Local News Archives

Coming up in June 5 will be the annual Lake Bluff Artisan Fair in downtown St. Joseph. St. Joe Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News the event is a chance to scoop up the wares of a

Legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel is aimed at helping restaurants and bars hurt by COVID-19 by treating them fairly. Wendzel tells WSJM News it would reimburse and drop some fees they have to pay. “It waives

Congressman Fred Upton is hailing the passage and signing of the NO HATE Act. He voted for it in the House last week, and it has been signed by President Biden. The bill will increase and standardize

There’s a new park in the city of St. Joseph. City Manager John Hodgson tells WSJM News the land is at 213 Upton Drive, where the old city water tower once stood on the north side of

Business leaders are applauding new legislation that will expand the ready-to-drink cocktails market in Michigan. The measure is expected to make canned cocktails more accessible and affordable for distillers. Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesales Association President Spencer

From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers have unveiled bipartisan bills that would require updated use-of-force policies and make changes designed to hold police accountable for misconduct a year after the murder of George Floyd. The Senate

From the Associated Press — Michigan Republicans have advanced a bill that would prohibit state and local health officials from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 18. The concept is not under consideration in the state.

There will be lane closures on US-31 from US-12 to the Indiana state line from Tuesday until the end of August. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be resurfacing 6.5 miles of the highway starting June 1.

Consumers Energy is implementing a new peak summer rate starting June 1. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the company worked with the Michigan Public Service Commission to come up with a plan to give customers an

A 41-year-old motorcyclist from Berrien Springs is dead after a crash with a semi in Oronoko Township Tuesday evening. The Berrien Springs Oronoko Township Police say Robert Lucas was dead when officers arrived at the scene and

A fifth grade student from Michigan has come in second place in the 2021 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The Michigan State Police Missing Persons Coordination Unit’s Jolene Hardesty told WSJM News last year a statewide

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District is once again taking submissions for its annual photo contest. Army Corps spokesperson Emily Schaefer tells WSJM News they’re looking for pictures of the agency’s work around the region.

Congressman Fred Upton is expecting delays with the establishment of a commission to investigate the January 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. He spoke on the House floor in favor of the commission last week, but tells WSJM News

Two people have been injured in a South Haven Township house explosion. South Haven Area Emergency Services has released the following: An explosion pulverized a South Haven Township (Van Buren County) residence seriously injuring the two occupants

The South Haven Beach Safety Committee has decided against recommending the city hire lifeguards for its beaches this year. The ad hoc committee was established to study the idea and conducted meetings over the past six months.

Coming soon to downtown Buchanan will be a social district. The city council approved it on Monday. Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Director of Membership Sarah Spoonholtz tells WSJM News within a social district, a person can carry

Open for business is the new Bronson South Haven Hospital. Chief Operating Officer Matthew Dommer tells WSJM News the $22 million, 52,000 square foot facility replaces the former hospital in South Haven, which would have been too

The Niles Police Department is urging everyone to remember to lock their vehicle doors. It says locking your car door is the easiest way to limit theft opportunities and ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has approved the city of St. Joseph’s request to establish a social district downtown. The social district will enable people to buy alcoholic drinks from participating businesses and then carry them around

From the Associated Press — Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation at a Grand Rapids distillery that is expected to expand the canned cocktails business in Michigan. The measure signed Monday at Long Road Distillers will make canned

South Haven Area Emergency Services says damage was limited from a fire at Adventure Water Sports Tuesday morning. SHAES responded to the scene at 141 Dunkley Avenue just after 6:45 a.m. when Deputy Chief Keith Bierhalter saw

From the Associated Press — A man who has vigorously challenged his murder conviction after 48 years in prison is likely to be released Tuesday. It’s part of an unusual deal with the Wayne County prosecutor’s office.

If you feel anxious about going back to the office or back to school after being at home because of the pandemic, you’re not alone. Day One for Oakland Family Services Director Andrea Orsini told Michigan News

Tuesday marks the one year anniversary of George Floyd’s death. He died when a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for about 9 and a half minutes. Floyd’s death, captured on video by a

As more people return to work in person, it’s time to figure out a household budget again. Cornerstone Community Financial Credit Union President Heidi Kassab told Michigan News Network budgeting for non-negotiable costs is a good way

With Todd Dockerty

The St. Joseph City Commission has approved Love Local this summer. St. Joseph Today director Amy Zapal explained. “St. Joe Today has created an event that will be focused on our local economy the third weekend of

The Mendel Center is preparing to resume in-person events. The center has announced its 2021-2022 Mainstage performance lineup, which begins Saturday, August 28 with a drive-in performance by Gary Roland and The Landsharks Band. The Mendel Center

Maintenance work is underway on the M-139 bridge over the St. Joseph River in Benton Township. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News the agency is lengthening the lifespan of the bridge by doing