Local News Archives

Manufacturing Day Set For Next Month

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Michigan Works is getting ready for the next Manufacturing Day in Berrien and Van Buren counties, and this year, they’re doing it a little bit differently. Michigan Works Sector Relations Coordinator Erin Venno tells WSJM News for the six previous Manufacturing Days, they took local high school students on tours of manufacturing businesses. This year, they’re taking the manufacturers to the students.. ...Read Full Story

Lakeland Official Talks Racial Health Disparities

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Spectrum Health Lakeland Director of Population Health Lynn Todman is working to help the community understand some of the factors that go into a person’s health outcomes, and a big focus is on race. Todman tells WSJM News her studies at Lakeland have shown major racial disparities when it comes to health in the region. She says part of her job is making sure doctors understand that things like the neighborhood where someone lives determines how healthy they are.. ...Read Full Story

Court Opens Waiting Room For Children Going Through Protective Proceedings

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There is a new waiting room just for children at the Berrien County Courthouse as the family division works to create a more welcoming environment. Berrien County Trial Court Family Division Intake Manager Jean Lawrence tells WSJM News an initiative to have more children directly involved in their own child protective proceedings made the waiting area necessary. She says it’s a best practice to have the kids there when their well-being is discussed.. ...Read Full Story

Man Faces Up To Life Following Meth Conviction

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A Mishawaka man is facing up to life in prison after being convicted in Cass County of resisting and obstructing a police officer and possession of methamphetamine. The Cass County Prosecutor’s office says 26-year-old Danzig Weed was stopped by sheriff’s deputies on March 17 after leaving the scene of a vehicle fire in Pokagon Township. Officers held Weed at gunpoint after he moved his hand toward his back pocket and refused to comply with commands to get down on the ground. A search revealed that he had a syringe filled with methamphetamine in his back pocket. His trial this week included the showing of body cam footage from an arresting officer. The jury on Tuesday found Weed guilty on the two charges, but not guilty on a second count of resisting. Weed also has a pending criminal case in Indiana for stealing a vehicle. He faces up to life in prison as a habitual offender with three or more prior felony convictions when he’s sentenced on November 8.. ...Read Full Story

Fest In The Southwest Set For Saturday

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Set for this Saturday is an event to raise money for the Cora Lamping Center for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Berrien County. It’s the third annual “Fest in the Southwest” at Watermark Brewing Company in Stevensville. Avenue Family Network board member Ryan Ogle tells WSJM News $20 will get you a beer stein, two drink tokens, and a brat ticket. 95% of the proceeds from the event will go to the safe shelter for survivors of domestic violence. The fundraiser comes as the center is seeking to expand.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven’s Second Lighthouse Keeper To Be Honored This Week

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Water Street in South Haven will have an honorary name added to it this week. The city council recently gave the go-ahead to name the street Captain Donahue Drive for Civil War Captain James Donahue. After losing a leg in the war, he was hired as South Haven’s second lighthouse keeper at the age of 32 in 1874. Among the at least 15 lives he’s credited with saving were his two sons, and in some of those rescues, he dove into the water personally to pull someone to safety. The city will hold a ceremony at 3 p.m. tomorrow at the intersection of Water and Kalamazoo streets at the top of the hill to unveil the new signs. Donahue died in 1917 and is buried at South Haven’s Lakeview Cemetery. Friday’s ceremony is open to the public.. ...Read Full Story

Special Counsel To Report Back To Berrien County Board In Three Weeks Regarding Conflicts Of Interest Case

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The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will be conducting its own investigation of potential conflicts of interest by Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling. The commission says in a statement released after Prosecutor Michael Sepic announced no charges would be filed against Freehling that it has retained a Special Counsel to “review the facts of this conflict of interest issue and to advise the Board concerning its appropriate course of action.” A report will be given to the Board within the next three weeks.. ...Read Full Story

Niles City Council Sets Special Meeting On Recreational Marijuana

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The largest city in Berrien County could soon become the first to opt-in to the new state law allowing for recreational marijuana businesses serving people 21 and older. On October 7, the Niles City Council will vote on both a Zoning Ordinance amendment to add new definitions for those establishments and to opt-in to allowing them to set up shop. The council heard the first reading of the ordinances this week and then scheduled the special meeting for the votes. Most local governments in the state voted to opt-out of allowing recreational marijuana businesses under the new voter-approved law, with most citing the need to wait for state regulators to get the rules in place.. ...Read Full Story

Prosecutor: No Charges Against Berrien County Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling

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No criminal charges will be filed against Berrien County Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling related to potential conflicts of interests with county drain commission contracts for which her late husband was renting out the equipment. Prosecutor Michael Sepic says he will not authorize misdemeanor charges in the case, saying that proving beyond a reasonable doubt that she knew the full extent of the money being paid to Patrick Freehling by Hartzler Excavating over a two-year period would be “too great.”. ...Read Full Story

Volunteers Removing Invasive Plants At Warren Dunes Saturday

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Volunteers are being sought for another environmental stewardship day this weekend at Warren Dunes State Park in Berrien County. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says volunteers will be removing invasive plants like the Japanese barberry and honeysuckle from the forested dunes to protect native habitat. No experience is needed, and those who attend will be given some training to recognize the targeted species. Those who go are advised to wear closed toe shoes, long sleeves, and long pants. You should also have insect repellent that contains DEET. The volunteers are told to meet at the organizational campground parking area on Floral Lane at 10 a.m. The DNR notes this stewardship day will be taking place on September 28, which happens to be National Public Lands Day.. ...Read Full Story

State Grant Announced For Apartment Development In Benton Harbor

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A state grant has been announced for a housing development in Benton Harbor. The Michigan Strategic Fund is awarding $1.5 million to Benton Harbor Flats LCC to renovate a vacant, two-story building in a mixed-use development area of downtown Benton Harbor. When it’s finished, the project at Main and Pipestone is expected to results in 16 market-rate apartments and two office suites. They’re going to do interior renovations along with restoring the original brick facade of the building. State Representative Pauline Wendzel announced the grant this week, saying the project will create 22 jobs and serve as a catalyst for future development in the heart of Benton Harbor.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Recruiting Officers

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Anyone interested in becoming a conservation officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is being told to take a look at the DNR’s website. DNR First Lieutenant Jason Wicklund tells WSJM News the agency it’s planning a conservation officer training academy for next year. It’s seeking candidates from all backgrounds for the academy scheduled for July at the Michigan State Police training facility. DNR conservation officers are certified police officers with the authority to enforce all state laws. Wicklund says they also protect the state’s natural resources, and there’s never a dull moment for them.. ...Read Full Story

Chicago Men Jailed After Police Chase In Buchanan, Galien, Three Oaks, New Buffalo

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Two Chicago men are in the Berrien County Jail after leading police on a chase through Buchanan, Galien, Three Oaks, and New Buffalo early this morning. A third managed to slip away when the suspects’ stolen Jeep came to a stop on US-12 near I-94 after stop sticks blew out the tires and they hit a sign post. A K-9 from the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana helped track two of the suspects hiding in the weeds. The 2015 Jeep had been reported stolen in Highland Park, Illinois, and deputies found burglary tools hidden under a blanket in the back of the vehicle. Jailed are 25-year-old Chamaine Davis and 20-year-old Calvin Edwards for outstanding felony warrants out of Cook County, Illinois. They are also expected to be charged here with fleeing and eluding police, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving without a valid license.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor Public Safety Looking For Shooting Suspect

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Police are looking for 23-year-old man for a shooting in the 700 block of Vineyard in the city of Benton Harbor last night. Public safety officials have identified him as Uriah Beauford and say he is also wanted for unrelated charges and is believed to be in either Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo, or Grand Rapids. A 41-year-old Benton Harbor woman is in stable condition at Spectrum Health Lakeland after being shot just after 10 p.m. Beauford is considered armed and dangerous, and Benton Harbor Public Safety is asking for tips on where he might be, but warning people to stay away from him. Those tips can be sent through the city’s public safety department app, by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-342-STOP, or by calling the Benton Harbor Public Safety Tipline at 269-927-0293.. ...Read Full Story

Indiana Dunes Seeing More Visitors With National Park Status

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From the Associated Press — The Indiana Dunes National Park saw its highest number of visitors this summer after receiving national park status. The 15,000-acre (6,070-hectare) park along the southern shore of Lake Michigan in northwestern Indiana became Indiana’s first national park in February. The Chicago Tribune reports that the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center has tallied 131,662 visitors in the first eight months of 2019, breaking its all-time annual record. The park drew in over 42,000 July visitors, more than doubling totals from the same period last year. Park officials say the higher visitor numbers indicate the public has responded to the national park designation. The giant sand dunes were formed over 10,000 years ago and reach almost 200 feet (60 meters) tall in  some places.. ...Read Full Story

Health Department Monitoring Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases

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The Berrien County Health Department is advising everyone to take common sense steps to avoid mosquito bites as the number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases in Michigan has gone up. On Friday, the state health department said a new case was discovered in Calhoun County. Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the Berrien count remains at one, with one more suspected. She says using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves are key ways to protect yourself. This especially applies at night.. ...Read Full Story

Voting Rate Of LMC Students Increases

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The voter participation rate among Lake Michigan College students has doubled in the past four years. LMC says a report has found the voting rate among students was 17% for the 2014 midterm elections, and 35% in the 2018 midterms. LMC political science instructor Tiffany Bohm credits the LMC Votes campaign, which sought to increase voter registrations at the college. She spoke with WSJM News.. ...Read Full Story

Whitmer OKs Medicaid Reporting Changes, Rips Lack Of Funding

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From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed changes to Michigan’s reporting requirements for people who will have to meet work-related requirements to qualify for Medicaid coverage. But she’s accusing the Republican-led Legislature of not allocating $10 million she requested to implement the rules, which will take effect in January. Whitmer on Monday signed a law exempting some enrollees in the state’s Medicaid expansion program – Healthy Michigan – from having to meet monthly reporting rules if the state can verify their compliance with work requirements through other data. People would have a month to verify their compliance, instead of 10 days under existing law. The Democratic governor, who opposes the work requirements, says lawmakers
should automatically suspend the rules if data in early 2020 show significant numbers of Michiganders will lose coverage.. ...Read Full Story

Jeremy Cuellar Sentenced For Murder Of Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III

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At least 65 years in prison is the punishment for the man who shot and killed his girlfriend’s husband in an ambush outside the home of the victim’s parents in St. Joseph Township on New Year’s Eve. Jeremy Cuellar was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Army Sergeant Tyrone Hassel III. Hassel’s wife, Kemia Hassel, is serving life without parole for orchestrating the murder in order to collect his Army death benefits and life insurance money. All three were stationed together at Fort Stewart, Georgia. During the victim impact statement given by Hassel’s mother, our partners at WSBT report Cuellar shouted a profanity and later apologized to the sergeant’s family, calling himself a “fool” for ever trusting Kemia.. ...Read Full Story

Police Pull Over More Than 9,100 In Latest Drive Sober Enforcement

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Over 91-hundred drivers were pulled over around the state in the latest Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement, which ran over the Labor Day period from mid-August until September 2. Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning spokeswoman Kari Arend says there were plenty of people who were enjoying the end of summer a bit too much and not paying attention to the laws.. ...Read Full Story

Gas Prices Surge 17¢ Per Gallon Statewide

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AAA Michigan says average gas prices statewide have jumped 17¢ from a week ago to about $2.74 per gallon. The auto club said Monday the average price for self-serve regular unleaded rose following attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, but the average still was about 15¢ less than a year ago. The state’s highest average was in the Ann Arbor area at around $2.80. The lowest prices were in the Traverse City area at $2.63 per gallon. In Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, AAA says prices have jumped over the past week from $2.44 to $2.68 a gallon. GasBuddy puts the average in South Haven, which isn’t part of the auto club’s survey, much lower at $2.58 per gallon.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Leaning Toward Run For 18th Term In U.S. House

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Despite handing out “Upton 2020” buttons over the weekend at the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island, Congressman Fred Upton isn’t saying for sure that he’s seeking an 18th term. However, he says he’s “certainly on that path.” Speaking on Michigan’s Big Show, the St. Joseph Republican says there’s a long time between now and the election in November 2020.. ...Read Full Story

Police Looking For Suspect In Blossom Acres Housing Project Shooting

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Benton Township police are looking for a man in his mid-20s in connection with the latest shooting at the Blossom Acres Housing project. The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. Sunday when several kids who were involved in an earlier fight in the city of Benton Harbor on Pavone Street began fighting again behind a home in the 1000 block of Highland Avenue. The victim was an adult male who is related to one of the kids involved in the fight, and he was shot in the left side of his abdomen. He is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph. Township police say the shooter was a black man who was wearing a gray hoodie and had a silver revolver. There have been several shootings at the complex this summer.. ...Read Full Story

Police See Benefits Of Local Drug Treatment Resource

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A drug treatment resource in the St. Joseph area is already making a difference for police in Berrien County. Michigan State Police Trooper Holly Higgs of the Niles post tells WSJM News since Carol’s Hope expanded to 24-7 operations, police have been able to take those seeking help there without needing to arrange long distance trips.. ...Read Full Story

History Attraction Focuses On American Diners

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From the Associated Press — A suburban Detroit history attraction has acquired a major collection of photographs, menus, clothing and other items related to American diners. Dearborn-based The Henry Ford announced the acquisition Tuesday of the collection assembled by Richard J.S.Gutman, an expert who has been helping tell the story of the eateries. The collection also includes drawings, manufacturers’ catalogs, postcards, tables, stools, tableware and promotional giveaway items from diners across the United States. The addition bolsters The Henry Ford’s collection of materials related to U.S. roadside architecture and design. Gutman was involved in the move and restoration of Lamy’s Diner, which is located inside the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation at The Henry Ford, and the reconstruction of the Owl Night Lunch Wagon, which is located in The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village attraction.. ...Read Full Story

Health Officials Urge Everyone To Reduce Mosquito Exposure

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State and local health officials this week urged everyone to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites as an increased number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis cases have been reported in Michigan this year. Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad spoke with WSJM News about the illness. Conrad says Eastern Equine Encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes to humans, horses, and deer. It comes with the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches, and can progress to a severe encephalitis.. ...Read Full Story

LMC College Night Tomorrow

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Just in time for the fall is Lake Michigan College’s annual College Night, set for Monday, September 23. LMC Admissions and Recruitment Director Jeremy Schaeffer tells WSJM News it’s a chance for students interested in pursuing post-secondary education to meet directly with representatives of more than 50 institutions in the region. Schaeffer says hundreds of people come out for the event.. ...Read Full Story

Adopt A Highway Cleanup Underway

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Now underway is the final Adopt a Highway cleanup of Michigan roads for the year. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Dan Weingarten tells WSJM News the effort started today. There are more than 2,800 volunteer groups who pick up trash along stretches of road three times a year.. ...Read Full Story

Successful Fall Land Auction

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The fall Berrien County land auction this week netted more than $288,000 for the county’s foreclosure fund. Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News 112 of 120 properties were sold Tuesday. That money goes into the foreclosure fund to take care of other foreclosed properties.. ...Read Full Story

Road Association Previews Fall Colors

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The fall color season is about to start in Michigan. County Road Association of Michigan spokesperson Dustin Earley tells WSJM News people from outside of the state come here just to check out the fall colors. The prime season started in the U.P. this Friday, week will work its way down through the state.. ...Read Full Story

Health Department Supports Vaping Regulations

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Local health officials are giving high marks to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s action this month to ban flavored vaping products in Michigan. Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News not enough is known about e-cigarettes to say they are safe. In fact, the evidence points to otherwise.. ...Read Full Story

LMC Transfer Fair Monday

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Coming up Monday will be Lake Michigan College’s annual Transfer Fair. LMC Career and Transfer Credit Coordinator Krista Elkins tells WSJM News there will be representatives from around 50 colleges and universities who can answer questions from students who want to transfer. She says a lot of students want to know if a given credit can transfer. She also has some advice for students who know they’ll be shipping out from LMC to a four year institution.. ...Read Full Story

DNR Looking For Conservation Officers

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking new recruits as it prepares to hold its next conservation officer academy. The DNR says it’s seeking candidates from all backgrounds for the academy scheduled for July of next year at the Michigan State Police training facility. DNR conservation officers serve a distinct role in Michigan’s law enforcement community as certified police officers with the authority to enforce all state laws. Conservation officers also train in a variety of areas related to the protection of natural resources. They include training in game, fish, and trapping enforcement, recreational safety, firearms, survival tactics, and first aid. Anyone who might want to apply for the 23 week academy can find out more at the DNR’s website. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story

Wendzel Holding Fall Photo Contest

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State Representative Pauline Wendzel is holding a fall photo contest. She’s asking residents of her district to send in their photographs illustrating the best parts of southwest Michigan. The photos must be taken in the 79th District, which includes Coloma, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Bridgman, and Watervliet, as well as several surrounding townships. Wendzel says the top three winning entries will be framed and displayed in her office in Lansing. The photographer must be a resident of the 79th House District, and the winner and two runners-up will be invited to join Wendzel in Lansing for the unveiling of their photos. The winners will be announced the first week of November via Facebook and on Wendzel’s website. You can email the digital photos to Wendzel or submit them to her Facebook page. The deadline to enter is October 31.. ...Read Full Story

Documentary On Pat Moody To Air Next Week

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Coming soon to a television near you will be a documentary on a radio giant of southwest Michigan. Legends of Michiana: Pat Moody will air on WNIT public television out of South Bend starting next Thursday. The one hour documentary focuses on Moody’s 46 year radio career in the region. He tells WSJM News he was honored to get word there was going to be a documentary about him.. ...Read Full Story

Veteran Hiking Around Lake Michigan To Raise Money For Suicide Prevention

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A Marine Corps veteran is walking all the way around Lake Michigan to raise money to fight suicides among veterans. Travis Snyder is originally from Holland, and embarked on his hike from Manistee nearly a month ago. He just made it to Illinois after going through the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, and says in a Facebook video he’s doing it all to raise money for Mission 22, an organization that seeks to help veterans with mental health struggles.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven “Road Diet” Intended To Improve Safety

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It’s hoped that Business Loop 196 will be safer now that the Michigan Department of Transportation has approved the city of South Haven’s plans to put it on a road diet. South Haven Public Works Director Bill Hunter tells WSJM News they’re going to repaint the lines in the road to take it down from the current four lanes to three lanes with a center turn lane. Hunter says they want to turn that stretch of road into a “drive to” instead of a “drive through.”. ...Read Full Story

Locally Made Beer And Wine To Be Available At Special Tent At Senior PGA Championship

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Preparations are well underway for the next KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores, and one thing we already know is that the Makers Trail 19th Hole will be back for the 2020 event. KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Director Ryan Ogle tells WSJM News the 19th Hole is a luxury tent that gives championship attendees a place to relax and also sample locally-made beers, wines, and spirits. The menu for 2020 has been chosen.. ...Read Full Story

Groups Slam Feds’ Move to Lower Vehicle Emissions Standards

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Groups that fight for clean air are speaking out against the Trump administration’s move to force states to follow a uniform set of lower vehicle-emissions standards. On Thursday the EPA revoked the Clean Air Act waiver that allowed California and 13 other states plus D.C. to set higher standards. Paul Billings with the American Lung Association says this will create chaos in the auto industry.. ...Read Full Story

Summit Pushes for Water Justice in Great Lakes

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Great Lakes residents concerned about water justice are gathering in Ontario next week. The 2019 Water Is Life Alliance Summit is on September 28 and this year’s theme is “Water Justice in a Climate Emergency.” Diane Weckerle with Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation says water shutoffs in Detroit and the Flint water crisis will be among the topics at the summit. They’re also talking Nestle. Weckerle notes the company pays $200 a year for the region’s freshwater and is proposing to increase its water pumping rate to 400 gallons per minute at one Michigan well.. ...Read Full Story

Animal Aid Mutt March This Sunday

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Animal Aid of Southwest Michigan’s annual Mutt March will be held this Sunday in St. Joseph. The Howling Holloween Mutt March, as they’re calling it, will take place at Lake Bluff Park from 1 to 3 p.m. and feature a costume contest, a pumpkin carving contest, a pet parade, and a chance to adopt a furry friend. There will be multiple animal rescue organizations on hand, and everyone will have a chance to meet some colorful characters, including a pirate and a palm reader. You can find out more details at the Facebook page of Animal Aid of Southwest Michigan.. ...Read Full Story

State Police To Hold Recruitment Seminar

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Michigan State Police are looking for new recruits, and to that end, they’re planning a recruitment seminar for October 19 in Lawrence. MSP Trooper Kellie Shaffer tells WSJM News as retirements loom, Michigan State Police will have a lot of positions to fill. She says being a trooper is an attractive prospect some might want to consider.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien Community Foundation Announces Awards

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Some grants and awards for 2019 have been announced by the Berrien Community Foundation as it held its 67th annual meeting on Wednesday in St. Joseph. BCF President Lisa Cripps Downey tells WSJM News the new Alamar Non-Profit Sustainability Grant of $75,000 was announced for St. Joseph Today so it can provide health insurance and a retirement plan to its employees.. ...Read Full Story

Arrest In Chikaming Township Robbery

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The Chikaming Township Police Department says a suspect has been arrested in the armed robbery of the Whistle Stop Store on Red Arrow Highway last month. 42-year-old David Floyd was picked up by police in Indiana on Wednesday. Chikaming Township police say he went into the Whistle Stop on the morning of August 23 flashing a handgun and demanding money. He got away with an undisclosed sum. Police say not only is Floyd the suspect in the Whistle Stop robbery, but he is also suspected in multiple other armed robberies in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana.. ...Read Full Story

Animal Control Seizes 77 Animals From Home

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Berrien County Animal Control is now caring for nearly 80 animals seized from a Hagar Township home on Wednesday. Animal Control Director Tiffany Peterson tells WSJM News her office had received several complaints about an animal hording situation. After a warrant was obtained, a search of the property was conducted and authorities found a total of 77 animals kept in crates around the modular home. Peterson said there was one woman living there. Most of the animals were dogs on the smaller side. Peterson says she’s had a vet look at them, and they are now being well cared for at the Berrien County Animal Shelter. However, all of those animals have about doubled the shelter’s load. Anyone who wants to help with a donation for the animals can contact Berrien County Animal Control. Meanwhile, the Berrien County Prosecutor’s office says it’s aware of the situation but hasn’t received any paperwork for charges. It says it’s waiting on the evaluation of the animals.. ...Read Full Story

Plans Call For Amazon Operations At Pontiac Silverdome Site

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From the Associated Press — Online retail giant Amazon has proposed using the site of the former home of the Detroit Lions as a distribution center in a $250 million project that could bring 1,500 jobs. Details of plans for the Pontiac Silverdome site in suburban Detroit were made public Wednesday night. The city says its planning commission approved a permit for the site to be used as a warehouse, distribution and fulfillment campus. Pontiac says Seattle-based Amazon would lease buildings from a developer. Plans call for Amazon to start operating at the site as soon as next year. The Lions played at the Silverdome from 1975-2001. It also was the home of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons and hosted the Super Bowl in 1982. The Silverdome was taken down with a partial implosion in 2017.. ...Read Full Story

Enrollment Up At Southwestern Michigan College

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Enrollment at Southwestern Michigan College is up this year. SMC says it’s managed to buck enrollment trends being seen at many other community colleges in Michigan. It’s one of just seven community colleges in the state with increased enrollment for the fall. After processing final drops and adds, SMC showed an overall head count of 2,171, up 1.2% versus the fall of 2018. The college this year welcomed 509 recent high school graduates to campus, an increase of 54, or almost 12%, and more students — 364 of them — now live in the residence halls than last fall. SMC says it’s been able to keep its numbers up because it has been proactive in identifying what makes it unique and clearly explaining to parents and students the value in starting a college journey there. The current freshman class has declared 42 different majors, with health services, business, biology, criminal justice, psychology, and education being the most popular.. ...Read Full Story

Trial Court Opens Special Waiting Room For Children

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The Berrien County Trial Court’s Family Division has opened a new waiting room just for children. The new kid-friendly waiting area for children attending their own Child Protective Services proceedings is located on the fourth floor of the Berrien County Courthouse in St. Joseph. It’s decorated with a mural painted by artist Kathy Zerler and filled with donated toys, books, blankets, and other items of comfort. Trained volunteers will be staffing the waiting area during child protective hearings. The court says the goal of the project is to encourage participation of children in their own protective proceedings, which is a nationally recognized best practice. As part of that, the court wanted to have a quiet, supervised, child-friendly waiting area for those kids. There will be an open house for the new waiting room on October 10 from 4 to 5 p.m.. ...Read Full Story

Paquette Holds Tele-Town Hall On Auto Insurance Reforms

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State Representative Brad Paquette of Niles is working to explain the auto insurance reforms coming to Michigan next year. On Wednesday night, he held a tele-town hall with state Representative Jason Wentworth to answer questions from callers. Come July 1 of next year, drivers can choose what level of personal injury protection they want in their policies, rather than having unlimited coverage as they do now. Paquette said you can opt for $50,000 of PIP coverage and see a 45% reduction in those costs. Wentworth went on…. ...Read Full Story