The Fourth of July has come and gone, but a Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign continues. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News police all over Michigan have extra patrols out
Despite a blow from the U.S. Supreme Court, anti-gerrymandering groups are pressing on to implement the Michigan voter initiative that gives redistricting power to an independent citizens’ commission. The high court ruled late last week federal judges
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has launched an online portal for farmers to find the help they need after severe weather this year that has damaged their crops or prevented them from planting. Farmers
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is putting up a billboard in honor of about ten pigs killed in a Benton Harbor area crash last month. We reported on June 26 a livestock truck rolled on
State Representative Brad Paquette is planning a town hall for Monday to talk about road funding in Michigan. The event will be held at the Niles District Library in Niles on July 8 from 6 to 7
A new program intended to get more kids out and about in nature is being launched by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. Conservancy associate Miko Dargitz tells us Hike Our Preserves, or HOP, offers people incentives for
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is planning a trip to Benton Harbor Monday to talk about elder abuse. AG spokesperson Kelly Rossman-McKinney tells WSJM News Nessel will be in town July 8 as part of a listening
The state has shut down a Cass County auto dealership for failing to provide records for inspections. The Michigan Department of State says Jake’s Enterprises in Dowagiac has received a summary suspension after a department agent went
From the Associated Press — Students with food allergies will soon have a new place to dine on Michigan State University’s campus. The Lansing State Journal reports that the school is opening its first allergen-free dining hall,
Grants to help roll out high-speed internet to underserved areas of Michigan are now available through the Connecting Michigan Communities program. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued word this week applications are being taken for the
Congressman Fred Upton wants to get to work soon on securing federal funds to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fully implement its recently-completed plan to stop the Asian carp from getting into Lake Michigan.
Motocross racing is back in southwest Michigan this weekend. RedBud in Buchanan is hosting the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships, featuring both amateur and professional dirt bike racers. Among them is Kyleigh Hayes, who’s been racing for
You can help Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott pick the name of the department’s new K-9 officer. The eight-week-old German Shepherd is being trained by Deputy Scott Schmitt, who will be her handler. Abbott says he’s
The Bissell Pet Foundation is reminding all pet owners to be mindful of their critter’s concerns for today’s Fourth of July celebrations. Bissell’s Bri Olson tells WSJM News dogs and cats often do not enjoy the sound
Michigan State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer wants everyone to be clear on the fireworks laws now that Fourth of July is here. He tells WSJM News state law outlines 12 days when fireworks are allowed statewide. “The
The village of Berrien Springs is gearing up for its first July 4th Community Celebration at Courthouse Square today. The festivities will kick off at 11 a.m. with food vendors, elected officials giving stump speeches from the
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission has launched a new website to draw attention to the issue of contamination in creeks throughout the southern half of Berrien County. Senior planner Marcy Hamilton tells WSJM News BetterBeachesSWMI.org is intended
Set for next weekend is the 58th annual Krasl Art Fair along the bluff in St. Joseph. Krasl Art Center Marketing Manager Matthew Bizoe tells WSJM News everything starts next Friday with the block party. “This is
From the Associated Press — Requirements for businesses that plan to sell marijuana to adults 21 and older are expected to be clearer under emergency rules released by the agency that regulates the selling and growing of
Two Allegan Area Educational Service Agency teachers are in line to share $450,000 from the AAESA to settle their federal lawsuit over being sexually harassed and physically assaulted on the job by former Hillside Learning and Behavior
With protests this week about conditions at detention centers holding migrant families along the southern U.S. border, Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he personally has not been to one of the centers to see for himself.
The Benton Harbor City Commission has rejected a pay increase for city employees in the AFSCME union. At a Monday meeting, Commissioner Juanita Henry said the 2% pay increase that was negotiated with the union might put
It’s been a big year for St. Joseph High School alum Jordan Brewer. He was the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year in baseball for the Michigan Wolverines and helped lead them to the finals of
There will be a town hall meeting on road funding in the state on Monday. State Representative Brad Paquette is hosting the forum at the Niles District Library on East Main Street from 6 to 7 p.m.
Former Governor Rick Snyder is not headed to Harvard after all. On Twitter, he announced he will turn down the offer from the Harvard Kennedy School for a year-long appointment as senior research fellow. The Ivy League
From the Associated Press — A Detroit-area man has been arrested in connection with illegal charter boat operations on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The U.S. Attorney’s office for the Northern District of Illinois says 33-year-old
A proposal from the state that would give Benton Harbor Area Schools one year to show progress toward a turnaround or face closure of its high school is being rejected by the local board of education. At
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi is now taking registrations for the second annual Quadrathon. The event is a 750-meter swim, a 20K bike ride, a 5K run, and a 2000 meter kayak route set to be held
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is highlighting the growing popularity of the Paw Paw River Water Trail. Senior planner Marcy Hamilton tells WSJM News the trail goes from Paw Paw to Benton Harbor for about 60 miles
The Avenue Family Network in Benton Harbor is raising money to purchase the building that houses its Harbor House Adult Day Services program. Avenue’s Joseph Goepfrich tells WSJM News Harbor House is a place for individuals who
