Local News Archives

Eight rural communities in Uganda now have rainwater harvesting stations, thanks in part to the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor. The Rotary says it raised funds and obtained matching grants to help the Welfare Organization for

Richard Howard Hunt, the world-renowned sculptor who had formed strong ties to Southwest Michigan through his studio in the Benton Harbor Arts District, passed away Saturday. He was 88. According to a statement posted to his website,

The number of election precincts in Lincoln Township will be going down from six to five in the next election. Lincoln Township Clerk Stacy Loar-Porter told trustees this week a change in state law now allows for

An effort is getting started to develop two vacant properties in downtown St. Joseph. Speaking to city commissioners this past week, Assistant City Manager Emily Hackworth said she’s working with Cornerstone Alliance to create a plan for

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is planning its Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra Winter Concert for Sunday. The symphony’s Michelle Agay tells us young people from all over the region play in multiple groups. The winter concert is

AAA is predicting more than 3.6 million Michigan residents will travel for Christmas and New Year’s. AAA of Michigan spokesperson Adrienne Woodland tells us that’s compared to 1.7 million that traveled for Thanksgiving. This will be the

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Trustees at Michigan State University agreed Friday to release documents to the state attorney general related to the school’s investigations into now-imprisoned former sports doctor Larry Nassar. The East Lansing school’s trustees

Shipping across the Great Lakes could be affected by a closure at the Soo Locks. Starting on Sunday, the MacArthur Lock will close until April for safety inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Carrie Fox is with the U.S.

Congressman Bill Huizenga is doubtful a deal will be reached on a Ukraine aid package soon. While leaders in the U.S. Senate say they hope to have a plan next week, Huizenga tells us a rumor floating

A new crowdfunding campaign has been launched for the Unified Civic Monuments Project as it seeks a state matching grant. African American History and Literature Gallery Co-Director Sharon Brown tells us the project is seeking a $50,000

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has finalized its arrangement with Midwest Energy and Communications to expand broadband internet throughout the area. At a meeting this week, the board signed off on spending up to $4.5 million

The nominees for this year’s Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Awards have been announced. The chamber is planning its Business Recognition Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting for February 17 at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center. Attendees will vote

Police are looking for two suspects in the armed robbery of a Check into Cash store in Niles on Thursday. The Niles Police Department says it was called to the business on South 11th Street around 6:30

Southwestern Michigan College Dec. 13 welcomed 21 new nurses to America’s largest health care profession with almost 5.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. The fall class received associate degrees in nursing (ADN) in a pinning ceremony in

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Prosecutors have charged a Michigan conservation officer in connection with a campground shooting that left one person wounded. Ryan Cox, 22, was charged Tuesday in Mecosta County with one count of felony assault

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals said Thursday it won’t stop former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state’s 2024 Republican primary ballot, turning aside challenges from critics who argue that his role

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is wrapping up the first year of her second term. She was asked this week if her administration is going to have to raise taxes to accomplish some of the things on her agenda,

NBA – National Basketball Association Last Night Chicago Bulls 124, Miami Heat 116 Bulls 124, Heat 116 – Bulls run out to huge lead, then hang on to beat Heat 124-116 The Chicago Bulls started the night

A retirement open house is planned for Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey this month. Speaking to colleagues at a Thursday meeting, Berrien County Commissioner Jim Curran said as Bailey’s retirement nears, friends and coworkers are gathering to

There’s a new land preserve in Niles Township. Chikaming Open Lands Director Ryan Postema tells us they’ve acquired and announced the Trillium Woodlands Preserve. “The property is about 40 acres,” Postema said. “It’s a forested area next

A council put together by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to develop a strategy for growing Michigan’s population is out with its recommendations. The Growing Michigan Together Council recommends building a lifelong education system focused on future-ready skills, establishing

For the eighth year in a row, the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency is launching its Holiday Food Sharing Program, sponsored by the city of Benton Harbor, Whirlpool Corporation, and the PGA of America. 2024 KitchenAid Senior

A location for Berrien County’s new 911 tower in Buchanan Township has been found. At a Thursday meeting, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved a 20-year lease with Buchanan Township to use land not far from

$2.9 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants have been secured for southwest Michigan employers by Michigan Works of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Michigan Works Business Solutions Director Mark O’Reilly tells us Going Pro provides

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has saluted the volunteers who drive veterans to medical appointments at the VA hospital in Battle Creek. Speaking at a Thursday meeting, Berrien County Veterans Services Director Maureen Adams introduced about

For nearly ten years, the team at WSJM has shared smiles and cheer with area seniors through Operation Poinsettia.  Sponsored this year by Sturgis Bank and Trust, Operation Poinsettia is an opportunity for area seniors to take