A top Republican lawmaker is strongly criticizing Governor Whitmer’s proposal to raise taxes on some businesses while providing relief to retirees and low-income workers. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey said Wednesday that “taking actions like that would
White-out conditions early Wednesday morning are blamed for causing a semi hauling cattle to flip as it was headed east on I-94 in Van Buren County. The crash happened near Lawrence a little before 2 a.m. according
A citizen-led initiative has meant the donation of 22 kits for treating serious bleeding emergencies to South Haven Area Emergency Services and the South Haven Police Department. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us the kits will
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have agreed to grant easements to the Berrien County Drain Commissioner for city-owned properties along Ox Creek. At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats said the move was the first step toward
Congressman Fred Upton has concerns about a Democratic election reform plan set for a House vote this week. Among other things, House Resolution 1 would establish automatic voter registration, set up a non-partisan redistricting commission, and impose
Late last year, the Benton Harbor City Commission approved a resolution to update its procedures to allow for motions from the floor and rule suspensions at the will of the majority. However, that change has not taken
The Insurance Alliance of Michigan says now is the time for auto insurance reform. Director Tricia Kinley tells us the issue has attracted support from state lawmakers of both parties, and she’s optimistic this time. Kinley says
A three-bill legislative package has been introduced in the Michigan House aimed at allowing high school students more flexibility to pursue career and technical training. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News her piece of the
One person has died in a series of crashes and pileups on western Michigan roads amid blowing snow and slick pavement. Michigan State Police say one person was killed in a crash on US-131 in Allegan County
Senator Kim LaSata is no fan of a major part of Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal. “Southwest Michigan families can’t afford a 45¢ gas tax increase,” says the Berrien County Republican. Senator LaSata is on the Senate Appropriations
An Illinois man is in the Berrien County Jail after a police chase in northern Indiana and southern Berrien County. Indiana officers were chasing 33-year-old Mark Jenkins of Blue Island in LaPorte County and as they were
Former state Representative Al Pscholka of Stevensville is one of the most qualified people in Michigan to break down Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal, as he served as the House Appropriations Committee chairman and as budget director for
Governor Gretchen Whitmer is laying things out bluntly regarding the state’s crumbling roads and struggling educational system. In revealing her proposed budget before a joint session of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, Whitmer says 78% of
The Safe Patient Care Act, a bi-partisan bill in the state legislature, would require standards for how many patient nurses will be required to care for. Dawn Kettinger, Director of Government Affairs for The Michigan Nurses Association,
Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson is saluting city staff for their quick work to fix a sinkhole that caught a school bus last week. On Friday, the First Student bus carrying Berrien RESA students got stuck
Former state Senator John Proos is ready to talk about what he’s doing next. Proos left office last year after 14 years in Michigan government. He told WSJM News on Monday he’s started a consulting firm intended
Cornerstone Alliance is promoting some of the real estate prospects located within the Opportunity Zones in the city of Benton Harbor and Benton Township. Cornerstone tells us Opportunity Zones were created as part of the federal tax
The latest State of Auto Insurance report from The Zebra, a car insurance shopping site, finds Michigan remains number one in the nation when it comes to the cost of auto no-fault. It says the average auto
Police say the driver involved in a fatal hit and run crash in Van Buren County last week has been identified. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us the crash happened last Wednesday in the 61,000
Governor Whitmer’s budget proposal will include a 45¢ per gallon increase in gas taxes, enacted in three phases. Her office is confirming that part of the proposal, which follows a plan floated by a bipartisan group of
The Benton Harbor man who admitted to authorities over the weekend that he stabbed and killed his roommate in an argument over money is now charged with that murder. Berrien County Prosecutor Mike Sepic says 60-year-old Jerry
The 28th refueling outage for Unit 1 of the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman will start this week. Indiana Michigan Power says the unit was reduced to 50% power over the weekend to prepare for the refueling
There is no official word as yet, but there are reports the Orchards Mall is about to lose its last anchor store. KBJR-TV in Duluth, Minnesota is reporting JCPenney officials have confirmed to them that the Benton
Three people are facing charges following a drug bust in Dowagiac. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department raided a home on Bradley Street on Friday, arresting a 55-year-old man and 37-year-old woman for meth possession and a 32-year-old
Berrien County is pursuing a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Waterways Grant to develop four public access points along the St. Joseph River in St. Joe and Benton Harbor. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved the
With tax season now well underway, the Michigan Department of Treasury has some tips for those looking to hire a tax preparer. Spokesperson Ron Leix reminds everyone that hiring the wrong person or service could harm you.
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
A grant program at Cornerstone Alliance aims to help St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area businesses save energy and spruce up their facades. The Small Business Facade Grant program will provide funds for the repair, maintenance, or
Indiana Michigan Power has announced two economic development grants for Berrien County. I&M spokesperson Tracy Warner tells us the first one is to expand access to broadband internet in the Niles area. “One of them will extend
A man is in custody following a fatal stabbing discovered by police in Benton Harbor on Saturday. The Benton Harbor Department of Public safety tells us officers responded to a call about a man down at a
