Local News Archives

Asian Carp eDNA Found Just Miles From Lake Michigan

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It appears Asian carp could be getting closer to Lake Michigan. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, environmental DNA from three bighead and three silver carp were found in Lake Calumet near the Illinois-Indiana border and just a few miles from Lake Michigan. eDNA does not necessarily mean the fish have migrated there, and could have come from boats, as it’s not clear if any of those fish were found in the lake. The discovery was announced on Friday by federal officials, just a few weeks after Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers he’s willing to move ahead with preconstruction, engineering and design work for the project at the Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines River near Joliet. The location is a choke point where the invasive carp could be blocked from migrating toward the lake.. ...Read Full Story

AAA Memorial Day Travel Projection Released

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More of us in Michigan than almost ever before are going to be taking a trip for Memorial Day. Triple-A is out with its travel projection, showing a 3.3% increase in vacationers from last year at 1.3 million. This is the seventh straight year of growth for Memorial Day travel, and the highest since 2005 when 1.5 million took a trip of at least 50 miles from home. Most will drive, at 1.1 million, but air travel is also projected to be higher by 5% compared to last year at over 70,000. The auto club says the increased number of people traveling is happening despite higher gas prices, as those are up over 30¢ in the past two months and have been flirting with the $3 per gallon mark in the state. If you’re heading toward Chicago, avoid the Windy City on Friday between 3:30 and 5:30 pm Central time, as AAA says that will be the peak of travel with three-times the number of cars on the road compared to normal.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Talks Drug Prices

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Reducing the cost of prescription drugs is the aim of legislation approved by the U.S. House last week. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the Orange Book Transparency Act and the Purple Book Continuity Act of 2019 are intended to require drug makers to submit information about their medications in a more timely fashion. He says the Orange Book contains detailed information about drugs as they’ve been tested and approved.. ...Read Full Story

Texting Service Offered By Berrien Treasurer

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The Berrien County Treasurer’s office is starting a new text message service to let people know when their property tax payments are due. The treasurer tells us taxpayers will start getting those messages this month to remind them of their next payment. It’s in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce the use of paper for monthly invoicing. There are currently 891 Berrien County property owners in monthly payment plans to avoid foreclosure and to get caught up. The treasurer says those payment plans have a 92% success rate. Anyone who is in a payment plan is automatically enrolled in the text service.. ...Read Full Story

Donation Means New Turf For Lakeshore Stadium

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Lakeshore Public Schools is receiving a sizable donation to pay for the installation of new synthetic turf at Al Stockman Stadium. The district announced this week it’s getting $410,000 from Bob and Betty Kohn of Royalton Township for the turf. Thanks to the donation, the district can get it a year earlier than planned. It had been planning to install the turf next year using sinking fund dollars. Lakeshore Athletic Director Greg Younger tells us the Kohns are big-time supporters of Lakeshore Schools. In the past, they have given the district money for the softball field, Rocket Football field, and soccer fields. In fact, the field at Al Stockman Stadium is named the Kohn-Lehmann Field in honor of the Kohns and other benefactors.. ...Read Full Story

Young Children Reading Events Coming Up

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Berrien RESA is planning a couple of family reading events around the area for this coming week. RESA Director of Early Education Kerenda Applebey tells WSJM  News the Parents as Teachers Program and libraries of Berrien County are teaming up for Read Around the County. It’s for kids ages five and under. They can hear some of their favorite stories read by characters in costume on Tuesday, May 21 in Niles and Thursday, May 23 in St. Joseph.. ...Read Full Story

US-31 Open House Set For Thursday

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The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning an open house this coming week for everyone to learn more about plans to finish the US-31 connection to I-94. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News they’ll get to work on the $111 million project starting next year. The plan is to make it possible to take US-31 to 94 without having to get off on Napier Avenue, as you do now.. ...Read Full Story

Three SWM communities Receiving Road Grants

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Three southwest Michigan communities are receiving state grants to improve their roads. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the road funding grants through a new Community Service Infrastructure Fund program this month. 23 grants are going out statewide, and they are all for communities with populations of less than 10,000. Among the recipients are Bloomingdale and Breedsville in Van Buren County, and Marcellus in Cass County. Breedsville is getting $38,000 for work on East Main Street, Bloomingdale is getting $154,000 for work on Miller Road, and Marcellus is getting $46,000 for work on Maple, Reed, Woodland, Wordon, Jones, Centre, Burney, and Dibble. The governor’s office says the projects were picked because they’re shovel-ready, paired with infrastructure work, coordinated with other road agencies, and focused on extending the useful life of the road. The state grants are intended to help the selected communities get to work this year. You can find out more about the projects right here.. ...Read Full Story

Driver Hurt In Crash With Semi

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash between a pick-up and a semi at US-12 and the US-31 bypass shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday. It says a 22-year-old Buchanan man was driving a Chevy Silverado and exiting the bypass southbound using the off ramp and driving on the edge of the gore. The pick-up hit two traffic signs and failed to stop at the intersection, striking the rear of a semi. The driver of the pick-up was ejected from the vehicle and taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He’s listed in stable condition. The driver of the semi, a 27-year-old man from Dowagiac, was treated for minor injuries at the scene. The Chevy had heavy front end damage, and the semi had damage to its rear axles.. ...Read Full Story

United Way Collecting School Supplies Today

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan is asking everyone to pitch in to help make sure kids have backpacks and the supplies they need for the next school year. The organization’s Julee Laurent tells WSJM News they’ll be at the Benton Harbor Walmart today looking to stuff a school bus. They’re working with Honor Credit Union and local police so the items can be distributed this summer. Laurent says you can go to the Walmart and look for the volunteers near the gardening section.. ...Read Full Story

Niles Renaissance Faire This Weekend

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The second annual Niles Renaissance Faire is this weekend. It will be Saturday and Sunday at Riverfront Park South from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. The event will feature food, games, sword fighting, live music, comedians, and activities for the kids. You can also throw your friends in jail. It’s $5 for adults to get in, and $3 for kids ages 5 to 12. Younger than that get in free. Everyone is invited to join the merriment and revelry.. ...Read Full Story

Legislation Aims To Protect Student Athletes From Sexual Abuse

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State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan testified this week before the House Judiciary Committee in support of legislation intended to help prevent sexual assaults on college campuses and in schools. She tells WSJM News the plan would increase the number of authority figures who are required to report evidence of child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse. It would add athletic trainers, physical therapists, and physical therapist assistants who work with K-12 and college athletes to the list.. ...Read Full Story

Buttigieg Says Roe v Wade Should Be Codified Into Law

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South Bend mayor and Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg is speaking out about the wave of anti-abortion laws being passed by state legislatures around the country. At the City Club in Chicago, he said writing into law the Roe v Wade landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion is an idea “that deserves to be taken seriously.”. ...Read Full Story

Trail Summit Next Month In Van Buren County

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The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission will hold a summit on trails in Van Buren County next month. Senior Planner Marcy Hamilton tells WSJM News the commission is putting together a seven-county trail plan for the Michigan Department of Transportation. It’s holding meetings throughout the region to get input from the public on what is needed in each county so there can be a robust, connected trail system.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Backing Red Flag Bill

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Congressman Fred Upton has joined some colleagues in re-introducing legislation that would encourage states to adopt what are commonly known as “red flag” gun laws. On Thursday, Upton and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell were among the representatives to announce another attempt at the Jake Laird Act. Named after an Indianapolis, Indiana, police officer who was shot and killed in 2004 in the line of duty by a man who with mental illness, the bill provides grants to states to adopt laws similar to Indiana’s 2005 Jake Laird Law. It enables local police, with probable cause, to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are determined to be a danger to themselves or others. Upton calls the Jake Laird Act a common sense piece of legislation that gives police “another tool in their tool box” to help protect communities.. ...Read Full Story

Auto Insurance Reform Negotiations To Continue Over Weekend

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she is open to letting drivers forgo mandatory, unlimited medical benefits covered by their auto insurance premiums but only if they are still required to buy some level of coverage. The Democrat’s change in position is seen as a potentially significant development as the Republican-led Legislature considers bills to cut the country’s highest car insurance rates.. ...Read Full Story

Two People Reported Missing In South Haven

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South Haven Police are asking for help finding two people who have been missing since Tuesday night. Fifty-five-year-old Charles Morrison and 26-year-old Jasmine Morrison left their home in South Haven Township around 9:30 that night. Police say he uses a mobility scooter, is in poor health, and does not have any of his medication. They add it’s out of character for the two to leave home without contacting any family members for extended periods. They are in his tan 2005 Mercury Monterey van with a Michigan license plate of 3MBK4, which is an Army veteran plate. The van is in bad shape with a dent in the rear bumper. The two are also believed to be traveling with a small beagle/terrier mix. Anyone who knows where the two may be is urged to call South Haven Police at 269-637-5151.. ...Read Full Story

Pokagon Pow Wow Memorial Day Weekend

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Set for this Memorial Day weekend is the tenth annual Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Pow Wow next weekend. The gathering in Dowagiac will feature traditional singing, dancing, and culture, and everyone is invited. The Pokagon name for the event literally translates as “we are honoring the ones we’re tied to through generations.” The grand entries for the pow wow will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 26, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 27. On both mornings, vendors will set up before the dancing starts, and the gates will open at 10 a.m. The event is considered a traditional pow wow where dancers compete before judges in different categories. The pow wow will take place at the Sink Road campus of the Pokagon band in Dowagiac.. ...Read Full Story

Whitmer Opposes Zero Medical Coverage Option For Drivers

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From the Associated Press — Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she opposes Republicans’ proposal to let people fully opt out of mandatory medical benefits covered by their auto insurance premiums. She said Thursday that “everyone needs to buy into the system at a certain level.” She made the comments after touring an East Lansing rehabilitation facility for people with brain injuries, and as the Republican-led Legislature considers whether to send a car insurance overhaul to her desk. Whitmer says she is open to allowing motorists to forgo unlimited coverage and choose a lesser amount, but “the zero coverage option is where I have to draw the line.” She warns that could “bankrupt people,” shift cost to taxpayers and undermine hospitals’ trauma centers. Michigan is the only state to require mandatory personal injury protection, or PIP.. ...Read Full Story

Click It Or Ticket Campaign Coming Up

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This coming Monday will bring the start of another Click It or Ticket campaign to make sure Michigan drivers and their passengers are using their seat belts. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning’s Kendall Wingrove tells WSJM News officers from more than 100 police agencies will be putting in overtime starting Monday through June 2 to make sure people are being safe out on the roads. The campaign coincides with the Memorial Day weekend.. ...Read Full Story

State House Approves Paquette Resolution Declaring STEM Awareness Week

A resolution declaring this week as STEM Awareness Week in Michigan has been approved by the state House. It was introduced by Representative Brad Paquette of Niles, a former Niles High School teacher. STEM, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, stands for science, technology, engineering, and math and Paquette calls those four subjects “critical drivers” of today’s economy. STEM jobs are among the highest paying, fastest growing, and most influential for economic growth and innovation. Paquette says if students get inspired by those subjects at an early age, they’re more likely to get into those fields when they graduate. He serves as vice chair of the House Education Committee and recently voted in support of legislation to update Michigan’s curriculum standards allowing students the opportunity to learn computer science or coding.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor Students Produce Inspirational Video

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Some students at Benton Harbor High School have put together an inspirational music video about overcoming the adversity of a negative public image. At this week’s Benton Harbor Area Schools CEO meeting, the video for “Get Up” was premiered to the community. Student mentor Traci Burton, a graduate herself, worked with students from an after school class, Lyricism 101, at the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center to write and produce the video. She said at Tuesday’s meeting she asked the kids to make a song and video in response to negative media reports about their school.. ...Read Full Story

MI Unemployment Rate Edges Up Slightly

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From the Associated Press — Michigan’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.1% in April after six consecutive months of remaining unchanged. Figures released Wednesday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show the state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate was half of a percentage point higher than last month’s national unemployment rate of  3.6%. In April 2018, Michigan’s jobless rate was 4.3%. Total employment grew by 7,000 during the month while the number of jobless workers increased by 4,000. The agency says the manufacturing sector saw the most pronounced monthly decline in jobs at 3,000. Director Jason Palmer of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives says total employment gains so far this year have averaged 9,800 per month and payroll jobs rose in April for a seventh consecutive month.. ...Read Full Story

PFAS Town Hall Held In Hartford

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Officials from the state, county, and local levels were all present at a town hall Wednesday to update the public on the situation with PFAS recently discovered at an industrial site in Hartford. Samples from wells at the former Du-Wel Metal Products site tested for high PFAS levels when the state checked them in April. The results were learned last week, and within days, 59 residential wells near that industrial site were being tested. David Harn with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy tells WSJM News more will be known soon.. ...Read Full Story

Names Released In Fatal New Buffalo Township Crash

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The name of a man killed in a New Buffalo Township crash over the weekend has been released. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us 18-year-old Raymundo Sanchez of Elkhart, Indiana was killed when a vehicle driven by a Laporte, Indiana woman struck the vehicle he was riding in head-on. The crash left three other passengers in that vehicle in critical condition. Two of them have since been upgraded to stable, but the sheriff’s department says one, 62-year-old Jose Salazar, remains in critical condition. The crash happened Saturday afternoon on M-239 south of Wilson Road. It remains under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Backing PFAS Legislation

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Congressman Fred Upon on Wednesday addressed the House Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change as it discussed ways the federal government can respond to PFAS contamination in water systems around the county. Upton tells WSJM News recent experiences in Michigan have put the state at the forefront of the issue.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor Tire Collection Event This Week

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There will be a free tire collection event this Friday in Benton Harbor. The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety tells us city residents only can drop off unwanted tires at at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Staff will be there to check IDs to be sure everyone dropping off tires really lives in the city. Tires will only accepted by residents, and not businesses. There is a ten tire per resident limit, and the drive is only taking passenger tires, and not large commercial vehicle tires. Police note cameras will be set up at the park to detect after hours dumpers, and violators will be ticketed. This is for city residents only.. ...Read Full Story

SJ Superintendent Interviewing For New Position

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Benton Harbor Area Schools CEO Robert Herrera isn’t the only southwest Michigan school leader pursuing another job. St. Joseph Public Schools Superintendent Ann Cardon is interviewing for a superintendent position in Traverse City. Cardon is one of six candidates selected for the interview at Traverse City Area Public Schools. The interview is set for Saturday, May 18, according to The Traverse City Ticker. The school board in Traverse City will pick its finalists for superintendent on May 20. Cardon has been with St. Joe since 2012.. ...Read Full Story

Town Hall Focuses On Gun Violence

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A town hall meeting was held Tuesday in Lansing to talk gun violence. It was part of a nationwide tour hosted by a group called Guns Down America, which also stopped in Flint Monday night. Topics of discussion included two bills. The first, House Bill 4283, a “red flag” bill, would allow police to remove guns from a person who threatens violence if family or friends petition a judge. Linda Brundage with the Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence says it would prevent many tragedies.. ...Read Full Story

Senator LaSata Introduces Bill To Honor County Court Officers Killed In 2016

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A bill is pending in the state Senate to update Michigan law to allow the names of the two Berrien County Courthouse officers killed in July 2016 to be added to the Michigan Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Monument. Currently, the names of security supervisor Joseph Zangaro and court officer Ron Kienzle are not allowed to be added because while they were killed in the line of duty, they had retired from Michigan State Police and the Benton Charter Township Police Department, respectively. Senator Kim LaSata has introduced the bill, doing so on Peace Officers Memorial Day. Zangaro and Kienzle are both included on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. They were killed when an inmate tried to escape custody outside the courtroom of the senator’s husband, Judge Charles LaSata, in St. Joseph.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien RESA Superintendent Rated Highly Effective, Gets Contract Extension

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Berrien RESA Superintendent Dr. Kevin Ivers is getting another year added to his contract until June 30, 2022 following an exceptional performance review. The board of education rated Dr. Ivers’ “highly effective” in all five areas of governance and board relations, stakeholder relations, employee relations, educational leadership, and operations and finance. Board president Sharon Kalling adds the “highly effective” evaluation doesn’t adequately express how highly they feel about the superintendent. The board complimented Dr. Ivers on his management of the district’s budget, his innovative thinking relative to shared business, technology and human resources services, as well as his successful implementation of a multi-year renovation project at Blossomland Learning Center. He has led Berrien RESA since the fall of 2010 after spending nine years as the superintendent of Bridgman Public Schools.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Backs Legislation Intended To Reduce Drug Prices

Reducing the cost of prescription drugs is the aim of legislation approved by the U.S. House last week. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the Orange Book Transparency Act and the Purple Book Continuity Act of 2019 are intended to require drug makers to submit information about their medications in a more timely fashion. He says the Orange Book contains detailed information about drugs as they’ve been tested and approved.. ...Read Full Story

BH Schools CEO Addresses Interview With Other District

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Benton Harbor Area Schools CEO Robert Herrera has apologized to the board of education for a communication breakdown involving his pursuit of a position with another district. At Tuesday’s district CEO meeting, Herrera said he was surprised to learn his interview this week for the superintendent position at Farmington Public Schools was news to Benton Harbor board trustees. He told WSJM News he had informed the board’s legal counsel, and thought the word would be passed along.. ...Read Full Story

Donation For Turf At Lakeshore High School

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A major donation to Lakeshore Public Schools will make it possible for the district to install new synthetic turf at Al Stockman Stadium this year. The Herald Palladium reports the district announced this week $410,000 is being given to it by Bob and Betty Kohn of Royalton Township. The district will now be able to put in the new turf this year instead of next year, which had been the plan. According to The Herald Palladium, this isn’t the first time the Kohns have made a sizable donation to Lakeshore schools. They previously gave more than $1 million to the district for the softball field at the high school.. ...Read Full Story

United Way Seeking To Stuff A Bus With School Supplies

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan is asking everyone to pitch in to help make sure kids have backpacks and the supplies they need for the next school year. The organization’s Julee Laurent tells WSJM News they’ll be at the Benton Harbor Walmart this Friday and Saturday looking to stuff a school bus. They’re working with Honor Credit Union and local police so the items can be distributed this summer. Laurent says you can go to the Walmart and look for the volunteers near the gardening section.. ...Read Full Story

Volunteer Event This Sunday At Warren Dunes State Park

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Volunteers are invited out to Warren Dunes State Park this Sunday to help with the removal of invasive plants. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells us those who come out will be removing garlic mustard, a pesky invasive that threatens habitat. Volunteers will pull invasive plants from areas off-trail, sometimes in hard to reach locations. Therefore, they are urged to wear hiking shoes, long sleeves, and pants. Everyone will meet at 1 p.m. at the organizational campground parking area on Floral Lane. The event will run through 4 p.m. You can find out more at the DNR’s volunteer event calendar.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien Springs Woman Killed In Crash Identified

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A 28-year-old woman has died after crashing her vehicle into a tree in downtown St. Joseph. She has been identified as Ashley Rae Grubb of Berrien Springs. The crash happened just before 4:40 Tuesday morning at Port and Wayne streets near the Berrien County Courthouse. St. Joseph public safety officers had to cut her out of the wreckage, and she died at Spectrum Health Lakeland. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is working with public safety by handling the accident reconstruction, and the crash is still being investigated.. ...Read Full Story

Disaster Drill Planned In Lawrence

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A mock disaster drill is planned for Lawrence tomorrow. Emergency service agencies from Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties will be helping students from the fire academy, emergency medical technician and law enforcement classes. This is the 19th year for the mock disaster drill, which is the capstone project for students. Instructors have a special disaster being planned, with realistic surprises awaiting those taking part. An Air Care helicopter will be on hand helping the students load the victims to be airlifted to Bronson and Borgess hospitals in Kalamazoo. Cosmetology students are also involved to make the injuries look as realistic as possible. The drill will be on the grounds of Van Buren Tech tomorrow, but the precise location and full nature of the disaster are not being revealed.. ...Read Full Story

Woman Killed In Early Morning Crash In St. Joseph

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A 28-year-old Berrien Springs woman has died after crashing her vehicle into a tree in downtown St. Joseph. The crash happened just before 4:40 Tuesday morning at Port and Wayne streets near the Berrien County Courthouse. St. Joseph public safety officers had to cut her out of the wreckage, and she died at Spectrum Health Lakeland. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is working with public safety by handling the accident reconstruction, and the crash is still being investigated. The woman’s name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

Supreme Court Rejects Claim Over Rosa Parks Coat

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From the Associated Press — The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear a dispute over a coat that belonged to civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks. The court rejected an appeal Monday. A lawyer for the trustee of Parks’ estate says relatives reneged on a deal to turn over a wool coat that Parks wore when she was arrested on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955. But a niece insists she doesn’t have the coat.
Steven Cohen turned to the Supreme Court after exhausting appeals in Michigan courts. Despite the loss, he predicts the “controversy will continue.” In 2014, the foundation of philanthropist Howard Buffett purchased hundreds of Parks’ personal belongings for $4.5 million, without the coat. Cohen says Buffett subsequently donated them to the Library of Congress. Parks died in 2005.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Commissioners Get Tax Abatement Tutorial

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Tax abatements have been a bit of a hot topic at St. Joseph City Commission meetings in the past few months, with some commissioners expressing concern about whether offering such incentives for companies to expand or locate here is a good long-term move. To explain it further, the city brought in Cornerstone Alliance president and CEO Rob Cleveland for a lesson. Commissioners said they understand the pros, but wanted his take on the cons of incentives.. ...Read Full Story

Open House Next Week For US-31 Completion Project

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The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning an open house next week for everyone to learn more about plans to finish the US-31 connection to I-94. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News they’ll get to work on the $111 million project starting next year. The plan is to make it possible to take US-31 to 94 without having to get off on Napier Avenue, as you do now.. ...Read Full Story

Volunteers Pick Up Trash In Benton Harbor

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A community cleanup in Benton Harbor this weekend has resulted in a whole lot of trash being collected. Mayor Marcus Muhammad writes on his Facebook page items including “boats, toilets, couches, mattresses, plywood, tires, refrigerators, stoves, chairs” and more were brought to Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park. City staff tell us they are working to remove all of the debris. The mayor says some people have complained about how it looks, but he has learned “you cannot please everyone.” Muhammad said he’s been assured everything would be picked up quickly, and he asked that no further items be dropped off.. ...Read Full Story

4H Cleanup Of Lake Michigan Beach This Month

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The Van Buren Voyagers 4-H Club is planning a beach cleanup along Lake Michigan for this month, and everyone’s invited to help. The club’s Envirothon Teams will be at the Casco Township Nature Preserve in South Haven on May 28 starting at 4 p.m. They’ll be picking up trash and logging it for research purposes. The Great Lakes Water Alliance estimates 22 million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year. Right now, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary hosts the only National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fresh water debris assessment. They’ll collect and study the amount and types of trash that wash up on the shore at the Casco Township Nature Preserve beach. Volunteers of all ages are invited to go and help with the 4H cleanup. You can register at GreatLakes.org.. ...Read Full Story

BH Schools CEO Interviewing For Superintendent Post In Farmington This Week

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Benton Harbor Area Schools CEO Robert Herrera is looking for employment elsewhere. He’s scheduled to be interviewed for the position of superintendent of Farmington Public Schools in the Detroit area on Wednesday night. Herrera is one of seven candidates being interviewed for that post this week. Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education Trustee Joseph Taylor told our newsgathering partners at WSBT the news is shocking, given that Herrera still has three years on his contract.. ...Read Full Story

Report: 3M Covered Up PFAS Information For Decades

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Accusations of decades of a cover-up are being thrown at Minnesota-based 3M over PFAS. Attorney Nicholas Coulson is representing the city of Parchment in its class action lawsuit against 3M and Georgia Pacific, and says a “Detroit Free Press” investigation has found internal documents showing 3M covered up the health and environmental effects from the chemicals dating back to the 1950s.. ...Read Full Story

MDOT To Resurface M-43 In Van Buren County Between Bangor & Waverly Township

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Orange barrels will line M-43 in Van Buren County for 13-and-a-half miles starting next Monday. The Michigan Department of Transportation will start a resurfacing project between Bangor and Waverly Township on May 20, and it’s expected to wrap up on Friday, June 28. Crews will be doing $2.3 million worth of work to repave the highway and work on sidewalk ramps, pavement markings and make curb and gutter improvements. One lane will remain open in each direction during construction.. ...Read Full Story

Gas Prices Take Unexpected Dip

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AAA Michigan says average gas prices statewide are down about 11¢ from a week ago to about $2.80 per gallon. The auto club says the average price for regular is about 13¢ less than a year ago. AAA described the drop as a surprise and said it could be a result of unpredictable weather curbing demand. Typically, gas prices rise heading toward the Memorial Day holiday. The state’s highest average was about $2.85 a gallon in the Marquette area, the lowest is in Flint at $2.71. Prices locally in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph are averaging $2.79, down 11¢ from last week. In South Haven, GasBuddy puts the average even lower, coming in at $2.69.. ...Read Full Story

LGBTQ Civil Rights Town Hall This Month

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The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is planning to host a town hall this month on discrimination faced by LGBTQ Michiganders and the protections they have. Set for May 16 at Lake Michigan College, the presentation will feature guest speaker Jay Kaplan, the LGBT Project Staff Attorney of the ACLU of Michigan. He’ll talk about case law and current policy developments, and also take questions. The event is being held as part of the OutCenter VOICES program. The OutCenter’s Mary Jo Schnell says she often hears from people who want to know about the protections in place for them, and this will be a chance for many to learn more. The town hall will be Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Michigan College’s Todd Center.. ...Read Full Story