Local News Archives

Gas Prices Up As New Year Starts

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From the Associated Press — AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have gone up about 8 cents 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 cents 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 Detroit-area’s average rose about 4 cents to $2.67 per gallon. AAA Michigan says the state has the country’s eighth most-expensive gasoline prices.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Issues Yearly Report

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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

BH Public Safety Department Getting 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

MI Lawmakers To Focus On Bike Safety This Year

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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

Girls On The Run Taking 2018 Registrations

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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

Lakeland’s First Baby Of 2018 Born In Niles

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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

Pagel Reflects On 2017

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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

New Laws Aim To Fight Opioid Abuse

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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

MDOT Hopes To Form Partnerships On More Projects

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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

UPDATE: WB I-94 Reopens

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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

Massive Pileup Closes WB I-94 In Van Buren County

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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

Schuitmaker: Much Accomplished In 2017

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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

No Missed Votes For SWM Lawmakers This Year

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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

Disappointing News For Some Taxpayers

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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 Offers Winter Vehicle Tips

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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

Health Experts Advise Caution In Cold Temps

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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

State Taking Donations For Foster Children Scholarship Fund

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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

Berrien County 4H Announces Awards

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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 Offer Safety Tips For Going On Ice

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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

Calley Talks Gubernatorial Race

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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

Curious Kids Discovery Zone To Close For Renovations

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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

New Child Care Standards Approved For Michigan

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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

Fresh Snow Leads To Crashes Around West Michigan

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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

Fewer MI Police Officers Killed In Line Of Duty This Year

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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

Contractor Fined For Fatal Collapse Of West Michigan Arena

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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

Perfect Attendance For SWM Lawmakers In 2017

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

Treasurer: Pre-Paying Property Taxes Won’t Save You Next Year

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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

Regulators: Tax Cuts Likely To Reduce Utility Bills

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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 Hurt In Cass County Snowmobile Crash

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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

Michigan Utility Sends Workers To Puerto Rico

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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

Proos Reflects On 2017 Legislative Year

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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

MDOT Highlights Partnerships With Local Road Agencies

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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

Calley Signs Opioid Legislation

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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