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
The future of Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson is in question. That’s after the Benton Harbor City Commission on Monday tabled a motion that effectively would have fired him. Following a closed session, Commissioner Juanita Henry proposed the motion to no longer accept Watson’s employment.. ...Read Full Story
State Representative Pauline Wendzel is holding a town hall this week on road funding and auto insurance reform. Wendzel tells WSJM News those are the two topics she and other state lawmakers hear about the most. On hand for Thursday’s meeting will be lawmakers who worked on the recently-passed auto insurance reform bill.. ...Read Full Story
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says it has put up its billboard along I-94 near Benton Harbor to memorialize about ten pigs that died in the crash of a livestock truck on June 28. The crash happened at Napier Avenue and I-94, and PETA’s billboard nearby shows a pig with the words “I’m ME, Not MEAT. See the Individual. Go Vegan.” PETA’s Sadie Buckles tells WSJM News the message is that animals like pigs should not be packed into trucks to be hauled off to death factories.. ...Read Full Story
The St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club Foundation is now taking applications for its 2019 grants. The Rotary Foundation says a total of $60,000 will be awarded this year, with all recipients to be determined by its board of directors. To be eligible, a grant request must be for a minimum of $5,000 and must be submitted by a non-profit or government unit in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area. The Rotary is looking for programs that provide better opportunities for youth and special needs populations. Since 1980, the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club Foundation has awarded more than $891,000 in grants in the area. 2018 recipients included Kinexus, which got $7,500 to make improvements to the YouthBuild training facility, the Berrien County Council for children, which received $10,000 to purchase new sound equipment at the Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, which was awarded $10,000 for a social-emotional program. The grant application deadline is September 20.
. ...Read Full Story
The six candidates running for mayor of Benton Harbor have squared off for the first time in a debate. Speaking at the WSJM studio Monday, a topic of discussion was economic development and making sure investment in the community is also investment in its people. Candidate Jamie Davis said, too often, there will be developments that don’t result in benefits for residents.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is appalled by President Trump’s weekend tweets about liberal Democratic congresswomen. On Sunday, Trump went after 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.” Congressman Upton said on Monday there’s no excuse for those comments, and inflammatory rhetoric not right or helpful. Upton added “The President’s tweets were flat out wrong and uncalled for, and I would encourage my colleagues from both parties to stop talking so much and start governing more.”. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — A study says Michigan prison workers are facing a “mental health crisis,” including a higher likelihood of symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts and depression. The report was released Monday by the state Department of Corrections, which is trying to reduce employee suicides and to improve staff wellness. The $50,000 study is the result of a survey that was filled out by about 3,500 employees. Nearly one in four of all workers are estimated to meet the criteria for PTSD.
One in six meet the criteria for major depressive disorder. More than 100 employees are currently and actively planning to kill themselves, according to the report. Corrections director Heidi Washington says the department is working to establish a culture of wellness that seeks to reduce employee stress.. ...Read Full Story
If you have a pre-existing health condition, listen up. A Texas federal lawsuit by Republican controlled states and the Trump administration, if successful, would destroy the Affordable Care Act and its ban on letting insurance companies discriminate against you if you have a pre-existing condition. Michigan State Representative Abdullah Hammoud spoke with WSJM News.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Kellogg Community College and Michigan State University are working together to expand agriculture education opportunities for students. The schools have expanded their Agricultural Operations Program to offer students a new Kellogg associate’s degree program and two certificates from Michigan State. Studies in the programs cover a variety of areas, including farm, water, weed and resource management; soil science and plant pathology; regulation, safety and compliance issues; and technology. Each program path requires a 480-hour internship that’s completed during the summer semester, where the students gain hands-on experience in the field or in agribusiness. Kellogg launched its original Agricultural Operations Program with
Michigan State in 2017 The application deadline for enrolling in one of Kellogg’s Agricultural Science programs is August 9. Details including applications are posted online .. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is considering options to deal with thousands of invasive Asian carp that are clustering near the base of the Lake Decatur dam. The Herald and Review reports that Illinois Raptor Center official Jacques Nuzzo says he contacted the state department after taking drone footage that revealed the fish were gathered there. Scientists say the invasive species can cause serious damage in lakes and rivers by out-competing native fish populations for food and space. The Army Corps of Engineers approved a $778M plan in May to block Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. As of late June, a survey found no Asian carp in Chicago-area waterways. U.S. states and Canadian provinces have endorsed a plan to build up defenses to protect the Great Lakes.. ...Read Full Story
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is planning for the next Whirlpool Rock the Boat cardboard boat races this week. Spokesperson Jennifer Tomshack tells WSJM News the event set for Thursday features teams racing boats made of cardboard in the St. Joseph River at The Inn at Harbor Shores.. ...Read Full Story
Grants to help roll out high-speed internet to underserved areas of Michigan are now available through the Connecting Michigan Communities program. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued word this week applications are being taken for the program by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Governor Whitmer says “Connecting all Michigan communities with broadband service is about leveling the playing field for every child and small business in the state.” While most parts of Michigan do have broadband access, there are still many rural areas where options are limited. The state is offering $20 million in grants to internet service providers that are willing to expand access in underserved locations. Providers can apply for up to $5 million per grant and can apply for multiple projects. The deadline is August 30. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission has launched a new website to draw attention to the issue of contamination in creeks throughout the southern half of Berrien County. Senior planner Marcy Hamilton tells WSJM News BetterBeachesSWMI.org is intended to raise awareness of how residents pollute creeks that go into Lake Michigan. Hamilton says a study of creeks from Stevensville to the state line found problems.. ...Read Full Story
All six candidates in the race for mayor of Benton Harbor will be in the studios of News/Talk 94.9 WSJM on Monday for a town hall forum. We will broadcast it live from 7 to 8 a.m., and will also be simulcasting it with a Facebook Live video along with posting the event as a podcast. Scheduled to take part will be Mayor Marcus Muhammad, city commissioners Juanita Henry, CF Jones, and Ron Singleton along with newcomers Jamie Davis and Marjorie Carter.. ...Read Full Story
The Avenue Family Network in Benton Harbor is raising money to purchase the building that houses its Harbor House Adult Day Services program. Avenue’s Joseph Goepfrich tells WSJM News Harbor House is a place for individuals who can’t stay home along during the daytime. They include those with dementia.. ...Read Full Story
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is taking nominations for its annual volunteer awards. Volunteer United Manager Julee Laurent tells WSJM News the organization gives out three volunteer awards each fall.. ...Read Full Story
A 13-year-old Ann Arbor boy is dead after drowning in Lake Michigan off South Haven on Saturday. The South Haven Police Department says its officers and South Haven Area Emergency Services were dispatched to South Beach just before 12:30 p.m. after several 911 calls about people struggling in the water. Responders arrived to learn a paddleboater had rescued one adult, but a child was still in the water. About 20 minutes later, the child was found on the shore about 100 yards south of the South Pier. CPR was performed on the boy as he was taken to Brandon Hospital South Haven, but the rescue effort was not successful and the boy was pronounced dead. The victim and his family had been visiting the area from Ann Arbor. Witnesses told police the family had been swimming, drifted away from the shore, and became exhausted. The National Weather Service forecast for the day began with a green flag advisory for all South Haven beaches, and it was updated to yellow around 11:10 a.m. as the wind changed.. ...Read Full Story
With recent protests about conditions at detention centers holding migrant families along the southern U.S. border, Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he personally has not been to one of the centers to see for himself. We spoke to him this month, and he did say that could change.. ...Read Full Story
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is highlighting the growing popularity of the Paw Paw River Water Trail. Senior planner Marcy Hamilton tells WSJM News the trail goes from Paw Paw to Benton Harbor for about 60 miles for canoers and kayakers. 17 municipal, civic, and tribal organizations contribute to its maintenance.. ...Read Full Story
Taking place this weekend is the 58th annual Krasl Art Fair along the bluff in St. Joseph. Krasl Art Center Marketing Manager Matthew Bizoe tells WSJM News everything started Friday with the block party. Saturday brings the start of the art fair at 10 a.m. Bizoe says around 200 artists from across the continent will be on hand selling all kinds of arts and crafts.. ...Read Full Story
The Van Buren Youth Fair in Hartford gets underway on Monday with Armed Forces Day, which means free admission for veterans and active duty military until 6 p.m. Fair Board member Paul Garrod told WSJM News about some opening day details.. ...Read Full Story
Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin is hoping to help reduce a flooding problem in Coloma Township by extending an existing drain in the area. He addressed the Coloma Township Board this week, saying he would like to bolster the Kelly Drain, a creek near Rosemary Drive and Pine Court where the issue has been growing. Quattrin told WSJM News more.. ...Read Full Story
The United Way of Southwest Michigan has announced the recipients of its Live United Scholarships for 2019. The United Way picks one student from Berrien County and one student from Cass County for the honors, which are given to students who demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism. Berrien County’s winner is Carleigh Dahn, a home-schooled senior who will be attending Northern Michigan University. The United Way says she has raised $15,000 for the Coloma Amicus Dog Park, organized food drives, made cancer clinic blankets, and helped with United Way’s School Supply Spectacular. The Cass County winner is Bailey Anson, a senior from Edwardsburg High School who will be attending Cornerstone University. She has organized backpacks of food for children, set up awareness events for Students Against Destructive Decisions, and cleaned up trash along highways. The two scholarship recipients each get $1,000.. ...Read Full Story
The History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs will welcome a guest speaker on Thursday for a presentation on World War II POWs who were brought to Michigan to do agriculture work. Dr. Gregory Sumner is a history professor at the University of Detroit-Mercy. He tells WSJM News around 400,000 POWs were sent to the U.S. during the war.. ...Read Full Story
The Berrien Community Foundation has announced 92 student scholarships for 2019, amounting to more than $168,000. The scholarships are going to Berrien County students from all walks of life. The recipients were picked based on their academic performance, community service, talents in the arts, or particular career plans. The Berrien Community Foundation’s Lisa Cripps Downey says there were two new scholarships this year. They are the F.A. Mason Penwell Nursing Scholarship, and the Stoub Family Scholarship for Working Students. Downey urges all 92 recipients to stay connected and continue to work with the Berrien Community Foundation. BCF volunteer committees reviewed more than 230 applications to select the 92 scholarship recipients. Applications for next year will be available at high school counseling offices and on the BCF’s web site in December.. ...Read Full Story
The city of Dowagiac is gearing up for its annual Summer in the City celebration this month. Set for July 19 and 20, there will be a total of 50 hours of activities next weekend. They include rides, lawn tractor races, music, dances, and sporting events. Summer in the City will also feature the Taste of Dowagiac and a craft beer tasting. This is the 34th year for Summer in the City. You can find the full schedule right here.. ...Read Full Story
Parkinson’s disease patients in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana will benefit from a grant to Andrews University to expand a therapy program focused on speech and swallowing functions. The grant will also make the therapy free for patients, who had to pay for it previously. Andrews University speech language pathologist Jenica Joseph explained to WSBT-TV that 70% of Parkinson’s deaths come from a patient choking because they’ve swallowed something incorrectly. Joseph says the therapy is designed to help retrain the brains of those with the disease.. ...Read Full Story
Congressman Fred Upton is responding to the resignation of U.S. Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who stepped down under pressure on Friday. Acosta handled the prosecution while a U.S. Attorney of Jeffrey Epstein and allowed for a plea deal in Florida in 2008 for Jeffrey Epstein on charges of sexually assaulting children. Epstein is facing new charges of sex trafficking of minors in New York state. In a statement, Upton says Epstein has committed “unspeakable and horrific crimes,” and goes on to compare Acosta’s handling of the case over a decade ago to Michigan State University turning a blind eye to pedophile athletic trainer Dr. Larry Nassar’s crimes for decades. The St. Joseph Republican concludes that it was the right move “for the country that Mr. Acosta announced his resignation.”. ...Read Full Story
(Lansing, MI – AP) – The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered new trials for two men after finding that Allegan County juries were likely swayed by experts whose testimony went too far. In a unanimous decision, the court said experts can’t tell a jury that children usually don’t lie when reporting sexual abuse. The court also said a doctor can’t give an opinion about whether an assault occurred if the conclusion simply is an opinion about the alleged victim’s truthfulness. Justice Brian Zahra noted there was a dearth of evidence in the two cases, which made the experts’ testimony crucial for prosecutors. Joshua Thorpe has been in prison for more than three years. Brandon Harbison was sent to prison in 2015.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Health officials in Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula are urging people to watch for measles symptoms after a young woman who recently traveled to Ukraine was confirmed to have the highly contagious disease. The Grand Traverse County Health Department says the unvaccinated woman returned to northern Michigan with measles and officials wouldn’t be surprised if additional cases are found. She may have exposed people at a store, government office and health facilities in Traverse City from June 30 to July 4. The department says there was no exposure at the National Cherry Festival, which ended last weekend and draws big crowds each summer to Traverse City. The case is the 45th in Michigan this year. Most have been in Detroit’s
suburbs. The number is the highest since 65 in 1991.. ...Read Full Story
The fundraising is underway for a new home for the Hartford Public Library. Director Stephanie Daniels tells WSJM News the goal is to break ground in September on a new facility located on East Street, the site of the former Red Arrow Elementary School. They need to raise $300,000 after the acquisition of grants and support from Bonna VanDerlyn.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Officials say skeletal remains of two children and three adults unearthed in southwestern Michigan may be those of early settlers of an area community. The recently unearthed remains in Sturgis have been collected are being evaluated by forensic anthropologists at Western Michigan University. Geoff Smith, the director of public safety for Sturgis, says research is ongoing to determine whether there’s a connection to an old burial site. Local historians want to know whether the remains may be those of a Revolutionary War veteran who later settled in the area just north of the Indiana state line and died in the 1830s. The remains were found along with what appeared to be hardware from a coffin during a retention pond excavation. They were found about 6 feet underground.. ...Read Full Story
Two women are recovering after their kayak capsized in Lake Michigan near South Haven on Thursday. South Haven Area Emergency Services says the women, ages 18 and 19 and from out of state, had entered the lake near South Haven’s South Beach. A shoreline homeowner called 911 when she saw the women in distress about 200 yards offshore around 3:45 p.m. The kayakers were found about a half mile south with waves pushing them against rocks. One of the women suffered scrapes, but didn’t need medical attention. Neither was wearing a life jacket, and SHAES says yellow warning flags were flying at the South beach with waves building to three-four feet.. ...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 some 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
Teachers can save some money on their back-to-school purchases to stock their classrooms at any Meijer store in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The Grand Rapids-based retailer is giving teachers a 15% discount on what they need for the upcoming school year.. ...Read Full Story
Volunteers will hit Michigan roads all over the state this weekend with the latest Adopt a Highway cleanup. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Dan Weingarten told WSJM News earlier this year Adopt a Highway is a way for any community group, non-profit, or business to help pick up litter along state roads.. ...Read Full Story
A reminder for those traveling south on I-196 this evening and early tomorrow morning that the highway is closing for a few hours. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman Nick Schirripa says it’s part of the Hagar Shore Road bridge replacement work and the closure starts at 7 p.m.. ...Read Full Story
The body of a South Bend teen who went missing in the water at a Michigan City, Indiana beach on July 6 has been found in Chikaming Township. The Chikaming Township Police Department says the body of 17-year-old Rahem L. Mason was identified by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Thursday afternoon after it was found near Victor Avenue. Mason had been missing since July 6 when witnesses at the Michigan City beach saw him go under and not resurface. An autopsy will be performed on Friday at Western Michigan University. Assisting Chikaming Township police were the Chikaming Township Fire Department, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. ...Read Full Story
All six candidates in the race for mayor of Benton Harbor will be in the studios of News/Talk 94.9 WSJM on Monday for a town hall forum. We will broadcast it live from 7 to 8 a.m., and will also be simulcasting it with a Facebook Live video. Scheduled to take part will be Mayor Marcus Muhammad, city commissioners Juanita Henry, CJ Jones, and Ron Singleton along with newcomers Jamie Davis and Marjorie Carter. The primary election will be August 6, and the top two will face each other in the general election on Tuesday, November 5.. ...Read Full Story
Four finalists will be in St. Joseph next week to be interviewed for the superintendent job for St. Joseph Public Schools. The position is opening up with the departure this summer of Ann Cardon to be the superintendent of Traverse City Area Schools. The district says 20 applied for the job, with most from Michigan but interest also came from school officials in California, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming. The board will interview two candidates on Tuesday and two on Wednesday.. ...Read Full Story
(Michigan City, IN – AP) – An inmate who escaped Wednesday from the grounds of the Indiana State Prison has been captured. The Indiana Department of Correction says 39-year-old Travis Hornett was apprehended without incident shortly after midnight Thursday by DOC staff and state and local police in a vacant home in Beverly Shores, Indiana.. ...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
There will be a vigil this Friday in South Haven to bring attention to the treatment of migrant and refugee families along the southern U.S. border. Pastor Ron VanLente of First United Methodist Church in South Haven tells WSJM News “Lights for Liberty” events are taking place all over the country at the same time.. ...Read Full Story
From the Associated Press — Two young people who were charged after the gravesite of former President Gerald Ford and first lady Betty Ford in western Michigan was defaced could see their records wiped clean. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said Tuesday that 19-year-old Christian Johnson and 18-year-old Alexis Brinkert would receive alternative sentences that will include visiting the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids and learning about the legacy of the Fords. Becker says if they successfully complete the diversion program they won’t have convictions on their records. Johnson and Brinkert turned themselves in after the March incident . Johnson earlier apologized, saying he didn’t know what the gravesite was, and returned a letter that was broken off a wall at the memorial site. The Fords are buried outside the Ford Presidential Museum.. ...Read Full Story
Oronoko Township officials have had enough of a vacant and dilapidated apartment building on North Lemon Creek Road. Township Supervisor Mike Hildebrand tells us the township has sent a demolition notice to the owners of the building at 8822 Lemon Creek after the apartment’s owners missed multiple deadlines to fix up the eyesore. Hildebrand says the place is on its third roof tarp, and has issues with mold. It’s one of 34 properties the township identified in 2017 for cleanup. Out of those, the apartment building is one of two that still has issues. Hildebrand says the township will move forward with demolition within two weeks, and the cost will then be tacked on to the parcel’s tax bill. He couldn’t say what that amount will be.. ...Read Full Story
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is taking nominations for its annual volunteer awards. Volunteer United Manager Julee Laurent tells WSJM News the organization gives out three volunteer awards each fall.. ...Read Full Story
Police are looking for an escaped prison inmate in Michigan City, Indiana. Media in South Bend are reporting Travis Hornett escaped from a work detail on the prison grounds at the Indiana State Prison. He was wearing khaki prison clothing, but police say he could have changed. They describe Hornett as dangerous. Anyone who see the inmate is told to call 911. He’s described as a white male, about 5’4′ and 160 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He is 39 years old.. ...Read Full Story
A new environmental protection and conservation effort is being launched by Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate, with Congressman Fred Upton of St Joseph named a House vice chair of the new Roosevelt Conservation Caucus. The guiding principles of what they want to do go back to former President Teddy Roosevelt.. ...Read Full Story
Bangor Mayor Darren Williams will be honored Friday morning by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement for completing the Van Buren County Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program three years ago. Williams has struggled with drug addiction in the past and will be talking about the help he received to get clean through the court and Van Buren Community Mental Health on Friday in Paw Paw. Justice Clement will honor the mayor prior to the commencement ceremony of two graduates of the Van Buren County Women’s Drug Treatment Court Program.. ...Read Full Story
The Van Buren Conservation District and the Southwest by Southwest Corner CISMA are preparing for a series of workshops on a tree disease that has popped up in the region. The CISMA’s Nor Serocki tells WSJM News it’s called oak wilt.. ...Read Full Story
The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood and platelet donations. Red Cross Communications Manager Todd Kulman says there is less than a three-day supply of most blood types and less than two-days of type O. A 5-day supply is ideal.. ...Read Full Story
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says new monthly high water level records were set on Lake Superior, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario in June. Chief hydrologist Keith Kompoltowicz tells WSJM News the other Great Lakes are also quite high.. ...Read Full Story
A proposed rate increase from Indiana Michigan Power is getting pushback from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Her office says Nessel last week filed a notice of intervention as I&M seeks to raise electric rates by 18.9% in order to generate $58.5 million. I&M filed a request for the rate increase with the Michigan Public Service Commission after announcing its plans last month. Nessel issued a statement Wednesday, saying “On the heels of a 20-percent rate increase for customers just last year, I&M has no business looking for another exorbitant rate hike on the backs of our residents. This increase is simply unsupportable and unreasonable on its face.” Nessel is also intervening, or planning to intervene, in rate increase attempts being made by Consumers Energy, SEMCO, and DTE Electric Company.. ...Read Full Story
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has met once again with members of the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education. Her office says a meeting took place between the administration and school trustees Tuesday. A joint statement was then issued by Whitmer Administration Press Secretary Tiffany Brown and local school board President Steve Mitchell. It says “Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist and Benton Harbor Area School Board leadership met to discuss next steps regarding the district. The lines of communication are open among all parties and we look forward to future discussions to identify a solution that puts Benton Harbor students first.” The statement could indicate the board and the administration are making up after local trustees last week slammed the administration’s proposed turnaround plan for the school district.. ...Read Full Story
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation intended to help farmers affected by wet conditions this year. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells us the plan provides $15 million to private lenders so they can provide low-interest loans to qualified farmers. She notes the state does not provide the loans directly, so there is no financial risk or liability to the state with the program. Griffin says “Families across Southwest Michigan rely on agriculture for their livelihood, and they’re facing a terrible year for many crops.” Her office tells us Michigan has had few days suitable for field work this year, with May of 2018 to May of 2019 being the wettest 12-month period on record. Similar low-interest loan programs were approved for Michigan farmers in 2002 and 2012.. ...Read Full Story
Taking place throughout the summer at the Region IV Area Agency on Aging are classes on managing different aspects of getting older. The agency’s Tara Gillette tells WSJM News one-time sessions, each focused on a different topic, are taking place as part of the larger Aging Mastery program. There will be a session on living arrangements on July 22, and then August 13 brings a class focused on bucket lists and aspirations.. ...Read Full Story
