There’s a new Republican in the running for the Michigan Senate in the 26th District. That’s the district currently represented by state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, who is being term limited out of office. The latest to announce
The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning says alcohol and drug-related crashes remain a significant problem in the state, even though a new report shows overall traffic deaths decreased 3% last year. MSP spokesperson Kendall Wingrove tells
May will bring the first of two Girls on the Run 5Ks planned in southwest Michigan this year. Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan Dirctor Julie Bos tells WSJM News the organization will stage the runs
The Van Buren District Library has big plans for Cinco de Mayo next month. Van Buren District Library Adult Education and Community Relations Coordinator Kay McAdam told WSJM News more. “We decided that each of our seven
From the Associated Press — A legislative leader says initiated legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use will go on the November ballot. The Michigan Legislature could enact the bill on its own after it was certified by
The Michigan House has approved a budget for the next fiscal year, and it includes an increase in funding for schools. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News she’s pleased to see lawmakers are committing
From the Associated Press — A group is trying to stop Nestle Waters North America Inc. from pumping more western Michigan groundwater for its Ice Mountain brand. Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation says Wednesday that it’s preparing a
Cedar Point has introduced its latest roller coaster to the media. Steel Vengreance was unveiled Wednesday, and it’s being called the world’s first ever hyper-hybrid roller coaster that climbs over 200 feet into the air before diving
From the Associated Press — Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley is escalating his criticism of Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette’s prosecution of top state officials for the Flint water crisis, calling it a “gross abuse of power.” His comments
A new Michigan State Police Museum and Learning Center opened on Wednesday in Dimondale with a ribbon cutting. MSP Captain Mike Krumm told Michigan News Network the museum features weapons and vehicles that state police used back
An award has been given to state Senator John Proos for his work to promote organ donation in Michigan. This month, the Michigan Secretary of State’s office gave Proos the Shining Star Award. It’s for his role
A national drug take-back event is being held this Saturday, and Congressman Fred Upton is reminding everyone about it. He tells WSJM News the Drug Enforcement Agency is working with police agencies across the nation to collect
About 600 silver and blue pinwheels have been placed in a park near the state Capitol in Lansing as part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services 10th annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day. Spokesperson
The United Way of Southwest Michigan has set up a long-term recovery team to help those affected by flooding this year in the region. The United Way tells WSJM News it will now host bi-monthly meetings with
Arbor Day is this Friday, and one place where they will be celebrating is Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles. The garden’s Elaine Rowland tells WSJM News they’ll hold a traditional tree planting in the
It’s a proposal to legalize the sale and possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use in Michigan, and we’ll find out this week if it makes the November ballot. Josh Hovey, spokesperson for
From the Associated Press — Kids hoping to get high off laughing gas would have a harder time under a bill that is headed toward Gov. Rick Snyder’s desk. The Michigan Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to prohibit the
Congressman Fred Upton has made it official. He has filed for re-election, submitting more than the number of petition signatures required to qualify for the ballot. He announced last November that this was his intention. He had
The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan is on the move. The organization put out word Tuesday morning that it is now closed until its relocation to the new shelter in Royalton Township is complete. The facility on
From the Associated Press — The Michigan House wants to direct 4 percent of the Liquor Control Commission’s revenue toward fighting substance abuse. The chamber voted 104-3 Tuesday to earmark state funds from alcohol taxes, liquor licenses and
A recent study of the community’s water system in St. Joseph is helping city officials better plan for repairs. St. Joe Public Works Director Tom MacDonald tells WSJM News the city commission in September hired a company
There is a new Republican now running for the Michigan House in the 79th District. It’s Bruce Gorenflo of St. Joseph. Gorenflo is a technical writer and graphic designer who has lived in southwest Michigan almost his
Now is the time to get some dredging done in recreational harbors in southwest Michigan. So says Congressman Fred Upton, who has sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asking that money be set
Former Lake Michigan College President Bob Harrison is now running for the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. He’s filed to run for the Republican nomination in the 7th District, which includes the village of Stevensville and part
No one was hurt and one man was taken into custody following a domestic violence incident in St. Joseph Tuesday that got a response from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Response Unit. The St. Joseph Department
The southwest Michigan real estate market has managed to turn around after a relatively slow February. According to the latest numbers released by the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, the number of houses sold in March of
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s public schools would receive their largest increase in base per-student funding in 17 years under a budget plan endorsed by the state House. The Republican-controlled House approved the plan Tuesday, including a
A public hearing on the budget and the local tax rate will be held by St. Joseph City Commissioners next month. Mayor Mike Garey tells WSJM News the commission is grappling with multiple considerations as it looks
The Al-Van Humane Society is preparing to open its brand new shelter in South Haven next week. Executive Director Jennifer Nuernberg tells us the new 8,000 square foot building on Blue Star Highway is just around the
From the Associated Press — A trial is expected to run about two weeks for a man involved in a 2016 crash that killed five bicyclists and injured four others in southwestern Michigan. Prospective jurors in the case
