Local News Archives

WSJM News has confirmed that Coloma High School no longer on lockdown. However, the junior high remains on lockdown. The two buildings were placed on lockdown this morning when there was a report of a weapon on

Local crackdowns on short-term housing rentals, like we’ve seen in St. Joseph and South Haven, have ignited a fight in Michigan’s Capitol. Homeowners and lobbyists are now lining up for and against legislation that would allow the

From the Associated Press — Health officials say a child who visited a county fair in western Michigan last month is the first confirmed case of swine flu in the state this year. The Michigan Department of Health

Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler and her staff will show off some of the county’s new voting machines at a couple of open houses this month. Tyler tells us the new equipment will greatly improve the voting

A new crowdfunding effort has been launched by the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph. The goal is to raise $50,000 by December 1 so Krasl can receive a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The Van Buren Conservation District is reaching out to duck hunters as the season approaches, hoping to stop the spread of an invasive plant species. The district’s Eleanor Serocki tells WSJM News there’s a European reed called

Benton Harbor City Commissioner Juanita Henry is hoping to hear more from the city’s department heads about local business. She started last week’s city commission meeting off with a proposal to suspend the rules and introduce a

From the Associated Press — The Michigan Senate has voted to prohibit local communities from regulating what information employers must request, require or exclude during a job interview. The state already prohibits local ordinances involving information related to

The Berrien County Land Auction held on Tuesday raised more than $120,000 for the county’s foreclosure fund. Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News this week’s auction went smoothly. “We did pretty well,” Witkowski said. “We sold 100

The recent data hack at credit firm Equifax could have broad implications for the economy. Jordan Goodman, a financial expert with MoneyAnswers.com tells WSJM News due to the breadth of the personal info credit reporting agencies have,

From the Associated Press — The director of the Michigan State Police plans to stay in her job through 2018, likely collecting more than $150,000 in salary as well as a pension. A spokeswoman for Governor Rick Snyder

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is pleased to learn legislation from state Representatives Dave Pagel and Kim LaSata cracking down on second homeowners who exploit a tax loophole has passed. The plan closes a loophole that allows

Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred on Saturday. Troopers say they were called to the scene on Red Arrow Highway near Territorial Road in Paw Paw Township around 2:40 p.m. 76-year-old Richard

State Senator John Proos is hoping the latest effort to reform Michigan’s auto insurance system will be successful. He tells WSJM News testimony has been taken this week over in the House for a plan to remove

A grant of $25,000 is going to Niles High School for its greenhouse program. Heather Wolfe with Monsanto tells WSJM News the Monsanto Foundation gives out more than $2 million in grants each year to rural schools

Congressman Fred Upton is asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do something about shoreline erosion in the New Buffalo area. He’s sent a letter to the United States Secretary for Civil Works saying both the

The leaves are beginning to turn in Michigan and they’re at their peak in some spots and you may want to check them out. Pure Michigan spokeswoman Michelle Grinnell told Michigan News Network this week many places

On Thursday, residents in South Haven were notified of the need to boil all tap water used for drinking and cooking. The City of South Haven, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, has determined

Van Buren County Deputies are blaming distracted driving for a van/pedestrian collision that left a Bangor woman with life threatening injuries. Deputies say a 16-year-old from Hartford was driving along in the 62000 block of Red Arrow Highway

Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson is hoping residents will hear his message about garbage collection now that a new company has been picked to provide the service. The contract isn’t signed yet, but We-Cycle Industrial Sanitation

The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan will hold a pumpkin chunkin’ event this weekend. The society’s Jill Svoboda tells WSJM News the Launching Hope Pumpkin Chunking Challenge will give everyone a chance to build their own machines

Law enforcement agencies and other first reponders in Berrien County will be training for a mass fatality situation next month. Michigan State Police are helping to organize the course called Mass Fatalities for Rural Communities. The MSP

A new sergeant for the South Haven Police Department was presented to the city council at this week’s meeting. Sergeant Adam Debore comes to the position with much experience. He spoke with WSJM News about his experience.

The city of Dowagiac is planning a special event for next Saturday as it dedicates a new mural remembering the local Orphan Train. City Manager Secretary Bobbie Jo Hartline tells WSJM News the Orphan Train started in

Detroit Police Chief James Craig says police nationwide are learning from the massacre in Las Vegas. He tells Michigan News Network he’s asking the NFL for a big change right away to allow off-duty officers to be

The U.S. Coast Guard is asking everyone to stay out of Lake Michigan, and away from the piers this weekend. A gale watch is in effect through Sunday morning. The National Weather Service warns there’s a chance

A South Haven woman is hospitalized with a wound to the abdomen after being shot just after 4 a.m. Friday during a domestic situation at South Haven Trailer Park. Police Chief Natalie Thompson tells WSJM News children

If you’d like to get a cat or dog, consider adoption. That’s just as the Bissell Pet Foundation is sponsoring an Empty The Shelters event next Saturday, October 14. 75 shelters are taking part in Michigan. Bissell

Americans are expected to spend more money this holiday season. Rod Sides with the auditing firm Deloitte told Michigan News Network they’re forecasting retail holiday sales will increase 4% to 4.5% “We look at things like savings rates,”

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Joan Larsen is a step closer to a new job on a federal appeals court. The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved her nomination Thursday and sent it to the full Senate. All nine