Local News Archives

Set for Saturday is the annual Lake Michigan College Winner’s Circle Benefit Auction. Lake Michigan College Foundation Director Mary Klemm tells WSJM News the event has been held each year since 1988. “It is a fundraiser primarily

From the Associated Press — Officials say samples taken at 64 water systems around Michigan last year had measurable levels of a class of long-lasting toxic chemicals. The Department of Environmental Quality released findings Monday from a 2018

A program that had some police officers in Berrien County and four others in Michigan asking drivers to allow a swab of their mouth to determine if they’ve been using drugs is being expanded statewide. Michigan State

March 29 is the deadline for demolition of an eyesore in St. Joseph. The home at the corner of Niles and Hoyt has become unofficially known as the “Tarp House,” due to the covering on the roof,

An event is planned for this weekend in St. Joseph to help encourage and inform women interested in running for political office. Organized by Laura Goos, Amanda Hirsh, and Kim Jorgensen Gane, “Vote Her In, Why Not

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 St. Joseph woman has been named the United States Coast Guard District 9 Spouse of the Year by Armed Forces Insurance, putting her in line to be named the national Military Spouse of the Year. Valerie

Congressman Fred Upton is among the members of the U.S. House to vote for a resolution to end President’s Trump’s emergency declaration for a border wall with Mexico. Upton told us previously the idea of the president

Everything is back to normal for part of a CSX railroad line in St. Joseph that had to be shut down on Monday due to some track damage. CSX tells us one of its engineering teams spotted

From the Associated Press — The city of Detroit’s incentives for Fiat Chrysler to build a new assembly plant include $12 million in tax abatements over a dozen years and 200 acres of land. Mayor Mike Duggan’s office

The United Way of Southwest Michigan aims to collect 5,000 books at 40 locations across Berrien and Cass counties with its Spring Into Reading book drive next month. The United Way tells us it’s teaming up with

A bit of a transformation is in the works for the Whirlpool Centennial Park in St. Joseph. The city will apply for a Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for just over $286,000 of the

The case of the 2014 death of a man who had the freedom to come and go as he pleased from the Eau Claire Adult Foster Care home will be up to a jury to decide. The

From the Associated Press — The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is planning to reopen to the public in April in its new building. The Ann Arbor school says new exhibits will be on display

Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield has made it clear that there will be no action taken by lawmakers under his watch to expand the state’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include specific protections on the basis of

From the Associated Press — Three Michigan universities are teaming up with Spectrum Health to tackle the state’s opioid crisis through physician training. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University are working with

Plans for an Arby’s restaurant in Benton Township are moving forward. The Benton Township Planning Commission on Monday approved the preliminary site plan for the Arby’s to be located on the southwest corner of M-139 and Napier

The Krasl Art Center has announced it’s naming the East Garden of its new Sculpting Community after a local supporter. The East Garden on the Krasl grounds is to be named for the late Maria “Lupe” Hopp

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.

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski has an advisory for anyone who still owes their 2017 property taxes. He tells WSJM News the deadline to pay is soon, and a fee could hit some of those who owe.

A Van Buren County man will spend 7 to 15 years in prison for shooting and killing his ex-wife’s new boyfriend during a heated argument last year. Troy Taylor pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in December after

If you liked getting your cider and donuts from Jollay Market in Coloma, you need to find somewhere new. The family-owned market is shutting down, with the announcement being made on Facebook Monday morning thanking customers for

Indiana Michigan Power expects most customers in southwest Michigan to have their electric service restored by 11 pm. The utility says there will likely be a small number in the Buchanan area, however, who will be in

A violent train-car collision just west of Kalamazoo in Oshtemo Township has killed everyone on board the vehicle. Michigan State Police say there were three people in the car when Amtrak’s Wolverine 355 train slammed into it

When President Trump this month signed a funding package to avoid another partial government shutdown, one thing that was not included was a re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Congressman Fred Upton, a longtime supporter of

St. Joseph Today has announced rhythm, blues, and rock singer JD McPherson will be the headliner for this year’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival. To be held at Whirlpool Centennial Park in St. Joseph on May 18,

High lake levels and winds along with constant wave action within the Black River Channel in South Haven have caused increased erosion between the channel and the north parking area at South Beach. South Haven Director of

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced it will issue March and April food assistance benefits early to reduce the gap between benefits payments that resulted from the partial federal government shutdown. The department