Local News Archives

Missing Woman Found Dead In Benton Harbor

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A woman who was reported missing in Benton Harbor over the weekend has been found dead, and police suspect foul play. The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety tells us a young woman was reported by family as missing on Sunday. Police later found her vehicle and body outside the Hayward Wells apartment complex in Benton Harbor. A suspect was quickly identified, and he was later arrested in Kalamazoo on unrelated charges. A warrant request is pending in Berrien County for open murder, and an autopsy is planned on the victim for Tuesday. Police have not released the victim’s name.. ...Read Full Story

Statewide Gas Price Average Falls 6¢

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AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have declined by about 6¢ per gallon in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club says late Sunday the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.63 per gallon. Michigan’s lowest average price was about $2.55 per gallon in the Bay City, Midland and Saginaw areas. The highest was about $2.66 per gallon in the Jackson area. We’re at $2.64 in the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area, down 5¢ in the past week.. ...Read Full Story

One Hurt In Snowmobile Vs Vehicle Crash

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The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash between a snowmobile and a car in Silver Creek Township. The sled was piloted by Joseph Vantuyle of Dowagiac, who didn’t yield at a snowmobile crossing to the vehicle driven by a San Antonio man. Vantuyle was taken to Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac to be treated for minor injuries. Deputies tell WSJM News that helmets and seat belts were worn, and alcohol isn’t believed to have been involved. The crash happened around 5 p.m. Saturday.. ...Read Full Story

Tickets On Sale For Humane Society Fundraiser

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On sale now are tickets to one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven. The organization’s Jennifer Nuernberg tells WSJM News the bi-annual Fur Ball fundraiser will be in late February, but you’ll want to reserve your spot now. They’ll be pitting some top chefs from South Haven against each other in a competition.. ...Read Full Story

Four Winds Preparing For New Casino Opening

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The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has announced the opening date for its new Four Winds Casino. The new one in South Bend will open to the public on Tuesday, January 16 at 4 p.m. The casino is located on 166 acres of tribal trust land and will be the first casino in Indiana owned and operated by a Native American tribe. It’s the latest addition to the Pokagon Four Wind brand, with the other locations being in New Buffalo, Hartford, and Dowagiac. The tribe tells us Four Winds South Bend will have 175,000 square feet and 1,800 games, four restaurants, a players lounge, a coffee shop, three bars, a retail outlet, and about 4,500 parking spaces. When complete, the casino will employ about 1,200 people. John Warren, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, says the new location will “generate revenue to fund services and programs that will create additional economic opportunities for Pokagon Citizens, the city of South Bend, and also fund community projects, local organizations and schools.”. ...Read Full Story

Bill Aims To Prevent Rapists From Getting Partial Custody Of Children

State Senator John Proos is praising legislation now headed for a vote of the full Senate designed to prevent an individual convicted of rape from getting custody of a child born as a result of that crime. He tells us there’s currently a loophole that can give a rapist partial custody when a mother applies for welfare assistance through the Family Independence Program. That’s because the mother has to disclose paternity of her child when applying.. ...Read Full Story

Tickets On Sale For SJ Beer Fest

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Tickets are now on sale for the next St. Joseph Winter Beer Festival. St. Joe Today’s Daniele Crevier tells WSJM News 16 local and regional breweries will be on hand offering samples. The event isn’t until January 27, but tickets are limited, and they may go fast.. ...Read Full Story

Muhammad To Deliver State Of The City Address

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Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad is planning to deliver a State of the City address. The mayor announced this week he’ll be discussing Benton Harbor as it is heading into its first year of total local control after a long period of state intervention while previewing goals for the future. Muhammad’s State of the City speech will be at the Benton Harbor Public Library on Tuesday, January 23 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and listen.. ...Read Full Story

BH Police To Get New Radios

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The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety will be getting some new radios. City Commissioners on Tuesday approved the purchase of 22 police radios at a cost of $31,500. A $25,000 grant pays for most of it, with Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis telling commissioners the extra money makes these replacements a lot easier.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Reviews 2017

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Congressman Fred Upton is maintaining that much was accomplished in Washington throughout 2017. His office has released a 2017 year in review report, which can be found on its website. Upton says, “2017 was a transformational year but my focus never wavered from local initiatives such as helping constituents with problems big and small, and on bipartisan policies that create jobs and improve our economy.” He then predicts both parties can work together throughout 2018 to solve problems everyone cares about. Among accomplishments Upton wants to highlight for last year are helping South Haven’s Jim McCloughan get a Medal of Honor, his role with the Fuel Economy Harmonization Act, a plan that’s designed to reduce manufacturing costs for cars, and the FDA Reauthorization Act. You can see Upton’s report right here.. ...Read Full Story

Eagle Injured In Indiana Finds New Home At Detroit Zoo

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From the Associated Press — A bald eagle that was injured in southern Indiana has a new home at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The Detroit Zoological Society says Thursday that the eagle named Mr. America could not be released back into the wild because one of its wings had to be amputated after the bird possibly flew into a power line. A licensed rehabber in Vincennes, Indiana, cared for the eagle. It arrived at
the zoo in mid-November and has been recovering from its injury. Mr. America is believed to be between 5 and 6 years old. He joins another rescued bald eagle, Flash, at the zoo’s American Grasslands habitat. The zoological society operates the zoo.. ...Read Full Story

Lake Effect Snow Wrapping Up

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Allegan, Van Buren and Berrien Counties were hit hard over the past few days as winds out of the north put a steady lake effect tendril over our area. Some areas received up to a half a foot of new snow overnight, on top of the foot that fell just the day before. Buchanan is reporting 29-inches and they will be spending the weekend digging out. The story inland has been the blistering cold with temperatures well below zero. We could see a high of near 30 tomorrow and actually see highs above freezing and a melt off this coming work week.. ...Read Full Story

Horizon Bank Welcomes New President

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Horizon Bank has a new leader. The chairman and CEO of Horizon Bancorp announced on Wednesday James D. Neff has been named president of both Horizon and Horizon Bank. In addition, Neff will serve on Horizon Bank’s board of directors. The promotion was effective January 1. Neff has worked in banking since 1978, and has been part of Horizon’s executive management team since 1999. He serves on the Purdue University Northwest Advisory Board, the Sinai Forum Board, and is a member of the Michigan City Rotary Club. Horizon Bancorp says Neff’s “expanded authority and responsibilities will ensure Horizon’s continued commitment to excellence and profitable growth.”. ...Read Full Story

Secretary Of State Calls For Elimination Of Driver Responsibility Fees In 2018

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Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is asking state lawmakers to use 2018 as an opportunity to do away with driver responsibility fees. The fees are charged to drivers on top of their normal fines when they commit offenses like drunk driving or reckless driving. They were created in 2003 to fill a budget hole, but many drivers, especially those with low incomes, have lost their licenses and jobs due to being unable to pay them. Secretary of State spokesperson Fred Woodhams spoke with WSJM News about Ruth Johnson’s position on the issue.. ...Read Full Story

State Police: Speed The Cause Of Friday Semi Crash

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Michigan State Police are pointing to a Friday highway crash in Berrien County as an example of what happens when drivers don’t slow down in winter conditions. The state police post in Niles tells us troopers were sent to I-94 near the 36 mile marker and found a crash between three semis. One of the drivers was pinned in the vehicle and responders couldn’t reach him. Troopers called in a heavy duty wrecker from Hasse’s Towing and the Benton Township Fire Department to remove a trailer blocking that driver. The 38-year-old from Plano, Illinois received serious but non-life threatening injuries. Police say the crash was caused by the injured driver going too fast in the snowy conditions. The drivers of the other two semis were not hurt, and were able to drive from the scene with damage to their trailers.. ...Read Full Story

Proos Speaks To SWMI Sports Organization

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State Senator John Proos is saluting conservation and sportsman groups as he promotes the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Proos last month met with the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club in Sturgis to talk up some of the trust fund’s latest parks projects. He tells WSJM News he always listens to the thoughts of such organizations.. ...Read Full Story

Registrations Now Being taken For Girls On The Run

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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

BH Commissioners To Interview Assessor Applicant

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Benton Harbor City Commissioners will interview a candidate to the position of assessor. After much discussion Tuesday, they voted to schedule an interview with the lone candidate for the position. Some questioned why the applications were sent to the city manager and not the clerk or mayor. City Manager Darwin Watson said, in the end, who to hire is the commission’s decision.. ...Read Full Story

BH Audit Presentation This Month

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Residents of Benton Harbor who are interested in learning more about their city’s finances will have a chance to do so at a meeting this month. Set for Tuesday, January 16 at 7 p.m. will be a meeting at city hall for the annual audit presentation. City Manager Darwin Watson tells us it covers the 2016-2017 fiscal year. It’s the first audit presentation for Benton Harbor since the city regained total local control of government. Everyone is welcome to the meeting.. ...Read Full Story

Association Of Realtors Launches Placemaking Grant Project

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The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors is launching a Placemaking Challenge Grant Program. It’s offering local groups a chance to apply for grants between $500 and $3,500 to create small, inexpensive, and incremental community projects. Their goal is to help improve neighborhoods. The association tells us the grant program is being called the “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper Placemaking Challenge.” The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors is now accepting applications for the grants. All your group has to do is submit a description of the project you have in mind along with a photo of the area you’re hoping to improve. A local realtor must also serve as a group’s sponsor. You can find out more by contacting the Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors. You can also find information on the program right here.. ...Read Full Story

Proos Praises Plan To Protect Rape Victims

State Senator John Proos is praising legislation now headed for a vote of the full Senate designed to prevent an individual convicted of rape from getting custody of a child born as a result of that crime. He tells us there’s currently a loophole that can give a rapist partial custody when a mother applies for welfare assistance through the Family Independence Program. That’s because the mother has to disclose paternity of her child when applying.. ...Read Full Story

Two Found Dead In Niles

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A father and daughter have been found dead in Niles. Police were called to their home in the 600 block of Woodruff Street Wednesday night after neighbors noticed snow piling up on their cars. Police say the man in his 80s and woman in her 50s were found deceased inside. Firefighters tested the home for carbon monoxide, but did not find elevated levels. Police told NewsCenter 16 WNDU the home was cold, although there was a working pilot light in the furnace. The cause of death is under investigation, but police say they have found no evidence of foul play. The names of the victims have not yet been released.. ...Read Full Story

New Four Winds Casino To Open This Month

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The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has announced the opening date for its new Four Winds Casino. The new one in South Bend will open to the public on Tuesday, January 16 at 4 p.m. The casino is located on 166 acres of tribal trust land and will be the first casino in Indiana owned and operated by a Native American tribe. It’s the latest addition to the Pokagon Four Wind brand, with the other locations being in New Buffalo, Hartford, and Dowagiac. The tribe tells us Four Winds South Bend will have 175,000 square feet and 1,800 games, four restaurants, a players lounge, a coffee shop, three bars, a retail outlet, and about 4,500 parking spaces. When complete, the casino will employ about 1,200 people. John Warren, Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, says the new location will “generate revenue to fund services and programs that will create additional economic opportunities for Pokagon Citizens, the city of South Bend, and also fund community projects, local organizations and schools.”. ...Read Full Story

One Arrested In Benton Twp Crack Bust

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A Benton Township man is facing a variety of charges following a crack bust this week. The Southwest Enforcement Team tells us officers raided a home in the 1,100 block of East Main Street in Benton Township on Tuesday. They say the 42-year-old suspect tried to destroy evidence by flushing it down the apartment toilet. Detectives say they were able to recover several grams of crack and marijuana from the apartment plumbing. Palmer is charged with possession with intent to deliver crack-cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a drug house, and tampering with or destruction of evidence. The Southwest Enforcement Team is made up of several police agencies from all over southwest Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor Mayor To Deliver State Of The City

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Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad is planning to deliver a State of the City address. The mayor announced this week he’ll be discussing Benton Harbor as it is heading into its first year of total local control after a long period of state intervention while previewing goals for the future. Muhammad’s State of the City speech will be at the Benton Harbor Public Library on Tuesday, January 23 at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and listen.. ...Read Full Story

Horizon Bank Announces New President

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Horizon Bank has a new leader. The chairman and CEO of Horizon Bancorp announced on Wednesday James D. Neff has been named president of both Horizon and Horizon Bank. In addition, Neff will serve on Horizon Bank’s board of directors. The promotion was effective January 1. Neff has worked in banking since 1978, and has been part of Horizon’s executive management team since 1999. He serves on the Purdue University Northwest Advisory Board, the Sinai Forum Board, and is a member of the Michigan City Rotary Club. Horizon Bancorp says Neff’s “expanded authority and responsibilities will ensure Horizon’s continued commitment to excellence and profitable growth.”. ...Read Full Story

Researcher Recommends Keeping Resolutions Realistic

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It’s the start of a new year and many Michiganders have again made lofty resolutions, but what’s the trick to making them stick this time? Dr. Joseph Ferrari, a psychology professor at DePaul University who studies chronic procrastinators, has a few tips for making good on goals this year. Ferrari says perhaps the most important piece of advice is coming up with a realistic resolution instead of something big. Otherwise, people could be setting themselves up to fail.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Treasurer Differs With Economist’s Take On New Tax Law

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From the Associated Press — Michigan’s treasurer differs with a prominent economist’s characterization of the new U.S. tax law’s effect on state income taxes. Treasurer Nick Khouri said Wednesday he has a “technical disagreement” with economist Patrick Anderson, a former state deputy budget director. Khouri says the legislature must act to prevent an “unintentional” state tax increase spurred by the federal overhaul, while Anderson contends the new law won’t lead to a hike. Anderson says the federal law doesn’t eliminate a $4,050 personal exemption, but sets it to zero for several years. The law is explicit, he says, in saying the reduction shouldn’t be taken into account for other purposes. Khouri says state law stipulates taxpayers get the number of exemptions on their federal forms. He adds dealing with that discrepancy will require more than a policy directive by his department. The Snyder administration plans to make recommendations related to the exemption issue next week at a next revenue-estimating meeting.. ...Read Full Story

Former Prosecutor Named Interim US Attorney In Detroit

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From the Associated Press — A former federal prosecutor is returning to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit. Matthew Schneider was named interim U.S. attorney by the Justice Department. He’s also been mentioned as a candidate for the full-time post, but President
Donald Trump hasn’t nominated anyone in Michigan yet. Schneider was an assistant U.S. attorney for eight years before he joined the
Michigan attorney general’s office in 2011. He’s been serving as chief deputy attorney general under Bill Schuette.. ...Read Full Story

Hartford Area Standoff Ends After 8 Hours

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No one was hurt in a Van Buren County standoff that lasted most of the day Wednesday. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tell;s MLive a Hartford-area man robbed a mechanic’s shop around 8 a.m. and then barricaded himself inside his home in the area of County Road 687 and 48th Avenue. A SWAT team was brought in to talk with the man. It took about eight hours, but police eventually got him into custody. The sheriff’s department says the standoff was difficult for deputies due to the extreme cold and snow. No shots were fired in the standoff.. ...Read Full Story

Cold Weather Not Yet Hurting SWM Crops

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This frigid weather so far has not damaged southwest Michigan crops. Michigan State University Extension Fruit Educator Mark Longstroth tells WSJM News it needs to get down to about ten below zero before our crops are in trouble. He says most of them now are well dormant for the winter.. ...Read Full Story

Coloma Twp Police Officer Suffers Minor Injuries In I-94 Crash

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A Coloma Township police officer is recovering after his patrol vehicle was caught up in the widespread rash of crashes on I-94 Wednesday morning and afternoon. The Coloma Township Police Department says in a Facebook post one of its officers was on I-94 around 10:30 a.m. when a semi that had lost control crashed into his vehicle. The officer was treated and released for minor injuries and then sent home to rest. The crash was just one of many that led to lane closures, and in some cases, full highway closures around southwest Michigan Wednesday.. ...Read Full Story

Fire Destroys Van Buren County Garage

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A Casco Township garage was lost in a fire Wednesday. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us it responded to the scene of the blaze on 64th Street near 107th Avenue just before 2:30 p.m. The building was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. They had to endure the winter elements as they tried to put the blaze out. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Gas Prices In Michigan Up

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AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have gone up about 8¢ per gallon in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club said Tuesday the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.68 a gallon. That price is 16¢ more than at the same time a year ago. Michigan’s lowest average price was about $2.60 per gallon in the Marquette area. The highest was about $2.73 per gallon in the Jackson area. The Benton Harbor-St. Joseph average is up 11¢ to $2.68. AAA Michigan says the state has the country’s eighth most-expensive gasoline prices.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Republicans Lose Another Senate Candidate

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There’s one fewer Republican running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Young has exited the race. He announced on a Detroit radio station this morning that he is “suspending” his campaign for the GOP nomination because he wasn’t able to raise the money that he felt would be needed to successfully unseat Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. Young is the third high-profile Republican to decide against trying to knock off Stabenow, along with Congressman Fred Upton and oil executive Lena Epstein, who headed up President Trump’s campaign in Michigan. Former Governor John Engler convinced Young to run, and he had the lead in polling done in November for the Republican nomination. His exit leaves Iraq War veteran John James and businessman Sandy Pensler as the top Republicans still in the race along with historic preservationist Bob Carr of Mackinac Island.. ...Read Full Story

Four Winds South Bend To Open This Month

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From the Associated Press — A Native American tribe is set to open its first Indiana casino to join three it already operates in southwest Michigan. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi announced Tuesday that the Four Winds South Bend casino will open to the public
on January 16. It will be Indiana’s first tribal casino. The tribe says the casino will have about 1,800 games, four restaurants, three
bars and employ about 1,200 people. The new casino is on South Bend’s southwest side, near the U.S. 31/20 bypass. A study for the Casino Association of Indiana estimates the tribal casino will cut Indiana’s tax revenue by more $350 million in its first five years because
it will reduce business at the state’s other casinos and won’t pay state gambling taxes.. ...Read Full Story