A new Wrong Way Alert System is being unveiled by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Jackson Transportation Service Center Manager Kelby Wallace told Michigan News Network this week the system is being installed at the eastbound I-94 exit ramp to Sargent Road east of Jackson.. ...Read Full Story
Now that Michigan voters have decided to decriminalize marijuana for those over 21, the Berrien County Health Department is expecting to step up its educational activities. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the health department likely won’t have to inspect marijuana food facilities, but it will have to make sure everyone knows the rules. First of all, it will still be illegal for those under 21, and Conrad says that’s for a good reason.. ...Read Full Story
A $1 million grant to prevent sexual assault on college campuses has been announced by the Michigan Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program. Included in that allocation is $6,500 for Lake Michigan College. Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder launched the Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program in 2015, and so far it’s given out more than $2.5 million to colleges. this latest $1 million is the highest amount at one time yet. The First Lady says the money will be used by colleges and universities to “develop innovative, evidence-based campaigns and strategies to help make our campuses safer-for students and survivors.” The program is administered by the Michigan State Police and aims to change the overall culture of sexual assault among the college-age population.. ...Read Full Story
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up for another Bid United online auction. To be held next week, Bid United is a totally online auction with a wide variety of items and services up for grabs, all donated by local businesses. United Way spokesperson Ryan Cheevers spoke with WSJM News about the auction.. ...Read Full Story
Identity thieves and other scammers are ready and waiting to ruin the holiday season. However, Michiganders can reduce the chances to become a scam victim. With shoppers distracted by their to-do lists and opening their wallets frequently, Mark Hornbeck with the AARP of Michigan says thieves are ready to pounce. He explains online shoppers need to watch out for fraudulent websites when making purchases.. ...Read Full Story
Andrews University in Berrien Springs has announced a successful United Way campaign for 2018. It tells us the employees were able to beat their campaign goal of $20,000 and raise more than $22,000 in gifts and pledges. At the start of the campaign, President Andrea Luxton and Provost Christon Arthur committed to compete in a rodeo if the campus reached their giving goal.They made good on their commitment this week at the Andrews University Farm.. ...Read Full Story
Entry to Michigan state parks will be free on Friday. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells us it could be a new Black Friday tradition — heading to the great outdoors. The Opt Outside movement started in 2015 as a way to encourage healthy activities for the day after Thanksgiving. The DNR says it’s waiving the regular Recreation Passport entrance fee that permits vehicle access to Michigan state parks, trails, and boating access sites, although other permit and license fees still apply. You can check out Michigan.gov/DNR to learn more about camping, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor opportunities in your area.. ...Read Full Story
The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan is gearing up for another Mustachio Bashio early next month. The third annual Mustachio Bashio will be Saturday, December 1 starting at 5:30 p.m. at North Pier Brewing Company in Benton Harbor. The Humane Society tells us the event is a chance for anyone with a mustache to come and compete with other mustachioed individuals for the title of greatest mustache. There will be prizes awarded in several categories, and it’s a chance to help raise money for the Humane Society.. ...Read Full Story
It’s an earlier than usual start for ski resorts in Michigan as many are open because there have been colder temperatures and snow. Mickey MacWilliams, the executive director of the Michigan Snow Sports Industry Association, spoke with Michigan News Network this week.. ...Read Full Story
Thanksgiving is the top day for home cooking fires, and Michigan State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer is reminding everyone of some safety tips. First of all, he says those who use portable deep fryers to cook turkeys should know the dangers involved and consider an oil-less fryer which is a safer alternative. Sehlmeyer says you should never use a portable deep fryer in a garage, on or under a deck, on a porch, or inside any building. That means your house. He adds you should make sure your turkey is completely thawed and dry the turkey prior to putting it in the fryer, and also only place the fryer on a flat surface. Sehlmeyer tells us unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires, especially on Thanksgiving when busy cooks can be distracted. He reminds all cooks to never leave cooking unattended, even for a second. He recommends keeping children out of the kitchen when preparing Thanksgiving dinner, and making sure all of the smoke detectors are in good working order. You can find more fire safety tips right here.. ...Read Full Story
