Legislation to let school districts hire energy conservation consultants in order to to save money has been introduced in Lansing by state Representative Beth Griffin. The Van Buren County Republican says her plan would free up more
The time for action is now. That’s the message of a town hall held at Benton Harbor City Hall Thursday night. A packed house gathered to hear about how a coalition organized by Mayor Marcus Muhammad is
With snow once again in the forecast, police remind drivers to slow down a little. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Rick Fuller tells us when there’s ice and snow, you’ve got to remember your limits and take caution. “Take
A Cass County woman has had her license to run a child care facility suspended by the state. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs tells our newsroom Julie Pellow, of Dowagiac, has run the facility
Michigan State Police are now taking applications from young people around Benton Harbor and Benton Township for the next Michigan Youth Leadership Academy. Young men who sign up for the academy will spend five days this summer
The 79th District’s new state representative now has her House committee assignments. Representative Kim LaSata tells us she’ll be serving on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and she’ll also be the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on
Gravel roads around southwest Michigan are in bad shape right now because of the recent warm weather. Van Buren County Road Commission Superintendent Brian Cornish tells WSJM News the weather has thawed some of the underground frost, leading to
About $2 million will be saved by Southwestern Michigan College’s refinancing of a 2008 bond this week. SMC tells us it’s gotten the interest rate on the $14 million bond down about 2% with the move. As
From the Associated Press — A Saginaw doctor and political novice running to be Michigan’s next governor says he’s prepared to spend “millions” of his own money on the 2018 race. Republican Jim Hines embarked Thursday on a
From the Associated Press — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder says he doesn’t think a primary function of state and local police is to act as immigration officers. President Donald Trump’s executive action on immigration instructs the Homeland Security
(Lansing, MI – AP) – Michigan has suspended the medical license of a doctor accused of sexually abusing gymnasts and other athletes during medical treatments. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs announced Wednesday that it
(Lansing, MI – AP) – Happy 180th birthday to Michigan. A birthday celebration takes place on Thursday, the anniversary of Michigan’s admission into the Union on January 26, 1837. Governor Rick Snyder, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson,
From the Associated Press — You know it’s an unusual winter when a polar bear plunge is canceled in the Upper Peninsula. Police tell The Daily Mining Gazette that the ice is too thin for the dip Saturday
Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Shelly Walker isn’t going to give up on three district schools targeted for possible closure this year by the state. At a town hall Wednesday night, Walker told a crowd of
A health advisory issued in Oakland County after an increase in cases of pertussis, or whooping cough, has been seen. Children who have not been fully vaccinated are at high risk. Vaccinations against pertussis are also recommended
This is National School Choice Week. That’s when events are held around the country to celebrate programs and policies that let parents pick where their kids get an education. School Choice Week President Andrew Campanella tells WSJM
The Mid America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team is back in Michigan after riding in President Trump’s inaugural parade last week. The outfit based out of Three Oaks brought 16 horses to Washington to march past the president.
South Haven Area Emergency Services has been busy. The agency that provides fire and EMS service to South Haven and the surrounding townships tells us it had a record 2016, with more than 2,200 calls. Not only
Gas prices are expected to jump sharply in the next day. GasBuddy’s Patrick DeHaan tells WSJM News that’s because wholesale prices have drifted upward, despite three weeks of declining prices at the pump. He says that means
From the Associated Press — The Michigan Supreme Court says it will settle whether juries – not judges – have the sole power to decide whether someone under 18 gets life in prison without parole. In an order
From the Associated Press — Art Van Furniture has announced it’s being sold to Boston-based private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners. The Warren-based retailer said Wednesday the tentative deal is expected to close in February. Terms weren’t
President Trump’s pick to head up the U.S. Department of Education is not getting any support from Michigan’s U.S. senators. Senator Gary Peters says West Michigan Republican powerbroker Betsy DeVos is not qualified to serve as education
A couple of town hall meetings are planned for residents of Benton Harbor to come and express their concerns about the possible closure of the Dream Academy, the STEAM Academy, and the International Hull Academy. The first
The housing market in Southwest Michigan has started 2017 in a strong position. The Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors tells our newsroom it posted the highest numbers across the board in the year-over-year comparison since 2006 last
The director of the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport has pleaded guilty to drunk driving. 30-year-old Vincent Desjardins was in Berrien County Court Monday to enter the plea. Prosecutors say his blood alcohol content was about twice the
Benton Harbor and South Haven High Schools are on the list of schools to be selected for this year’s Strive for a Safer Drive program. The program is a partnership between Ford Motor Company and the Michigan
Four St. Joseph schools have been named Reward Schools by the Michigan Department of Education. EP Clarke Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Upton Middle School, and St. Joseph High School got the designation. St. Joseph Public Schools Curriculum Director
A 15-year-old St. Joseph High School student is in the running to be named the Military Child of the Year by Operation Homefront. The non-profit provides assistance to military families, and tells us Janelle Gehrke was among 400
The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees has narrowed down its search for a new college president to two candidates. At a quick meeting Tuesday, the board picked Dr. Jon Mandrell and Dr. Trevor Kubatzke to be
Al DiBrito says he still thinks the city of St. Joseph fired the wrong person over his dispute with former Public Safety Director Mark Clapp. However, the former deputy public safety director decided it was time to
