Local News Archives

Ever so slowly, the foodwaters that ravaged Berrien County are starting to recede. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce says as the waters go back down, the focus is on cleanup and recovery now that

Truck weight restrictions took effect Monday to avoid damaging Michigan roads as the weather begins to warm up. The restrictions are imposed on all state highways from the Michigan-Indiana and Michigan-Ohio state lines north to Muskegon County. Dan

State Representative Kim LaSata has announced her campaign co-chairs as she runs for the Michigan Senate in the 21st District, and they’re some well-known names. LaSata tells us her chair for Berrien County will be Berrien County

The arrival of spring can provide some interesting and sometimes severe weather, and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department would like to sign up some volunteers to help spot it. Lieutenant Robert Kirk tells WSJM News there

Being prepared for emergencies is among the top priorities for schools in Michigan, and here in Berrien County, helping them is a function of the sheriff’s department’s emergency management and homeland security division. The office’s Captain Rockey

There Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has issued the following statement on the restoration of utilities shut off due to this week’s flooding: The record flooding that struck the area in the past few days has disrupted the

The Niles Salvation Army is doing what it can to help those who have beenaffected by flooding in Berrien County. Niles chapter Lieutenant Joseph Hixenbaugh tells us volunteers were out and about this past week giving people

A new plan from state Senator John Proos is designed to allow more wheelchair-accessible vehicles to receive a state registration fee deduction. Proos tells us the idea applies to vehicles that have been specially-modified for wheelchair use.

Legislation supported by state Representative Kim LaSata is designed to pave the way for smoother large events like the Senior PGA Championship. She tells us the bill which passed the House this week would enable vendors at

St. Joseph Public Schools has announced plans to build a new robotics facility. To be named the Edward J. Todd Innovation Center, the 7000 square foot building will be adjacent to the Career Technical Center of the

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has issued the following notice regarding donations from the public to help those affected by flooding this week: During the recent flood and heavy precipitation natural disaster, which caused the County of

Experience. That’s what state Representative Dave Pagel says he has heading into the race for the 21st District Michigan Senate seat. He has announced he’s running to replace the term-limited state Senator John Proos. Pagel tells WSJM

During the continued state of emergency in Berrien County caused by this week’s floods, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has issued the following advisory for residents: ANIMALS: For the individuals that had their pets rescued or housed

State Senator John Proos on Friday issued the following statement following the Berrien County Board of Commissioners action to declare a state of emergency due to flooding: “Our emergency management officials have done and continue to do

Consumers Energy is aiming to completely eliminate coal from its energy portfolio in the coming decades. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the utility announced several long-term energy goals on Monday. “By 2040, we expect to be

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Friday declared a Local State of Emergency due to the flooding this week. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News the declaration is the first step

The current political climate has inspired a local Democrat to run for Michigan House in the 79th District. Joey Andrews operates a solar energy company and works for a family business in the St. Joseph area. He

The Michigan House on Wednesday voted to spend $175 million more on road repairs. State Representative Kim LaSata tells WSJM News the move was timely. “As we know, it’s a top priority right now, especially as the

From the Associated Press — Michigan biologists are looking for volunteers to help with an annual survey of frogs and toads. Declining numbers of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest

Indiana Michigan Power released the following statement Friday evening regarding its response to flooding in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. “The number of customers whose service was disconnected for safety reasons due to flooding in the South

The new budget proposal from President Trump would slash funding for the Great Lakes, but Congressman Fred Upton isn’t too concerned. Upton tells WSJM News the Trump budget proposal includes a major cut to the Great Lakes

The U.S Coast Guard will continue to be ready to assist local first responders if they need to evacuate anyone else from flooded areas of Berrien County. However, another big focus is what’s ahead. Coast Guard Petty

An appeal has been filed by Southwestern Michigan College in its fight against a Michigan Auditor General’s order to take teacher pension system contributions out of the paychecks of part-time students who work on campus. SMC President

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is already looking at the long-term needs of Berrien and Cass counties when it comes to flood cleanup. United Way of Southwest Michigan President Anna Murphy tells WSJM News that’s why

If you live in the city of Bangor, the Downtown Development Authority would like your input. Chairman Thad Earl tells WSJM News they’re doing a survey. “Bangor Downtown Development Authority is asking for input,” Earl said. “We’re

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has declared a Local State of Emergency due to the flooding this week. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News the declaration is the first step in

The U.S. Coast Guard says it has rescued more than 40 people and their pets from flooded neighborhoods in southwest Michigan this week. The Coast Guard said Thursday it’s helping local authorities conduct house-to-house rescues and evacuations

From the Associated Press — Governor Rick Snyder wants Michigan to spend an additional $100 million to educate students who can fill jobs in professional trades, information technology and other high-demand fields. Snyder is calling it Michigan’s Marshall

The United Way of Southwest Michigan and the Berrien Community Foundation have set up a special fund to help those who have been affected by flooding in southwest Michigan this week. The organizations tell us 100% of