Local News Archives

The leaves are starting to change color all over Michigan, but they’re hitting their peak in some areas, according to Travel Michigan vice president Dave Lorenz.. ...Read Full Story

The focus of a three-day Halloween period in Detroit is changing from anti-arson efforts to celebrations aimed at families. Mayor Mike Duggan unveiled plans for “Halloween in the D” yesterday.. ...Read Full Story

Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James is riding the momentum among GOP and independent voters following the bruising confirmation battle of US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. A new poll by Mitchell Research and Communications done as that fight was ongoing shows the West Point graduate and Iraq war veteran has slashed the lead of Democratic U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow in half, from 18 to 9 points. Pollster Steven Mitchell says the surge is despite this year shaping up to be a worst-case scenario for a lot of GOP candidates.. ...Read Full Story

Set for this month is the 2018 Trunk or Treat Harvest Fest at T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County. Not far from Cassopolis, the park will be the site of hayrides, face painting, zip lines, bonfires, and more on October 20. The event is organized by Cass County’s Michigan State University Extension office, and anyone who wants to sign up to have a trunk as part of the trunk or treating should give its 4H program a call. Friends of the Cass County Parks are arranging for food to be available at the park. The Harvest Fest on October 20 will run from 2 to 5 p.m. and everyone’s invited. Admission will be $1 per person, or the donation of a canned good. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story

The early enrollment numbers for Benton Harbor Area Schools this year are down slightly. District CEO Robert Herrera told WSJM News this week the counts are showing a loss of about 70 students from last year, which he doesn’t think is nearly as bad as it could have been. Herrera says Benton Harbor Area Schools has been trying to re-establish credibility with the parents after a rough time last year.. ...Read Full Story

With hunters now hitting the woods, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking them to be on the lookout for bovine tuberculosis. DNR deer biologist Ashley Autenrieth tells WSJM News bovine TB is an ailment in deer that can sometimes be spotted when a hunter is dressing a deer. They’re asked to watch out for signs.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Office of Emergency Management is preparing to offer another round of Community Emergency Response Team training to the public. The Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is trained to help respond to disasters in the community. The CERT program teaches people things like fire safety, search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can help others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders aren’t immediately available. Many businesses also establish their own CERT teams. The next round of classes will run from October 16 through November 6. The classes are each Tuesday, and each is three hours. The classes are free, and you can register through the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department. Just click here.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Central Michigan University says it has kicked a fraternity out of school after many allegations of sexual misconduct and hazing and the death of a member. Vice President Steven Johnson says the allegations against Phi Sigma Phi show a “significant threat to the safety” of students. He says the university has been frustrated by witnesses who have been uncooperative or unwilling to discuss certain matters. In a statement Tuesday, Johnson says Phi Sigma Phi is “officially removed from CMU forever.” The fraternity’s national president says CMU is turning its back on students and alumni. Travis Steinke says the university wouldn’t participate in a fair investigation. A 21-year-old student from suburban Detroit was found dead at the bottom of a staircase in April. Johnson says the house was being used by Phi Sigma Phi for a
party.. ...Read Full Story

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Domestic Violence Coalition of Van Buren County, located in Paw Paw is ready to help. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of violence by at partner every year. Domestic Violence Coalition Executive Director “Melanie” says they take many calls.. ...Read Full Story

By Doug Cunningham. ...Read Full Story