A state House Committee has sent to the floor the “Rebekah Bletsch Bill,” which would require that convicted criminals be required to listen to the victim impact statements given during sentencing hearings. Representative Holly Hughes of Montague
The flu has been hitting hard in many states, including Michigan. It’s been tough in Kalamazoo County where Cherri’s Chocol’art in Kalamazoo had to close for several days in January because of the flu. Owner Cherri Emory
Trustees on the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education have heard from some parents and staff about the suspension last week of Superintendent Shelly Walker. At Tuesday’s meeting, former board member Elnora Gavin said the board
The national spotlight on the Larry Nassar scandal has cast Michigan in an unflattering light when it comes to how the state handles sexual assault on college campuses. A group of female lawmakers is setting out some
Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey is among those calling for the city of St. Joseph to install life rings at the north pier. She represents St. Joe Township on the county commission and has been a big
Changes are coming to the fall wine festival in St. Joseph. Following action this week by city commissioners to allow it, the September event will now be known as the St. Joseph Today Roots and Brews Festival.
With this being the week of Valentine’s Day, the Berrien County Health Department is suggesting the gift of a clean bill of health. That’s why it’s offering free STD testing at its Niles office. Health department spokesperson
Three people have been arrested in connection to a 2014 homicide in Bloomingdale Township. Over the past two weeks, Amber Roberts, James Eakins and Brandon Robertson, all of Battle Creek, were arrested and charged with the murder
From the Associated Press — Ford is telling the owners of 33,428 additional Ranger pickups in North America not to drive them because their Takata air bag inflators may present an extreme danger. The company says its investigation
From the Associated Press — A group is launching a ballot drive to boost the use of renewable sources of energy in Michigan. The initiative announced Monday would raise the renewable energy standard to 30 percent by 2030.
The Michigan Strategic Fund has decided to extend Grow Michigan’s funding for two years. Grow Michigan CEO Patrick O’Keefe tells told Michigan News Network this week the organization can step in when banks are unable to offer
The city of St. Joseph could add life rings to its north pier. At Monday’s meeting, city commissioners heard from U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lazaro Lopez, who told them it is the Coast Guard’s safety recommendation
Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer is asking all state residents to keep their fire hydrants clear of snow so they can be seen and reached by firefighters. Sehlmeyer tells WSJM News the large amount of snow we
Now running for the Michigan Senate in the 21st District is state Representative Kim LaSata. She tells WSJM News although she’s still on her first term in the House, she’s ready to move on up. She also
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is once again blasting President Donald Trump on the issue of the Great Lakes. Her office says Trump’s 2019 budget request from Congress almost entirely eliminates funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
You may be tired of the cold and snow in Michigan, but some are loving it. Travel Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz told Michigan News Network this week snowmobiling, skiing, and ice climbing are all big in
State Representative Beth Griffin is hailing legislation designed to protect young people from sexual assault at Michigan schools. The plan, which was drafted in response to the ongoing Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University, would establish
From the Associated Press — Archie Van Elslander, the founder of Art Van Furniture and a major Detroit-area philanthropist, has died. He was 87. A statement released by his family says Van Elslander, who was known as Art
State Representative Kim LaSata is running for the Michigan Senate. The 79th District Republican from Bainbridge Township tells WSJM News she plans to make auto insurance reform, tax relief, and attracting business her priorities if elected. LaSata
The deadline to apply for a Frederick S. Upton Foundation grant through the Berrien Community Foundation is quickly approaching. The foundation tells us the date is March 15 for those wishing to receive a grant in during
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is taking over the job of connecting people with opportunities to volunteer. The United Way’s Rachel Wade tells WSJM News that means a big change for Volunteer Southwest Michigan. “Volunteer Southwest
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph is planning to reopen to the public next month. Curator Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News repair work is coming along nicely since the museum had to close in
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hoping fishermen and anyone else who enjoys the great outdoors will act as its eyes when out and about this winter and coming spring. Spokesperson Elyse Walter tells WSJM News
Michigan Budget Director Al Pscholka is not going to get into the race for the 21st District state Senate seat currently held by John Proos. “The bottom line was really quality of life for me and my
Cassopolis vs St. Joseph on Academic Challenge. Watch each Match Live on Thursdays starting at 6pm on News/Talk 94.9 WSJM’s Facebook page from the Signature Community Room.
Coming up this month will be some events at Lake Michigan College to help students who are looking to navigate the financial aid system. LMC Financial Aid Director Kemmoree Duncomb tells WSJM News Help Night events will
The city of Benton Harbor will be working with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency to administer a home rehabilitation program. That’s following action this past week by the Benton Harbor City Commission. The home rehab program
A Democrat has joined in the race for Michigan Senate in the 21st District. Ian Haight is a former Hagar Township Clerk and current RESA technology specialist who tells WSJM News he senses the time is right
South Haven City Council has given their approval to a music festival called Rhythm on the River to be held this July at Riverfront Park. Spokesman Ben Holt from Foundry Hall spoke with WSJM News about what’s
The pool belonging to Benton Harbor Area Schools may be cheaper to reopen that previously thought. That’s the message from Trustee Steven Mitchell, who said at this past week’s school board work session he has sought a
