Local News Archives

Golf great Jack Nicklaus will make a return to Harbor Shores this week as part of the 2018 Senior PGA Championship. The PGA tells us Nicklaus is coming back for the first time in six years. As part of an event featuring Nicklaus on Friday, the PGA will make a new community announcement in honor of the World Golf Hall-of-Famer. The organization adds Nicklaus is dropping by Benton Harbor to “see firsthand the continued growth and change in the community since he first conceptualized Harbor Shores.” Friday’s presentation will also feature information on the development of the golf course.. ...Read Full Story

Wildlife officials say the “king” of butterflies could meet the same fate as the passenger pigeon unless people step in to plant more of the monarch caterpillars’ only food source — milkweed. The monarch butterfly population has crashed, according to Naomi Edelson with the National Wildlife Federation, and can only be revived with a conservation strategy that improves its habitat by increasing its food supply.. ...Read Full Story

There’s a lot going on at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor this week. The 79th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship kicked off Tuesday with the Championship ProAm. That gave some golf fans a chance to tee off right alongside some of their favorite pros. For example, retired Whirlpool CEO Jeff Fettig teamed up with 2016 champion Colin Montgomery. Practice rounds for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship will be Wednesday, and then the tournament itself starts Thursday. The championship will wrap up on Sunday just in time for everyone to relax for Memorial Day. New features for this year’s event for those who plan to head to Harbor Shores include a YMCA Kids Zone, a special tent featuring southwest Michigan-made wines and beers, and a special Amtrak train to bring people to the golf course from Chicago. Go to SRPGA.com to find a full list of this year’s action.. ...Read Full Story

Congressman Fred Upton is hoping to see a new Farm Bill approved in the next month or so. He tells WSJM News he was among the representatives who shot down a Farm Bill proposal last week in the House.. ...Read Full Story

A new report on the strengths and weaknesses of Michigan’s educational system shows the state is lacking in achieving goals that have needed to be reached over the last 14 years. The five-point plan suggested by the Education Trust Midwest is one that has been seen before, and the group’s Brian Gutman tells Michigan News Network it can be frustrating.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan lawmakers are facing a possible surplus of $500 million over the next two years, and it’s looking like at least some of that money will go toward fixing the state’s roads. State Representative Kim LaSata tells WSJM News she was hoping for a tax cut.. ...Read Full Story

It was a packed South Haven City Hall Monday as the city council considered a motion to amend the short-term rental ordinance. The ordinance amendments would be presented to the planning commission, but first, the city council had to take public comment. Around 30 members of the public took to the podium to speak while attorneys for the city clarified some public misconceptions in a four hour public meeting, after which the council went into closed session. The overwhelming opinion of those attending the meeting was to end the current six month moratorium on new short-term rentals in Wards 1 and 2 because it is presenting a hardship for people who depend on rental income during the summer months. In the end, the city council voted to send the six amendments to the planning commission and also voted to request that body to expedite its review of the proposed amendments. Details on the proposed amendments can be found on the City’s website.. ...Read Full Story

Two GOP candidates for governor taking the gloves off early in the campaign. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette have been trading barbs the past several weeks. Michigan News Network Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick says both sides have been turning up the heat.. ...Read Full Story

Working on issues that affect Native American children in Michigan. That’s what is happening at a forum of state, federal, and tribal judges in Petoskey this week. Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormack is taking part in the forum and told Michigan News Network the state has 12 federally recognized tribes.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The Michigan Civil Rights Commissions says the state’s civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The board voted 5-0 to issue the interpretative statement Monday, with one commissioner abstaining. An LGBT rights group had requested the move. Michigan Department of Civil Rights Director Agustin Arbulu says he commends the commission “for the courage they’ve shown in making this decision.” The department will begin processing complaints of sex discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity on Tuesday. The issue may not be settled. A conservative legal group had submitted opposition from 10 Republican lawmakers who say an interpretive statement is not binding law and note that the Legislature has rejected adding more classifications to the state civil rights law 11 times since 1999.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor City Commissioners have heard a report on a study done by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and others regarding possibilities for development of the local harbor. The Twin Cities Harbor Study took a look at the potential for commercial and residential developments along the shore with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s John Egelhaaf noting there’s a great deal of value there that could be even better utilized.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan law enforcement is once again holding the Click it or Ticket campaign to reduce crashes and deaths this coming Memorial Day weekend. Kendall Wingrove with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning told Michigan News Network the campaign is not a money grab.. ...Read Full Story

The Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation has announced its latest round of grants. The organization tells us a total of more than $18,000 will be going to nearly 20 local non-profits this year. Recipients of grants will include the South Haven Speaker Series, Junior Achievement, SHOUT for South Haven, the South Haven Performance Series, the Al-Van Humane Society, and Michigan Maritime Museum. The Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation supports organizations with cultural, educational, and community service programs. It announces its grants every spring. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story

Students from kindergarten through the fifth grade will be at the St. Joseph High School Library this Wednesday to pick out books for summer reading. St. Joseph Public Schools Curriculum Director Kelly Gaideski tells WSJM News each child will be able to pick out six books.. ...Read Full Story

Indiana Michigan Power is planning a $92 million transmission line improvement project in the region. Spokesperson Schnee Garrett tells WSJM News the Granger-Benton Harbor Transmission Line Rebuild Project will start next spring.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The sponsor of proposed Medicaid work requirements is dropping a provision that would have exempted recipients who live in Michigan counties with higher jobless rates, saying Governor Rick Snyder’s administration worries it would be an “administrative nightmare.” Opponents of the legislation have said the provision would disproportionately hurt African-Americans because they live in cities with higher unemployment but counties with lower unemployment, while white Medicaid recipients in rural counties with higher jobless rates would not have to comply with the workforce engagement requirements. Shirkey told The Associated Press Monday that allegations of racism are “ridiculous,” but the provision is being pulled because it would be too difficult to administer. Instead, negotiators are focusing on a broader “grace period” exemption for people struggling to find work or facing other temporary
obstacles.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The prospect of a $12-an-hour minimum wage by 2022 for all Michigan workers, including tipped servers, could be put to a popular vote this fall. The Michigan One Fair Wage group on Monday submitted 373,507 signatures to the state Bureau of Elections. The Board of State Canvassers must certify roughly 252,000 of them before the proposal can go to the Republican-controlled
Legislature to pass or reject. Should it falter there, the initiative would be placed on the November ballot. Michigan’s current $9.25 an hour wage would be raised to $10 next year and gradually increase to $12 by 2022 under the proposal. Tipped employees would be paid full minimum wage on top of their tips by 2024. Employers currently must ensure tipped employees make at least the minimum wage.. ...Read Full Story

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

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