Local News Archives

A tragic fire in Lansing this morning takes the lives of three children and injures several other family members. This fire broke out in a house on the north side of Lansing at about 1:30 this morning,

The two candidates for mayor of Benton Harbor have squared off in a debate. Mayor Marcus Muhammad and City Commissioner Ron Singleton took questions on topics including housing, education, the water system, and how to bring commissioners

Congressman Fred Upton is praising U.S. special forces for ridding the free world of what he calls its number one enemy, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The ISIS leader was killed over the weekend in northwest Syria. Upton tells

The Avenue Family Network is preparing for its annual Festival of Lights. Director Joseph Goepfrich tells WSJM News hundreds of people typically attend. “It is a fundraiser, it’s an awareness event, it’s the time when we also

Cases of sexually transmitted diseases are going up around the nation and in Michigan. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News the particular problems are syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, which reached

Despite a legal setback, opponents of a proposed potash mine in Hersey, Michigan, say they’re not backing down. The group Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation filed a legal challenge to permits issued by the Department of Environmental

A special event is in the works to celebrate Adoption Month in Michigan by the Berrien County Trial Court. On Tuesday, November 19, four families will have their adoptions finalized and the hearings will be open to

Online applications are now being taken by the Secretary of State’s office to be one of the 13 members of the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, established by a statewide vote last November. Applications are being taken

From the Associated Press — A study has found few Michigan residents are taking advantage of a legal option that allows people to erase their criminal convictions, even though an expungement can open doors to housing, student

Nine property owners along the shore of Lake Michigan will be allowed to put up armor stone to try to protet their homes from erosion from the high level of Lake Michigan. The St. Joseph City Commission

A World War II Navajo code talker will be coming to southwest Michigan next month. The Buchanan American Legion Veterans Day Committee, the University of Notre Dame, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, and Southwestern Michigan College have

Set to appear on the ballot next week in the city of South Haven is a question about banning recreational marijuana businesses. Municipalities across Michigan have to decide if they want to allow businesses that sell pot

Lake Michigan College will soon launch a new program to teach commercial truck driving. Vice President of Student Affairs Leslie Kellogg tells WSJM News the trucking program is a private-public partnership between LMC and trucking firm N&M

From the Associated Press — Former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon has been ordered to stand trial on charges she lied about her knowledge of allegations against now-imprisoned ex-sports doctor Larry Nassar. Eaton County District

Not only is the St. Joseph City Commission united on the decision to have the city opt out of allowing recreational marijuana businesses right now, so are the three challengers for seats on the commission in next

Former Congressman John Conyers of Detroit has died at the age of 90. During a campaign rally in Detroit yesterday, Senator and 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders remembered his colleague and friend. “John was a champion

The Board of Directors of Senior Services of Van Buren County voted to acquire the former Village Market building on M-140 in South Haven. Dianne Rigozzi is the VBC Senior Services director says a huge donation from

Changes for US-12 are in the works in the New Buffalo area. The Michigan Department of Transportation will hold an open house next Wednesday, November 6 at New Buffalo High School to discuss the road diet for

The South Haven Police Department is warning residents about utility scams. It says many businesses in South Haven have been affected by scam attempts. A caller will pretend to represent a utility company and say electric or

The next president of Southwestern Michigan College is busy preparing to take on the new role starting in January. Dr. Joseph Odenwald was selected by the SMC Board of Trustees this week to replace Dr. David Mathews

The eleventh annual Two Rivers Coalition annual meeting will be next month in Lawrence. Two Rivers Coalition President Kevin Haight tells WSJM News the group works to protect the Black River and Paw Paw River watersheds. Its

As the winter approaches, the Van Buren County Road Commission is asking homeowners to secure their mailboxes. It says you can prepare your mailbox for winter by tightening screws and ensuring the post and box are secure

The Van Buren County Road Commission has launched a new app to allow residents to report non-emergency road problems. With SeeClickFix, people will be able to take a photo of a road issue, like a pothole, give

2019 has been a strong year for the Berrien County recycling programs. Berrien County Environmental Property Manager Jill Adams tells WSJM News residents brought in 117,000 pounds of hazardous waste and 82,000 pounds of electronics at recyling

Coming soon to the city of South Haven will be a splash pad near South Beach. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News it’s taken a four year effort to collect the $612,000 needed for the attraction,

(Lansing, MI – AP) – Michigan residents can start applying to serve on a new commission that will draw congressional and legislative districts. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced Thursday that applications are available at www.RedistrictingMichigan.org. They

The Berrien Community Foundation is working to get the word out about the importance of taking part in the next U.S. Census. President Lisa Cripps-Downey tells WSJM News count day will be April 1 of next year.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz has announced the hiring of three new attorneys for his office. Devante McCullom became part of the staff in April, and has been advocating for crime victims and handling trials. Ryan Funk

The death this week of Benton Township Supervisor Kevin White in a freak accident along the side of I-94 serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by road workers. White was the first MDOT employee to