Water filters are being made available for all residents of Benton Harbor starting this past week. The Berrien County Health Department’s Nicki Britten tells us the filters are certified to reduce the risk of lead exposure in drinking water. That’s after some homes around the city tested for elevated levels of lead late last year. The filters will be provided at several locations throughout the city for free.. ...Read Full Story
Michigan State Police are advising everyone about an e-mail scam that’s been making the rounds. MSP says it’s been hearing about an increase in e-mails containing malicious links or attachments sent to businesses and individuals. They’ve had subject lines that include words like “invoice” or “receipt,” and the email contains an attachment or link to download a PDF, MS Word, or Excel document containing malware. Recent infections have been a result of the Emotet virus, which has been known to steal contact information from e-mail address books. It also could steal passwords and spread to other computers in a network. Michigan State Police remind everyone to treat e-mails with attachments with extra care. Don’t open an attachment unless you’re certain who it’s from and that it’s safe. Also, don’t follow links that are e-mailed to you. You can find out more about the latest threat right here.. ...Read Full Story
The federal government is proposing to gut rules that protect consumers from short-term payday loan companies. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau already put the Obama-era Payday Lending Rule on hold, but on Wednesday, the agency said it wants to remove the requirement that lenders determine whether borrowers have the ability to pay the loan back. Christine Hines with the National Association of Consumer Advocates tells us she thinks the feds have caved to industry pressure.. ...Read Full Story
The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors is notifying organizations throughout the region that it’s offering grants to community and neighborhood projects. The Placemaking Challenge Grants are intended for smaller projects intended to improve a community in an innovative way. The grants can range from $500 to $3,500, and there will be two available this year. The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors notes past Placemaking Challenge Grants have helped to pay for a dog park in Baroda, a park and playground area next to Milton Township Hall, and Victorian style exterior post clock in Downtown Watervliet. The deadline to apply for a Placemaking Challenge Grant is March 15. You can find the application for the Placemakers Grants right here.. ...Read Full Story
A Benton Harbor man is facing charges following a heroin and meth bust this week. The Southwest Enforcement Team tells us police conducted a sting on Tuesday following a nine month investigation into the 36-year-old suspect for the sale and distribution of methamphetamine and heroin in Benton Harbor. Officers with SWET say they saw the suspect conduct several drug transactions in the area of McCord and East Vineyard. When he was apprehended, police say they found a large amount of crystal meth, heroin, and cash on him. The suspect was taken to the Berrien County Jail on charges including eight counts of delivery of heroin, second offense, possession with intent to deliver heroin, second offense, possession with intent to deliver crystal meth, second offense, and two outstanding warrants for unarmed-robbery and fleeing eluding police. One other man was arrested on two counts of delivery of heroin, second offense.. ...Read Full Story
Coming soon to the gym at Lake Michigan Catholic High School will be live donkeys. District fundraiser Chris Glendening tells WSJM News Donkey Basketball is a sport in which the participants ride around on donkeys trying shoot hoops. They’ll bring the distinguished event to the House of Noise in St. Joseph on Wednesday, February 13.. ...Read Full Story
With last week’s frigid weather shutting down many businesses and many government offices, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners this week took a minute to salute those county employees who still came out to work. The board approved a resolution from Commissioner Teri Freehling recognizing those critical members of county staff who braved the cold and dangerous driving conditions. She spoke with WSJM News.. ...Read Full Story
With tattoos all the rage these days, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is holding a conference this month for tattoo providers to make sure they’re in compliance with all of the rules about health and safety. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News there are many health risks when it comes to body art.. ...Read Full Story
The longest-serving member of Congress in history has died. Dearborn’s John Dingell represented the Detroit area from a 1955 special election following the death of his father until his retirement in 2015, and died Thursday at the age of 92. It was revealed this week that he had entered hospice care, with his wife, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, skipping the State of the Union address to be by his side.. ...Read Full Story
As a measles outbreak continues in Washington state, many are blaming the state’s relaxed laws on vaccine exemptions. According to The Washington Post, Washington is one of 17 states that allow philosophical exemptions from vaccinations, meaning virtually any parent can opt their child out. In Michigan, the rules are different. The Berrien County Health Department’s Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News those seeking a non-medical vaccine waiver have to take extra steps.. ...Read Full Story
