Local News Archives

Lawsuits Against Redistricting Commission Dismissed

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Two lawsuits over Michigan’s new redistricting commission have been dismissed by a federal judge. Michigan Secretary of Stat Jocelyn Benson has released the following statement: This morning a U.S. District Court judge dismissed the two consolidated lawsuits seeking

SMC President Discusses Plan For Fall

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Southwestern Michigan College has announced in-person classes will resume this fall, while on-campus residence halls will be open as the institution operates as normally as possible while staying safe. SMC President Joe Odenwald tells WSJM News the

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a car on Saturday. Deputies were sent to the scene at the intersection of Red Arrow Hwy and Community Hall Road in New

Work On Napier Slated To Start Tomorrow

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There’s a whole lot of work planned for Napier Avenue starting this week. Berrien County Road Department Director Jason Latham tells WSJM News there will be two projects starting Monday. The first is the long-awaited reconstruction of

Rotary Picks New Leaders

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The Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor has kicked off its 2020-2021 year with the induction of a new president and board of directors. The new president is Matt Hanley. He replaces Brandi Smith, who says she

Allegan County Fair Canceled

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The Allegan County Fair has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Allegan County Fair Board of Directors says the decision has been one of the toughest it’s ever faced, but it had to make the

Upton Backs Bill To Support Researchers

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Legislation from Congressman Fred Upton would provide funding to research labs that have not been much of a focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. He tells WSJM News the Research Investment to Secure the Economy, or RISE, Act

Lawmaker Discusses New Budget Deal

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The budget deal announced this week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and state legislative leaders is a good start. So says state Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan, who tells WSJM News the plan uses federal coronavirus relief money

New Auto Insurance Options Available

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Legislation approved last year to reform Michigan’s auto insurance system is now in effect. State Representative Pauline Wendzel tells us Michigan drivers are no longer required to have unlimited injury protection in their policies. However, she notes

LMC Plan For Fall Designed To Be Flexible

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Lake Michigan College’s fall reopening plan was drafted with flexibility in mind. So says LMC Vice President of Academic Affairs Leslie Kellogg. She tells WSJM News the college will have five class types when the fall semester

Upton Expecting Another Stimulus Bill

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A new federal coronavirus stimulus package could be coming soon. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News talks are underway while Congress assesses the unemployment situation. He says whatever is proposed has to be bipartisan if it’s to

Governor Signs Wendzel Brewery Bill

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel to increase the limit faced by breweries that self-distribute their beer. Right now, breweries are limited to 1,000 barrels per year when they self-distribute. Wendzel’s bill