There were some surprises in this week’s St. Joseph city elections. Two incumbents — Fran Chickering and Mary Goff — lost out to two newcomers, Peggy Getty and Laura Goos. Mayor Mike Garey tells WSJM News that
Lincoln Elementary School in St. Joseph has received its National Blue Ribbon Award. Lincoln School is one of just 342 schools nationwide to be recognized this year by U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos as a National Blue
Celebration Cinema is now taking votes in its annual Celebrated Service awards. Spokesperson Emily Loeks tells WSJM News the theater chain each year salutes businesses in its service areas that go out of their way to make customers feel special. “It has
Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters calling for a federal investigation into the maintenance of the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. Enbridge is now asking for state authorization to install 22 new anchors
A Roaring 20s-themed series of events will be held next weekend in South Haven. The visitors bureau’s Scott Reinert tells WSJM News it’s time for Women’s Only Weekend from Thursday the 9th through Sunday the 12th. That’s
A ribbon cutting is planned for tomorrow on a dune restoration project in South Haven. The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission’s Chris Martin tells WSJM News they’re celebrating the completion of work at the Syndicate Park Dune. “They’re
From the Associated Press — Michigan would cut its penalties for defrauding the unemployment benefits system under legislation approved by the state House. The measure is included in an eight-bill package sent to the Senate Wednesday. It was proposed in
The South Haven Police Department wants to help those that are buying or selling items on the internet feel more secure when meeting people they don’t know. It’s working on setting up an E-Commerce Exchange Zone at
Michigan lawmakers are hearing testimony this week on bills that will allow CPL holders to carry concealed weapons in schools. State Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof is the sponsor of the legislation and opened the hearing with
The people have spoken. After a lively campaign over a city income tax proposal in Benton Harbor, the tax has been approved by voters. The numbers late on Tuesday were very close, with 511 voting yes and
Another round of local elections in Berrien County has come and gone, and we have the results from the Berrien County Clerk’s office. Aside from the Benton Harbor income tax proposal on Tuesday, which passed, voters in
The new mayor of South Haven will be Scott Smith. Voters in the city headed to the polls Tuesday, selecting Smith to be the mayor over opponent Paul VandenBosch on a vote of 703 to 389. The
The new Republican tax proposal has benefits and drawbacks, but it’s mostly a positive. That’s the take of Andrews University Professor Lucile Sabas. She teaches accounting and economics, and tells WSJM News what the House GOP has
Ownership of a piece of road in South Haven has been transferred from the Van Buren County Road Commission to the city. The South Haven City Council on Monday approved a resolution, making it official. The road
Consumers Energy is reminding everyone there’s no need to struggle with heating bills this winter. The utility’s Whitney Skeans tells us there are a variety of places to turn for home heating help. Also, the utility offers
Target has issued a statement on the upcoming closure of the Benton Township store. A spokesperson tells WSJM News the decision to close the Target at 960 Fairplain Drive was not made lightly. She writes Target has
From the Associated Press — Republican lawmakers are renewing their attempt to let gun owners carry their weapons inside Michigan schools, day care centers and other gun-free zones. Fast-tracked legislation up for a vote in a Senate committee
The new Republican House tax reform proposal is not getting praise from everyone. Michigan League for Public Policy Legislative Coordinator Rachel Richards tells WSJM News it will benefit high wage earners while leaving low and middle income
From the Associated Press — High school graduates in Flint and four other Michigan communities could benefit from the state’s “promise” scholarship program under legislation signed by Governor Rick Snyder. The Promise Zone law allows communities that secure
The Southwest Michigan Enforcement Team tells us it arrested two people as part of a Benton Harbor drug raid on Monday. It tells us officers searched a home at 1135 Superior Street. Inside, they say they found
The Silver Beach Hotel in St. Joseph is in hot water with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. It’s going to have its liquor license suspended for nearly three weeks this month after four violations last year. The
State Senator John Proos is hailing news that the Michigan organ donor registry now includes more than 60% of adult state residents. Proos tells WSJM News an effort by Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to increase
Now that we’ve changed our clocks, many people will be driving home from work in the dark. That’s why AAA of Michigan wants drivers to be extra alert. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News 3 in 10
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is relaxing one of the rules for its deputies and dispatchers this month. Sheriff Richard Behnke tells WSJM News the office is taking part in No Shave November. They’re doing it to
It’s a blow to southwest Michigan retail. WSJM News has learned the Target store in Benton Township is closing. We’ve been told by a manager the store on Fairplain Drive will shut down on February 3. The
New data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has found a 40% increase in cases of child lead poisonings in Southeastern Grand Rapids. Paul Hann is the Executive Director of the Healthy Homes Coalition
This Tuesday is an election day in many southwest Michigan communities. In Berrien County, Benton Harbor voters will consider a local income tax proposal. They will decide if city residents should pay a 1% income tax, while
From the Associated Press — Nearly half of local officials in Michigan’s large municipalities report struggling to find enough people with the necessary skills to work at the polls on Election Day. The figure is included in a
From the Associated Press — Maggots were discovered in food at a Michigan prison during three incidents last summer. The Detroit Free Press says they’re the first discoveries since Trinity Services Group was hired to supply food in
Andrews University is planning a Veterans Day tribute for this week. The event at the Howard Performing Arts Center will be Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. Andrews tells us the program will be one of reflection and thankfulness
