The people have spoken. After a lively campaign over a city income tax proposal in Benton Harbor, the tax has been approved by voters. The numbers late on Tuesday were very close, with 511 voting yes and
Another round of local elections in Berrien County has come and gone, and we have the results from the Berrien County Clerk’s office. Aside from the Benton Harbor income tax proposal on Tuesday, which passed, voters in
The new mayor of South Haven will be Scott Smith. Voters in the city headed to the polls Tuesday, selecting Smith to be the mayor over opponent Paul VandenBosch on a vote of 703 to 389. The
The new Republican tax proposal has benefits and drawbacks, but it’s mostly a positive. That’s the take of Andrews University Professor Lucile Sabas. She teaches accounting and economics, and tells WSJM News what the House GOP has
Ownership of a piece of road in South Haven has been transferred from the Van Buren County Road Commission to the city. The South Haven City Council on Monday approved a resolution, making it official. The road
Consumers Energy is reminding everyone there’s no need to struggle with heating bills this winter. The utility’s Whitney Skeans tells us there are a variety of places to turn for home heating help. Also, the utility offers
Target has issued a statement on the upcoming closure of the Benton Township store. A spokesperson tells WSJM News the decision to close the Target at 960 Fairplain Drive was not made lightly. She writes Target has
From the Associated Press — Republican lawmakers are renewing their attempt to let gun owners carry their weapons inside Michigan schools, day care centers and other gun-free zones. Fast-tracked legislation up for a vote in a Senate committee
The new Republican House tax reform proposal is not getting praise from everyone. Michigan League for Public Policy Legislative Coordinator Rachel Richards tells WSJM News it will benefit high wage earners while leaving low and middle income
From the Associated Press — High school graduates in Flint and four other Michigan communities could benefit from the state’s “promise” scholarship program under legislation signed by Governor Rick Snyder. The Promise Zone law allows communities that secure
The Southwest Michigan Enforcement Team tells us it arrested two people as part of a Benton Harbor drug raid on Monday. It tells us officers searched a home at 1135 Superior Street. Inside, they say they found
The Silver Beach Hotel in St. Joseph is in hot water with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. It’s going to have its liquor license suspended for nearly three weeks this month after four violations last year. The
State Senator John Proos is hailing news that the Michigan organ donor registry now includes more than 60% of adult state residents. Proos tells WSJM News an effort by Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to increase
Now that we’ve changed our clocks, many people will be driving home from work in the dark. That’s why AAA of Michigan wants drivers to be extra alert. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News 3 in 10
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is relaxing one of the rules for its deputies and dispatchers this month. Sheriff Richard Behnke tells WSJM News the office is taking part in No Shave November. They’re doing it to
It’s a blow to southwest Michigan retail. WSJM News has learned the Target store in Benton Township is closing. We’ve been told by a manager the store on Fairplain Drive will shut down on February 3. The
New data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has found a 40% increase in cases of child lead poisonings in Southeastern Grand Rapids. Paul Hann is the Executive Director of the Healthy Homes Coalition
This Tuesday is an election day in many southwest Michigan communities. In Berrien County, Benton Harbor voters will consider a local income tax proposal. They will decide if city residents should pay a 1% income tax, while
From the Associated Press — Nearly half of local officials in Michigan’s large municipalities report struggling to find enough people with the necessary skills to work at the polls on Election Day. The figure is included in a
From the Associated Press — Maggots were discovered in food at a Michigan prison during three incidents last summer. The Detroit Free Press says they’re the first discoveries since Trinity Services Group was hired to supply food in
Andrews University is planning a Veterans Day tribute for this week. The event at the Howard Performing Arts Center will be Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Andrews tells us the program will be one of reflection and thankfulness
Kalamazoo County will be the site of a pilot program in Michigan to fight opioid abuse if the governor approves it. State Representative Brandt Iden tells WSJM News a supplemental budget bill sent to the governor this
Cases of Hepatitis A are on the rise in the state, prompting the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to activate its Community Health Emergency Coordination Center. Department Spokesperson Angela Minicuci tells Michigan News Network that
State Senator John Proos has received a special honor from the Michigan Sheriffs Association. He’s been named the group’s 2017 Legislator of the Year. New MSA president and Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey presented Proos with the
The full Michigan House will soon hear a bill to allow golf carts to be driven on state trunk lines if certain safety provisions are met. State Representative Aaron Miller of Constantine sponsored the measure because he
Bills to prevent wage theft will soon be introduced in the Michigan legislature. A report from the Economic Policy Institute earlier this year found Michigan workers across all demographic groups are losing $429 million every year as
Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler wants voters to be ready for next week’s elections. She tells WSJM News the Berrien County communities holding elections will be the cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, along with Chikaming
When Veterans Day is marked this month in St. Joseph, the ceremony will be held in a new venue and with a new host. Lest We Forget’s Hank Richmond tells us the annual ceremony previously organized by
The new federal tax reform proposal is still being reviewed by experts, but one southwest Michigan analyst tells us it looks to him like corporate rate cuts included in the plan will make big difference. Tom Austin
Michigan State Police are launching a new pilot program to catch drivers under the influence of a controlled substance, and Berrien County is one of five counties picked to be a part. MSP First Lieutenant Jim Flegel
