The Michigan Senate is preparing to consider legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel designed to help breweries around the state. Wendzel tells WSJM News Michigan law currently limits the number of barrels breweries can distribute on their own to 1,000 per year. Her bill, which passed the state House in February, would double that to 2,000 barrels.. ...Read Full Story
COVID-19 cases are decreasing in Berrien County. During a Friday update with the CEO of Spectrum Health Lakeland, Berrien County Health Officer Nicki Britten said the picture is looking better, even after large events like Memorial Day weekend.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton says small businesses hit by COVID-19 will get a break now that Congress has updated the rules of the federal Paycheck Protection Program. He was a champion of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which extended the amount of time allowed for small businesses to meet certain criteria for their loans to be converted into grants.. ...Read Full Story
AAA of Michigan is urging everyone to avoid falling back into dangerous driving habits as they leave their homes and return to the road during the COVID-19 pandemic. Spokesperson Adrienne Woodland says the “pandemic has highlighted the extent to which individual decisions and behaviors can impact the health and safety of others,” adding “we’re all in it together” when it comes to safety on the road. AAA has identified the most common risky driving behaviors with its annual Traffic Safety Culture Index. It says the report shows a significant gap between what drivers consider dangerous and what they report themselves doing. Top risky activities include typing on a cell phone, talking on a hand-held phone, going too fast, and driving while tired. AAA recommends putting your phone out of sight when behind the wheel and slowing down.. ...Read Full Story
The County Road Association of Michigan is warning that roads along the Great Lakes shoreline around the state will require $53.4 million in immediate fixes to remain functional in the coming year. That’s due to shoreline erosion and high water levels in the lakes. The association says part of the solution will have to be “rocks the size of a Volkswagen” to be placed along the shore. As tourist season begins and people venture out of their homes during the pandemic, eroding shorelines and damaged roads are becoming an even bigger problem. The County Road Association says in Ontonagon County, for example, high water levels are threatening the east entrance of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan’s largest state park. The group is hoping Congress and the state can find a way to help protect threatened roads by getting the materials and equipment needed to strengthen coastal areas. The issue is the cover story in the latest edition of Crossroads, the quarterly journal of the County Road Association of Michigan. ...Read Full Story
Spectrum Health Lakeland has announced a new strategy to address racial and ethnic health equity in southwest Michigan. President Loren Hamel says the Spectrum Health Lakeland Board of Directors met this week and approved a capital fund of $50 million for equity work in the communities served by the system. He noted racial inequity in healthcare has been highlighted by the pandemic.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A proposed constitutional amendment to consider electronic communication and data as personal property has unanimously passed the Michigan Senate. If it passes the state House, voters would decide in November whether or
not to amend the Michigan Constitution to require law enforcement to obtain a warrant to search emails and cellphones seized during an arrest. Sponsor Senator Jim Runestad says the change is essential to preserve personal privacy now that smartphones and other technologies are an integral part of daily life. He says “Americans shouldn’t be forced to choose between using new technologies and
protecting their privacy from authority.”. ...Read Full Story
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an order lifting restrictions on overnight travel and camps. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette has been in Berrien County this week learning the ropes for his new job as county administrator. During a Thursday meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, retiring Administrator Bill Wolf said he’s been showing Dissette around. Dissette has met almost every county official.. ...Read Full Story
Since many college students are not able to do an internship this year because of COVID-19, Hello West Michigan will hold a virtual professional development conference for them next Thursday. It’s called West Michigan Intern Connect. Executive Director Rachel Gray says it’ll cover positive communication, remote work, and adulting.. ...Read Full Story
SHOUT for South Haven has rescheduled a flower planting event it had to put off due to COVID-19. The organization says volunteers will now be filling planters with soil and planting flowers along the Dyckman Avenue bridge on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Monday will be the day to fill the planters, and the flowers will go out on Tuesday. SHOUT for South Haven is seeking social distancing volunteers for the effort. They’ll start at 9 a.m. both days. Those who take part are advised to bring gloves, glasses, and masks. You can find out more at ShoutForSouthHaven.org.. ...Read Full Story
The state Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic is discussing efforts to reopen Michigan’s economy. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Orlene Hawks was asked about working with various industries in working groups to get ready to reopen businesses. State Representative Matt Hall says some businesses expressed frustration it took so long to reopen.. ...Read Full Story
There won’t be a Fourth of July fireworks show in Niles this year. Despite the city council approving the event this week, organizers quickly found it wasn’t feasible. The Niles Daily Star reports vendors were difficult to secure with too much uncertainty because of the pandemic. Also, the governor’s orders limiting crowd sizes made planning difficult. As a result, the fireworks show planned for the Applefest grounds will not be happening. Organizers will instead focus on next year.. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a contract with a security firm in case the Berrien County Health Department has to set up a COVID-19 isolation and quarantine facility. The contract with Lange Investigation and Consultation Service came up at Thursday’s meeting of the board. Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough asked Chair Mac Elliott to explain.. ...Read Full Story
Berrien County Administrator Bill Wolf has been given a positive send off by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. At a Thursday meeting, Chair Mac Elliot read a resolution honoring Wolf for his 15 years as admin.. ...Read Full Story
State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan is among the Republican lawmakers slamming the administration of Governor Gretchen Whitmer over its nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Griffin tells WSJM News the governor has put seniors at risk.. ...Read Full Story
Traffic at South Bend International Airport is starting to rebound after it dropped by a large amount when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Vice President of Marketing Julie Curtis tells WSJM News as destinations closed, travel plummeted.. ...Read Full Story
The state has rolled out a map of public WiFi hotspots throughout Michigan. The program was spearheaded by the Michigan Public Service Commission to help people get access to internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. MPSC Commissioner Tremaine Phillips tells WSJM News nearly 30% of Michigan students don’t have access at home.. ...Read Full Story
Fernwood Botanical Garden near Buchanan has announced it will reopen to the public on June 16. Fernwood has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers are backing legislation that would waive a requirement that they pass the next state budget in less than three weeks, citing uncertainty over a major shortfall caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Stamas, a Republican, said Thursday he’ll push for passage of the Democratic-sponsored bill. It would,
for one year, lift the new July 1 deadline by which legislators must send Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a spending plan for the fiscal year starting October 1. The Republican-led Senate also urged Congress to give the state flexibility to use federal relief aid to fill budget holes.. ...Read Full Story
With school districts around Michigan looking at massive budget cuts due to COVID-caused shortfalls on the state level, will the federal government take action to bail them out? Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News there is legislation in Washington that would allocate funds to states, counties, and local governments.. ...Read Full Story
218 additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified around Michigan for Thursday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that brings the total since the start of the pandemic to 59,496. There are 26 additional coronavirus deaths to report for Thursday with the state total now at 5,737. The state is reporting 668 total cases for Berrien County, an increase of five from Wednesday. The number of COVID-19 deaths in Berrien County remains 57. Cass County was at 99 cases for Thursday, an increase of two, while Van Buren County had 174 confirmed cases, the same as the day before. Van Buren County has had one additional COVID-19 death, bringing the county’s total to seven, while Cass County remains at four.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — The leader of a nursing home group says expanded coronavirus testing is crucial to reopening the facilities to visitors, saying Michigan may be close to relaxing restrictions in a phased way. Melissa Samuel, president and CEO of the Health Care Association of Michigan, told lawmakers Tuesday that some initial “baseline” testing of all residents and staff is underway with help from the Michigan National Guard. But it is not complete, and there is not yet resolution on how to pay for ongoing testing or its frequency. Samuel says nursing homes recognize the difficulties of visitation prohibitions for family and residents.. ...Read Full Story
Home sales in southeast Michigan were down 68% in May due to the economic shutdown because of the coronavirus. However, the CEO or Realcomp, Karen Kage, told Michigan News Network things are picking up.. ...Read Full Story
Do you hug people you don’t live with?. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Michigan restaurants and bars could sell cocktails and other liquor for pickup or delivery and would see a temporary cut in state liquor prices under legislation overwhelmingly approved by state Senate. Supporters say the bill passed Wednesday would help bars and restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic. They note that some restaurants already can sell unopened beer and wine to go if they have a certain license. Under the legislation, local governments could designate a “social district” where people could drink alcohol outside. The bill goes to the House, which is considering similar measures.. ...Read Full Story
The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors will host a blood drive next month. It says the drive will be on Wednesday, July 29 from noon to 5:45 p.m. at Hidden Pointe Hall on Nickerson Avenue in Benton Harbor. With blood donations down this year due to COVID-19, the association hopes people will come out to help stock up local hospitals. Appointments can be made at RedCrossBlood.org with the sponsor code SWMAR. According to the American Red Cross, donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative.. ...Read Full Story
This weekend will be a free fishing weekend in Michigan. Suzanne Stone with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division tells WSJM News events that are normally scheduled during the state’s two free fishing weekends per year have been canceled due to COVID-19, but there ought to be a lot of people hitting up state parks.. ...Read Full Story
A new COVID-19 testing site is opening Thursday in Niles. The Rite Aid on South 11th Street offers drive-through testing. The Rite Aid in Bridgman has also been a testing location for several weeks. Rite Aid Clinical Programs Manager Chris Altman tells WSJM News the test is done via self-nasal swab.. ...Read Full Story
Southwestern Michigan College is gradually reopening its campus, announcing appointments will be available during limited hours starting on Monday, June 15. SMC tells us all services are still available remotely, but if someone prefers to visit campus to take placement tests, register for classes, take a campus tour, or conduct other business, they can do so by making an appointment. The Fred L. Mathews Library, the Zollar Cafe, the Birdfeeder Cafe, and the Student Activity Center on the Dowagiac campus remain closed until further notice. Those who go to campus for an appointment can be provided a mask if they don’t have one. Anyone interested can call the SMC main number. Southwestern Michigan College has been closed since March 23 due to COVID-19.. ...Read Full Story
The state of Michigan has filed another lawsuit against the owner of two Midland County dams that collapsed and caused major flooding last month. Attorney General Dana Nessel says Boyce Hydro should pay civil fines and cleanup damage caused by the failure of the Edenville and Sanford dams.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A federal court has sided with pipeline company Enbridge in a dispute over plans to deal with a potential oil spill in Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last week overruled a judge who had found that a federal agency wrongly approved Enbridge’s plans. The judge agreed with the National Wildlife Federation that the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration should have considered risks to endangered species and required an environmental impact statement. But in a 2-1 ruling, the appeals panel said the agency had correctly based its approval of the plans on criteria in the Clean Water Act.. ...Read Full Story
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially declared June to be Pride Month in Michigan. Her office has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
Indiana Michigan Power is working to restore service to those who lost power during storms overnight and on Wednesday. I&M has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien County Youth Fair is planning a drive-through food fair for this month. The Berrien County Youth Fair has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning a series of town hall meetings on its long term transportation plan for the state. MDOT has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
Just because things are opening up, that doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. So says Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad, who is asking that everyone still wear masks, social distance, and practice diligent hygiene. She tells WSJM News health officials want to see a continuation of recent trends in COVID numbers.. ...Read Full Story
A motion has been filed for the Michigan Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a negligence lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids. The high court had decided not to hear the case. The suit accuses the diocese of negligence in the sexual abuse of then 15-year-old Brendan Boman by a tutor at Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids. Boman’s attorney, Ven Johnson, spoke with Michigan News Network.. ...Read Full Story
Michigan House Republicans are raising concern over what they say is Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s flawed policy of placing recovered COVID-19 nursing home patients back into the facilities from which they came. Among a group of six representatives speaking out Monday was state Representative Bronna Kahle of Livingston County, who spoke with Michigan News Network.. ...Read Full Story
Some long-awaited rate relief is in store for Michigan drivers, as the state’s new no-fault auto insurance law is set to take effect next month. Among the changes — no longer will drivers be required to carry unlimited lifetime medical coverage, or personal injury protection. Anita Fox is the director of Michigan’s Department of Insurance and Financial Services. She spoke with Michigan News Network about the reforms.. ...Read Full Story
The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education is bracing for major deficits in the district due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent Thomas Bruce gave the board a budget road map for the coming year at a Monday meeting. He tells WSJM News he’s anticipating a budget cut of around 7%.. ...Read Full Story
A 17-year-old from Niles was taken to a hospital to be treated for injuries after he crashed a vehicle into a Cass County home Monday. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says deputies were called to the scene at Thomson Street and Dick Street in Howard Township around 1:15 p.m. The teen had been eastbound on Thomson Road when he lost control of his vehicle and drove into the house. The homeowner had been standing outside when the crash happened and was not hurt. The driver was taken to Lakeland Niles Hospital for his injuries. Four minor passengers also had minor injuries and were taken by ambulance to Lakeland. No drugs or alcohol were suspected to be contributing factors to the crash, which remains under investigation.. ...Read Full Story
There will be a march for peace this weekend in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor as residents of the two communities seek to come together. St. Joseph Mayor Pro Tem Laura Goos says everyone’s invited to walk with the demonstrators on Saturday.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton and his Problem Solvers Caucus are looking to craft legislation to help fight police brutality. He tells WSJM News in the weeks that have followed the death of George Floyd, he and others in the U.S. House see the problem and want to help. Upton notes there is already a bill on police conduct making its way through the House.. ...Read Full Story
The number of new COVID-19 cases around Michigan was up by just 108 on Tuesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the total is now at 59,107 since the start of the pandemic. There were 25 additional deaths to report for Tuesday, making that total 5,698. Now that the state is reporting county totals again, Berrien County had 663 total cases and 57 deaths as of Monday. Cass County was at 95 cases and four deaths. Van Buren County was at 156 cases and six deaths.. ...Read Full Story
One person is dead after a crash in Casco Township on Tuesday morning. The Allegan County Sheriff’s Department and South Haven Area Emergency Services were called to the scene on 62nd Street south of 109th Avenue around 5:40 a.m. They learned a northbound pickup had left the road, rolled over, and hit some trees. A 39-year-old woman from the Fennville area was driving, and she was thrown from the truck in the crash. She was dead at the scene. A passenger was injured. The crash remains under investigation by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story
No one is hurt after a house fire in Dowagiac on Monday that was started by a child playing with a lighter. The Dowagiac Fire Department says it was called to the fire at 318 East Division Street just before 4:20 p.m. Arriving firefighters found smoke coming from the upper floor and everyone out of the building. The Dowagiac Fire Department and Wayne Township Fire Department made quick work of the blaze, and it was extinguished after about eleven minutes. There was fire and smoke damage to the upper floor bedroom. Firefighters learned a small child had been upstairs playing with a lighter when a pile of clothing caught fire. The child ran downstairs and the owner of the home heard a smoke alarm, smelled smoke, and got everyone out. The fire department reminds everyone to keep matches and lighters out of the hands of children and to talk fire safety with them.. ...Read Full Story
Two people were rescued from Lake Michigan off South Haven on Tuesday after they ran into some trouble while kayaking. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us responders were dispatched to Packard Park around 2 p.m. The distressed kayakers were spotted by SHAES personnel from shore as they were being driven further out on the lake by steady winds. A SHAES responder commandeered a jet ski and headed out about a mile to help the kayakers. One person was in the water, and both were wearing life jackets. The SHAES fireboat arrived on scene and brought the kayakers back to shore. A Coast Guard helicopter arrived as the rescue was being completed. Neither kayaker was injured.. ...Read Full Story
Bigger venues will be allowed to reopen soon under Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s latest executive order. Michigan Convention and Visitor Bureaus Director Larisa Draves explained why they’re necessary in these trying times.. ...Read Full Story
The South Haven Police Department is investigating a shooting incident late Monday. It says officers in the afternoon were notified of a large number of visitors in town for a beach party that had been advertised on Facebook. They responded to reports of large groups several times throughout the day at North Beach and South Beach, along with two assaults. Throughout the evening, the department handled complaints at other locations around the city with help from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, and Pokagon Tribal Police. Just before midnight, residents along Fruit Street were helping officers clear the area when some gunshots were reported. Police found two vehicles that had been hit, although they did not find the shooters. There have been no reports of injuries. The South Haven Police Department continues to investigate the incident, and asks anyone with information to contact them.. ...Read Full Story
Travel is picking up at Flint Bishop International Airport. So says Director Nino Sapone, who told Michigan News Network traffic was down big in April because of COVID-19.. ...Read Full Story
As local businesses reopen, there are lingering concerns about the long term economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional president of PNC Bank, Ric Devore, told Michigan News Network this week the federal government is making important changes to assistance programs.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will allow immediate family members of citizens or permanent residents to come to Canada. It’s a slight easing of border restrictions enacted due to the coronarivus pandemic. Trudeau says anyone entering the country will be required to quarantine for 14 days or face serious penalties. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino says the limited exception will apply to spouses, common law partners, dependent children, parents and legal guardians. He says they will have have to say in Canada for at least 15 days.. ...Read Full Story
The St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education has been presented with a budget road map as schools in Michigan are expected to face major funding challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The board says health, safety and robust learning continue to be district priorities amid anticipated State budget shortfall. St. Joseph Public Schools has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
City operations in St. Joseph are slowly returning back to semi-normal. City Manager John Hodgson told commissioners on Monday he’s been working with the Berrien County Health Department as certain local attractions come back to life.. ...Read Full Story
The St. Joseph City Commission has issued a statement calling for a commitment to racial justice and healing as protests continue around the nation following the killing of George Floyd. Speaking during a Monday virtual meeting, St. Joe Mayor Mike Garey said as he sees citizens take to the streets to protest systemic racism, he believes all must take an active role in change.. ...Read Full Story
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is reminding the public about the risk of accidentally spreading invasive species while moving firewood. Invasive insects that are a threat to trees can be easily transported into new areas via firewood. Infestations can destroy forests, lower property values, and cost huge amounts of money to control. DNR chief of resource protection and promotion Jason Fleming says as camping reopens around the state, it’s important for those making trips to buy their firewood in the area where they’re camping and not to bring it from home. He recommends buying it at your campground. Also remember to burn all of your firewood on site, and don’t bring it home with you.. ...Read Full Story
With restaurants around Michigan once again allowed to welcome dine-in customers, the Berrien County Health Department has some advice to help keep customers safe. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the department is charged with making sure restaurants follow the rules.. ...Read Full Story
The number of new COVID-19 cases being reported around Michigan for Monday is 129. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says there are 17 additional coronavirus deaths to report for Monday. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 58,999 cases confirmed in Michigan and 5,673 deaths. The state has not released county by county numbers for Monday as its website is being updated.. ...Read Full Story
