Local News Archives

United Way Book Drive Under Way

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan aims to collect 5,000 books at 40 locations across Berrien and Cass counties with its Spring Into Reading book drive this month. The United Way tells us it’s teaming up with the Berrien County Great Start Collaborative and the Cass County Great Start Collaborative for the effort. They’re specifically hoping people will drop off new and gently used books for children and young adults. The books will be distributed through home-visiting programs, tri-county Head Start programs, area shelters, strategic businesses, and other agencies. Last year, the Spring into Reading Drive collected 10,000 books. The drive will run through March 21, and you can find a list of the drop-off locations right here.. ...Read Full Story

Forum Today For Women Interested In Seeking Elected Office

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An event is planned for today in St. Joseph to help encourage and inform women interested in running for political office. Organized by Laura Goos, Amanda Hirsh, and Kim Jorgensen Gane, “Vote Her In, Why Not You?” will be a non-partisan program for women looking to run for office. Goos tells WSJM News they’ll discuss several aspects of managing a campaign.. ...Read Full Story

Drain Commissioner Wins Award For New Buffalo-Area Project

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Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin has received an award from the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners for a recent New Buffalo area project. He went to Kalamazoo last month to pick up the 2019 Innovation and Excellence Award for work that was performed on the Lighthouse Creek Drain. The drain commissioner’s office tells us Lighthouse Creek Drain is a county drain that outlets into Lake Michigan from Water Street, south of downtown in New Buffalo. The project aimed to resolve long-term flooding issues within neighborhoods and at the water treatment plant. The Berrien County Drain Commissioner’s office secured easements and set up the natural watercourse as a county drain, and tells us the end result stabilized the situation. The project’s big challenge was protecting natural resources while solving the flooding problem. Quattrin says “the real thrill was seeing salmon return to the area,” calling it a legacy project.. ...Read Full Story

Health Department To Continue Providing Water Filters In Benton Harbor

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The Berrien County Health Department says it will continue to provide water filters to residents of Benton Harbor as the city works to rid itself of lead issues. Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News they’ve given out nearly 1,700 of the filters over the past month, and will make the filters and their cartridges available in a variety of locations on a regular schedule moving forward.. ...Read Full Story

Bus Gets Stuck In Benton Harbor Sink Hole

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Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad says emergency funds from the city’s new income tax will be used to repair a sink hole that formed along Highland Avenue near Hall Park on Friday. The sink hole snagged a First Student school bus carrying Berrien RESA students during the afternoon. The mayor says no one was hurt. He writes on his Facebook page the bus was towed away, and that the sink hole was caused by a broken water main under the street that weakened the pavement. Muhammad writes the “street is blocked off and staff is working to restore water for residents impacted by this circumstance.”. ...Read Full Story

Lawmakers Debate Climate Change In D.C. As MI Forges Own Path

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The U.S. House of Representatives Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee held a hearing Thursday on the consequences of the United States pulling out of the Paris Climate Change Accord. Meanwhile, Michigan climate activists say they are forging ahead despite federal inaction. Extreme weather events like the polar vortex, mega-fires in California, flooding in Houston, and the hurricane in Puerto Rico already have brought urgency to the climate-change debate. Kate Madigan with the Michigan Climate Action Network says the effects also are being felt in the Great Lakes State.. ...Read Full Story

Apartments, Retail Planned For Iconic Downtown Benton Harbor Building

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More than a dozen new apartments and over 3,000 square feet of retail space are coming to downtown Benton Harbor. Cornerstone Alliance has secured a tentative commitment from Cressy Commercial Real Estate to redevelop the iconic Harbor Center Building at the corner of Pipestone and Main streets, which dates to 1882. The building was purchased by Cornerstone Alliance in October 2017, and officials spent over a year discussing the possibilities for the property with developers both locally and nationwide before reaching a deal with Cressy. Soon to be known as Harbor City Flats, the apartment development hinges on support from both the city of Benton Harbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Cornerstone Alliance is anticipating construction getting underway as soon as June.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Hires New Finance Director

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South Haven once again has a finance director. The city has hired Kari Bennett to take over the Finance Department following the firing earlier this year of Wendy Hochstedler after an audit turned up a variety of issues. Bennett comes to South Haven from the Berrien County Road Department, where she had been their finance director. She is a licensed CPA with a decade of experience working directly with government agencies with a public accounting firm. Her first day will be Monday.. ...Read Full Story

School Board Wants Return Of Local Control

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As leaders at Benton Harbor Area Schools grapple with difficult financial decisions, another matter that needs to be resolved is the question of who’s in charge. Right now, it’s still CEO Robert Herrera under the cooperative agreement. However, with that likely to change July 1, Board of Education President Steven Mitchell read a request from the board to Herrera at Thursday’s meeting:. ...Read Full Story

Legislation Creates Tax Exemption For Companies Expanding Broadband

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Legislation from state Senator Aric Nesbitt is designed to increase access to broadband internet in rural areas. His office tells us his bill would create a tax exemption for new broadband equipment installed in places where it’s lacking. Nesbitt says many educational and job opportunities these days depend on fast internet, adding homes without access to good internet are less desirable and harder to sell, which in turn lowers their value. Nesbitt says, “I think we owe it to residents in rural areas to get this done.” The plan is currently before the Senate Committee on Finance.. ...Read Full Story

School Board Facing Tough Financial Decisions

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Benton Harbor Area Schools may be facing more than $18 million in debt, but that isn’t necessarily the district’s biggest problem. The biggest problem is declining enrollment. That’s the message from Michigan Department of Treasury Office of School Review Director Shelbi Frayer. She spoke to the board of education Thursday, laying out the district’s financial situation.. ...Read Full Story

Retired County Commissioner Honored

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A former member of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners has been honored by having a conference room at the county administration building named for him. Kenneth Wendzel served on the county commission from 1969 to 1998 with nearly 20 years of that spent as chair of the finance committee. At a Thursday dedication ceremony, speakers including Berrien County Judge Dennis Wiley talked of their time working with Wendzel, remembering his fiscal conservatism and ability to get along with anyone. Commission Chair Mac Elliot served with Wendzel from 1985 to 1998.. ...Read Full Story

Fatal Hit And Run In Van Buren County

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Police are investigating a fatal hit and run crash in Van Buren County. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us it happened in the 61,000 block of County Road 378 in Bangor Township around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies arrived at the scene on a report of a car-pedestrian crash, and learned the vehicle had left. The pedestrian, a 55-year-old Bangor man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the driver is believed to have been in a Dodge Journey, model year between 2010 and 2019. The vehicle is described as light-colored, possibly silver or light blue. The vehicle would have driver’s side front end damage. The sheriff’s department asks anyone with information on the vehicle or the crash to contact them.. ...Read Full Story

MSU Campaign Raises More Than $1.8 Billion

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From the Associated Press — Michigan State University says its more than seven-year fundraising campaign brought in about $1.83 billion.
The Lansing State Journal reports more than 250,000 donors contributed to the Empower Extraordinary campaign, which in 2017 had already reached its $1.5 billion goal. The fundraising campaign started quietly in 2011 and was publicly launched in 2014 to help support building projects, scholarships and new endowed faculty positions. It wrapped up in December. The East Lansing school says money raised
for scholarships will assist an additional 3,500 undergraduates annually.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan’s Oldest Juvenile Lifer, 74, To Be Released

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From the Associated Press — A judge has cleared the way for the release of a 74-year-old man who is the oldest Michigan prisoner serving a life sentence for murder as a teen. Sheldry Topp has been in prison since 1962. But he was resentenced Tuesday to a minimum of 40 years. Attorney Deborah LaBelle says the new sentence means Topp should immediately be eligible for freedom. Michigan and other states were forced to change the way they sentence teens after the U.S. Supreme Court said minors can’t automatically be given life prison terms. No-parole sentences still are possible. That’s what prosecutor Jessica Cooper wanted for Topp. But Oakland County Judge James Alexander says Topp has been rehabilitated. Topp was convicted of fatally stabbing a man during a robbery. He was 17 at the time of the death.. ...Read Full Story

State Releases PFAS Test Results

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From the Associated Press — Officials say samples taken at 64 water systems around Michigan last year had measurable levels of a class of long-lasting toxic chemicals. The Department of Environmental Quality released findings Monday from a 2018 initiative to test Michigan’s public water sources for the substances known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds, or PFAS. The compounds are used in a wide variety of consumer products including non-stick cookware and water-resistant fabrics. The DEQ sampled 1,114 municipal water systems, along with hundreds of schools, child-care facilities and tribal systems. Michigan requires cleanups if PFAS levels exceed 70 parts per trillion. The only systems that did so were the city of Parchment and Robinson Elementary School near Grand Haven. An additional 62 systems had levels of 10 to 70 parts per trillion.. ...Read Full Story

Bills To Exempt Feminine Hygiene Products From Taxes Introduced In MI Senate

State Senator Winnie Brinks of Grand Rapids has reintroduced a bill that would eliminate the so-called “tampon tax” in Michigan and make feminine hygiene products exempt from sales and use taxes. She has tried and failed before to get the bill passed in the state House and this is her first attempt in the Senate. She says it’s an unfair tax on women just for being women.. ...Read Full Story

MSP Expanding Drugged Driving Tests Statewide

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A program that had some police officers in Berrien County and four others in Michigan asking drivers to allow a swab of their mouth to determine if they’ve been using drugs is being expanded statewide. Michigan State Police say it’s part of an effort to cut down on so-called drugged driving. The initial one-year pilot program started in late 2017 in Berrien, Delta, Kent, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties. Police officers who are trained as drug recognition experts collected oral fluid if they suspected a driver is impaired by drugs. During the initial pilot program, it was used on 92 drivers. State police say the roadside test correlated well with lab test and blood test results. Officials say it will take a few months before it’s launched statewide.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph “Tarp House” Owner Has Until March 29 To Tear It Down

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March 29 is the deadline for demolition of an eyesore in St. Joseph. The home at the corner of Niles and Hoyt has become unofficially known as the “Tarp House,” due to the covering on the roof, and owner Dennis Knuth lost his latest appeal of the city’s demolition order. St. Joseph city attorney Laurie Schmidt talked about the timeline at this week’s city commission meeting, saying Knuth has 45 days from the date of the Michigan Court of Appeals ruling “to demolish the house, and if that doesn’t happen, the city will  have to take action.”. ...Read Full Story

Event Planned For Women Interested In Seeking Elected Office

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An event is planned for this weekend in St. Joseph to help encourage and inform women interested in running for political office. Organized by Laura Goos, Amanda Hirsh, and Kim Jorgensen Gane, “Vote Her In, Why Not You?” will be a non-partisan program for women looking to run for office. Goos tells WSJM News they’ll discuss several aspects of managing a campaign.. ...Read Full Story

SMC Increasing Tuition Slightly

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Southwestern Michigan College is increasing its tuition for the 2019-2020 year. The SMC Board of Trustees approved the changes Monday night, saying state appropriations for the college are about the same as they were 17 years ago while property tax revenues are weak. Tuition at SMC will go up $2.25 per contact hour — that’s 1.9% — for in-district students, and $3.50 for in-state state students. There will also be a $1 registration fee and 50 cent technology fee adjustment. SMC Board of Trustees Chair Thomas Jerdon says the college “has always had a balanced budget despite historical financial challenges.” SMC also notes it needs to keep up with providing aid to students who might struggle to pay for an education. The board addresses tuition each year around this time to give certainty to students signing up for fall classes in March.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Woman In Running For Military Spouse of the Year Award

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A St. Joseph woman has been named the United States Coast Guard District 9 Spouse of the Year by Armed Forces Insurance, putting her in line to be named the national Military Spouse of the Year. Valerie Gehrke works in healthcare, and her husband, Jeff, is stationed with the Coast Guard in St. Joe. She tells WSJM News her family has been in the area for about four years now.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Backs Resolution To Block Emergency Declaration

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Congressman Fred Upton is among the members of the U.S. House to vote for a resolution to end President’s Trump’s emergency declaration for a border wall with Mexico. Upton told us previously the idea of the president spending billions of dollars for such a project without the authorization of Congress didn’t sit well with him. He was one of the House Republicans to join Democrats to approve the resolution Tuesday. His office issued a statement in which Upton said “declaring a national emergency and reprogramming already appropriated funds without the approval of Congress is a violation of the Constitution.” He added he hopes the House and Senate will work together to find an appropriate solution to the question of border security.. ...Read Full Story

Repairs Made To Rail Line In St. Joseph

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Everything is back to normal for part of a CSX railroad line in St. Joseph that had to be shut down on Monday due to some track damage. CSX tells us one of its engineering teams spotted the problem with the track near the West Basin Marina. They closed the track so repairs could be made. A section of the structure was saturated with water, likely the result of the recent weather. Rocks and other materials were poured into the side of the track to stabilize the road bed. CSX traffic resumed through the area Monday night after having been shut down for about six hours. CSX tells us “safety is our number one priority.”. ...Read Full Story

Fiat Chrysler Announces Major Michigan Investment

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From the Associated Press — The city of Detroit’s incentives for Fiat Chrysler to build a new assembly plant include $12 million in tax abatements over a dozen years and 200 acres of land. Mayor Mike Duggan’s office said Tuesday that the city will work with the state
on other incentives for the automaker’s $1.6 billion investment to convert its Mack Avenue Engine Complex into a new facility. Detroit has 60 days to get the land, 170 acres (68 hectares) of which is owned by the city, a power utility, a public water authority and a family of prominent wealthy businessmen. Duggan said the city has limited funds and hopes to primarily use land swaps to acquire the properties. Environmental reviews of the land also are required. No residents are expected to be displaced by the project.. ...Read Full Story

United Way Preparing For Spring Book Drive

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan aims to collect 5,000 books at 40 locations across Berrien and Cass counties with its Spring Into Reading book drive next month. The United Way tells us it’s teaming up with the Berrien County Great Start Collaborative and the Cass County Great Start Collaborative for the effort. They’re specifically hoping people will drop off new and gently used books for children and young adults. The books will be distributed through home-visiting programs, tri-county Head Start programs, area shelters, strategic businesses, and other agencies. Last year, the Spring into Reading Drive collected 10,000 books. The drive will run from March 1 through March 21, and you can find a list of the drop-off locations right here.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph To Seek Grant To Upgrade Whirlpool Centennial Park

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A bit of a transformation is in the works for the Whirlpool Centennial Park in St. Joseph. The city will apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for just over $286,000 of the $409,000 project. Greg Grothous is the city’s deputy director of parks and grounds and explained the upgrades including replacing dune grass with artificial turf and adding more benches and sidewalks.. ...Read Full Story

Appeals Court Says Case Of Adult Foster Care Home Death Should Go To Jury

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The case of the 2014 death of a man who had the freedom to come and go as he pleased from the Eau Claire Adult Foster Care home will be up to a jury to decide. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled last week that a jury should hear the case brought against the facility by the family of 59-year-old Michael Wrenn. He died when he was hit by a truck driven by a 22-year-old Benton Harbor man on Christmas Eve 2014 while walking along M-140 in Pipestone Township by himself. Staff at the facility say they were required to follow his treatment plan and give him the freedom to leave when he wanted, while family contends they should not have let him take a walk on a cold and rainy afternoon.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan Natural History Museum Opening In April

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From the Associated Press — The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is planning to reopen to the public in April in its new building. The Ann Arbor school says new exhibits will be on display in the museum, which combines natural history with scientific research. The museum , which is part of the university’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, closed in December 2017 . It moved from its previous home in the Ruthven Building to its current location in the new $261 million Biological Sciences Building. The public opening date is set for April 14. Some of the museum’s newest features include a Quetzalcoatlus pterosaur in the Biological Sciences Building atrium; a planetarium and dome theater; and a lab where visitors can see how fossils are prepared for study and display.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph Moving Ahead On LGBTQ Non-Discrimination Ordinance

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Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield has made it clear that there will be no action taken by lawmakers under his watch to expand the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include specific protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. To that end, it remains up to local communities to enact ordinances, and the city of St. Joseph is moving toward that.. ...Read Full Story

MI Universities, Health System Training Doctors To Combat Opioid Crisis

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From the Associated Press — Three Michigan universities are teaming up with Spectrum Health to tackle the state’s opioid crisis through physician training. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University are working with the Grand Rapids-based health system on training more physicians as addiction medicine specialists. Officials say there aren’t enough specially trained doctors to meet demand – fewer than 200 statewide and only one in the Upper Peninsula – as the number of opioid-related deaths has
reached an all-time high. Program organizers say they will help physicians fulfill the requirements through online courses, clinical experiences and leadership opportunities. The doctors also will receive training to treat other addictions, including methamphetamines and alcohol. The program has received a two-year, $1.5 million grant from federal and state sources.. ...Read Full Story

Plans For Benton Township Arby’s Moving Forward

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Plans for an Arby’s restaurant in Benton Township are moving forward. The Benton Township Planning Commission on Monday approved the preliminary site plan for the Arby’s to be located on the southwest corner of M-139 and Napier Avenue. Ken Knuckles with DMG Management group of Nashville, Tennessee tells WSJM News things could be moving soon.. ...Read Full Story

Krasl Naming Garden For Late Supporter

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The Krasl Art Center has announced it’s naming the East Garden of its new Sculpting Community after a local supporter. The East Garden on the Krasl grounds is to be named for the late Maria “Lupe” Hopp due to her commitment to the community, education, and the arts. Krasl tells us Hopp and her husband Dan served as Honorary Sculpting Community Chairs for the center’s outdoor redevelopment, saying their early feedback ensured elements of universal design were incorporated into the site plan. The East Garden will host alternating sculptures intended to inspire a sense of play, wonder, and reflection, says the Krasl. The first sculpture installation and signs celebrating Hopp’s legacy will arrive this spring. Krasl tells us Hopp passed away after a battle with cancer in 2017, just three days before her 70th birthday. ...Read Full Story

Man Sentenced For Killing Ex-Wife’s New Boyfriend During Fight

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A Van Buren County man will spend 7 to 15 years in prison for shooting and killing his ex-wife’s new boyfriend during a heated argument last year. Troy Taylor pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in December after a mistrial had been declared in his trial when the jury couldn’t reach a verdict. He shot and killed Timothy Henley at the home of his ex near Gobles in June after his daughter caught Henley and her mother having sex in a nearby vehicle. The two men got into an argument, and Taylor opened fire after Henley punched out a window in his BMW. He claimed self defense, but said he did not want to put his children through another trial when he agreed to plead guilty.. ...Read Full Story

Jollay Market Closing; Orchard To Remain Open

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If you liked getting your cider and donuts from Jollay Market in Coloma, you need to find somewhere new. The family-owned market is shutting down, with the announcement being made on Facebook Monday morning thanking customers for “a great 9 years.” The post goes on to say the business “must take pause and see what life brings us,” leaving a possible return open-ended. When contacted by WSJM News, the response received was “We are looking forward to a fantastic U Pick season at Jollay Orchards.”. ...Read Full Story

Indiana Michigan Power Says Most Should Have Service By 11 pm

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Indiana Michigan Power expects most customers in southwest Michigan to have their electric service restored by 11 pm. The utility says there will likely be a small number in the Buchanan area, however, who will be in the dark a little longer and no estimate has been released as yet for them. I&M says as of 9 a.m. today, power had been restored to almost 80% of the roughly 27,000 who lost service due to Sunday’s wind storm. Around 45-hundred in southwest Michigan are still without the lights at mid-day, along with 11-hundred in Indiana. The utility has over 400 employees and contractors making the repairs.. ...Read Full Story

Three Killed Near Kalamazoo In Amtrack/Car Crash

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A violent train-car collision just west of Kalamazoo in Oshtemo Township has killed everyone on board the vehicle. Michigan State Police say there were three people in the car when Amtrak’s Wolverine 355 train slammed into it around 10 p.m. Sunday. The train was already 45 minutes late headed to Chicago at the time. No one on the train was hurt. Police have not released the names of the victims as yet, and there’s no word why the car was on the tracks at the time. The crash remains under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Upton Working On Reauthorizing Domestic Violence Law

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When President Trump this month signed a funding package to avoid another partial government shutdown, one thing that was not included was a re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Congressman Fred Upton, a longtime supporter of the act, tells WSJM News it was removed last minute from the deal. Now, he expects action on just that issue. He says there is time.. ...Read Full Story

Lineup Released For SJ Blues Fest

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St. Joseph Today has announced rhythm, blues, and rock singer JD McPherson will be the headliner for this year’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival. To be held at Whirlpool Centennial Park in St. Joseph on May 18, the festival will be a chance for anyone to take in live music with Lake Michigan serving as the backdrop. St. Joe Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News McPherson is a retro rocker.. ...Read Full Story

Work To Prevent Shore Erosion In South Haven

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High lake levels and winds along with constant wave action within the Black River Channel in South Haven have caused increased erosion between the channel and the north parking area at South Beach. South Haven Director of Public Works Bill Hunter told WSJM News what is happening and what the city is doing about it.. ...Read Full Story

State Food Benefits To Go Out Early

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced it will issue March and April food assistance benefits early to reduce the gap between benefits payments that resulted from the partial federal government shutdown. The department tells us food assistance recipients can expect to get next month’s benefits on March 3, 4, or 5. April benefits will be issued between April 3 and 12, and May payments will be issued as normally scheduled. The department made the changes so families don’t have to go more than 45 days without food assistance. The department issued February benefits early beginning in January at the direction of the federal government due to the shutdown that was happening at the time. About 1.2 million Michiganders receive food assistance through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administered by the state health department. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story

Van Buren Library Holds March Madness Book Bracket

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The Van Buren District Library is putting a different spin on March Madness with a bracket competition called March Book Madness. The library’s Kay McAdam tells us they’re putting 64 works of literature up against each other, and the theme is old versus new. For example, the public can vote on things like The Lord of the Rings versus Game of Thrones or Fahrenheit 451 versus The Hunger Games. McAdam says this is the first time they’ve tried such an event.. ...Read Full Story

Utility Providing Grants For Natural Resources Preservation

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The Consumers Energy Foundation has announced it’s providing $1.5 million to non-profits around Michigan this year for projects aiming to preserve, restore, and protect natural resources. Consumers spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the first Planet Awards will go to two or more Michigan non-profits looking to make a positive impact on the state’s land, water, or air.. ...Read Full Story

High Wind Warning Issued For Sunday

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The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning to begin at 7 a.m. Sunday and continue through 1 a.m. Monday. The service says it expects sustained west winds of 35 to 40 miles per hour with frequent gusts of up to 50 miles per hour. They are expected to start early Sunday morning and persist into the evening hours of Sunday. Periods of sustained winds up to 45 miles per hour and wind gusts to 60 miles per hour are also expected, especially during the day on Sunday. This could mean downed tree limbs and small trees blocking roads along with power outages and minor structural damage. The National Weather Service says driving in high profile vehicles, especially on north-south roads, could become hazardous, while unsecured outdoor objects will be blown around. The high wind conditions are expected throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.. ...Read Full Story

Man Arrested After Chase With Police

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A Decatur man is in custody following a chase with police in Van Buren County on Friday. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us a deputy tried to pull over a Pontiac Grand Prix for a traffic violation on Paw Paw Road near M-51 in Paw Paw Township around 1:15 p.m. The Grand Prix took off, but its driver crashed while trying to turn on to 40th Street. The driver then fled on foot, but was caught by the pursuing deputy. A search of the Grand Prix turned up meth-related contraband, and it was also learned the 30-year-old suspect was wanted on two warrants. When the suspect was taken to the Van Buren County Jail, police say they found meth in his sock. He’s now facing several charges, and his name has not been released.. ...Read Full Story

SWM Manufacturing Enters 2019 Strong

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Manufacturing in southwest Michigan remains strong. Kinexus CEO Todd Gustafson tells WSJM News the latest state report for the region shows the manufacturing industry grew by 5% in 2018. Gustafson says the industry is southwest Michigan’s economic driver, employing more than 18,000 people.. ...Read Full Story

Plan To Establish Funding For Great Lakes Research

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Legislation from Senator Gary Peters is aimed at boosting protections for the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act would give the U.S. Geological Survey the authority to support the Great Lakes Science Center with funding. Peters tells WSJM News Great Lakes research does not receive regular funding renewals.. ...Read Full Story

Griffin Hails DEQ Compromise With Governor

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A dispute between Governor Gretchen Whitmer and legislative Republicans over the reorganization of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality was resolved this week with a compromise, something being hailed by state Representative Beth Griffin. The Mattawan Republican tells WSJM News the governor had issued an order to reorganize the DEQ while also eliminating three review commissions set up last year by the Legislature. On Tuesday, Griffin says she introduced a resolution asking the governor to resubmit the plan without dropping the commissions, and that’s just what happened.. ...Read Full Story

Utilities Preparing For High Winds

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Power companies around Michigan are taking steps to prepare for high winds on Saturday night and Sunday. Consumers Energy tells us they’re closely watching the weather and mobilizing resources in advance in case of power outages due to winds that are expected to gust up to 50 miles per hour. Indiana Michigan Power says you can stay on top of outages in your area at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Outages. All utilities remind everyone to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines. If you see a line down, report it to the power company or to 911.. ...Read Full Story