Local News Archives

Michigan’s COVID-19 Cases Up By 1,953 To 12,744

covid-19-18

There are 21 new coronavirus cases in the six counties of southwest Michigan, with Berrien County showing the largest increase and still the highest numbers in the area. Berrien’s count is now 52, up 12 from Thursday. Allegan County is up one to six, Cass County is unchanged at six, Kalamazoo County has six new cases to rise to 40, while St. Joseph County is up to 10 cases with two new positive tests. Van Buren County’s numbers are unchanged with 12 positive cases. Statewide, it was the largest day-to-day increase in new cases, rising by 1,953 to 12,744. The number of deaths in the state is up by 62 and now stands at 479. The city of Detroit has 692 new cases and is at 3,550 with 117 deaths.. ...Read Full Story

Governor Signs Order Protecting Employees From Employer Retaliation If Sick Or Symptomatic With COVID-19

whitmer040220

Michiganders who have to stay home from work if they or a close contact have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of the illness now have additional protection due to a new executive order from Governor Whitmer. The latest in a long string of moves she’s made in response to the pandemic bans employers from firing, disciplining, or retaliating in any other way against a worker who has to stay home. The new E.O. also declares it is now state public policy that everyone who tests positive or shows symptoms or lives with someone who is symptomatic or positive shall not leave home unless it’s absolutely necessary. That follows another order Thursday enacting a $1,000 civil fine that can be charged for people violating the Stay Home, Stay Safe order.. ...Read Full Story

Initial Unemployment Claims Set Weekly Record In Michigan

unemployment-36

Claims for unemployment benefits continue to skyrocket in Michigan during the coronavirus pandemic. A record 311,000 people filed initial applications last week. That is more than double from the previous week – shattering the previous high of 128,000 that was set the week before. The system has been deluged. The website went down Tuesday before being restored. The state Unemployment Insurance Agency has implemented a schedule for people to apply based on their last name. It is urging patience and recommends that users apply online late at night or early in the morning. The high before what was set in March was 77,000 initial jobless claims in a week in January 2009 during the recession.. ...Read Full Story

Bridge Project Starts Next Week In Van Buren County

roadconstruction33-12

The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising drivers of a highway project to get started in Van Buren County on Monday. It says crews will be repairing the I-196 bridge over the Van Buren Trail. The work will include an epoxy overlay, bridge railing replacements, substructure patching, guardrail replacements, and approach repaving. One lane of I-196 will remain open in each direction while the project is done. It’s scheduled to be finished in mid-August.. ...Read Full Story

Liquor Control Commission Urges Restraint During Alcohol Awareness Month

womanbuyingbooze

Alcohol sales skyrocketed in the first days of the COVID-19 crisis, prompting the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to advise people to take it easy. According to data from the Nielsen Market Research Firm, national sales of alcoholic beverages spiked 55% in the week ending March 21, compared to the same time last year. Sales of spirits like tequila, gin, and pre-mixed cocktails jumped 75%compared to the same dates in 2019. Beer purchases were up by 66% while wine was up 42% year-on-year. With this being Alcohol Awareness Month, the commission reminds everyone excessive drinking can compromise a person’s immune system. Therefore, it recommends everyone follow safe consumption guidelines. They are one drink a day for women of all ages and men over age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men under age 65.. ...Read Full Story

Chickering Not Seeking Reelection

billchickering

Berrien County Commissioner Bill Chickering is not seeking reelection. He represents the fifth district, which includes the city of St. Joseph, two precincts in St. Joseph Township, and the village of Shoreham. He told his fellow commissioners during Thursday’s virtual meeting he’s appreciated working with them.. ...Read Full Story

Wendzel, LaSata Oppose Governor’s Request To Extend Emergency Declaration For 70 Days

State Senator Kim LaSata and state Representative Pauline Wendzel both say they are “no” votes on a concurrent resolution to extend the current state of emergency and state of disaster by 70 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two Republicans say in statements they agree that an extension is going to be needed, but both object to the length of time being requested by Governor Whitmer. The governor on Thursday called out legislative leaders for what she feels is an unsafe idea for voting on the resolution on April 7.. ...Read Full Story

Wednesday COVID-19 Update: 9,334 Cases, 337 Deaths In Michigan

covid-19-16

Michigan has another record increase in both the number of coronavirus cases and deaths from the illness over a 24-hour period. The new numbers from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services show 9,334 cases, up by 1,719 from Tuesday. COVID-19 has claimed 337 lives, with that number higher than the day before by 78. The youngest to die from it was 25, with the oldest being 107.. ...Read Full Story

Curbside Bulk Trash Pickup Temporarily Suspended In City Of South Haven

southhavencitylogo2014-35

Curbside bulk pickup by Republic Services in the city of South Haven is being put on hold. Republic Services is suspending that temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but says residents can still use the transfer station at 200 Aylworth Avenue to drop off bulk items like furniture. That transfer station is open for city residents only starting next Monday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Yard waste will still be picked up at the curb, and regular trash collection is not impacted by the bulk pickup change.. ...Read Full Story

MSU Says Health Care Grads Can Help With COVID-19 Fight

healthcare2-18

(East Lansing, MI – AP) – Hundreds of new health care graduates from Michigan State University are available to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. State officials have made a desperate plea for health professionals to treat people as the number of virus cases rises each day. MSU says the state has created a temporary license for nurses who usually first take a national exam. Doctors from the colleges of Human Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine also can work ahead of their medical residencies. The number of coronavirus cases reported statewide reached 7,615 with 259 deaths. A nursing home in Cedar Springs in Kent County says 31 residents and five staff members have COVID-19.. ...Read Full Story

Horizon Bank Donating $250,000 To Help With Coronavirus Relief

money76765776-21

$250,000 is going to be donated by Horizon Bank to non-profits throughout the area to help with COVID-19 response. The bank says its donations will go to United Ways, food banks, and those that provide rental assistance. CEO Craig Dwight says with this being an unprecedented time, “it’s critical for those that have the resources to do what we can to assist those who are feeling the most immediate impacts of the coronavirus outbreak.” Meanwhile, the bank is encouraging other companies and individuals to take similar steps if possible.. ...Read Full Story

BHAS Advisory Committee To Release Turnaround Recommendations

bhas2-17

The Benton Harbor Area Schools Community Engagement and Advisory Committee will release its turnaround plan for the district during an online meeting on April 7. The committee was set up last fall on the recommendation of the Michigan Department of Treasury. Its goal is to turn around the finances and academic performance of Benton Harbor Area Schools. Its recommendations were originally set to be released in March, but that got pushed back by the COVID-19 crisis. The April 7 virtual meeting will include members of the Benton Harbor Area Schools and representatives of the committee. Treasury tells us the plan is to have a community presentation at a later date, depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. Information on the online meeting will be put on the Community Engagement and Advisory Committee’s website.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Board Of Commissioners To Hold Virtual Meeting

berriencountyadministration-66

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is going to hold a virtual meeting this week. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order allowing governing bodies to meet virtually. The county board is taking advantage and relying on YouTube to stream this Thursday’s meeting. It will be held at 10:30, the board’s usual meeting time. To watch, just find the YouTube channel called Berrien County, Michigan. Those who want to make public comments during the meeting can use the live chatbox.. ...Read Full Story

Sheriff’s Department: Don’t Call 911 To Report Executive Order Violations

berriencountysheriffdept-51

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is asking that 911 not be used to report violations of the governor’s stay at home order. Berrien County Undersheriff Chuck Heit tells WSJM News they have been getting plenty of calls about people violating the order. Unfortunately, the calls are going to the 911 dispatch center. That’s not the number you’re supposed to call.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Businesses, Nonprofits Can Get Rent, Mortgage Help

cornerstonealliancelogo2019-12

Help is now available for qualifying businesses and nonprofits in Berrien County to help make their mortgage or rent payment for April or May. Zach Vaughn is the project manager for fiscal development at Cornerstone Alliance and says they’re partnering with the Berrien Community Foundation and the Southwest Michigan Tourist Council for a zero-interest loan program for those payments for April. He tells us it came out of assistance requests through the Small Business Association.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Suspends Paid Parking

sjparkingmeter

All parking in the city of St. Joseph is free until further notice. The city’s Public Works Department is suspending the pay-to-park requirements at all parks including Tiscornia Park and Lions Park due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a Facebook post, the city notes all of its parks remain open for people to use. Social distancing guidelines to stay at least six feet apart from others remain in effect.. ...Read Full Story

COVID-19 Cases, Deaths Have Largest Daily Increase To Date In Michigan

covid-19-15

The number of coronavirus cases in Michigan is now 7,615 and the death toll is up to 259. That’s an increase of 1,117 cases from Monday, the largest daily increase to date. The number of deaths is up by 75, also a new high. In southwest Michigan, Allegan County has 3 cases, Berrien County is up from 32 to 35, Cass County has four cases, which is unchanged, Kalamazoo County is unchanged at 24, St. Joseph County has gone from 3 to 4 cases, and Van Buren County now has 7, up from 4 on Monday. There are deaths in southwest Michigan. Berrien and Cass counties have each recorded their first deaths with one each, and Kalamazoo County still has one person who has died from COVID-19.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Closes State Park Due To Overcrowding

tippydam

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it’s closed a state park in Manistee County due to too many people visiting. The agency has been watching attendance at state parks as the COVID-19 crisis continues, and says Tippy Dam Recreation Area is now off limits. The DNR has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story

OutCenter Moves Programming Online

outcenter-e1495654847482-17

The OutCenter in Benton Harbor has moved to online programming and is making efforts to ensure LGBTQ residents of southwest Michigan are safe in their homes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News many LGBTQ people face extra hazards.. ...Read Full Story

Lake Michigan College Courses To Be Online Through End Of Summer Term

lakemichigancollege5-6

Lake Michigan College is making it official, scrapping in-person, face-to-face classes for the rest of the current semester due to the coronavirus pandemic and the statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe order. LMC had been aiming to resume classes on April 14, but distance learning will continue through May 1 when the semester ends. Summer classes are also being impacted. The summer term will now run from June 8 to August 21, and all courses will be done through distance learning online. The semester had been scheduled to start May 11.. ...Read Full Story

Coronavirus Cases Up To 6,498 In Michigan With 184 Deaths

covid-19-14

Michigan’s coronavirus cases continue to rise sharply. As of Monday, they are now 6,498 with 184 deaths. Berrien County’s total is up three from Sunday to 32, while Allegan remains at 2, and Cass and Van Buren counties still have four cases. Kalamazoo County has recorded its first death and has 24 cases. St. Joseph County has also reported its first three cases of coronavirus. The city of Detroit remains the hardest hit with 1,801 cases and 52 deaths, followed by Wayne County’s 1,394 cases and 31 deaths and Oakland County’s 1,365 cases and 48 deaths. There are COVID-19 cases recorded now in 62 of Michigan’s 83 counties. Most of the Upper Peninsula has so far been spared, as 11 of the U.P.’s 15 counties have no positive cases as yet.. ...Read Full Story

National Guard Helping At Food Banks

michigannationalguard

The Michigan National Guard has received a request to aid food banks in four communities across the state. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer says about ten National Guard members will be assigned to each of the sites to help. The sites are in Ann Arbor, Comstock Park, Flint, and Pontiac. The food distribution sites requested Michigan National Guard personnel to help with mobile food distribution, which serves between 300 and 600 Michigan families each day. Guard members will direct traffic for the drive-through distribution site and help with packing bags of fruit and handing bags to cars. The guard members will perform their duties with personnel protective equipment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including gloves and hand sanitizer. There are also members of the Michigan National Guard serving the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.. ...Read Full Story

Part Of Red Arrow Highway To Close Next Week

capture-rah-detour-04-06-2020

The Berrien County Road Department is advising everyone of a road closure planned for Red Arrow Highway in Chikaming Township and New Buffalo Township that starts next week. It says a contractor will be doing sewer work under the road, meaning it will be closed to traffic at different times from Monday through the next four or five weeks. Intersections including Community Hall, Townline and Union Pier Road, and Berrien Street will be closed. The road department is doing the infrastructure work to be ready for a larger road project planned for later in the year. The posted detour route will be Kruger Road to Lakeside Road to Warren Woods Road.. ...Read Full Story

Restaurants Teaming Up With Agriculture Department To Sell Food

restaurant232323-2

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are teaming up to get fresh produce and other food out to those who need it during the COVID-19 crisis. The two announced on Monday the partnership will enable restaurants to sell food and pantry items, which currently can be sold only by stores. The State Emergency Operations Center has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story

Gas Prices Continue Falling Amid Coronavirus Demand Drop

gaspump89-9

Gas prices in Michigan are in free-fall as demand plummets and oil prices continue to sink. Triple-A Michigan says the statewide average has fallen 13¢ in the past week to $1.73, which is down 65¢ in the past month and $1.08 lower than last year. The Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area has the second-lowest prices in the state of the areas surveyed by the auto club at $1.70, just a penny higher than Flint and Grand Rapids.. ...Read Full Story

State Representative Dies, Coronavirus Likely Cause

isaacrobinson

A freshman Detroit state lawmaker has died at the age of 44 from what his family believes was a coronavirus infection. Isaac Robinson died Sunday at Detroit Receiving Hospital just hours after being taken there for breathing problems. His mother, former state Representative Mary Robinson, says he had not received a COVID-19 test before being rushed to the hospital. She tells Crain’s Detroit Business her son had refused to seek medical attention despite having trouble breathing for several days and adds he was dead within five hours of being hospitalized.. ...Read Full Story

WNIT Launching Educational Channel For Duration Of COVID-19 Outbreak

television223

A new channel is being launched by WNIT television in South Bend to help educate children who are home due to COVID-19 shutting down their schools. The PBS affiliate says it will begin broadcasting At Home Learning programs for grades six through twelve on Monday over the air on temporary channel 34.5. The programs will be available from noon to 5 p.m. on weekdays. WNIT advises people to rescan their televisions to find the new channel. Below is a full statement from WNIT:. ...Read Full Story

Detroit Auto Show Canceled As TCF Center Becoming Makeshift Hospital

coronavirus-18

The North American International Auto Show will not be held this year in Detroit, as the venue is becoming a temporary hospital. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District is working with FEMA on the project, and over 250,000 square feet of the convention facility is being adapted to medical care space. Governor Whitmer has signed off on the change, saying it will help save lives by constructing a large alternate care facility in Detroit. Hospitals in southeast Michigan have been overrun by COVID-19 patients and have been close to capacity. Construction at TCF Center, formerly called Cobo Center, will start within days. McCormack Place in Chicago is also being turned into a hospital.. ...Read Full Story