled travel in much of the state. The Friday afternoon pileup on U.S. 31 near Muskegon included several sliding into each other and others going off the roadway. Information about the extent of any injuries wasn’t immediately available.
Semitrailer crashes on Friday temporarily closed U.S. 131 in both directions between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings issued for areas in the Upper Peninsula, where up to 15 inches of lake effect snow is possible. The weather service says Muskegon had more than 9 inches of fresh snow on Friday. Up to 6 inches of more snow was forecast for southwestern Michigan. There have also been several crashes on I-94 around berrien and Van Buren counties.. ...Read Full Story

The number of police officers killed in the line of duty took a drastic dip across the nation this year, and also right here in Michigan. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Craig Floyd told Michigan News Network four officers were killed on the job here in Michigan in 2017. That’s nearly half the seven who died last year. Nationwide, 128 officers were killed in the line of duty, down 10% over last year and lowest number since 2013.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A demolition company is facing a $101,000 state fine for safety violations found after a worker was killed at a western Michigan arena. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration found five violations by Grand Rapids-based X-Treme Demolition Inc. related to the August 1 collapse at the Holland Civic Center which killed 38-year-old Ruben Gomez-Vazques of Grand Rapids and injured another worker. The Holland Sentinel and Mlive.com reported Thursday the contractor was cited Nov. 28 for violations including improper fall protection and not having the floor supported. Authorities say the workers were using a sledgehammer and jackhammer to remove concrete stairs when the floor collapsed from underneath them. Gomez-Vazques was trapped under concrete debris and died at the scene.Officials from X-Treme Demolition didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.. ...Read Full Story

All of the state lawmakers who represent southwest Michigan get a gold star for perfect attendance in 2017. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has released its latest tally of missed votes for Michigan lawmakers, and the seven lawmakers who represent either Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties all missed zero votes this year. The Mackinac Center’s Jack McHugh tells WSJM News the group started watching lawmaker attendance in 2003.. ...Read Full Story

The new president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society is a fruit grower from Eau Claire. Monica Teichman of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has been selected to lead the horticulture society for 2018. Michigan State Horticultural Society Secretary Ben Smith tells WSJM News the group supports the fruit industry in the state.. ...Read Full Story

2017 was a busy year for state Representative Dave Pagel. He tells WSJM News he looks back at the year and regards a failed House vote to eliminate the Michigan income tax as a significant moment. Pagel was one of the handful of Republicans who shot that idea down.. ...Read Full Story

With this week’s dangerously cold weather, health experts are reminding everyone how avoid needing to make a trip to the emergency room. Lakeland Emergency Department Nurse Manager Kathy Effa tells WSJM News they do see a spike in visits when it’s this cold. One major cause is frostbite. Bundle up to avoid it.. ...Read Full Story

The National Weather Service has issued the following notice for this evening:. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is sending out a message to all property owners. He says you can’t pay next year’s property taxes right now in order to get a deduction that’s about to go away. Witkowski tells WSJM News his office and others have been hearing from folks trying to pay their taxes early. It has to do with a new cap of $10,000 on property tax deductions soon to take effect.. ...Read Full Story

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph has launched a crowdfunding campaign as it aims to replace the museum’s HVAC system. Heritage Director Elizabeth Andrews tells WSJM News the aging system caused flooding that was discovered on December 11, prompting the shutdown of the attraction.. ...Read Full Story

The roads have been lousy so far this week in southwest Michigan with plenty of slide offs and jack-knifed semis to talk about along the highway. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News road salt won’t work when it’s this cold.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan regulators are ordering 13 utilities to study the impact of new federal tax cuts and how savings will be passed along to consumers through lower electric and gas bills. The order was issued Wednesday during a special meeting called by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Utilities have until Jan. 19 to file comments with the state on how they propose to return savings to customers. Commissioner Rachael Eubanks says utilities will likely see a “significant” reduction in federal taxes, and their response to the state will “provide broader input regarding the appropriate avenue for how to extend benefits to customers.” Commissioners want the savings calculated from the effective date of the federal law, which is next Monday.. ...Read Full Story

Two people from Union are recovering at Elkhart General Hospital in Indiana after a snowmobile crash in Cass County’s Porter Township. The sheriff’s department says 42-year-old Eric Black was in a field east of M-217 when he lost control and was thrown off the sled, suffering leg injuries. 18-year-old Kyia Black was his passenger and also suffered a possible wrist injury according to police. The crash happened about 8:15 last night, and investigators say alcohol and drugs were not factors. Exactly what caused the crash hasn’t been determined.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — DTE Energy Co. is sending about 80 workers to Puerto Rico to help restore power after Hurricane Maria.
The Detroit-based utility sent its trucks Tuesday to Norfolk, Virginia, where they will be loaded onto a barge for shipment to the U.S. island. The overall crew consists of about 50 linemen and 30 additional people, including mechanics, damage assessors and engineers. Many areas of the island still lack power more than three months after the hurricane. Maria destroyed the island’s electrical grid. Roughly half of its 3.3
million people remain without power. DTE is one of 18 U.S. energy companies assisting Puerto Rico as part of a mutual aid agreement.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says full electricity likely won’t be returned to the island until May.. ...Read Full Story

Lots of snow has meant some pretty good business for some Berrien County parks this week. Love Creek County Park Manager Kip Miller tells us the cross-country skiing action at Love Creek is quite popular this time of year.. ...Read Full Story

2017 has been a busy year for Michigan lawmakers, and state Senator John Proos says much of the work has positioned the state for a successful future. Proos tells WSJM News a big focus this year has been the budget and reducing long-term liabilities, sometimes in the form of pensions.. ...Read Full Story

If you’ve got a pet, animal experts say you need to be extra aware of its safety in this cold weather. Berrien County Animal Control Director Tiffany Peterson tells WSJM News your dog should not be left outside, especially if it’s not used to the cold.. ...Read Full Story

The Michigan Department of Transportation is pointing to a recent bridge project in St. Clair County as an example of how the agency could team up with local agencies and others to make road projects more efficient in the future. MDOT spokesperson Jocelyn Hall tells WSJM News the state agency helped the St. Clair County Road Commission find a new high-performance concrete project to use for joints on one of its bridges. The new concrete was produced by the University of Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

AAA of Michigan has seen a 157% increase in calls for roadside assistance this past week with single digit or near-single digit temperatures around the state. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News your car needs extra care when it’s this cold.. ...Read Full Story

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley has signed legislation designed to fight the opioid epidemic in Michigan. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News one of the bills Calley signed Wednesday was her plan to have the Michigan Department of Education create an opioid curriculum for health classes in the state’s schools.. ...Read Full Story

Due to a shortage of skilled trades workers, the number of new homes being built in 2018 is only expected to increase by 1%. Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, spoke with Michigan News Network about the state of the industry.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers are working on a bill to allow out-of-town veterans to buy drinks at clubs run by the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion. Under current law, veterans from out of town must rely on the generosity of
others if they want a drink. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission says drinks can only be sold directly to local members at clubs, although the restriction isn’t always followed. Chuck Teller, commander at Port Huron’s American Legion Post 8, says he’d welcome a change to what he considers an “ancient law.” Senate Bill 662 says members of affiliated clubs could stop in and buy a cold one. The bill would also apply to Elks, Moose and Eagles clubs. The Liquor Control Commission supports the bill.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan’s high court is expected to weigh in sometime in 2018 on whether school districts can ban anyone not in law enforcement from carrying guns onto school grounds. The Detroit News reports that the Michigan Supreme Court has invited sides in a disputed lower-court decision to file written arguments. Oral arguments are expected in coming months, though a hearing date hasn’t been set. The legal battle stems from a 2016 appellate court ruling that public schools can ban guns from their premises. It rejected a challenge by gun rights groups and parents who are licensed to carry firearms. The gun rights advocates say the court was wrong to find the Ann Arbor and Clio districts aren’t in conflict with state law that prohibits local governments from regulating gun possession.. ...Read Full Story