Local News Archives

Nonprofits Bail People Out Of Detroit Jails Amid Pandemic

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From the Associated Press — Dozens of people in the Detroit area have been bailed out of jail during the coronavirus pandemic by nonprofits pushing to dismantle the cash bail system. The Detroit Free Press reports that roughly 55 people in the area have been bailed out of jail during the pandemic by Michigan Liberation and The Bail Project. The immediate release from jail before trial for low-income people grew urgent with the arrival of the coronavirus for these nonprofits advocating to transform the criminal justice system. Under Michigan law, cash bail can be used for any criminal offense.. ...Read Full Story

State Reports 179 New COVID Cases For Monday, One In Berrien

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COVID-19 numbers in southwest Michigan continue to improve. After having no new cases of the illness to report for Sunday, Berrien County had one new case for Monday. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the county has had a cumulative total of 693 cases with 60 deaths. Cass County reported two new cases for Monday, now with a total of 111 and four deaths. Van Buren County had one additional case for the day, making the county’s total 193 with six deaths. Statewide, the number of new coronavirus cases for Monday was 179 with seven additional deaths. The state has had a total of 61,409 cases of the illness, and 5,853 patients have died since the start of the pandemic. As of Friday, the state had more than 49,000 recoveries.. ...Read Full Story

Benson: Voters Need Clear Choices Of How To Vote In Pandemic

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From the Associated Press — Michigan’s chief election officer says she is cautiously optimistic about preparations for the 2020 elections amid the coronavirus outbreak, emphasizing the state can avoid failures seen elsewhere by giving people clear choices of how to vote absentee or in person. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said her office has recruited at least 2,000 workers for the August and November elections to address shortages due to veteran volunteers’ safety concerns and because local clerks will need extra staff to process a surge in absentee ballots. She said encouraging people to vote by mail will not limit the ability to vote in person.. ...Read Full Story

State Resumes Charging For Admission At Parks

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Michigan state parks has resumed collecting admission fees after a three-month break because of the coronavirus. The recreation passport costs $12 when renewing a license plate registration through the secretary of state or $17 at park entrances. The cost is lower for motorcycles. The pass is valid for one year or until the current vehicle registration expires. The pass allows people to visit more than 100 state parks and recreation areas. Camping, overnight lodging facilities and day-use shelters in state parks also reopen Monday.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Medical Schools See Increase In Applications

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From the Associated Press — Some medical schools in Michigan are increasing their class size because they’re receiving an influx of applicants during a time marked by a shortage of physicians. The Lansing State Journal reports that while some schools are taking steps to increase class sizes, the MSU College of Human Medicine says it’s not increasing its nearly 200-student per class capacity.
Joel Maurer, assistant dean of admissions for the college, says that would require the school to hire more faculty and expand at its East Lansing and Grand Rapids campuses to increase class sizes.. ...Read Full Story

State Ending Ties With Company After Teen’s Restraint, Death

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From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the state’s Department of Health and Human Services to no longer work with a company that provided staffing for a facility where a 16-year-old died earlier this year while being wrongly restrained. Whitmer said in a statement late Saturday that Sequel Youth and Family Services cannot provide services for facilities licensed by the state agency. Cornelius Frederick died May 1 after going into cardiac arrest April 29. At the time, authorities said he was being restrained by staff after throwing a sandwich. The state on Thursday terminated its contracts with Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo. The Associated Press left an email Sunday morning seeking comment from Sequel Family and Youth Services.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Announces Forest Cleanup Challenge For This Summer

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Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Michigan’s forests this summer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the “100 in 100 Forest Challenge,” inviting residents to clean up 100 forests in 100 days. DNR program developer Conor Haenni tells WSJM News you’d be surprised at what needs to be hauled out of Michigan’s more than 600 state and federal forests.. ...Read Full Story

146 New Cases Of COVID-19 Reported In Michigan For Sunday

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Michigan is reporting 146 new cases of COVID-19 for Sunday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,230 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported three additional deaths for Sunday, bringing that total to 5,846. As of Friday, the state has had 49,290 recoveries from COVID. Berrien County had no new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, leaving the total at 692 with 60 deaths. Cass County had one new case for Sunday, making its total 109 with four deaths. Van Buren County also had one additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 192 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Property Tax Deadline Approaching

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The property tax due date is fast approaching. Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich tells WSJM News due to COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer moved it back to June 29. If you still owe on your taxes, the treasurer’s office will work out a payment plan with you.. ...Read Full Story

Property Tax Deadline Approaching

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The property tax due date is fast approaching. Berrien County Treasurer Shelly Weich tells WSJM News due to COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer moved it back to June 29. If you still owe on your taxes, the treasurer’s office will work out a payment plan with you.. ...Read Full Story

Body Found In St. Joseph River

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Police say they believe the body of a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River in Royalton Township on Friday has been found. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says the man went under while helping a struggling juvenile in the water about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch Friday evening. The search for him continued through the weekend, and a body was found about a half mile downriver shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday. An autopsy will be done at Western Michigan University. The man’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

Body Found In St. Joseph River

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Police say they believe the body of a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River in Royalton Township on Friday has been found. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says the man went under while helping a struggling juvenile in the water about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch Friday evening. The search for him continued through the weekend, and a body was found about a half mile downriver shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday. An autopsy will be done at Western Michigan University. The man’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Taking Action To Address Street Flooding

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The South Haven City Council has approved a short-term plan to address flooding near the intersection of Dunkley Avenue and East Wells Street, just to the east of the Black River. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News high water levels in Lake Michigan have created persistent problems there, and the council this past week approved a plan from Department of Public Works to mitigate them.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Taking Action To Address Street Flooding

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The South Haven City Council has approved a short-term plan to address flooding near the intersection of Dunkley Avenue and East Wells Street, just to the east of the Black River. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News high water levels in Lake Michigan have created persistent problems there, and the council this past week approved a plan from Department of Public Works to mitigate them.. ...Read Full Story

SHAES Puts Out Fire At Clementine’s In South Haven

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South Haven Area Emergency Services was able to contain a small fire at Clementine’s restaurant on Saturday. SHAES says it was called to the restaurant at 500 Phoenix Street around 1:30 p.m. when employees smelled smoke. The restaurant was safely evacuated, and when firefighters arrived they found fire in a first-floor kitchen wall behind a broiler. It was put out with water to prevent contamination of food preparation areas. The cause is under investigation. Clementine’s had just re-opened last Monday after being closed for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed again Saturday afternoon due to the fire. One SHAES firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.. ...Read Full Story

SHAES Puts Out Fire At Clementine’s In South Haven

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South Haven Area Emergency Services was able to contain a small fire at Clementine’s restaurant on Saturday. SHAES says it was called to the restaurant at 500 Phoenix Street around 1:30 p.m. when employees smelled smoke. The restaurant was safely evacuated, and when firefighters arrived they found fire in a first-floor kitchen wall behind a broiler. It was put out with water to prevent contamination of food preparation areas. The cause is under investigation. Clementine’s had just re-opened last Monday after being closed for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The restaurant closed again Saturday afternoon due to the fire. One SHAES firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Warns Of Wildfire Risk

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Be careful if you’re having a campfire this weekend. There’s an elevated risk of wildfires statewide because of hot, dry weather. Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource protection manager Don Klingler told Michigan News Network this week they’ve had many fires this year.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Warns Of Wildfire Risk

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Be careful if you’re having a campfire this weekend. There’s an elevated risk of wildfires statewide because of hot, dry weather. Michigan Department of Natural Resources resource protection manager Don Klingler told Michigan News Network this week they’ve had many fires this year.. ...Read Full Story

255 New COVID Cases In Michigan For Saturday

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Michigan is reporting 255 new cases of COVID-19 for Saturday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,084 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 20 additional deaths for Saturday, bringing that total to 5,843. Berrien County had three new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 692 with 60 deaths. Cass County had two new cases for Saturday, making its total 108 with four deaths. Van Buren County had two additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 191 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

255 New COVID Cases In Michigan For Saturday

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Michigan is reporting 255 new cases of COVID-19 for Saturday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 61,084 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 20 additional deaths for Saturday, bringing that total to 5,843. Berrien County had three new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 692 with 60 deaths. Cass County had two new cases for Saturday, making its total 108 with four deaths. Van Buren County had two additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 191 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Youth Fair Director: Decision To Postpone Not Made Lightly

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Postponed and not cancelled. That’s what leaders at the Berrien County Youth Fair are saying about the event for this year. Due to COVID-19 and uncertainty about what the situation and rules will be in August, the fair announced this year it’s being moved to August of 2021. Berrien County Youth Fair Manager Karen Klug tells WSJM News the decision came after much deliberation.. ...Read Full Story

Youth Fair Director: Decision To Postpone Not Made Lightly

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Postponed and not cancelled. That’s what leaders at the Berrien County Youth Fair are saying about the event for this year. Due to COVID-19 and uncertainty about what the situation and rules will be in August, the fair announced this year it’s being moved to August of 2021. Berrien County Youth Fair Manager Karen Klug tells WSJM News the decision came after much deliberation.. ...Read Full Story

Bank Donates To SMC Virtual Run Planned For This Summer

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Fifth Third Bank has made a $7,000 donation to Southwestern Michigan College for Steve’s Run. Due to the pandemic, a virtual run will be held this year from July 25 through August 1. SMC President Joe Odenwald says a “virtual run this year supports the race’s ultimate goal — raising funds for cancer research and the Steven Briegel scholarship while practicing social distancing.” Participants can run or walk their favorite route at a preferred time anytime between Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, August 1. Those who sign up by Sunday, July 5, at will be mailed a race T-shirt. When they’re finished, runners can share their time and a photo wearing the T-shirt to the Steve’s Run Facebook page, and top runners will be recognized on the page once the race is done. Odenwald accepted Fifth Third Bank’s contribution to the cause this week.. ...Read Full Story

Bank Donates To SMC Virtual Run Planned For This Summer

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Fifth Third Bank has made a $7,000 donation to Southwestern Michigan College for Steve’s Run. Due to the pandemic, a virtual run will be held this year from July 25 through August 1. SMC President Joe Odenwald says a “virtual run this year supports the race’s ultimate goal — raising funds for cancer research and the Steven Briegel scholarship while practicing social distancing.” Participants can run or walk their favorite route at a preferred time anytime between Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, August 1. Those who sign up by Sunday, July 5, at will be mailed a race T-shirt. When they’re finished, runners can share their time and a photo wearing the T-shirt to the Steve’s Run Facebook page, and top runners will be recognized on the page once the race is done. Odenwald accepted Fifth Third Bank’s contribution to the cause this week.. ...Read Full Story

Man Missing In St. Joseph River

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River on Friday. It says deputies were called out to the river about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch in Royalton Township around 7:15 p.m. They learned two adults and three children had been out on a pontoon boat and swimming when one of the children began struggling in the water. One of the adults jumped into the water and was able to save the child, but then went under. The sheriff’s department says the 46-year-old Berrien County man is still missing. A search for the man is underway.. ...Read Full Story

Man Missing In St. Joseph River

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a man who went missing in the St. Joseph River on Friday. It says deputies were called out to the river about a mile from the Jasper Dairy boat launch in Royalton Township around 7:15 p.m. They learned two adults and three children had been out on a pontoon boat and swimming when one of the children began struggling in the water. One of the adults jumped into the water and was able to save the child, but then went under. The sheriff’s department says the 46-year-old Berrien County man is still missing. A search for the man is underway.. ...Read Full Story

Hiring Rose In 46 States In May, Yet Jobless Rates Still High

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from the Associated Press — Employers added jobs in 46 states last month, evidence that the U.S. economy’s surprise hiring gain in May was spread broadly across the country – in both states that began reopening their economies early and those that did so only later. Unemployment rates fell in 38 states, rose in three and were largely unchanged in nine, the Labor Department said. All told, the figures illustrate the unusually broad nature of the recession, with all states enduring unemployment rates that soared in April as the coronavirus forced business closures and then generally fell but remained painfully high in May.. ...Read Full Story

Hiring Rose In 46 States In May, Yet Jobless Rates Still High

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from the Associated Press — Employers added jobs in 46 states last month, evidence that the U.S. economy’s surprise hiring gain in May was spread broadly across the country – in both states that began reopening their economies early and those that did so only later. Unemployment rates fell in 38 states, rose in three and were largely unchanged in nine, the Labor Department said. All told, the figures illustrate the unusually broad nature of the recession, with all states enduring unemployment rates that soared in April as the coronavirus forced business closures and then generally fell but remained painfully high in May.. ...Read Full Story

Comcast Extends Free Internet Offer For The Rest Of 2020

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Comcast has announced it’s extending its offer of free internet service to low income residents for the rest of the year. When the COVID-19 pandemic first reached the United States, Comcast started to offer its Internet Essentials plan for free for 60 days. That was later extended, and now it’s been extended again through the end of 2020. Internet Essentials is normally $9.95 per month for those with low incomes, and will now be complimentary for those who qualify. In addition, Comcast will continue to waive, through the end of the year, the requirement that customers not have a past due balance with Comcast to get the free offer. The company says with internet now critical to everyone, especially students, it’s making the offer to help during the pandemic.. ...Read Full Story

Comcast Extends Free Internet Offer For The Rest Of 2020

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Comcast has announced it’s extending its offer of free internet service to low income residents for the rest of the year. When the COVID-19 pandemic first reached the United States, Comcast started to offer its Internet Essentials plan for free for 60 days. That was later extended, and now it’s been extended again through the end of 2020. Internet Essentials is normally $9.95 per month for those with low incomes, and will now be complimentary for those who qualify. In addition, Comcast will continue to waive, through the end of the year, the requirement that customers not have a past due balance with Comcast to get the free offer. The company says with internet now critical to everyone, especially students, it’s making the offer to help during the pandemic.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Drowning Victim Dies

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A 19-year-old South Haven woman has died after she was pulled out of Lake Michigan off of South Haven’s South Beach on Tuesday. The South Haven Police Department says Jazmyn Patterson died at a Kalamazoo hospital. She’d been pulled out of the lake by good Samaritans around 6 p.m. Tuesday. South Haven Area Emergency Services personnel then took her to Bronson Hospital in South Haven, and she was later airlifted to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Police confirmed on Friday that she had died.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Drowning Victim Dies

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A 19-year-old South Haven woman has died after she was pulled out of Lake Michigan off of South Haven’s South Beach on Tuesday. The South Haven Police Department says Jazmyn Patterson died at a Kalamazoo hospital. She’d been pulled out of the lake by good Samaritans around 6 p.m. Tuesday. South Haven Area Emergency Services personnel then took her to Bronson Hospital in South Haven, and she was later airlifted to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Police confirmed on Friday that she had died.. ...Read Full Story

211 New Cases Of COVID-19 Identified In Michigan Frdiay

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Michigan is reporting 211 new cases of COVID-19 for Friday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 60,829 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported just five additional deaths for Friday, bringing that total to 5,823. Berrien County had five new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 689 with 60 deaths. Cass County had no new cases for Friday, keeping its total 106 with four deaths. Van Buren County had one additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 189 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

211 New Cases Of COVID-19 Identified In Michigan Frdiay

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Michigan is reporting 211 new cases of COVID-19 for Friday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 60,829 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported just five additional deaths for Friday, bringing that total to 5,823. Berrien County had five new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 689 with 60 deaths. Cass County had no new cases for Friday, keeping its total 106 with four deaths. Van Buren County had one additional case for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 189 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Auto Insurance Policy Holders Told To Choose Medical Options Carefully

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Michigan drivers could see big savings on their auto insurance bills starting next month, but they do want to be careful about how they go about it. Under reforms passed last year, starting on July 2 drivers can opt for less health coverage or opt out completely, which would mean their health insurance would pick up the tab for any injuries suffered in a crash. Personal injury attorney Amir Hakim told Michigan News Network this week that under the new law, if you cause an accident, you may have to pick up some of the healthcare costs of the other driver, who may not have adequate health care.. ...Read Full Story

MI Legislature Votes To Oppose Whitmer Nursing Home Policy

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The Michigan House has approved a resolution opposing Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. State Representative Pauline Wendzel says Whitmer has continued with a plan that places COVID-19 patients into long-term care facilities, which puts elderly residents of nursing homes at risk. Wendzel says, “These are our veterans, church members, parents, and grandparents who are forced to live in these COVID hot-spots. They’re scared, alone, helpless, and deserve better.” She was a co-sponsor of the House resolution. It was approved by the chamber Thursday on a vote of 71 to 32. The Senate later voted to do the same.. ...Read Full Story

Museums Preparing To Open Around Michigan

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After being closed since mid March, the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit is reopening with pandemic precautions starting July 2. Christian Cullen oversees security and safety for guest services. He says some places will be closed like the Wright Brothers bike shop. But Greenfield Village’s historic interpreters will still share the stories.. ...Read Full Story

Choice For RESA Superintendent Declines To Take Job

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It’s back to the drawing board for the Berrien RESA Board of Education as its choice to be the new RESA superintendent has opted not to leave his current position. The RESA board this year settled on Lapeer Community Schools Superintendent Matthew Wandrie to be its new district leader. However, Wandrie sent word this week he’s decided not to take the superintendent job with RESA after all. He wrote that being offered the RESA job was a great honor, but “it has become abundantly clear that staying in Lapeer is what is best for me and my family.” Current Berrien RESA Superintendent Kevin Ivers is set to retire at the end of June. Berrien RESA Board of Education President Cathy Bair says while the timing for Wandrie’s decision is not ideal, the board appreciates his honesty. The board will schedule a special meeting soon to determine next steps.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Reports 225 Additional COVID Cases For Thursday

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Michigan is reporting 225 new cases of COVID-19 for Thursday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 60,618 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 26 additional deaths for Thursday, bringing that total to 5,818. Berrien County had seven new cases of COVID-19 to report for the day, bringing the total up to 684 with 60 deaths. That’s three additional deaths from Wednesday. Cass County had one new case Thursday, bringing its total to 106 with four deaths. Van Buren County had two additional cases for the day, making the county’s cumulative total 188 with six deaths.. ...Read Full Story

$3.1 Million Road Project Underway In Cass County

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The Michigan Department of Transportation has started a $3.1 million project in Cass County. MDOT says it’s doing crack filling and chip sealing on more than 25 miles of US-12, M-62, and M-217. The investment will be made on M-217 from the Michigan-Indiana state line to US-12, on M-62 from the state line to US-12, and in several areas along US-12 near Edwardsburg. The project will mean a longer life for the road and single lane closures. It’s expected to be finished on August 7. You can find out more about MDOT projects at Michigan.gov/Drive.. ...Read Full Story