Local News Archives

With Veterans Day just around the corner, an upcoming event in Detroit aims to support and honor those who have served by connecting them with services and benefits they’re entitled to as veterans. AARP Michigan’s Melissa Seifert tells us many veterans may simply be unaware of some of the many benefits that are out there.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Efforts are heating up to pass legislation to reduce the cost of auto insurance in Michigan. Members of the Republican-controlled state House talked behind closed doors about bill amendments Thursday, and Detroit hospitals that oppose the
legislation warned of an “imminent” vote. Legislators could be in session into the night. The bill lets drivers opt out of a requirement to carry unlimited medical benefits through their auto insurance for crash injuries. The legislation seeks varying cuts in personal injury protection fees for motorists choosing less coverage. Supporters say the bill would help drivers who face the highest premiums in the
country. Opponents say it would lead to inadequate treatment for people with brain and other catastrophic injuries. Democrats are largely united against the bill. Some Republicans also are opposed.. ...Read Full Story

Child and Family Service of Southwest Michigan is now selling tickets to its 11th annual Festival of Lights. Director Joseph Goepfrich tells WSJM News the Festival of Lights is a party featuring music, food, drinks, and an auction. It could raise as much as $30,000 for the organization.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen has been promoted to a federal appeals court. The U.S. Senate confirmed Larsen’s nomination Wednesday. President Donald Trump selected her for the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The
Cincinnati-based court hears appeals from Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky. Larsen has made a remarkable rise in just two years. Governor Rick Snyder appointed her to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2015. She was elected by voters last year. She served on the faculty at University of Michigan law school and worked in the administration of President George W. Bush. Snyder will choose another justice when Larsen leaves the Michigan court.. ...Read Full Story

State Senator John Proos tells us the latest anti-concussion legislation signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder will ensure coaches and volunteers with youth leagues are up to date on the latest science. The plan recently signed by Snyder requires those who work with student athletes to get concussion awareness training every three years, says Proos.. ...Read Full Story

A deadly crash in Cass County is under investigation. Two people were killed when their pickup truck hit a utility pole in Edwardsburg around 8 p.m. last night. According to our reporting partners at WNDU NewsCenter 16, officers were having trouble last night identifying the two. The crash happened in the rain, and police are trying to figure out if that played a role or if alcohol may have been involved. Several homes in the area also lost power for several hours due to the crash on Elkhart Road north of Redfield Street.. ...Read Full Story

The Republican tax reform plan could be coming any day now, and Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM Newson Tuesday he thinks it will lead to economic growth. As for talk that the plan could slash tax-free 401(k) contributions, Upton doubted that will happen.. ...Read Full Story

The new Four Winds Casino in South Bend is looking for even more new employees. That’s why they’re holding a job fair this week. On Friday, applicants for gaming technician and surveillance engineer positions are invited to stop by the Four Winds Human Resources office on West South Street in South Bend. The job fair will run from noon until 5 p.m. There will be another job fair on Monday, November 13 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. for those interested in food and beverage positions. Four Winds is hiring for a new location that is currently under construction. It’s expected to be finished early next year.. ...Read Full Story

A Roaring 20s-themed series of events will be held next weekend in South Haven. The visitors bureau’s Scott Reinert tells WSJM News it’s time for Women’s Only Weekend from Thursday the 9th through Sunday the 12th. That’s when a variety of local businesses hold special events and sales to attract moms, daughters, and grandmas.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler wants voters to be ready for next week’s elections. She tells WSJM News the Berrien County communities holding elections will be the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, along with Chikaming Township and the Lakeshore school district. Those voters should know a few things.. ...Read Full Story

The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is hoping a large crowd turns out this Saturday for their annual holiday concert. The event will be held at the Heritage Museum in St. Joe, with the OutCenter’s Mary Jo Schnell telling WSJM News it’s all about welcoming one and all to enjoy the holiday spirit.. ...Read Full Story

A ribbon cutting is planned for next Thursday on a dune restoration project in South Haven. The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s Chris Martin tells WSJM News  they’re celebrating the completion of work at the Syndicate Park Dune.. ...Read Full Story

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow says the tax reform plan being considered by Washington Republicans will hurt working-class Michiganders. Stabenow spoke with Michigan News Network this week, telling them there’s one provision in the legislation that especially concerns her.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Certain medical marijuana businesses will be able to remain open in Michigan while seeking a state license required under a new regulatory system. The state Department of Licensing and Regulatory reversed course Wednesday after previously giving dispensaries until Dec. 15 to close to avoid potentially not receiving a license. The department and its Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation intend to issue emergency rules this month. To avoid facing an impediment to licensure, an applicant must be operating in a municipality that has adopted an authorizing ordinance before December 15. Patients and others had expressed outrage that businesses would be forced to close for months while awaiting a license. State regulator Andrew Brisbo says patients’ concerns about not being able to get their medicine played a “big factor” in the about-face.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A University of Michigan spokesman says it will pay “close attention to the safety and security of our community” in considering a request by white nationalist Richard Spencer to speak on campus. University spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said Tuesday that no decision has been made on Spencer’s request. Fitzgerald says a representative of Spencer’s National Policy Institute indicated there was flexibility with the speaking date. Michigan State University earlier this year turned down a request for Spencer to speak there. Spencer’s group has filed a lawsuit seeking to have that blockage overturned. Spencer’s group has also filed a lawsuit against Ohio State University, which also turned down a request for speaking space. Spencer participated in a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that led to deadly violence in August.. ...Read Full Story

November is the month the Van Buren District Library will aim to show the community it cares. The library’s Kay McAdam tells WSJM News they’re using all of this month at all seven branches to help the needy.. ...Read Full Story

(Lansing, MI – AP) – Michigan lawmakers have approved a $62.8 million supplemental budget bill that includes spending vetoed by Governor Rick Snyder months ago. The bill passed by the House Tuesday would restore about half of the $5 million in proposed general spending nixed by the Republican governor. An education budget bill already on Snyder’s desk includes another $1.2 million in spending he previously vetoed.. ...Read Full Story

Fire investigators are trying to figure out what sparked a massive three-alarm blaze at the North Niles Villa apartments on North 5th Street in Niles. The flames went through the roof in Building A of the complex last night, displacing residents of more than a dozen units. Niles Fire Chief Don Wise tells our reporting partners at WNDU NewsCenter 16 that in his more than three decades of fighting fires, this was among the worst he’s seen. The American Red Cross was on hand to help those people find shelter for the night. It’s believed the fire started in the attic, and investigators say it does not appear that the smoke detectors were working. One resident was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.. ...Read Full Story

A new director has come to the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph. Elizabeth Andrews, a St. Joe native, is taking over the position. She’s the replacement for Amy Zapal, who left the Heritage Museum early this year to lead St. Joseph Today. Andrews returns to the area from Ann Arbor where she’d most recently lived. She previously spent 17 years working for Berrien RESA, leading arts education around the county. The museum tells us Andrews “brings a passion for local history and culture, exuberance for learning and a deep commitment to philanthropy in the public and private sector.” It adds the new executive director will now lead efforts to increase technology-enhanced preservation of local artifacts and to increase the museum’s long-term sustainability.. ...Read Full Story

News this week of the first indictments as part of Robert Mueller’s investigation into possible Russian meddling in the U.S. election last year didn’t really surprise Congressman Fred Upton. He told WSJM News he expects that investigation to continue for quite a while.. ...Read Full Story

A donation of nearly 90 educational books has been made by the YMCA of Southwest Michigan to a church reading program in Benton Harbor. The First Church of God’s Robin Shipkosky tells WSJM News the program was started last year to help kids in the Benton Heights area.. ...Read Full Story

Cases of Hepatitis A are on the rise in the state, prompting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to activate its Community Health Emergency Coordination Center. Department Spokesperson Angela Minicuci tells Michigan News Network that will provide more help to healthcare providers and facilities. Many of the hepatitis A cases are associated with those who have a history of substance use, people in transient living conditions, those in jails, and healthcare workers.. ...Read Full Story

Some additional schools in Benton Harbor will be forming partnership agreements with the Michigan Department of Education in order to stay open. The department announced Tuesday Benton Harbor High School and the Mildred C. Wells Preparatory Academy have been added to the list. Their persistently-low test scores have caused them to be identified by the state as in need of extra intervention.. ...Read Full Story

The full Michigan House will soon hear a bill to allow golf carts to be driven on state trunk lines if certain safety provisions are met. State Representative Aaron Miller of Constantine sponsored the measure because he says the communities of Constantine and Colon each have rivers running through town.. ...Read Full Story

A more than 100 year old farm house is a total loss following a fire in Berrien Center Monday night. Eau Claire Fire Chief Norman Carl tells WSJM News the fire was reported at a home on Painter School Road near M-62 around 9:15 p.m. One member of the family woke up and got the rest of the family out. Responding fire departments were from Eau Claire, Sodus Township, Indian Lake, and Pokagon Township. A preliminary investigation finds the cause of the fire was likely a wood-burning stove, although the fire marshal is working to determine the official cause. Carl says no one was hurt in the blaze. He says the house was fully involved when firefighters arrived and there was no saving it. The family is staying with relatives. Firefighters were at the scene as late as 3 a.m. because of heavy winds that re-ignited the flames.. ...Read Full Story

The employment status of a Benton Harbor public safety officer remains up in the air following his guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of neglect of duty. The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office says 36-year-old Reginald Gee has been sentenced to paying fines and court costs of $535 and won’t serve any jail time or probation, but the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is still working through its own investigation. Gee had reported finding a stolen vehicle at Wings and Things on East Main street in Benton Harbor early in the morning of September 14, and called to have it towed. However, further investigation found there was someone in the car that he knew, and Gee had a conversation with that person before calling in the discovery of the 2003 Honda Element. That person is still under investigation, and charges remain possible. Gee entered a guilty plea on Monday, and was sentenced the same day.. ...Read Full Story

A Vandalia man is recovering from minor injuries after crashing his car in Cass County. The sheriff’s department says alcohol was a factor, but did not indicate what the blood-alcohol level was for 57-year-old Leland Scott when he rolled his vehicle on Old 205 near Cassopolis Road just after 10:30 last night. He was not wearing a seat belt and was taken by ambulance to Elkhart General Hospital in Indiana for treatment. Deputies tell us Scott failed to navigate a curve, causing his vehicle to leave the road and roll.. ...Read Full Story

The Village of Paw Paw will spend $225,000 to patch a breach in the Briggs Mill Dam with an earthen dam and an emergency spillway. A consultant presented five options to the Village Council Monday night, for both temporary and long term repair. The concrete dam was 113-years-old when it breached during a record rainfall just over two weeks ago. The consultant says he can have it fixed before the end of the year.. ...Read Full Story

Tonight will mean trick or treating for kids all over southwest Michigan, and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department wants them to be safe. Undersheriff Chuck Heit tells WSJM News safety starts with drivers.. ...Read Full Story

If you’re putting a jack o’ lantern on your porch this Halloween, you’ll want to consider some safety tips. Michigan State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer tells WSJM News having an open flame just sitting there creates risks.. ...Read Full Story

Police say one man is facing charges as part of a crystal meth investigation in Berrien County. The Southwest Enforcement Team tells us it arrested 39-year-old Manowar Ahmed Jones last Thursday in Watervliet Township. Officers say they seized about a half ounce of meth and several ounces of marijuana. That followed a three week investigation into crystal meth distribution. Police say the suspect tried to destroy some meth he had on him as the arrest was being made, but officers were able to wrestle it away from him. Charges in the case include delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, resisting and obstructing police, and destruction of evidence.. ...Read Full Story

When Veterans Day is marked this November in St. Joseph, the ceremony will be held in a new venue and with a new host. Lest We Forget’s Hank Richmond tells us the annual ceremony previously organized by a Korean War veterans group in St. Joe has been handed over to his organization. So, Veterans Day will be marked on Saturday, November 11 at the Whitcomb.. ...Read Full Story

As you prepare to send your young ones out for a night on the town of trick or treating, the American Heart Association is reminding you to practice a little moderation with the candy consumption. The group’s Stacy Sawyer tells us while a few days of increased sugar intake around Halloween might not be a make or break for long-term health, the much larger problem is general sugar consumption in the United States.. ...Read Full Story

A new invasive plant species has shown up in southwest Michigan. The Van Buren Conservation District’s Eleanor Serocki tells WSJM News Japanese stilt-grass has been found along a former snowmobile trail near Niles. It’s a persistent grass that can choke out native ground plants.. ...Read Full Story

Bills to prevent wage theft will soon be introduced in the Michigan legislature. A report from the Economic Policy Institute earlier this year found Michigan workers across all demographic groups are losing $429 million every year as a result of wage theft. Lauren Rosen of Hazel Park told Michigan News Network this week she used to work for a restaurant in downtown Detroit that would not give workers their tips.. ...Read Full Story

New safety features are being added to roads around southwest Michigan, and you may not even notice them. The Michigan Department of Transportation’s Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News the agency has identified areas where cars are more likely to leave their lanes, and it’s started adding features to help protect drivers.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — New Michigan laws will allow bicyclists to use electric-assisted bikes on roads and paved trails. The legislation signed by Governor Rick Snyder on Monday defines the bikes in law and classifies them based on speed and other factors. Under current law, e-bikes are treated the same as a moped, requiring licensing and insurance. Certain e-bikes will be allowed on paved multi-use trails unless local communities opt out. Other electric bikes will be allowed if authorized by the local authority or state agency with jurisdiction over the trail. Snyder says the bills, which take effect in 90 days, will help bicyclists “experience the beauty of Pure Michigan in a new, exciting way.” The Michigan Environmental Council says the laws will encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce vehicle emissions.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A woman accused of making threats outside a western Michigan mosque has reached a plea agreement to resolve the case. The Grand Rapids Press reports that 34-year-old Kari Moss of Ada pleaded no contest Monday to making a false bomb threat, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison. She’s jailed on $500,000 bond ahead of sentencing, which is scheduled for December 12. A stiffer charge of making a false threat of terrorism was dismissed under the deal. Her mother says she’s suffered from mental illness for many years. Kentwood police say members of the At-Tawheed Islamic Center told investigators a woman was outside the mosque’s locked doors on Jan. 2 demanding money when she made the threat. No weapons were found. No services were being held.. ...Read Full Story

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal hit and run reported on Monday. Sheriff’s deputies were called out to the scene on M-43 east of 37th Street near Paw Paw around 8:30 a.m. A driver had stopped to help a dog that was sitting by the side of the road when the victim was discovered. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Keaton Dorman. Police say he was lying in the ditch on the north-side of M-43. Deputies determined he’d been walking his dog the previous night when he was struck by a vehicle. The approximate time for the hit and run is sometime between 12 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Monday. Police say evidence at the scene has shown them the vehicle involved was a tan Ford model. It should have heavy damage on its passenger side. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is reminding everyone there will be local elections in the coming month. The date is set at November 7. Johnson tells us many voters will be using brand new voting machines this time around, so they may want to familiarize themselves with the new technology. That new equipment will be in use in 49 Michigan counties, including Berrien. Specifically, they’ll be rolled out in the Stevensville, Benton Harbor, and St. Joseph areas.. ...Read Full Story

We’re not paying as much to fill up to start the week. In the area, Triple-A Michigan says the average gas price for the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph region is down 9¢ a gallon from last week to $2.50. Statewide, we’re averaging $2.51, down about 7¢. The auto club says the Saginaw-Bay City-Midland area has the state’s lowest prices at $2.43, while the most expensive gas is in the Upper Peninsula in Marquette at $2.58. South Haven, which is not included in AAA’s survey, has gas prices at most stations at $2.38 and $2.39, with GasBuddy spotters noting one station is as high as $2.49. AAA says Michigan is 21st in the nation for the most expensive gas price.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Municipalities in Michigan will be prohibited from levying local taxes on food and beverages under a bill signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The Republican governor OK’d the measure Thursday after it recently won overwhelming legislative approval. No local governments in Michigan are considering an excise tax on sugary and artificially sweetened beverages. But business groups and others that lobbied for the law pointed to soda taxes in Philadelphia and the Chicago area as reason enough to move quickly. Health advocates opposed the bill. Cook County, Illinois, recently repealed its tax due to a backlash.. ...Read Full Story

Home sales in southwest Michigan were up in the month of September by about 5% from August. Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors Executive Alan Jeffries tells WSJM News that’s good news, although the low housing inventory right now has been a problem.. ...Read Full Story

With Governor Rick Snyder proclaiming October as Michigan’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Michigan Department of Treasury is asking Michiganders to practice cyber vigilance as a way to prevent tax-related identify theft. Spokesperson Ron Liex tells WSJM News it’s all about being careful online.. ...Read Full Story

The next public art theme for the city of St. Joseph was announced this week. The public art display this summer will feature heroic knights on horseback. City Marketing Director Susan Solon announced Monday night the theme this year is “The Magical Kingdom of St. Joseph.”. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police have a safety advisory for everyone now that it’s fall. Lieutenant Mike Dawson tells WSJM News drivers need to watch out for deer. Dawson reminds drivers that swerving is the worst thing to do if a deer runs out into the road.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Whirlpool as it moves forward with its plans to invest in the tech center on Upton Drive. Rob Cleveland of Cornerstone Alliance tells WSJM News a new tax abatement certificate was needed because Whirlpool has reduced the cost of the project from about $35 to $25 million.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police are preparing to team up with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program in Niles next month to collect items for needy kids. Trooper Jesse Binns tells WSJM News the annual Stuff a Blue Goose drive will take place Saturday, November 11.. ...Read Full Story

Lake Michigan College has been recognized by the Michigan Veterans’ Affairs Agency for its work to attract and accommodate veterans. It’s been named a gold-level Veteran Friendly School. LMC Vice President of Student Engagement Barbara Craig tells WSJM News the college does a variety of things to be welcoming to those who have served in the military.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor-based employment and economic development organizations Kinexus and Cornerstone Alliance both have their concerns about the city’s proposal for a local income tax. Representatives of both groups chatted with WSJM’s Pat Moody this week about the ballot proposal. Kinexus CEO Todd Gustafson said he does understand the need for infrastructure work in Benton Harbor.. ...Read Full Story

The Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency is working to help Benton Harbor-area residents prepare for the coming cold weather by showing them how winterize their homes. The agency’s Sandra Clank tells WSJM News they’ll do a demonstration Monday at a home in Benton Harbor. She adds teaching people how to winterize can help them be self-sufficient.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph City Commissioners have heard from state Representative Kim LaSata on the question of short-term rentals. It’s been a hot button issue for the commission since legislation was introduced in the state House and Senate to remove the authority of local governments to regulate short-term rentals. LaSata at a meeting this past week told commissioners she’s against the bill, and supports local control. She said short-term rental regulation is a simple matter of quality of life.. ...Read Full Story

With the temperature dropping and the furnace kicking on for many Michiganders, everyone’s being reminded there are places to turn for home heating help this winter. Michigan Gas Utilities spokesperson Matt Cullen tells WSJM News you should know about your options.. ...Read Full Story

Despite the direction of the Trump administration, a new poll finds overwhelming support for clean fuel standards, regardless of partisan or demographic lines. Elizabeth Senav with Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, which did the survey, tells us about half of those who said they voted for Donald Trump in 2016 support increased fuel-efficiency standards.. ...Read Full Story