Governor Snyder has over 300 pieces of legislation to go through between now and December 31 following the end of the legislative session Friday morning. The Senate adjourned for the year at 7 a.m., with the House
A Van Buren County woman will be home for the holidays for the first time in 9 years after she was convicted of murdering her husband. Linda Stermer was released Thursday after a federal judge ruled that
Do you make a New Year’s resolution every year but find it difficult to stick with it? You’re not alone. A new survey from Wallet Hub shows that 92% of Americans say they fail at keeping their
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is looking back at 2018 as a successful year when it comes to cleaning up pollution, and it’s thanking volunteers for that. Each year, the alliance works with tens of thousands
Two longtime Berrien County Commissioners have been honored as they step down from their posts. Commissioners Debra Panozzo and Jeanette Leahey have served on the board since 1997 and 2003, respectively. Resolutions were approved by the county
From the Associated Press — Legislation heading to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder would authorize midlevel dental providers to work in the state. Dental therapists could perform a variety of routine procedures now handled by dentists. They would
Michigan State Police are looking for a woman missing out of Van Buren County. Troopers from the Paw Paw post say 41-year-old Natily Nacole Franklin of Decatur has been missing since November 2. She was last seen
The state Senate has approved a bill that strips some of the authority from the attorney general’s office along party lines. Democratic Senator Steve Bieda of Warren called the legislation “borderline unconstitutional” in ripping it. “Write better
A 37-year-old Niles man is being treated at St. Joseph Hospital in Mishawaka after crashing his car into the side of a building. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us it happened due to a medical problem
A state commission that studies possible corrections reforms in Michigan will continue its work for another year under legislation from state Senator John Proos that is now on its way to the governor. Proos tells us Senate
The Be Healthy Berrien partnership has been awarded a $90,000 grant to continue work on some south Berrien County recreation and nutrition programs. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced the funds from the Michigan
Business Leaders for Michigan is finding optimism in the state’s business community when it comes to the next year. Despite recent stock market setbacks and other controversies, the organization tells us more than 80% of Michigan’s largest
Two grants totaling $113,000 have been announced for agencies in southwest Michigan to fight against the spread of invasive species. Michigan Department of Natural Resources invasive species communications coordinator Joanne Foreman tells us the southwest corner of
When families get together for the holidays it can mean eating, drinking, and arguing. The current political climate, family responsibilities, and relationships top the list of stressers between family members according to a survey by the American
Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation from state Representative Kim LaSata to expand Michigan’s OK2SAY hotline so sexual abuse and assault can now be reported through it. LaSata tells us her bill was inspired by the Larry
Two St. Joseph High School students are facing disciplinary action after a fight at lunch Thursday that resulted in police being called. Principal Greg Blomgren tells parents in a letter that the fight prompted a brief lockdown.
The Berrien County Trial Court is putting out the warning that while possession of marijuana by anyone over the age of 21 is legal now in the state, you still can’t have any on you at the
Legislation that would strip campaign finance oversight from the incoming Democratic secretary of state and shift it to a new bipartisan commission is in trouble in Michigan’s Republican-led Legislature. The Senate-passed bill is not on the agenda
2018 has been a big year for recycling in Berrien County. Berrien County Environmental Property Manager Jill Adams tells WSJM News six major recycling events were held, allowing people come and drop off a variety of items.
The Bridgman Public Schools Board of Education has voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Shane Peters by three years. That’s after he got a positive yearly performance evaluation this month. The board rated Peters as highly
From the Associated Press — Legislation nearing the desk of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder would make it a crime for government agencies to require the disclosure of nonprofits’ donors. Critics decry the move as shielding political “dark money”
By Doug Cunningham The signature of Gov. Snyder on the Republican law gutting Michigan’s minimum wage increase is not the final chapter in the fight to raise worker wages. One Fair Wage’s Pete Vargas says legal action
The city of Benton Harbor has to reimburse some Community Development Block Grant money to the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. At Monday’s meeting, they approved a reimbursement of just under $61,000 from 2013. City
What are you getting for Christmas from your employer? The owner of FloraCraft in Ludington is giving his 200 employees bonuses totaling $4-million. Each employee will get a share based on their years of service. 80% will
Lottery players have dreams of big wins right before Christmas. Tonight’s Mega Millions is at $284 million and tomorrow’s Powerball stands at $262 million. Jeff Holyfield with the Michigan Lottery says it’s rare to see big jackpots together
A St. Joseph company offering transportation to and from airports in Chicago, South Bend, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids expects to be operating again soon. The state’s Licensing and Regulatory Affiars department issued a cease and desist order
Taking care of your kids can be difficult this time of year with holiday parties, get-togethers, and alcohol. New research from the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital shows about 64% of parents polled were very likely to make
Come next year, Benton Harbor City Commissioners will be doing things a little bit differently. At their final regular meeting of 2018 on Monday, they voted to amend the council rules to allow members to suspend the
Heating devices are the leading cause of fires during the winter months. Consumer’s Energy spokesperson Debra Dodd tells us has an important warning for people who use space heaters. “Always buy something that’s UL-listed, Underwriter’s Laboratory listed,
The OutCenter in Benton Harbor will kick off its new program for college-bound students in southwest Michigan with a forum Tuesday. OutCenter Executive Director Mary Jo Schnell tells us the LGBTQ+ Journey to College “It Gets Better”
