The KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship is back in Benton Harbor for the fourth time. Ryan Ogle is the tournament director and tells us there is a lot to do this week in and around Harbor Shores.. ...Read Full Story
Former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon will testify before a congressional panel that oversees the health and safety of USA Gymnastics and college athletes. A specific date for the testimony before the U.S. Senate’s subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security hasn’t been scheduled. Those on the committee say hearing from Simon and others are imperative to an investigation into abuse in amateur sports. Simon stepped down as president in late January as she received criticism for the handling of the Larry Nassar scandal.. ...Read Full Story
Triple-A Michigan is estimating 1.3 million of us in the state will travel for Memorial Day this weekend, the highest number in years. To go along with your travel plans are the state’s highest gas prices for the holiday in several years as well. AAA says the statewide average is exactly $3 a gallon, up 7¢ from last Monday. We hit the $3 mark toward the end of last week. Traverse City has the state’s lowest prices at $2.95, while the most expensive gas is being sold in Ann Arbor at $3.05. The average in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph is $3, up 15¢ a gallon from last week. GasBuddy says South Haven’s prices, which aren’t included in the Triple-A survey, are as low as $2.83 this morning.. ...Read Full Story
The field of candidates in the running for the Republican nomination in the Michigan House in the 79th District includes a Watervliet woman with a long family family history in Bainbridge Township. Pauline Wendzel tells WSJM News she’s jumped into the race to replace state Representative Kim LaSata because she wants to promote conservative values and pursue growth. One priority is infrastructure.. ...Read Full Story
The owners of an apartment complex in Buchanan have received a check for more than $243,000 from Indiana Michigan Power for making improvements to their facility to save energy. Jason Muniz with Hollander Development Corporation tells WSJM News the company spent about $7 million to upgrade the units at Metea Court Apartments, a 100-unit community for low-income seniors.. ...Read Full Story
St. Joseph City Commissioners are making their commitment to sustainability official. At this week’s meeting, the commission approved a resolution to pursue bronze certification from Michigan Green Communities. Commissioner Peggy Getty tells WSJM News she and Commissioner Laura Goos looked into it and realized the city was already doing many of the things to get bronze status.. ...Read Full Story
In a sign of the summer, the safety flags are now flying at beaches in South Haven. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us it monitors lake conditions as reported by the National Weather Service. Beach warning flags are placed at the city’s seven public beaches every day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and are changed throughout the day as lake conditions change. The flags are either green, yellow, or red based on the conditions. A numbering system for the beach flag poles and pier safety boxes has also been developed to assist during a time of emergency as a point of reference. Anyone thinking of going in the water is advised to check the flags first. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story
28 Walgreens stores will be part of an expansion into Michigan to provide drug kiosks so customers can get rid of unwanted medications. Spokesman Phil Caruso says millions of pounds of unused drugs have already been collected in the past two years, and there have been no problems with people trying to steal the drugs.. ...Read Full Story
This is the time of year when infections of Lyme disease increase, and the hazard is a particular concern here in southwest Michigan, Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News Berrien County has a much higher rate of Lyme disease infections than the rest of state. We’ve got the terrain that ticks love.. ...Read Full Story
With more than 50 fire deaths in Michigan so far this year, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer has announced a statewide community risk reduction initiative. He spoke with Michigan News Network about who is the most at risk.. ...Read Full Story
The water level at the Berrien Springs Hydroelectric Dam will be coming down later this month for maintenance. Indiana Michigan Power plans to draw down the level of the water by three-and-a-half feet at a rate of six-inches a day. That will start on May 29 and will affect a three-and-a-half mile section of the St. Joseph River upstream of the dam, better known as Lake Chapin. The utility is warning homeowners and people who use the river for boating in the area that submerged objects will be closer to the surface of the water, and there will be areas of shallow depth. Additionally, if you own or operate boats in the area, you’re advised to dry dock them if you don’t remove them from the harbor during the drawdown. The work is expected to be done on or before June 18, with the restoration of the water level back to normal by Monday, June 25.. ...Read Full Story
A series of meetings will take place in Van Buren County over the next few months for residents to learn more about a road millage proposal voters will consider in August. The Van Buren County Road Commission tells us staff and officials will host discussions on the proposed millage, a review of current road conditions, current available road funding, and the intent of the millage proposal. The meetings will all be town hall-style, and will be held at the Van Buren Conference Center on South Paw Paw Street in Lawrence. Anyone who wants to learn more about road needs and what will be voted on August 7 is invited. Below is the schedule for the meetings.. ...Read Full Story
Set for this Memorial Day in South Haven will be a roll call of all the American soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vietnam-era veteran Major Craig Massey of the U.S. Army will spend about three hours reading more than 3,400 names in front of the South Haven City Hall flagpole on Phoenix Street starting at noon May 28. Massey tells us he’s previously read the names of soldiers who died in Afghanistan, and this year, they’ve added to the program.. ...Read Full Story
The St. Joseph Kiwanis Club has started a new effort to help improve parks in the community. St. Joseph Kiwanis Community Parks Foundation Chair Chris Wagner tells WSJM News the group will raise money for all of the city’s parks.. ...Read Full Story
If you’re a fan of mermaids, then you’ll want to be in South Haven this Memorial Day weekend. Set for May 25 through May 28 is the first ever Mermaid MegaFest. Organizer Brad Carrier tells WSJM News it kicks off Friday the 25th with a series of guest speakers who will address freshwater preservation. Then there’s the fun stuff for the rest of the weekend.. ...Read Full Story
Michigan residents are being reminded of the state’s standing order on anti-overdose drug naloxone. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News the order was issued in May of last year, making it possible for anyone to get their hands on doses of naloxone.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is pushing for a site in Michigan to be selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for a missile defense facility. Upton tells WSJM News the Pentagon has been studying possible places for a site to house defensive missiles to protect the eastern United States.. ...Read Full Story
Set for this month is the first ever Niles Renaissance Faire. Niles History Center Director Christina Arseneau tells WSJM News the city decided to hold a renaissance faire because the events are increasingly popular in the region, attracting both history buffs and fans of fantasy. On hand will be food vendors and performers.. ...Read Full Story
State Senator John Proos is among the lawmakers hoping to ban the latest THC-related innovation before it comes to Michigan. On Thursday, Proos voted for legislation to pre-emptively prohibit marijuana-infused beer, wine, and spirits. He tells us at a time when drunk driving kills thousands of people each year, allowing booze to become mixed with reefer would be a big mistake. The Michigan Senate approved a ban on the marijuana-infused beer, sending it on the state House. Currently, nine states and the District of Columbia permit the recreational use of marijuana. Michigan is one of 29 states where the medical use of marijuana is allowed, and a proposal set to be on the November ballot seeks to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, too. State lawmakers wanted to head off the marijuana-infused beer before it became a reality.. ...Read Full Story
A household chemical recycling event is slated for this weekend in Berrien County. The Berrien County Parks Department tells us it will collect chemicals, home medical waste, electronics, and personal documents tomorrow at the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycling Center in Buchanan. The personal documents will be shredded. The county tells us you can drop off paint, old gasoline, used motor oil, pesticides, cleaners, unwanted pills, medical sharps, batteries, computers, televisions, printers, and small and large appliances mostly for free. There is a fee of $10 per computer monitor and $20 per television. The collection event will run this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story
Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski has announced a new service being offered by some local banks to help property taxpayers stay current on their bills. Witkowski tells WSJM News he’s arranged for the banks to offer special tax savings accounts. When you sign up, you can just have a portion of your earnings put aside each month for your property taxes later in the year. Witkowski says it’s clear many people could benefit.. ...Read Full Story
The U.S. Coast Guard will hold a special water safety event this weekend. Petty Officer Jeffrey Gehrke with the St. Joseph post tells WSJM News the coast guard and other agencies will be at out in the parking lot of the Berrien County Courthouse on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. ...Read Full Story
Lake Michigan College has broken ground on its new wine making facility. LMC President Trevor Kubatzke tells WSJM News the 14,000 square foot Wine and Viticulture Center will be a state of the art home for the college’s wine production program.. ...Read Full Story
Two men who overdosed on heroin in Kalamazoo County are alive thanks to quick thinking by the sheriff this week. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller tells us he was grabbing food from his favorite restaurant on Tuesday when he noticed a car running next to him with and the driver slumped over the wheel and drooling. The passenger was in the process of injecting himself in the stomach. Fuller called dispatch, and he and a deputy were able to administer Narcan to the two men.. ...Read Full Story
If you support renewable energy and want Indiana Michigan Power to invest more in it, you now have a chance to put your money where your mouth is. I&M spokesperson Tracy Warner tells WSJM News the company has now rolled out its Green Power Option to Michigan customers. With it, you can sign up to attribute a portion or all of your monthly energy usage to I&M’s renewable energy programs.. ...Read Full Story
Where will Michigan State get the funds to pay for the massive $500 million settlement to victims of Larry Nassar? Interim President John Engler has said the costs will be paid by tuition and through state aid. State Representative Pete Lucido told Michigan News Network this week he doesn’t like the sound of that.. ...Read Full Story
State lawmakers from southwest Michigan welcomed representatives of the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County Area Agency on Aging to the Capitol On Wednesday to celebrate Older Michiganians Day. State Representatives Kim LaSata, Beth Griffin, and Aaron Miller joined state Senator John Proos in hosting the agency for a day to talk about issues that matter to the senior population in the region. LaSata tells us she was “thrilled” to meet with so many seniors. Older Michiganians Day is an annual rally that takes place on the Capitol lawn. The event brings together hundreds of seniors, aging service providers, and senior advocates to meet with their state legislators. Issues of concern include elder abuse, accessibility, and care-giving matters.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — The Michigan Public Service Commission is investigating DTE Electric Co.’s recent storm-related outages and the death of a Detroit woman who came in contact with a downed power line. More than 300,000 DTE customers lost power May 4 when a storm with winds gusting to 70 mph hit southeast Michigan. Power wasn’t restored to some until several days later. The commission said in an order Thursday that it’s concerned parts of DTE’s distribution system cannot provide safe and reliable service during large storms, as is required by law. Among other things, it wants to know if system maintenance, or a lack thereof, contributes to safety hazards and other
problems. It gave DTE until June 29 to file a safety and incident report. DTE says it’ll work with the commission to address the questions raised.. ...Read Full Story
Michigan State University interim president John Engler is catching some heat from survivors of Larry Nassar’s sexual assaults for a remark at the state Capitol on Thursday. When asked where MSU was going to get the $500 million for the settlement with over 300 women and girls, he said they’re hoping “to find a leprechaun.” Engler quickly pivoted and said the university has not made any decisions yet on tuition increases, noting he answered that twice while meeting with lawmakers. The leprechaun comment isn’t sitting well with some. Nassar abuse survivor Morgan McCaul tells a Grand Rapids TV station Engler made a mockery of the settlement, and called it “immature” and “not what I’d want as the face of my university.”. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is hailing last week’s House Energy and Commerce Committee passage of legislation designed to speed up the development of non-opioid pain medications. He tells WSJM News preventing opioid abuse deaths is the ultimate goal.. ...Read Full Story
Berrien County’s newest park should be open to the public by the end of the summer. Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey gave an update to county commissioners this week on Paw Paw River County Park located in Watervliet. Bailey tells WSJM News the park sits on about 15 acres of former brownfield property right off M-140. It covers an area east of the road, across the river, and on an island in the Paw Paw River.. ...Read Full Story
Anyone with opinions on what should be done to improve Napier Avenue between the St. Joseph River and I-94 is welcome to attend an open house on the subject next week. Southwest Michigan Planning Commission Associate Planner Ryan Fellows tells WSJM News a year-long study on the Napier corridor is getting into its home stretch. The focus has been how to improve Napier for pedestrians. Monday’s open house will give everyone a chance to chime in.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and lawmakers will have hundreds of millions of dollars more to budget than they expected at the turn of the year. His administration and legislative on Wednesday agreed to revised revenue estimates. Tax collections for Michigan’s two main funds are projected to be $315 million higher than expected in the current fiscal year and $182 million higher in the next budget year. Republican leaders could use the additional money to boost savings, pay down debt or for spending priorities. Democrats say it should go to road work. The next budget is expected to be finalized in coming weeks.. ...Read Full Story
A forum will be held in South Haven next month for everyone to learn a little more about marijuana. Marc Sprague is one of the organizers and tells WSJM News the event is a function of Concerned Citizens of South Haven in response to recent events which are allowing more marijuana in the community.. ...Read Full Story
With more than 50 fire deaths in Michigan so far this year, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer has announced a statewide community risk reduction initiative. He spoke with Michigan News Network about who is the most at risk.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s House has passed legislation that lets parents leave their newborns in secured boxes at hospitals, fire departments and police stations in addition to personally surrendering them to emergency services personnel and first responders.
Lawmakers approved the four-bill package Wednesday that amends the Safe Delivery of Newborns Law to allow for use of these baby boxes which the state Department of Health and Human Services would be tasked with regulating. The bill also redefines “newborn” as a child not older than 30 days. Since 2000, the safe delivery law allows parents to legally surrender a newborn at a fire department, hospital or police station without being charged with child abandonment. The newborns are then placed into adoption programs. The bill now heads to the Michigan Senate.. ...Read Full Story
The city of St. Joseph’s public art display will be unveiled this Friday. This year’s display, “The Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph,” is set to feature 15 sculptures of knights, dragons, and horses located downtown. The display will be unveiled at 5:30 p.m. Friday and also feature a castle the kids can play in. Donated by Turner Construction, that castle will be stationed at Broad and State Streets. Friday’s kick-off for the public art display will also include live music and special sidewalk sales. “The Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph” will be out for the whole summer, and then the individual art pieces will be auctioned off in the fall.. ...Read Full Story
A series of meetings will take place in Van Buren County over the next few months for residents to learn more about a road millage proposal voters will consider in August. The Van Buren County Road Commission tells us staff and officials will host discussions on the proposed millage, a review of current road conditions, current available road funding, and the intent of the millage proposal. The meetings will all be town hall-style, and will be held at the Van Buren Conference Center on South Paw Paw Street in Lawrence. Anyone who wants to learn more about road needs and what will be voted on August 7 is invited. Below is the schedule for the meetings.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is pushing for a site in Michigan to be selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for a missile defense facility. Upton tells WSJM News the Pentagon has been studying possible places for a site to house defensive missiles to protect the eastern United States.. ...Read Full Story
The state of Michigan will unload unclaimed property with a couple of auctions this weekend. The Michigan Department of Treasury tells us its annual unclaimed property auction will be held in Lansing on Friday and Saturday. The property in question is obtained through abandoned safe deposit boxes. While Treasury does work to return those items to their rightful owners, the effort isn’t always successful. The items include coins, currency, collectibles, and jewelry. The auction will be held at the Lansing Quality Suites in Delta Township. Anyone looking for more information can click this link.. ...Read Full Story
The owners of an apartment complex in Buchanan have received a check for more than $243,000 from Indiana Michigan Power for making improvements to their facility to save energy. Jason Muniz with Hollander Development Corporation tells WSJM News the company spent about $7 million to upgrade the units at Metea Court Apartments, a 100-unit community for low-income seniors.. ...Read Full Story
A special guest will be coming to St. Joseph next week to help raise money for 79th District Michigan House candidate Troy Rolling. Rolling Campaign Manager Al Baker tells WSJM News Dr. Alveda King will speak on Rolling’s behalf at the Vineland Center next Friday. King may be familiar to some Republicans.. ...Read Full Story
The St. Joseph Kiwanis Club has started a new effort to help improve parks in the community. St. Joseph Kiwanis Community Parks Foundation Chair Chris Wagner tells WSJM News the group will raise money for all of the city’s parks.. ...Read Full Story
In a sign of the summer, the safety flags are now flying at beaches in South Haven. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us it monitors lake conditions as reported by the National Weather Service. Beach warning flags are placed at the city’s seven public beaches every day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and are changed throughout the day as lake conditions change. The flags are either green, yellow, or red based on the conditions. A numbering system for the beach flag poles and pier safety boxes has also been developed to assist during a time of emergency as a point of reference. Anyone thinking of going in the water is advised to check the flags first. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — State officials are asking Michigan residents to help find the next Christmas tree that will stand outside the Capitol building in Lansing. Department of Technology, Management and Budget Director Dave DeVries says the search started Tuesday.
Michigan’s official state Christmas tree standards are high. To be considered, it has to be a spruce or fir and stand at least 55 feet (16.7 meters) tall. The tree’s crown has to be a maximum of 24 feet (7.3 meters), while the trunk’s diameter can be no larger than 30 inches (76.2 centimeters). Access to the tree has to be easy and the tree has to be donated at no cost. August 15 is the deadline for nominations. Last year’s tree was harvested in Menominee County’s Stephenson in the Upper Peninsula.. ...Read Full Story
Set for this Memorial Day in South Haven will be a roll call of all the American soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vietnam-era veteran Major Craig Massey of the U.S. Army will spend about three hours reading more than 3,400 names in front of the South Haven City Hall flagpole on Phoenix Street starting at noon May 28. Massey tells us he’s previously read the names of soldiers who died in Afghanistan, and this year, they’ve added to the program.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is among the lawmakers who have signed a discharge petition on immigration reform. Upton tells WSJM News a discharge petition is a little-used tactic for frustrated members of the House to force a vote on an issue that’s been stuck in committee. The House leadership does not approve.. ...Read Full Story
18 people have been sentenced in a bank fraud case out of west Michigan. The U.S. Attorney’s office in Grand Rapids tells us the fraud ring targeted Bank of America, and allowed the defendants to obtain more than $780,000, resulting in losses of more than $455,000. They were accused of opening or using of Bank of America accounts to accept fraudulent check deposits and then make fraudulent withdrawals at banks and casinos. Among the defendants sentenced this week were three out of South Haven. Jerome Perry was sentenced to 15 months in prison, James Langford was sentenced to 12 months and one day, and Elnora Snipes was sentenced to 3 months in prison. The rest of the defendants were from places that include Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. The U.S. Attorney tells us the ring’s leader was a Kalamazoo man who has now been sentenced to 8.5 years in prison.. ...Read Full Story
Coming to Hartford High School on Wednesday will be Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. He’s going to chat with students enrolled in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates program. Youth Solutions Director Kristin Harrington tells WSJM News the organization is glad to have him.. ...Read Full Story
A household chemical recycling event is slated for this weekend in Berrien County. The Berrien County Parks Department tells us it will collect chemicals, home medical waste, electronics, and personal documents on Saturday at the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycling Center in Buchanan. The personal documents will be shredded. The county tells us you can drop off paint, old gasoline, used motor oil, pesticides, cleaners, unwanted pills, medical sharps, batteries, computers, televisions, printers, and small and large appliances mostly for free. There is a fee of $10 per computer monitor and $20 per television. The collection event will run this Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story
A candlelight vigil will be held this week in St. Joseph to remember the victims of unsolved murders in Benton Harbor. Lisa Gorman with Freedom Life Church in Benton Harbor tells WSJM News she’s worked with many people who have been personally affected by the crimes. The idea for a vigil came after hearing so many stories she says she’s heard.. ...Read Full Story
St. Joseph City Commissioners are making their commitment to sustainability official. At this week’s meeting, the commission approved a resolution to pursue bronze certification from Michigan Green Communities. Commissioner Peggy Getty tells WSJM News she and Commissioner Laura Goos looked into it and realized the city was already doing many of the things to get bronze status.. ...Read Full Story
Governor Rick Snyder’s strategy to fill more than 800,000 job openings was discussed Monday in Jackson. Local business leaders and educators came together to give input on the proposed “Marshall Plan for Talent,” as Snyder has called it.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is appealing a court ruling that blocked state reimbursements to private schools for the cost of inspections and other state requirements. The appeal was filed Monday on behalf of the state and top officials. A Court of Claims judge last month struck down as unconstitutional two budget laws, saying $5 million in spending violates a ban on aid to non-public schools. Schuette, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, says the cost of inspections and fees can “financially cripple” private schools. Public school groups challenged the state spending. Separately, Schuette’s office is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit
challenging Michigan’s constitutional ban on using public money to directly or indirectly aid parochial schools. The state says the issue was settled legally 47 years ago.. ...Read Full Story
The water level at the Berrien Springs Hydroelectric Dam will be coming down later this month for maintenance. Indiana Michigan Power plans to draw down the level of the water by three-and-a-half feet at a rate of six-inches a day. That will start on May 29 and will affect a three-and-a-half mile section of the St. Joseph River upstream of the dam, better known as Lake Chapin. The utility is warning homeowners and people who use the river for boating in the area that submerged objects will be closer to the surface of the water, and there will be areas of shallow depth. Additionally, if you own or operate boats in the area, you’re advised to dry dock them if you don’t remove them from the harbor during the drawdown. The work is expected to be done on or before June 18, with the restoration of the water level back to normal by Monday, June 25.. ...Read Full Story
American Craft Beer Week is underway, celebrating small businesses make beer. Craftbeer.com Editor-In-Chief Jess Baker tells us people are fans of craft beers because they have flavor and are always different. She says it’s also about community.. ...Read Full Story
A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down a federal law that bars gambling on sports gives states like Michigan the chance to legalize sports betting. State Senator Rick Jones is not a fan. He spoke with Michigan News Network about the issue.. ...Read Full Story
If you’re a fan of mermaids, then you’ll want to be in South Haven this Memorial Day weekend. Set for May 25 through May 28 is the first ever Mermaid MegaFest. Organizer Brad Carrier tells WSJM News it kicks off Friday the 25th with a series of guest speakers who will address freshwater preservation. Then there’s the fun stuff for the rest of the weekend.. ...Read Full Story
The millage rate is locked in. At a Monday meeting, St. Joseph City Commissioners gave their final reading to some millage increases they discussed last week. The street millage is going up by 2.55 mills, or about $200 per year for a home with a taxable value of $140,000. City Manager John Hodgson tells WSJM News the millage increase works out to more than $1 million per year for streets. He thinks it could be enough.. ...Read Full Story
Residents in northern Michigan and the U-P should be careful with fire this week as dry, windy conditions are expected to heighten the risk of wildfires. Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fire Prevention Specialist Paul Rogers spoke with Michigan News Network about the matter.. ...Read Full Story
