Local News Archives

Threat Alert System Launched

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Michigan’s new Amber Alert-like system to quickly warn people of mass shootings, terrorist attacks and other nearby threats is operational. Michigan State Police spokeswoman Lori Dougavito explains that it can be used to interrupt radio and TV broadcasts through the Emergency Alert System. It also sends out text messages. “It appears on mobile devices, similar to a 90-character text message,” she tells WSJM News.. ...Read Full Story

Bravery Awards For Troopers In Nov ’15 Hostage Situation

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Bravery awards for two members of the Michigan State Police for their actions on November 18 last year in Benton Township. Sergeant Brian Keely and Trooper Carlos Fossati were given the awards yesterday in Lansing. They stormed a hotel room in Benton Township on Napier at I-94 after hearing a scream and gunshots. 44-year-old Marcus Meridy of Benton Harbor was killed by troopers at the American Inn after he abducted his estranged wife from her job at The Willows assisted living facility early in the morning. She was shot in the arm, but survived. Keely was shot by Meridy, but also survived due to his flack jacket.. ...Read Full Story

FOIA Changes Approved By House

The Michigan House has voted to make the governor’s office and the Legislature subject to the state’s public records law. Michigan’s 40-year-old Freedom of Information Act explicitly exempts the governor’s office from records requests. And a 1986 opinion by the state attorney general says lawmakers also intended to exclude themselves. State Representative Brant Iden of Kalamazoo County says the changes make sense.. ...Read Full Story

Van Buren County Plow Drivers Compete Road-EO

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The top plow drivers in Van Buren County have been honored after getting a chance to compete for glory. The county road commission says its drivers and DPW employees from South Haven and Paw Paw competed in the third annual Van Buren County Snow Plow Road-eo recently. First place honors in individual competition went to the road commission’s Dave Stafinski, Dave Arndt, and Mike Harris. Honors in the city, village, and non-professional category went to Juan Vasquezm, of Paw Paw and Rachael Whise, of the Van Buren County Road Commission. Drivers competed for points based on skills on an obstacle course, as well as a pre-trip inspection.. ...Read Full Story

Ticket Issued For Crash With Church

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One ticket has been issued for a crash in St. Joseph on Tuesday that resulted in an SUV hitting the steps of a church. The department of public safety tells our newsroom the crash happened around 2 p.m. at Broad and Church Streets. It says a sedan ran a stop sign on Church Street, leading to a crash with an SUV. The SUV then lost control and wound up on the church property. There were no injuries, but the driver of the car that ran the stop sign was ticketed. The church was not damaged.. ...Read Full Story

Honor CU To Move South Haven Branch

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The South Haven branch of Honor Credit Union is moving. The credit union has bought some property on County Road 388 in town where it says it can add more amenities for customers. They’ll include drive-thru lanes, a drive-up ATM, and a night drop, as well as Saturday drive thru service. The goal is to have the new building finished next year. The spot is right across from the Sherman Dairy Barn and next to Hannapel Home Center. Honor Credit Union’s current branch on Phillips will stay open until the new location is ready.. ...Read Full Story

Hiring Expected To Be Flat In Third Quarter

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The job market in Berrien County has been a little sluggish, according to the latest business outlook report from the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. It says a decline in professional and business services employment pushed the employment rate down about 0.2% in the second quarter. The report anticipates flat job conditions in the third quarter based on mixed economic indicators in the second. Manufacturing led the way in adding new jobs in the county during the quarter, while services shed jobs and government employment was flat. The Upjohn Institute notes the region lost 7,400 jobs between 2007 and 2013, most of which were during the Great Recession. The area’s employment rate is still slightly below where it was before the recession started.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Fall Fest This Week

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Set for this upcoming weekend is the annual St. Joseph Fall Festival. St. Joe Today’s Whitney Behnke tells WSJM News the event will kick off with Friday’s Rotary and Slumberland Great Bed Race, when a bunch of people race down Lake Boulevard. Saturday will bring a variety of activities for the kids.. ...Read Full Story

Snyder Signs Medical Marijuana Regulations Into Law

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Governor Rick Snyder has signed into law new marijuana regulations that he says clarify Michigan’s 8-year-old voter-approved initiative that legalized the drug for medical use. The Republican governor says the legislation signed Wednesday will implement a “solid framework” giving patients a safe way to buy marijuana. The laws impose a new tax on dispensary shops and establish a state licensing system to grow, process, sell, transport or test marijuana. Non-smokable forms of the drug such as lotions and tinctures will become legal. A monitoring system will track marijuana from “seed to sale.” Snyder says municipalities can regulate the location and number of marijuana businesses in their communities.
The laws will take effect in 90 days. People wanting state operating licenses can begin applying in late 2017.. ...Read Full Story

More Information Released On Heeringa Case

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Police documents show the suspect in the disappearance of Jessica Heeringa from a Norton Shores gas station where she worked had visited the store several times. Credit card records released Wednesday also show Jeffrey Willis was at the store on the night of April 26, 2013, the night before Heeringa went missing. Willis is charged with murder in the Heeringa case, and his cousin, Kevin Bluhm, is charged with being an accessory after the fact. Police revealed Wednesday that Bluhm had previously told investigators he helped to bury Heeringa’s body, but later took the story back. In addition to the Heeringa case, Willis is charged with murder and attempted kidnapping in separate cases.. ...Read Full Story

House Approves Third Grade Reading Bill

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The Michigan House has approved an early literacy bill that requires that third-graders be held back if they lag in reading, unless they qualify for an exemption. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation later in the afternoon and send it to Governor Rick Snyder for his expected signature. Starting in the 2019-20 school year, third-graders wouldn’t advance unless their state reading score is less than a grade level behind, they show proficiency through an alternative assessment or they demonstrate mastery through work samples. Parents could seek a “good cause” exemption letting kids still be promoted to fourth grade. The bill, which requires schools to intervene early when students are having reading problems, passed on a 60-47 party-line vote in the Republican-controlled House, with Democrats in opposition.. ...Read Full Story

Legislature Votes To Expand Freedom Of Information Act

The Michigan House has voted to make the governor’s office and the Legislature subject to the state’s public records law. Michigan’s 40-year-old Freedom of Information Act explicitly exempts the governor’s office from records requests. And a 1986 opinion by the state attorney general says lawmakers also intended to exclude themselves. Michigan is one of two states to wholly exempt the governor’s office from public records requests. Michigan also is among a minority of states where lawmakers are exempt. The bills approved 100-6 Wednesday by the Republican-led House would exempt from disclosure communications between constituents and legislators along with other certain information. The legislation may stall in the Senate, whose Republican leader appears unenthusiastic. Supporters say subjecting the governor and legislators to FOIA would show that politicians are committed to transparency.. ...Read Full Story

Bargains Remain For Berrien County Property

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The second property tax foreclosure auction of the year by the Berrien County Treasurer’s Office is being deemed a success. Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells our newsroom they sold about two-thirds of the properties available yesterday. He says a lot of properties were sold in the area between Colfax and Britain in Benton Harbor.. ...Read Full Story

Four Kids Killed, Mother Injured In Suburban Detroit

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Four children between the ages of four and 19 are dead in suburban Detroit, and their mother has been critically injured. Dearborn Heights Police Captain Michael Petri says a suspect has been arrested and it appears the killings are “from a domestic violence-type situation.” Authorities have not released the age of the woman who was hurt, but note she is hospitalized in critical condition. Police at the Dearborn Heights station says no was immediately available to offer updated information. State police are on the scene assisting local investigators. Mayor Dan Paletko called the killings “a tragedy in every sense of the word.” The children were 4, 6, 17, and 19.. ...Read Full Story

Third Grade Reading Bill Close To Final Approval

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(Lansing, MI – AP) – Michigan lawmakers have given preliminary approval to compromise legislation designed to improve third-graders’ reading but that has been caught up in a dispute over making students repeat a grade if they lag too far behind. A Republican-led conference committee approved the bill on a 5-1 vote Tuesday, with one Democrat opposed. The bill was pending with the panel since March after the House and Senate passed different versions.. ...Read Full Story

US Postal Service Plans To Issue Hesburgh Stamp Next Year

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(South Bend, IN – AP) – The U.S. Postal Service plans to issue a stamp honoring the late Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, who served 35 years as president of the University of Notre Dame until retiring in 1987. The Postal Service announced Tuesday it will issue the stamp on May 25, 2017, which would have been his 100th birthday. The stamp will feature an image of Hesburgh standing on the Notre Dame campus, with the Golden Dome of the Main Building visible behind him.. ...Read Full Story

Report: Billions Wasted On Premium Gas Each Year

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Americans waste more than $2 billion per year on premium gasoline, says a new report from AAA. The auto club’s Gary Bubar tells WSJM News they studied different vehicles and the effect premium fuel had on their gas mileage, horsepower, and emissions, finding it didn’t improve anything. You should only get premium blend if your vehicle specifically requires it. ...Read Full Story

Niles Scream Park Open Now Open

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Halloween isn’t far off, and up and running for the season is the Niles Scream Park. It just had its opening weekend for the year, and manager Matt Herm tells WSJM News the theme is 1930s monsters. Visitors can take in different scenes from several classics.. ...Read Full Story

Free Car Inspections For Seniors Next Week

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The Berrien Springs Oronoko Township Police Department is offering senior citizens a chance to get their cars checked for safety next week. The department’s Rick Smiedendorf tells WSJM News Car Fit inspections will be held Wednesday at the Berrien Springs Public Schools Virtual Academy. They’ll make sure everything is situated properly.. ...Read Full Story

Lane Closure In Effect On I-196 This Week

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A lane closure is in effect on I-196 this week in Van Buren County. The Michigan Department of Transportation says one lane is shut down between mile markers 15 and 11 on the southbound side of the highway due to patching work. The affected area is in Covert Township. The lane closure will be in place through next Monday. Anyone who wants to stay on top of MDOT construction projects can do so with its app, MIDrive, which is available for both iPhone and Android.. ...Read Full Story

Jail Renovations To Begin Next Year

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A planned renovation project for the Berrien County Jail is expected to keep the facility up and running for another three decades. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey tells WSJM News the county commission has given the green light to seeking bids for the work which will expand the intake area and add other improvements.. ...Read Full Story

Good Samaritan Legislation Headed To The Governor

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Legislation from state Representative Al Pscholka granting limited exemption from prosecution to people of any age reporting a possible drug overdose to police or medical authorities is now headed to Governor Rick Snyder. The state House gave final approval to the Good Samaritan plan Tuesday. It’s an expansion of a previous plan from Pscholka protecting people underage. Pscholka says he’s proud of it.. ...Read Full Story

Great Lakes Restoration Conference Underway This Week

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The Great Lakes Restoration Conference is underway this week in Ohio, and representatives of both the Clinton and Trump campaigns are scheduled to be on hand. Gildo Tori is with Ducks Unlimited, a group calling for the candidates to clearly express support for the Great Lakes. He says the Flint water crisis highlights the need for clean-water investments.. ...Read Full Story

Road Signs Damaged By Vandals

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Someone damaged more than a dozen street signs around Berrien and Oronoko Townships over the weekend, and the Berrien County Road Commission would like some help in catching them. The commission says stop, curve, arrow, and other signs were knocked over by some kind of vehicle that left orange paint on the posts. Some of the signs also had a black, foam substance on them. Anyone who has information that could lead to the culprits is asked to contact the road commission at 925-1196.. ...Read Full Story

Lawmakers Close To Deal On Third Grade Reading Bill

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Michigan lawmakers are nearing a deal on legislation designed to improve third-graders’ reading but that has been caught up in a dispute over making students repeat a grade if they lag too far behind. A conference committee is scheduled to meet late Tuesday afternoon. The bill has been pending with the panel since March after the House and Senate passed different versions. Compromise legislation, which is still subject to revisions, would keep intact many exemptions under which kids could still advance to fourth grade for “good cause” even if they have reading difficulties. The new bill would exempt newer students who did not receive an appropriate individualized reading intervention in their old district or if the superintendent determines that an exemption is in a student’s “best interests.”. ...Read Full Story

Murder Charges Filed In Jessica Heeringa Case

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Authorities have charged a man with murder in the 2013 disappearance of a gas station clerk in western Michigan. Jessica Heeringa disappeared from the gas station where she worked in Norton Shores, near Muskegon. The body of the 25-year-old woman hasn’t been found. Investigators weren’t able to break the mystery until Jeffrey Willis was arrested in May in a different case. Willis was charged Tuesday with kidnapping and murder. He’s already awaiting trial in two more cases in Muskegon County: the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old female jogger in 2014 and the attempted abduction of a teenage girl in April. The Associated Press has left a message seeking comment from his lawyer. Police said they found rope, handcuffs and syringes in Willis’ van when they arrested him in the spring.. ...Read Full Story

Southeastern US Gas Problems Not Likely To Impact SWMI

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North Carolina has declared a state of emergency after a pipeline burst in Alabama, spilling 300,000 gallons of gasoline In Shelby County. It’s one of a number of east coast states that could see fuel shortages and higher gas prices as a result. GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan says it shouldn’t impact fuel prices here in the Midwest, and he expects prices to slowly fall through the week.. ...Read Full Story

Bill To Ban Local Regulation Of Plastic Bags Set To Advance

(Lansing, MI – AP) – Efforts to rid Michigan communities of plastic shopping bags would be banned under a bill set to advance in the Republican-led Legislature. The House Commerce and Trade Committee could vote on the legislation Tuesday. The measure won Senate approval in May. The bill would prohibit local governments from enacting ordinances that regulate, prohibit or impose a fee on the use or sale of “auxiliary containers” – which is defined as reusable or single-use bags, cups, bottles or other packaging from stores and restaurants. More than 150 municipalities across the country have passed ordinances either to ban the environmentally unfriendly plastic bags or to charge a fee for them. None are in Michigan, though at least two counties – Washtenaw and Muskegon – have considered whether to limit the bags.. ...Read Full Story

Politico: Bush 41 To Vote For Clinton

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We’ve known for months that former President George H.W. Bush wasn’t planning to vote for Donald Trump. Now, a member of the Kennedy family says Bush has told her he will be voting for Democrat Hillary Clinton for President. Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend, the daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy, tells Politico Bush made his choice known to her yesterday. She also put up a photo of herself with the former President with the caption “The President told me he’s voting for Hillary!!” You’ll recall Clinton’s husband defeated Bush in the 1992 presidential election.. ...Read Full Story

BH Commissioners Approve Jean Klock Park Boulevard Work

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$18,000 in repairs will be made to the boulevard at Jean Klock Park following a lengthy discussion by Benton Harbor City Commissioners Monday. The vote came after some debate about whether Harbor Shores should pay for the repaving under its lease agreement. City Manager Darwin Watson said Harbor Shores is only responsible for day to day maintenance, and not repairs.. ...Read Full Story

This Is Child Passenger Safety Week

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This is Child Passenger Safety Week, and safety experts are spreading the word about the importance of proper use of car seats, boosters and seat belts. Kendell Wingrove, with the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, says despite a parent’s best efforts, many car seats are not properly installed.. ...Read Full Story

Upton, Others Call For Installation Of Missile Interceptor In Michigan

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Members of Michigan’s congressional delegation are pushing to get a new missile defense interceptor site installed in the state. This week, the delegation sent a letter to the director of the Missile Defense Agency voicing their support for the Fort Custer Training Center to be picked for the interceptor. Among those to sign were Congressman Fred Upton and Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, along with 12 other members of Congress. They say putting the interceptor at Fort Custer, near Battle Creek, would have a $3.2 billion economic impact, leading to the direct creation of 300 jobs.. ...Read Full Story

MI Death Linked To Elephant Tranquilizer

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Michigan health and law enforcement officials say they have identified what could be the state’s first death related to carfentanil, a deadly painkiller used to tranquilize elephants. The Michigan State Police and Health and Human Services Department said Monday they are investigating one suspected case in Kent County. Officials say testing of powder seized during an investigation found it has the same ingredients as carfentanil. The drug is mixed with heroin and sometimes sold in pill form. It’s been linked to fatal overdoses in Ohio. Health department spokeswoman Angela Minicuci says given carfentanil’s likely circulation in the state and extreme potency, investigators anticipate they will
see more overdoses related to the drug. Officials say the Michigan Poison Control Center hasn’t reported a rise in calls related to drug overdoses.. ...Read Full Story

Snyder Helping Republicans In Six House Races

Republican Governor Rick Snyder is using his political action committee and a nonprofit fund to help six Republican legislative candidates in
the November election. Snyder’s Making Government Accountable group, which he created to tell of Michigan’s rebound as he considered a presidential run, launched an “issue” advertising campaign Monday. His Relentless Positive Action PAC also announced a digital and mail campaign. Republicans hope to keep control of the House, which they’ve led since 2011. Snyder says the six candidates will “continue the Michigan comeback.” The spending will aid two incumbents, Representatives Klint Kesto in Oakland County and Brandt Iden in Kalamazoo County, along with four candidates vying for House seats where Republicans can’t run again because of term limits. Those seats are in Macomb, Lenawee, Jackson and Van Buren counties.. ...Read Full Story

Motorcyclist Facing Charges After Highway Shooting

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An Indiana man is in the Berrien County Jail after police say he pulled a gun and fired shots at a semi on I-94. The Lincoln Township Police Department says it happened Friday shortly before 8 a.m. in the eastbound lanes near mile marker 24. The driver of the semi told police he came across a motorcyclist who got angry and started waving a handgun around. He then fired some shots at the semi. Police found a bullet hole in the truck’s radiator, but the driver was fine. Not long after, the motorcyclist was spotted on the highway near Coloma and pulled over. 34-year-old Trenton Norris, from Porter, Indiana, admitted to the shooting and said the truck had cut him off in the construction zone. He was arrested on charges including assault to do great bodily harm and assault with a dangerous weapon. Police say there was one additional report of the motorcyclist flashing a gun on the highway between Stevensville and Watervliet, but in that incident, no shots were fired.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan’s Average Gas Price Up 4¢

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AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have risen by about 4¢ per gallon in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club says the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.24 per gallon on Sunday. That’s about 10¢ less than it was at the same point last year. The lowest average price was about $2.12 per gallon in the Traverse City area, while the highest average was about $2.30 per gallon in the Marquette area. We’re paying $2.16 on average in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, up 9¢ from last week. South Haven’s average is also $2.16 according to GasBuddy.. ...Read Full Story

Gas Leak Shuts Down Van Buren Co. Admin Bldg

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A gas leak has shut down the Van Buren County Administration and Land Services Building. The building will be closed until noon. Services for Van Buren County Friend of the Court, Register of Deeds, County Treasurer and Michigan State University Extension are also affected. The county says no additional information is being released at this time.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Pushes Rural Phone Service Legislation

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Legislation designed to improve phone service in rural areas is making its way through Congress. The House Energy and Commerce Committee held discussions this week on the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News it would add new requirements on carriers.. ...Read Full Story

Iconic Kalamazoo Smokestack Coming Down

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A landmark smokestack that’s among the last signs of Kalamazoo’s Gibson guitar-making history is coming down for possible preservation and inclusion in a redevelopment plan on the property. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Thursday crews expect to finish dismantling the top of the white-lettered brick smokestack within about a week. Officials say they are removing 30 feet of the 85-foot stack and will determine if more needs to go. The top was deemed unstable. The building is getting a $12 million renovation, and the plan includes observation areas to view the smokestack through lights. A fundraising campaign is planned to preserve and reconstruct the stack. Although Gibson Guitar Co. decamped for Nashville in 1984, Heritage Guitar Co. was started by some ex-Gibson employees and makes instruments on the site.. ...Read Full Story

Fatal Crash Victim Identified

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The man killed in an early Sunday morning car accident in Royalton Township has been identified as 36-year-old Jason Ransom of Niles. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department says the driver who ran off from the scene of the crash on Scottdale Road near Rockey Weed Road has also been identified, and a report is being sent to the prosecutor’s office for review. It’s not clear if that person has been arrested as yet.. ...Read Full Story

MI Communities To Qualify For Assistance Under State Water Plan

Low interest loans will be awarded to Michigan communities for infrastructure improvements as part of a 30-year plan to manage, protect and improve the state’s water resources. The $158 million in loans was announced Friday by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of the Great Lakes. It is part of the third phase of the state’s Water Strategy which also defines goals and actions for the protection of water quality and the restoration of areas impacted by legacy pollution. The initial phase was announced in June and included educating citizens about
the importance of healthy waters while nurturing and restoring aquatic ecosystems. Increased focus on sustainable expansion of water recreation and water-based business was part of the second phase released in July.. ...Read Full Story

One Killed In Early Sunday Morning Crash

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash that killed the driver of a 1998 Buick on Scottdale Road near Rockey Weed Road in Royalton Township early Sunday morning. Deputies tell our newsroom the driver of a 1999 Honda involved in the crash ran off and has not yet been found. The two passengers in the Honda stayed at the crash scene, and police have not said if they were hurt. Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the accident, which happened just before 3:30 a.m. Authorities are withholding the name of the driver who was killed until the victim’s family has been notified.. ...Read Full Story

Muhammad Discusses Meeting With Snyder

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Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad has met with Governor Rick Snyder to discuss the future of the city and its relationship with the state. The meeting on Tuesday took place at the Romney Building in Lansing, and Muhammad tells WSJM News he talked to the governor about the city’s needs.. ...Read Full Story

Red Cross Offering Disaster Training

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The American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan is offering everyone a chance to learn about how to respond to disasters with a training day this month. On Monday, September 26, the session will be held at the Red Cross St. Joseph office, and folks can get information on how to become a disaster services volunteer. Those trained volunteers are sent into disaster areas to provide recovery services, shelter, and food, and also to conduct assessments of the damage. To find out about signing up, call the American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan at 556-9619 and ask for the training coordinator.. ...Read Full Story

Rock Alliance 3 Day Ride Returns To Southwest Michigan

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More than $2,500 has been raised for the Bohn-Stewart Children’s Education Fund by the Rock Alliance with its annual 3 Day Ride. A caravan of 16 motorcycles left St. Joseph on Thursday, returning to Stevensville on Saturday for a party at Coach’s Bar and Grill. The ride, organized by Rock 107 WIRX, took riders throughout the northern part of the lower Peninsula. One rider told us it was the best 3 Day Ride he’s taken.. ...Read Full Story

Women’s Self Defense Classes Offered This Fall In Berrien County

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department will be holding some women’s self defense classes starting this month. The training is in the Rape Aggression Defense, or RAD, System. RAD is designed to teach any woman, regardless of age or physical ability, how to fend off a would-be rapist using simple techniques. The classes are free, and involve three four hour sessions. They’ll be offered in Eau Claire, Sawyer, St. Joseph, and Coloma beginning September 29, and going through November 1. To find out more or to sign up, call the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department at 983-7141, extension 7302.. ...Read Full Story

VB Sheriff’s Department Urges All To Have An Emergency Plan

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September is National Preparedness Month when everyone’s urged to make a household plan for emergencies. The Van Buren County Office of Domestic Preparedness says it’s important for each family to take the time and create a plan that outlines who to call, what to bring, and where to go when there’s a situation like a tornado or winter storm. The whole family should be clued in to the plan, and each home should have an emergency kit at the ready. The kit should contain food, medicine, blankets, water, important documents, a flashlight, and a weather radio. The sheriff’s department says a good place to go for guidance is Michigan.gov/MIReady.. ...Read Full Story

Andrews University Homecoming Events This Month

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Andrews University will be celebrating its annual homecoming this month. From September 29 through October 2, a variety of events will be held at the Berrien Springs campus, and the public is invited to come and take part. Among other things, they’ll have a 5K Harvest Run, the 30th annual parade, a classic car show, and a concert. Andrews holds the celebration each fall as a way of welcoming the students in for another year. A complete schedule of the homecoming events can be found at alumni.andrews.edu/homecoming.. ...Read Full Story