Indiana has its first death, and the nation’s third, linked to the use of e-cigarettes. The State Department of Health says an adult over the age of 18 was confirmed as the first vaping-related death in that
“A step backward” for July home sales is how the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors is presenting the numbers for the month. The number of homes sold fell from 390 in July 2018 to 317 this year,
A public forum is set for next month in Benton Harbor over Indiana Michigan Power’s rate hike request and long-term plans for meeting the electrical needs of the area. The Michigan Public Service Commission will hold the
A class action lawsuit settlement by St. Joseph-based United Federal Credit Union managed to stay under the radar for several months. UFCU agreed to a $1.75 million settlement over claims it charged deceptive overdraft fees, and members
Prices are up, but the number of homes sold in the area in July fell by 19% compared to a year ago. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors says home sales were also down by 14% from
From the Associated Press — Bills going to Governor Gretchen Whitmer would make it a state-level crime to steal mail, including packages left on doorsteps. The Legislature gave final approval to the legislation Thursday. It is a
The St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center is seeing increased attendance as word of mouth gets around and the county’s population ages. The center’s board president, Rick Freridge, gave some numbers to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners Thursday
First responders with South Haven Area Emergency Services have been honored for their efforts to keep local beaches and Lake Michigan safe this summer. SHAES tells us the city of South Haven recognized the team on Wednesday.
A cleanup event along Ox Creek in the Benton Harbor area late last month attracted 29 volunteers from several organizations. Southwest Michigan Planning Commission senior planner Marcy Hamilton tells us local Rotary clubs, the Two Rivers Coalition,
New Age Laboratories in the city of South Haven tests soil, food, air, water and many other substances. The company would like to start testing medical marijuana for safety in the community. Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier
Lake Michigan did not break its all-time high water level record in August, but it was very high when compared to average. That’s according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which released its Great Lakes water
Set for this Saturday is the Southwestern Michigan College Renaissance Faire. Taking place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. outside the Student Activity Center off Dailey Road in Dowagiac, the event will be a chance for knights
From the Associated Press — Two people have been arrested for flying a drone over Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor during the Wolverine’s football season opener against Middle Tennessee State. The drone was reported about 10:17 p.m.
Berrien County Prosecutor Mike Sepic is confirming there is an active criminal investigation against County Commissioner Teri Sue Freehling in connection with a civil lawsuit against her, the estate of her late husband, and county Drain Commissioner
Governor Whitmer is confident that the state’s first-in-the-nation ban of flavored vaping products will hold up in court. “I’ve consulted my lawyers, I’ve consulted the attorney general, and I think we are squarely on solid legal footing
Benton Harbor Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis is working on launching some new block clubs in the community. He said at Monday’s city commission meeting there’s been strong interest. “I’m happy to renew that project, and with
Congressman Fred Upton is pleased the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a disaster designation for Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties due to weather this year that has damaged crops. He tells WSJM News the goal
The book for the Berrien County fall land auction is now available. County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News up for grabs at the auction this month will be around 150 properties. “These are ones that did
A new partnership between the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and Berrien RESA has been announced to help children dealing with trauma. The sheriff’s department says Handle with Care is designed to ensure a child who experiences a
South Haven Area Emergency Services is reminding everyone to stay off the Lake Michigan piers when there’s a lot of wave action. It says SHAES and the South Haven Police Department on Tuesday were called out to
It’s taken a few decades, but a natural gas plant is about to get under construction in Niles. Ground was broken Wednesday morning on the Indeck Energy Center, which carries a price tag of roughly $1 billion.
Renovations to the Secretary of State branch office in Dowagiac are now done, and will reopen later this month. The branch has been in a temporary office at the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District in Cassopolis on
South Haven police are investigating after a student at Baseline Middle School was found with a gun. In a message to parents, district officials say other students who knew of the weapon let an adult at the
By Doug Cunningham Digital Vapor Den in St. Joseph sells the flavored nicotine vape juice, the product suddenly banned in Michigan by Governor Whitmer. In fact, owner Dylan Gatties says it’s most of his business. Gatties thinks
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is moving to make Michigan the first state to ban flavored e-cigarettes. The Democrat announced Wednesday that she ordered the state health department to issue emergency rules. They will prohibit the sale and misleading
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is considering who will serve on the Community Engagement and Advisory Committee the state has proposed for turning the district around. At a Tuesday work session, board President Stephen
From the Associated Press — A Michigan lawmaker has returned to session for the first time in months after being charged with trading votes for campaign money. State Representative Larry Inman, a Republican from Williamsburg near Traverse
Poor living conditions at a condominium development in Benton Harbor are prompting Mayor Marcus Muhammad to suggest intervention by the city commission. At a Monday meeting, Muhammad said the commission should schedule a retreat to discuss the
Berrien RESA is preparing for its next Festival of Families. RESA Superintendent Kevin Ivers tells WSJM News this is the seventh year for the event, intended to connect parents and kids with educational services in the area.
The high water levels on the Great Lakes the last two years are doing more than just causing erosion and making beaches considerably smaller. The water is also washing ashore pieces of shipwrecks along Lake Huron. The
