Local News Archives

Upton Testifies About Opioid Epidemic

upton

Congressman Fred Upton is urging legislative leaders to do more to fight the nation’s opioid epidemic. He testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday as it held a proceeding for members to talk about the issue, share local and personal stories, and highlight solutions.. ...Read Full Story

SJ Public Safety Director Pleased With Summer Safety Program

brianuridge1

St. Joseph Public Safety Director Brian Uridge is pleased with how his department’s summer safety strategy worked. Now, he wants to improve it for next year. At Monday’s city commission meeting, Uridge said the plan for this past summer was mostly met with positive reviews. His department implemented it after a series of meetings ahead of the summer. Uridge told WSJM News folks liked the more than 50 new parking spaces at Lions Beach Park created by making the upper drive one-way.. ...Read Full Story

Negative Reaction To Proposed I&M Rate Hike

indianamichiganpowernew2015-8

From the Associated Press — Reaction has been running negative in public hearings toward Indiana Michigan Power’s request for a nearly 20 percent rate hike to improve its electric distribution system in Indiana. People living in the Fort Wayne area said during a public meeting Tuesday that they can’t afford the estimated $26 monthly increase, which could go into effect by July 2018. If the increase is approved, the utility would receive more than $260 million for electric infrastructure improvements. Those include replacing poles and
overhead and underground power lines, and trimming trees to decrease the chances of falling trees causing power outages. Another public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 30. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will rule later on the rate-hike request. The utility company has about 460,000 residential and business customers in northern and northeastern Indiana.. ...Read Full Story

Health Department To Demonstrate Anti-Overdose Drug Tomorrow

narcan-used-image-e1457641514111-4

With Berrien County experiencing an increase in opioid deaths in recent years, the health department is hoping more people will learn how to administer Naloxone, a drug that revives overdose victims. Berrien County Health Department Prevention Specialist Kerri Teachout tells WSJM News a class is being offered this week where anyone can learn to recognize an overdose and receive a free dose of Naloxone to keep around, just in case.. ...Read Full Story

Van Buren County Man On Trial For Attempted Murder

gavel947-20

A Grand Junction man who allegedly held police at bay for 15 hours at his barricaded home in June 2016 is on trial in Van Buren County. Jason Kohlhoff is charged with six counts of attempted murder. Investigators have testified he holds strong anti-government beliefs and had been writing threatening letters to a South Haven judge. A detective who tried to question him about it says Kohlhoff produced a shotgun and discharged it once as a warning. The standoff followed. Hundreds of rounds were exchanged but no one was hit. They had to assault the home with an armored vehicle to convince Kohlhoff to surrender. He was initially found to be incompetent to stand trial but with treatment, got better and day two of his trial will come today and the suspect may testify.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police To Hold Citizens Academy

michiganstatepolicegood-82

Anyone interested in what it’s like to be a Michigan State Police trooper will have a chance to learn with a citizens academy set for the next few months. MSP Trooper Jesse Binns with the Niles post tells WSJM News those who sign up for the next session will learn about several aspects of being a state police trooper.. ...Read Full Story

Police Continue Investigation Into Coloma Junior High Incident

police564-20

The investigation continues into the Coloma Junior High School student who was possibly seen with a gun this week while at school. Coloma Township Police Chief Jason Roe tells WSJM News there were enough credible reports from other students that the 12-year-old had dropped a handgun that police are still looking for it. He says the student was in a gym area between the high school and the junior high when other students reported the handgun falling out of his pocket. The student suspected of having a gun then managed to run off for a brief period before being detained. Police searched the junior high for five hours Monday while the building was on lockdown and they did not find a weapon. Still, Roe says they’ll look again. In the meantime, the student in question is not attending the school. Once the police complete their investigation, the case will be turned over to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s office.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Expecting Ban On Bump Stocks

fredupton24234-64

A ban on bump stocks could soon be in the works. Congressman Fred Upton told Michigan’s Big Show this week most members of Congress didn’t even know what bump stocks were before the Las Vegas massacre shooter used one when he killed more than 50 people this month. Now, Upton thinks either a legislative or an administrative ban is coming.. ...Read Full Story

BH Schools Consent Agreement Consultant Retiring

weatherspoon

He’s been the state consent agreement consultant for Benton Harbor Area Schools since February of 2016, and now, he’s retiring. Don Weatherspoon, who is also the state’s consent agreement consultant with Pontiac Schools, steps down at the end of this month. Weatherspoon has helped the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education stay in the state’s good graces with the district recently facing possible closure. Weatherspoon told WSJM News they’ve risen to the task.. ...Read Full Story

Police Look For Person Of Interest In Van Buren County Home Invasion

suspect533254532

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is looking for an 18-year-old woman in connection with a Friday morning home invasion and assault in Lawrence Township. It tells us 18-year-old Brittany Baham is known to have contacts in Hartford, Watervliet, and South Bend. She’s described as white, about 5 foot 6, and 160 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. The sheriff’s department tells us it believes she’s a person of interest while it investigates a home invasion Friday that led to the theft of a Cobra .380 semi-automatic handgun. Police believe the robbery also involved two males who they haven’t identified. Anyone with information on Baham’s location is asked to call the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story

Legislature Approves Update To Football Concussion Rules

football-5

From the Associated Press — Coaches and others involved in youth sports would have to complete concussion awareness training at least once every three years under legislation headed to Governor Rick Snyder for his signature. The bill cleared a final step in the Michigan Senate Tuesday. It would update 2012 concussion laws that required a concussion protocol for youth athletes and an awareness program for coaches, volunteers and others. The legislation would add a requirement that concussion training be completed once every three years, unless the state Department of Health and Human Services recommends more frequent training. The state would have to periodically review the training program. The bill would also clarify that universities and colleges do not need to secure parental waivers for students participating in intramural sports.. ...Read Full Story

Holland Murder Suspect Caught

policetape-70

A Holland man suspected of killing his girlfriend yesterday is in custody this morning and is expected to be charged with open murder later today. The report of the killer at large triggered a shelter in place alert at Hope College, and warnings that 56-year-old Keith Williams was armed and dangerous and driving around in a silver SUV. Around 7 p.m., he was spotted by Michigan State Police and followed until they could get other officers in the area to join them in a felony stop. Police Chief Matt Messer says he was captured after he pulled over into the parking lot of an Arby’s in Holland. Williams is suspected of stabbing his 37-year-old girlfriend to death on 14th Street near Washington Boulevard at about 1:30 p.m. Monday. Witnesses say they saw him leaving the murder scene, bloodied and with a knife. He has a long criminal history and is a registered sex offender.. ...Read Full Story

Another Official To Face Manslaughter Charge In Flint Water Crisis

waterfaucet-17

A special prosecutor says he’ll add a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Michigan’s chief medical executive in a criminal investigation of the Flint water crisis. Dr. Eden Wells was in court Monday for a key hearing on other charges. But the hearing was postponed after the announcement by special prosecutor Todd Flood. Five other people have been charged with involuntary manslaughter tied to an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Flint area in 2014-15. The attorney general’s office says key officials in the Snyder administration knew about a spike in Legionnaires’ but failed to tell the public until January 2016. Some experts have blamed the outbreak on Flint’s use of the Flint River. Legionnaires’ is a type of pneumonia caused by bacteria that thrive in warm water.. ...Read Full Story

Alleged South Haven Trailer Park Shooter Arraigned

gavelgoodtouse-36

A Covert man says the shooting of his girlfriend last Friday was an accident. Jeffrey Howell was arraigned yesterday on a charge of assault with intent to murder. He told the judge during that proceeding he would never hurt his girlfriend, Guadalupe Hernandez. She considers their relationship over and admitted to grabbing the gun as it discharged into her midsection. The 50-year-old Howell has a criminal record and legally should not have been in possession of the weapon. Due to that, bond has been set at $1 million.. ...Read Full Story

Vietnam POW To Speak In Berrien County Next Month

americanflag-41

A distinguished Vietnam veteran will be coming to Berrien County next month to share his experience. The Buchanan American Legion’s Larry Money tells WSJM News Captain William Robinson will speak at Michigan Lutheran High School and American Legion in Buchanan. Robinson is the longest-held enlisted American Prisoner of War in history.. ...Read Full Story

Swift And Sure Grants Announced By Michigan Supreme Court

berriencountycourthouse-21

The Swift and Sure probation program in Berrien County is receiving a grant of $240,000 from the Michigan Supreme Court. The grant was announced Monday, and it’s part of a total of $3 million going to Swift and Sure programs in 24 counties. Swift and sure is an intensive probation program designed to help repeat offenders get back on track and turn their lives around. The Michigan Supreme Court tells WSJM News 67% of Swift and Sure enrolees are unemployed when they first sign up, but 14% are unemployed by the time they complete the program. Berrien County is one of 27 Michigan counties with a Swift and Sure program. It’s one of four specialty courts in the county. The others are the Drug Treatment Court, the Drug Court, and the Domestic Violence Court.. ...Read Full Story

St .Joseph Commissioners Speak Out On Short-Term Rental Legislation

saintjosephcityhall-16

St. Joseph City Commissioners are hoping residents make their voices heard to state lawmakers when it comes to new zoning legislation. A plan in the state House and Senate would strip a community’s ability to restrict short-term rentals. St. Joe Commissioners Monday night warned such a plan, if passed, would mean out of control summer vacation homes in town, something they’ve worked to avoid for years. City Commissioner Jeff Richards said neighborhoods sit empty for half the year when that happens, and schools suffer.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Attorney General Issues Equifax Hack Update

computer4-14

The Michigan Attorney General’s office has issued some recommendations to Michigan residents who are concerned their personal information may have been compromised in the recent Equifax hack. Attorney General Bill Schuette says Equifax has announced 2.5 million more consumers were impacted by the breach than originally thought, including almost 80,000 additional Michigan residents. In Michigan, the breach has now impacted the personal information of more than 4.6 million consumers. The website set up by Equifax for people to check whether they’ve been compromised was to be updated with the new information by the start of this week. Schuette’s office says the best way to protect yourself if you have been hacked is to order a credit freeze and sign up for credit monitoring. You can find more information right here.. ...Read Full Story

Police Find No Weapon At Coloma High School, Junior School

police564-19

The Coloma Township Police Department continues to investigate after reports Monday morning of a student with a gun. Shortly before 10 a.m. officers were called out to the junior high on the report. The junior high school and the high school were both placed on lockdown. Police found the student in question and isolated him while the school and its surrounding grounds were searched. Coloma Township police were assisted by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, which brought in a K9 unit. The search turned up no weapon. The lockdown at the high school was over by about noon, while the junior high’s lockdown ended by the end of classes for the day. Police say the case remains under investigation and will be turned over the Berrien County Prosecutor’s office.. ...Read Full Story

Coloma High School Taken Off Lockdown

breaking-news

WSJM News has confirmed that Coloma High School no longer on lockdown. However, the junior high remains on lockdown. The two buildings were placed on lockdown this morning when there was a report of a weapon on the property. There are no reports of anyone in custody, and police are searching the property.. ...Read Full Story

Local Control Of Short-Term Rentals Hot Topic In Legislature

Local crackdowns on short-term housing rentals, like we’ve seen in St. Joseph and South Haven, have ignited a fight in Michigan’s Capitol. Homeowners and lobbyists are now lining up for and against legislation that would allow the rentals in all residential zones and prohibit treating them differently through zoning. The bills are being pushed by the Michigan Realtors group, which accuses municipalities of trampling on property rights with overly restrictive and unfair rules. On the other side are lodging, tourism and local officials who worry about the unrestrained growth of short-term vacation rentals through online platforms such as Airbnb. Supporters and opponents are mobilizing ahead of potential legislative hearings this fall. The Realtors has run one-minute radio ads across the state. Tourism and local leaders held a news conference in recent days to express their “deep concerns” with the legislation.. ...Read Full Story

Swine Flu Found In Allegan County

medical34-3

From the Associated Press — Health officials say a child who visited a county fair in western Michigan last month is the first confirmed case of swine flu in the state this year. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Allegan County Health Department reported the child visited the Allegan County Fair that ran Sept. 8-16, 2017. They say that because the incubation period for the illness is
one to seven days, no new cases from exposure at the fair are expected. The flu is known as a variant of H3N2 and there’s currently no vaccine for it. Symptoms of swine flu in people can be similar to other flu viruses: fever, cough, runny nose, aches and nausea.. ...Read Full Story

Krasl Crowdfunding New Improvements

krasl-6

A new crowdfunding effort has been launched by the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph. The goal is to raise $50,000 by December 1 so Krasl can receive a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. On top of that, Krasl will get another match from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and 1st Source Bank Foundation. The purpose of the crowdfunding effort is to pay for a new improvement project at Krasl that would include the installation of a winding sidewalk, a plaza, and gathering areas. A backer of the effort is state Representative Kim LaSata, who tells us the project will ensure “St. Joseph will remain a special place on the lake.” You can find the Krasl’s crowdfunding page right here.. ...Read Full Story

Duck Hunters Asked To Help Spot Invasive Plant

invasiuve333

The Van Buren Conservation District is reaching out to duck hunters as the season approaches, hoping to stop the spread of an invasive plant species. The district’s Eleanor Serocki tells WSJM News there’s a European reed called phragmites that poses a threat to duck habitats because it’s too dense for ducks to movethrough. She hopes hunters will avoid the reed.. ...Read Full Story

New Legislation Bans Local Rules For Job Interviews

employment23-11

From the Associated Press — The Michigan Senate has voted to prohibit local communities from regulating what information employers must request, require or exclude during a job interview. The state already prohibits local ordinances involving information related to
an employment application. But proponents of the bill approved 27-9 Thursday are worried that Michigan municipalities could follow the lead of Philadelphia and bar employers from asking for a prospective employee’s wage history in an interview. No local governments in Michigan are considering ordinances similar to Philadelphia’s. Opponents say the legislation would prevent local “fair chance” policies that
regulate when and to what extent employers can consider someone’s criminal record in making a hiring decision. Republicans voted for the bill in the GOP-led Senate. Democrats opposed it.The measure next goes to the Republican-led House for consideration.. ...Read Full Story

Financial Expert Talks Equifax Hack

computer4-13

The recent data hack at credit firm Equifax could have broad implications for the economy. Jordan Goodman, a financial expert with MoneyAnswers.com tells WSJM News due to the breadth of the personal info credit reporting agencies have, you could be affected in severe ways if they’re breached. Scammers can open bank accounts and credit cards in your name.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State Police Director Staying In Post

etue2-2

From the Associated Press — The director of the Michigan State Police plans to stay in her job through 2018, likely collecting more than $150,000 in salary as well as a pension. A spokeswoman for Governor Rick Snyder says he’ll reappoint Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue to serve through the end of his term. The Detroit Free Press says Etue must retire next year, so she’ll get a salary and at least a portion of her pension while she’s still on the job. The newspaper says Etue’s annual pension is more than $80,000. In addition, Etue is eligible for other payments because she didn’t retire when she was first eligible in 2012. Etue recently has rejected calls to quit after she shared a Facebook post that called kneeling NFL players “anti-American degenerates.” She apologized.. ...Read Full Story

Treasurer Applauds Legislation Cracking Down On Tax Loophole

gavel900-10

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is pleased to learn legislation from state Representatives Dave Pagel and Kim LaSata cracking down on second homeowners who exploit a tax loophole has passed. The plan closes a loophole that allows for an out-of-state resident with a second home in Michigan to claim that second home is a homestead, lowering their property taxes. It also enables the owners of rental properties to claim those parcels as their homestead. Witkowski tells WSJM News his office is always tracking those people down and having to fight them at the tax tribunal level.. ...Read Full Story

One Killed In Van Buren County Motorcycle Crash

michiganstatepolicegood-81

Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Saturday. Troopers say they were called to the scene on Red Arrow Highway near Territorial Road in Paw Paw Township around 2:40 p.m. 76-year-old Richard Setty of Kalamazoo had been westbound when he lost control of his motorcycle and was ejected. He was later pronounced dead at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.. ...Read Full Story

Proos: Auto Insurance Reform Needed Now

proos433-11

State Senator John Proos is hoping the latest effort to reform Michigan’s auto insurance system will be successful. He tells WSJM News testimony has been taken this week over in the House for a plan to remove a requirement that all auto policies in Michigan have unlimited coverage for catastrophic injuries.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Boil Water Action Lifted

water3-8

On Thursday, residents in South Haven were notified of the need to boil all tap water used for drinking and cooking. The City of South Haven, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, has determined it is no longer necessary to use bottled water or boil water before drinking or cooking.  Appropriate corrective measures have been taken and follow-up sampling has confirmed no coli form bacteria is present in the water supply.. ...Read Full Story

Van-Pedestrian Accident in Hartford Township

van-buren-county-sheriff-3

Van Buren County Deputies are blaming distracted driving for a van/pedestrian collision that left a Bangor woman with life threatening injuries. Deputies say a 16-year-old from Hartford was driving along in the 62000 block of Red Arrow Highway in Hartford Township at about 3:00 Friday afternoon when the van strayed over the fog line on the edge of the road, clipped a mailbox and then hit the 46-year-old victim as she was walking along the road. The victim was initially unresponsive and began CPR. By the time deputies arrived she was breathing but unconscious. She was taken to Bronson Methodist in Kalamazoo with multiple injuries, and is listed in critical condition. The crash report will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office and the driver may face criminal charges.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor City Manager Answers Trash Collection Questions

bentonharborcityhall1-25

Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson is hoping residents will hear his message about garbage collection now that a new company has been picked to provide the service. The contract isn’t signed yet, but We-Cycle Industrial Sanitation starting making pick-ups this past week after being selected for the job last month. The problem is that it hasn’t provided folks with bins yet. City Manager Watson tells us, for the next two months, residents have two options.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County First Responders To Train For Mass Fatality Situations

police564-18

Law enforcement agencies and other first reponders in Berrien County will be training for a mass fatality situation next month. Michigan State Police are helping to organize the course called Mass Fatalities for Rural Communities. The MSP tells us it serves as a training tool to provide rural communities with information to manage an actual mass-fatality response. The process of recovery, identification, and disposal of human remains following a major catastrophe is discussed. MSP says this sort of work differs from the normal daily operations local authorities are used to. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has been planning the training day for a long time, according to The Herald Palladium. Law enforcement, firefighters, and others will spend the whole day of November 6 at the Berrien County Conference Room to learn about those catastrophic situations. The place to register for the disaster training can be found right here.. ...Read Full Story

Dowagiac To Dedicate New Mural

mural

The city of Dowagiac is planning a special event for next Saturday as it dedicates a new mural remembering the local Orphan Train. City Manager Secretary Bobbie Jo Hartline tells WSJM News the Orphan Train started in New York City in the mid-1800s as a way to find homes for orphans in that city throughout the United States.. ...Read Full Story

Coast Guard Asks Everyone To Stay Off The Piers This Weekend

lakemichigan4-14

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking everyone to stay out of Lake Michigan, and away from the piers this weekend. A gale watch is in effect through Sunday morning. The National Weather Service warns there’s a chance of gale force winds around 35 knots all of this weekend. Stay off the piers because waves generated by the winds can knock you into the lake. Again, it is dangerous to go out on to the piers this weekend.. ...Read Full Story

Covert Man Arrested In Shooting Of South Haven Woman

policetape-69

A South Haven woman is hospitalized with a wound to the abdomen after being shot just after 4 a.m. Friday during a domestic situation at South Haven Trailer Park. Police Chief Natalie Thompson tells WSJM News children at the home were secured by officers and turned over to family members later in the morning. None of them were injured. The victim was conscious and able to identify the suspect who was later located at a home in Covert and taken into custody. He’s a 50-year-old Covert man who is now at the Van Buren County Jail pending arraignment on Monday. The suspect’s name has not been released. The victim is expected to recover.. ...Read Full Story

Bissell Pet Foundation Planning Adoption Event Next Week

pets-7

If you’d like to get a cat or dog, consider adoption. That’s just as the Bissell Pet Foundation is sponsoring an Empty The Shelters event next Saturday, October 14. 75 shelters are taking part in Michigan. Bissell Pet Foundation founder Cathy Bissell told Michigan News Network Michigan has received many animals displaced by hurricanes in the south.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Justice Gets Senate Committee Approval For US Court

joanlarsen

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen is a step closer to a new job on a federal appeals court. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved her nomination Thursday and sent it to the full Senate. All nine Democrats on the committee voted no. The 48-year-old Larsen was nominated to the Cincinnati-based appeals court by President Donald Trump. The court hears cases from federal courts in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.. ...Read Full Story

Woman Shot In South Haven

policelightgood2-94

A South Haven woman is hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the abdomen after being shot just after 4 a.m. during a domestic situation at South Haven Trailer Park. Police say the suspect is a man who was arrested at a family member’s home a short time later. South Haven police say the victim is expected to make a full recovery. No names or other details have yet been released.. ...Read Full Story

Krasl Aims To Add A Welcoming Outdoor Space

lotus

WSJM News told you this week about a crowdfunding effort launched by the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph to help pay for an improvement project. Krasl is seeking $50,000 in online donations for a new outdoor space near the sculpture commonly known as Lotus the Hippo. Krasl’s Julia Gourley tells us the overall goal is actually to raise $1.7 million to attract more visitors.. ...Read Full Story

Home Sales Up, Prices Down In August

homesalesmesales2-15

Home sales in southwest Michigan remain strong, although selling prices did go down in the month of August. The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors tells WSJM News the average selling price for a home in the region dropped 12% from July to August. The median price also slipped 3%. That’s after selling prices held steady for about four months. The number of houses sold increased 8% over the number of houses sold in August 2016. Year to date, home sales in southwest Michigan are up 6%. The realtors association also tells us mortgage rates have continued to go down, while the housing inventory is also tight.. ...Read Full Story