The South Bend International Airport held a celebration this past week as its new Federal Inspection Station was opened. Airport Director Mike Daigle tells WSJM News the station will expand the possibilities for flights at South Bend International.. ...Read Full Story
The deadline to apply for student aid through the state’s Tuition Incentive Program, or TIP, is approaching. Michigan Office of Post-Secondary Financial Planning Director Anne Wohlfert tells WSJM News TIP provides tuition to students who qualified for Medicaid for at least 24 months in a 36 month window since age nine.. ...Read Full Story
South Haven Area Emergency Services has promoted one of its own to be the new deputy chief and fire marshal. Firefighter and paramedic Keith Bierhalter has been moved up to the new rank. Bierhalter has 37 years’ experience with the department, 12 years as a paid-on call firefighter and 25 years as a fulltime firefighter and paramedic. He was also honored as the department’s Firefighter of the Year for 2010 and 2011. Bierhalter follows the footsteps of his late father, Lieutenant Edward Bierhalter, as a second generation firefighter. He’s been serving as the acting deputy chief since the retirement of Tony Marsala on June 30.. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien County Health Department is reminding everyone of the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke now that summer is here and we’ve had many days in the 90s. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News it begins to set in when your body temperature rises too quickly.. ...Read Full Story
Red flags are posted again at South Beach in South Haven today. South Haven Area Emergency Services has released the following statement:. ...Read Full Story
Berrien County is holding a pesticide collection event this month. Farmers, greenhouse operators, golf course staff, and gardeners are welcome to drop off unwanted and outdated pesticides at the Clean Sweep Collection site in Benton Harbor on July 31. They’ll take all the classes of “cides” — fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and rodenticides. Fertilizers are not accepted as part of Clean Sweep. The program is possible thanks to a Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development grant. Anyone who wants to drop something off should register with the Berrien County environmental property manager. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story
Ground has been broken on a medical marijuana production facility in Benton Harbor. NoBo Partners purchased the former Alreco Metals site for $450,000, and was granted final approval this month to move forward with its plans for a 30,000 square foot operation. Nobo’s Bill Stohler said at Friday’s groundbreaking Benton Harbor met the company’s needs.. ...Read Full Story
The Niles Scream Park has announced its community project scholarship recipients for the year. Secretary Kelly Welch tells WSJM News six young people from Niles, Brandywine, and South Haven High Schools have been picked for $500 scholarships from the non-profit park. Some of them were volunteers for the attraction, but that’s not the only reason they’d be picked.. ...Read Full Story
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is investigating multiple cases of an uncommon gastrointestinal illness reported in Van Buren County. Spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News it’s called cyclosporiasis, and it’s believed to have come from a South Haven restaurant. People can become infected by consuming contaminated food or water. The illness typically results in watery diarrhea, and can include the loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue. Wheaton says the preliminary investigation has found the cases may have come from Taste restaurant in South Haven.. ...Read Full Story
Michigan State Police are encouraging everyone to stay safe during this weekend’s heatwave. Lieutenant Ken High out of Paw Paw tells WSJM News you need to take a few simple precautions.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Health officials in Detroit have confirmed a case of measles in a city resident who recently returned from overseas travel. The Detroit Health Department says the person with the highly contagious disease went to the emergency department Tuesday of Children’s Hospital of Michigan as well as a physician’s office in suburban Macomb County. The health department says everyone who may have been exposed at the physician’s office was notified, but those who were at the hospital’s emergency department between 12:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tuesday may have been exposed and should check to see if they need treatment.
The case is at least the 46th in Michigan this year. Most have been in Detroit’s suburbs. One was reported in Traverse City. The number is the highest since 65 in 1991.. ...Read Full Story
Two suspects who police say broke into an Allegan County hardware store and stole 22 guns are now headed to prison. The U.S. Attorney in Grand Rapids says Matteo Marroquin and Lacy Zimmerman broke into the Graafschap Hardware Store late on December 7 or early on December 8 of last year. They were picked up thanks to an investigation by the Allegan County Sheriff’ Department, Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The two pleaded guilty in federal court to the theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced Marroquin to ten years in prison. Zimmerman was also sentenced to ten years in prison in May. A third person, Andrew Leenheer, was sentenced to 44 months in prison this month for purchasing two of those firearms after the burglary. The U.S. Attorney’s office says the guns stolen from Graafschap Hardware were recovered through “extraordinary police-work.”. ...Read Full Story
The Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi has announced the results of its latest tribal election. The election was held on July 13, and the results were certified this week at the Pokagon campus in Dowagiac. Elected to staggered, three-year terms by citizens, the 11-member Tribal Council governs the Pokagon Band. Elected as its Tribal Council Vice Chairman is Andrew Bennett, a Pokagon citizen living in Hartford. Also, James Olds of Hartford was elected treasurer, and Anita Morales from Detroit and Mark Parrish from Benton Harbor were elected as tribal council members at large. Matthew Wesaw will remain the tribal chair, as he was not up for re-election.. ...Read Full Story
It’s tempting to go for a swim in Lake Michigan with today’s hot weather, but officials say that isn’t the best idea. The National Weather Service Friday strongly advised against going in the lake all along west Michigan from Ludington south to Saugatuck. There have been reports of waves as high as four to five feet in the Grand Haven area.. ...Read Full Story
Consumers Energy announced Thursday it has approved more than 125 rebates for electric vehicle charging stations for drivers across Michigan. That’s less than two months since the energy provider powered up a new effort to help the next generation of vehicles get into gear. Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler told us more.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — The National Weather Service is “strongly advising” people to stay out of Lake Michigan in western Michigan, despite the excessive heat. The Weather Service says dangerous waves and currents are likely from Ludington south to Saugatuck. That stretch includes many state and local parks with access to Lake Michigan. There have been reports of waves as high as 4 to 5 feet in the Grand Haven area. The Weather Service says on Twitter that people who insist on cooling off in the lake should know how to get out of a risky rip current. At Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph, we’re told the red flags were posted early on Friday, but by 2 p.m. had been changed to yellow.. ...Read Full Story
Japanese knotweed is something the Berrien County Road Department has been working on over the past year. Director Jason Latham tells WSJM News the invasive plant has popped up all over Berrien County, and when it’s close to a roadway, the road department takes action.. ...Read Full Story
The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees has taken a step to save money by refinancing some bonds. At a Thursday meeting, the board refinanced the bonds that were taken out to pay for the building of SMC’s second residence hall in 2009. The original issue was for $7.5 million. The proposed refinancing of $6.3 million of bonds will save the college housing fund an estimated $48,000 each year for a total savings of more than $1 million over the next 21 years. The average rate on the debt is expected to decrease from about 7.12% to 5%. The final bond sale will take place on August 13.. ...Read Full Story
Downtown St. Joseph is the place to be this Friday evening as the annual Mike Yore Memorial Car Show will take place along the bluff from 4 to 9 p.m. St. Joe Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News there will be more than 200 cars, all more than 25 years old, on display.. ...Read Full Story
Now at the southern U.S. border on a fact finding mission is Congressman Fred Upton. He told WSJM News earlier this week he and 15 other members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus were to ship out Thursday to see the border crisis firsthand.. ...Read Full Story
Berrien County has been approved for a more than $100,000 state grant that’s expected to allow for water taxis between Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. Cornerstone Alliance VP of External Affairs Christina Frank tells WSJM News Berrien County Community Development and Cornerstone Alliance applied for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Waterways Program grant in April to make way for the water tax idea.. ...Read Full Story
The recently-approved auto insurance reform plan will take effect in July of next year, and at a Thursday town hall in Benton Harbor, southwest Michigan lawmakers explained how it will work. State Senator Aric Nesbitt of Lawton, the plan’s sponsor, said drivers will be allowed to pick different levels of personal injury protection, or PIP, rather than having to carry unlimited PIP coverage. Nesbitt told WSJM News which level you pick, and some other factors, will determine how much you save.. ...Read Full Story
More Michiganders are wearing their seat belts when in a vehicle than last year. Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning spokesperson Kendall Wingrove tells WSJM News a study by Michigan State University finds this year’s seat belt usage rate is 94.4%, compared to 93% last year. He says campaigns to increase use may be working.. ...Read Full Story
There are now two candidates in the running to be named the next superintendent of St. Joseph Public Schools. The board of education says both will be in town on Monday for an open house with the public and to do their second interviews. The two candidates are Oakridge Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Livezey, and Dr. Thomas Bruce, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Arcadia Unified School District in California. The open house on Monday, and will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the North Lincoln Administration Building on Lincoln Avenue in St. Joseph. Livezey will be interviewed at 4 p.m. and Bruce at 5:30 p.m. and the interviews will be open to the public. St. Joseph Public Schools needs a new superintendent as Ann Cardon has taken that position in Traverse City.. ...Read Full Story
While southwest Michigan swelters this weekend under an excessive heat warning, the Berrien County Health Department reminds everyone to be careful and watch out for others. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News you should wear loose clothing, don’t stay outside for too long, and seek out air conditioning.. ...Read Full Story
Preparations are underway for one of the most popular summer events held each year in downtown St. Joseph. St. Joe Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News it’s the 23rd annual Chalk the Block, set for August 2 through August 4.. ...Read Full Story
There will be a graduation ceremony this week for the Michigan Career and Technical Institute in Allegan County’s Plainwell. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News the MCTI provides vocational training in 13 careers to adults with disabilities.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Three historic Great Lakes lighthouses owned by the federal government are going on the auction block.
They include Lake Huron’s Poe Reef lighthouse. That lighthouse 6 miles east of Cheboygan, Michigan, guides ships through a hazardous channel. The Ontonagon Breakwater lighthouse will also be auctioned. It’s the westernmost lighthouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, perched at the entrance of the channel leading to the Ontonagon River from Lake Superior. The Superior Entry lighthouse is also being sold. It sits on a sandbar between Superior, Wisconsin, and Duluth, Minnesota. The U.S. General Services Administration is offering the lighthouses through an online auction. Their lighting mechanisms will continue aiding navigation and will remain the U.S. Coast Guard’s property. Proceeds from public lighthouse sales help pay to preserve and maintain those that remain active.. ...Read Full Story
Those annoying robocalls that drive people crazy are the targets of a bill before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology today. The “Stopping Bad Robocalls Act” would require the FCC to adopt consumer protection rules, forcing telecom companies to install technology that would identify and block more of the calls. Maureen Mahoney with Consumer Reports says many come from scammers who manipulate caller ID displays.. ...Read Full Story
The Federal Communications Commission has authorized nearly $33 million in funding to expand broadband internet around Michigan. Southwest Michigan will receive $2.6 million over ten years as part of the allocation announced this week. It’s expected to expand high-speed internet to nearly 2,400 homes and businesses in the region. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he’s pleased.. ...Read Full Story
The Michigan Department of Transportation has issued its latest State Transportation Improvement Program, or STIP, plan. MDOT STIP Coordinator Mark Kloha tells WSJM News the document was compiled to outline major road projects in the coming years that will use federal funds.. ...Read Full Story
With very hot weather predicted for southwest Michigan in the next few days, the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan wants everyone to remember the needs of their pets. Volunteer coordinator Taylor Michael tells WSJM News your dog is just as affected by the heat as you. She recommends keeping the dog indoors.. ...Read Full Story
Fifth Third Bank has donated $7,000 to Steve’s Run, which is set for July 27 at the Dowagiac campus of Southwestern Michigan College. The 10K run, 5K walk and run, and fun run will benefit the Steven Briegel Scholarship Fund and the Mayo Clinic’s Cancer Research Fund. SMC says the 45th Original Trail Race starts at 8:30 a.m. on the 27th in front of the David C. Briegel Building. Also, breast cancer survivor Emmy Rickert from Pinckney, who has been profiled twice in People magazine, will speak at the awards ceremony around 10 a.m. in Alumni Plaza. Southwestern Michigan College President Dr. David Mathews accepted Fifth Third Bank’s donation this month. You can find more information on Steve’s Run right here.. ...Read Full Story
Two men are facing charges after the Southwest Enforcement Team made a heroin bust at the Niles Walmart Tuesday. It says 27-year-old George Harris of Niles was arrested following a month-long investigation into the distribution of heroin in Niles Township and in South Bend. Police say when they went to make the arrest, the suspect tried to drive off but hit a detective’s vehicle. He was taken into custody, and police say a search of his vehicle turned up 54 grams of heroin, several digital scales, and handgun. A passenger in the vehicle, 25-year-old Robert Williams, was also arrested. Both Harris and Williams were taken to the Berrien County Jail on a variety of charges.. ...Read Full Story
Those who use the trails, parks, and nature preserves of Chikaming Township are being asked to fill out a survey on their parks needs as the Chikaming Township Parks Board puts together its next master plan. Board President Debra Hall Kaylor tells WSJM News they want to hear ideas and opinions from anyone who appreciates the parks of Chikaming Township.. ...Read Full Story
Hundreds of people turned out Wednesday for the funeral service of a Niles veteran who passed away with no family. Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services put out a public call for people to attend the funeral of Wayne Wilson at Silverbrook Cemetery, and word must have really gotten around. The cemetery was packed with people who wanted to pay their respects. Morgan Friend knew Wayne Wilson and spoke with WSBT about him.. ...Read Full Story
The Cooling Station is open at the Bronson Wellness Center in South Haven. Heat related illnesses are possible for the rest of the week, and anyone living or visiting the area can come into the club free of charge and get cooled off with air conditioning and cold water. Director Bryan Heisler tells WSJM News it’s a way to stay safe during the hot weather.. ...Read Full Story
The Disability Network of Southwest Michigan will hold its annual celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act this month, and as part of the festivities, Whirlpool will be honored. The Disability Network’s Kristen Potts tells WSJM News the organization giving out its first ever Community Inclusion Award to the company. The board felt Whirlpool was a natural pick for it.. ...Read Full Story
The deadline to apply for student aid through the state’s Tuition Incentive Program, or TIP, is approaching. Michigan Office of Post-Secondary Financial Planning Director Anne Wohlfert tells WSJM News TIP provides tuition to students who qualified for Medicaid for at least 24 months in a 36 month window since age nine.. ...Read Full Story
The 15th annual Traverse City Film Festival kicks-off in two weeks at the State Theatre downtown and in satellite locations all over the city. Creative Director for the Festival Meg Weichman says well over 100,000 tickets were sold last year.. ...Read Full Story
The American Red Cross still faces a blood donation emergency in Michigan. Southwest Michigan Red Cross Communications Director Todd Kulman says stepping up now to donate your blood could well save a life.. ...Read Full Story
Benton Harbor City Commissioners are talking about how appointments to local boards are made. At this week’s commission meeting, an appointment to the Library Board hit a snag when Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats asked how openings on local boards are publicized. He wondered if the same people are allowed to serve on multiple boards too many times.. ...Read Full Story
Consumers Energy is taking applications for its first ever Prosperity Awards. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the utility is making $500,000 available this year through the grant program. They’re looking for non-profits with plans to improve communities in three possible ways.. ...Read Full Story
If you were arrested for pot possession in the past, how would you like to clear your record now that voters have approved of recreational marijuana in Michigan? That’s what state Senator Jeff Irwin has proposed in a bill introduced in the state senate.. ...Read Full Story
The South Bend International Airport held a celebration Tuesday morning as its new Federal Inspection Station was opened. Airport Director Mike Daigle tells WSJM News the station will expand the possibilities for flights at South Bend International.. ...Read Full Story
Set to head to the southern U.S. border this week is Congressman Fred Upton. He told Michigan’s Big Show this week he and his Problem Solvers Caucus will take a close look at the border crisis and discuss possible solutions.. ...Read Full Story
There’s a petition effort underway to convince the city of South Haven to add lifeguards at its public beaches. The change.org petition as of Tuesday afternoon had more than 600 signatures following the weekend drowning of a 13-year-old boy in Lake Michigan. South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News city leadership opted to no longer have lifeguards about 15 years ago.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is among the four Republican members of the U.S. House to vote with Democrats to condemn controversial tweets made this past weekend by President Trump. The House vote on Tuesday was on a resolution which “strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s racist comments that have legitimized and increased fear and hatred of new Americans and people of color.” The weekend tweets were about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan. The president tweeted, “Why don’t they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which they came.” The Democrat-controlled House approved the resolution against Trump’s words with support from only four Republicans. In addition to Congressman Upton, Republicans Will Hurd of Texas, Susan Brooks of Indiana, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania voted with Democrats. Congressman Justin Amash of Michigan, who recently resigned from the Republican Party, also voted yes. Upton issued a statement Monday saying he was appalled by Trump’s words.. ...Read Full Story
Now on the job at Lake Michigan College is Nygil Likely, LMC’s new dean of student affairs. LMC says Likely has been brought in to help enhance the student experience by giving students someone to go to when they need help. Likely told WSJM News about some of the challenges many college students face.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Fishermen with a net are removing thousands of Asian carp from Lake Decatur dam in central Illinois.
The Herald and Review reports that the effort began Monday, days after the state was told that many fish were gathering there. The invasive species will be trucked to a company in Bushnell, Illinois, which will process them for fish meal and fish oil. Kevin Irons of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says some fish appear to be 20 to 30 pounds. The net is 30 feet deep. The Sangamon River is impounded to form Lake Decatur in Decatur. A barrier prevents Asian carp from jumping into the lake. In May, The Army Corps of Engineers approved a $778 million plan to block the carp from reaching the Great Lakes. The fish can cause serious damage by dominating native fish for food and space.. ...Read Full Story
Consumers Energy is issuing tips to its customers on how to reduce their electric bills now that summer is here and many are turning on their air conditioning. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News forecasters are predicting this month to be one of the hottest in six years. With that in mind, he says there are very small sacrifices you can make to save.. ...Read Full Story
An arrest has been made in a bogus bomb threat that was made to the Cass County Courthouse last month. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us the threat was phoned into 911 the morning of June 21 and caused the place to be evacuated while it was searched. Since then, deputies and detectives from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department have been following up on leads from calls from the public and other sources. They’ve now announced the arrest of Patrick Kyle McMeeken in the case. He’s charged with making a false threat of terrorism, using a computer to commit a crime, and conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice. He’s also being charged as a habitual offender. If convicted, McMeeken faces up to a life sentence. The sheriff’s department asks anyone with more information on the threat to call them.. ...Read Full Story
The Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation has announced a donation of $50,000 to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts to support an entire year of arts education programming in Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties. A check presentation was held Monday. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts says the drug maker’s contribution will help support programs that include the Children’s Film Festival, Artists in Residence, Growing Young Artists, and Project Based Learning. Each program aims to make an impact on the lives of kids. Since 2007, Perrigo has provided nearly $300,000 to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Perrigo CEO Murray Kessler says improving the well-being of its communities is a key component of Perrigo’s corporate vision.. ...Read Full Story
Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin wants more businesses in the state to compete for defense contracts. The Holly Democrat took part in a recent business roundtable in Oakland County where she said a lot of work could be directed to the state... ...Read Full Story
With the future of Line 5 in the Straits of Mackinac in question, Enbridge executives say they have taken significant measures to ensure pipeline safety following the oil spill in the Kalamazoo River nine years ago. Company Vice President Guy Jarvis says they have beefed up their in-pipe inspections.. ...Read Full Story
Permission has been granted for Nobo Partners to produce medical marijuana at the former Alreco Metals site in Benton Harbor. City commissioners approved a special land use permit for Nobo on Monday night. The group’s Bill Stohler told WSJM News this will mean a 30,000 square foot facility at the old Alreco industrial site.. ...Read Full Story
President Donald Trump entered into a rift with a group of liberal Democratic congresswomen, including Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, over the weekend. In tweets Sunday, Trump portrays the lawmakers as foreign-born troublemakers who should go back to their home countries. U.S. Senator Gary Peters calls the tweets terrible.. ...Read Full Story
Following a weekend drowning off South Haven, the U.S. Coast Guard has some advice for those looking to cool off in Lake Michigan this summer. St. Joseph Coast Guard station Executive Petty Officer Matthew Binns tells WSJM News the high lake levels are actually making swimming more dangerous.. ...Read Full Story
The South Bend International Airport will celebrate the opening of a new federal inspection station on Tuesday. Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and from St. Joseph County, Indiana are slated to be on hand for the grand opening. The celebration will also include a special announcement and the first arriving aircraft. The South Bend International Airport is keeping its lips sealed on what the opening of the new inspections station will mean for the facility until after federal officials come to town. We’ll know more this afternoon.. ...Read Full Story
