Local News Archives

With the failure this week of a road millage in Van Buren County, it’s back to the drawing board for the road commission. The body had asked voters for an additional three mills for 12 years to

A couple of new principals have been hired at Niles Community Schools. Superintendent Dan Applegate tells us the district has hired Jeron Blood as the new Ballard Elementary principal and Jennifer Shabazz as the principal of Northside

From the Associated Press — Ford Motor Co. marked the production of the 10 millionth Mustang with celebrations at the automaker’s headquarters and at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant where the iconic sports car is made. A parade

The local response to the PFAS contamination in Parchment and Cooper Township in Kalamazoo County is getting high marks from Congressman Fred Upton. He tells WSJM News when the harmful chemical was detected at high levels in

Voters in Allegan County’s Casco Township have approved a zoning ordinance referendum for short-term rentals by a vote of 517-407. The ordinance regulates vacation rental home owners and address some of the concerns of residents in Casco

A Niles teacher and Upper Peninsula native is the choice of Republicans for the state House in the 78th District. Brad Paquette won Tuesday’s primary and tells WSJM News he has many of the same ideas as

Ironman is coming to Michigan. The triathlon will be held in Traverse City in 2019 and 2020. Traverse City City Commissioner Michele Howard told Michigan News Network this week she is excited. She’s competed in a couple

The matchup is set in the race to succeed term-limited Senator John Proos in the 21st state Senate District. After just one term in the House, Republican Representative Kim LaSata decided to make a run for the

In addition to political races going on Tuesday, Van Buren County voters in several communities were asked to approve ballot proposals. Biggest among them was a countywide road proposal. The Van Buren County Road Commission asked voters

We now know who will face Congressman Fred Upton in November. Coming out on top of the Democratic primary on Tuesday was Kalamazoo County doctor Matt Longjohn. He told WSJM News when launching his campaign that he

Former state Representative Aric Nesbitt has another win under his belt. He defeated two challengers for the Republican nomination in the 26th state Senate District, as Senator Tonya Schuitmaker is term-limited. Nesbitt called for party unity in

Berrien County voters have green-lighted nearly all the local proposals on the ballot on Tuesday. Many were millage renewals for schools and public safety. A bond proposal to build a new fire station in Baroda Township is

An ongoing study on the future development of the riverfront in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor will result in some workshops to seek public input next month. At this week’s Benton Harbor City Commission meeting, commissioners heard

The Michigan Department of Transportation has updated its Drive website to be more user friendly. Spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News MDOT recently discontinued the MI Drive phone app, and redesigned the website to work better with

No dogs allowed. The Benton Harbor City Commission on Monday voted to clarify that is the case with Jean Klock Park. Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis told them his department has gotten complaints about people taking their

An agreement has been finalized so residents of the city of Parchment and Cooper Township who are dealing with chemical contamination in their water will get clean water. The Kalamazoo City Commission and the Parchment City Commission

Somebody shot up a house in Vandalia Monday evening, and got caught a short time later. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, a suspect fired several shots at a home in the 17-thousand-800 block of State

Tonight brings the 35th annual Police National Night Out as local police departments look to mingle with the public and establish good relations. St. Joseph Township Police Officer Rick Knapp tells WSJM News there will be a

Congressman Fred Upton is running unopposed on the Republican primary ballot today for another term in the U.S. House, but there are four Democrats vying to be his opponent in November. Voters in the 6th District will

Applications to open a medical marijuana business in Benton Harbor will become available on September 1. That’s following a Monday meeting of the city commission. The commission previously had set the application date about a month later,

Preparations are underway for what’s called Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale. Set for this weekend, the US 12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale is a series of sales taking place all the way from New Buffalo to Detroit. The

From the Associated Press — New voting machines in Michigan may cause problems for residents with a visual disability. The Detroit Free Press reports that Tuesday’s primary will feature $40 million of new equipment that replaced aging

A brand new 14 by 12 foot mural has been painted on the outside brick wall of the St. Joseph Welcome Center downtown. St. Joseph Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News the organization hired Houston-based artist Anat

From the Associated Press — Members of a northern Michigan resort community have eliminated a bylaw being challenged in court that requires homeowners to be of “Christian persuasion.” The Petoskey News-Review reports members of the Bay View Association

There is plenty to be decided tomorrow at the ballot box. Along with state races for governor and the U.S. Senate primary, Berrien County voters are choosing candidates for the state House, state Senate, and county commission

Residents of Van Buren County are invited to come to Lawrence for the National Night Out. Reserve Captain Rodney Bridgeforth of the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department told WSJM News what’s happening. “It’s just an opportunity to

When you cast your ballot today, the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office is reminding you to stick to just Republicans, Democrats, or Libertarians. Spokesman Fred Woodhams says any ballot with more than one party selected will be

This year’s summer auction of property tax-foreclosed properties by Berrien County is one of the most successful ever in terms of selling parcels of land that had homes or vacant businesses. Treasurer Bret Witkowski says they had

Next Tuesday is the National Night Out and the first ever held in Allegan County. You’re invited to Saugatuck’s Coghlin Park Tuesday, August 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. for food and drink, giveaways, and demonstrations of