Local News Archives

2017 was a busy year for state Representative Dave Pagel. He tells WSJM News he looks back at the year and regards a failed House vote to eliminate the Michigan income tax as a significant moment. Pagel

The new president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society is a fruit grower from Eau Claire. Monica Teichman of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has been selected to lead the horticulture society for 2018. Michigan State Horticultural Society Secretary

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley this week signed legislation designed to fight the opioid epidemic in Michigan. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News one of the bills Calley signed Wednesday was her plan to have

The Michigan Department of Transportation is pointing to a recent bridge project in St. Clair County as an example of how the agency could team up with local agencies and others to make road projects more efficient

Westbound I-94 is back open in Van Buren County between Decatur and Paw Paw. The highway had been shut down for a few hours Sunday afternoon due to a massive pileup involving as many as 50 vehicles.

Westbound I-94 is closed in Van Buren County between exit 56 (Decatur/Dowagiac) and exit 60 (Paw Paw). Police have shut down the highway due to a massive pileup involving as many as 50 vehicles this afternoon. The

2017 was a busy year for Michigan lawmakers, and each is now reflecting on what they feel were the biggest accomplishments. State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton tells WSJM News she is disappointed the Michigan House didn’t

Due to a shortage of skilled trades workers, the number of new homes being built in 2018 is only expected to increase by 1%. Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, spoke with Michigan

Lots of snow has meant some pretty good business for some Berrien County parks this week. Love Creek County Park Manager Kip Miller tells us the cross-country skiing action at Love Creek is quite popular this time

All of the state lawmakers who represent southwest Michigan get a gold star for perfect attendance in 2017. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has released its latest tally of missed votes for Michigan lawmakers, and the

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is sending out a message to all property owners. He says you can’t pay next year’s property taxes right now in order to get a deduction that’s about to go away. Witkowski

AAA of Michigan has seen a 157% increase in calls for roadside assistance this past week with single digit or near-single digit temperatures around the state. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News your car needs extra care

With this week’s dangerously cold weather, health experts are reminding everyone how avoid needing to make a trip to the emergency room. Lakeland Emergency Department Nurse Manager Kathy Effa tells WSJM News they do see a spike

If you’ve got a pet, animal experts say you need to be extra aware of its safety in the kind of cold weather we’ve had this week. Berrien County Animal Control Director Tiffany Peterson tells WSJM News

2017 has been a busy year for Michigan lawmakers, and state Senator John Proos says much of the work has positioned the state for a successful future. Proos tells WSJM News a big focus this year has

If you’re felling generous now that the holidays are over, the Michigan Department of Treasury is recommending you consider the gift of a college education for a young person just coming out of the foster system. Michigan

The following statement has been issued by the National Weather Service:   WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 8 PM THIS EVENING TO MIDNIGHT EST SUNDAY NIGHT FOR BERRIEN COUNTY. Heavy lake effect snow expected. Plan on

Travel has been difficult in southwest Michigan with plenty of slide offs and jack-knifed semis to talk about along the highway. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News road salt won’t work when it’s

With frigid temperatures this week, homeowners have a few extra things they need to do to protect their properties. James Oleson with Home Comfort Experts in Mishawaka tells WSJM News freezing water lines are always something to

Be careful this New Year’s Eve. That’s the message from Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey. He tells everyone to never drive drunk. Bailey told WSJM News there are many ways to keep yourself from doing so. ”

While President Donald Trump dominated the headlines in 2017, one media expert says he crowded out other important stories, namely coverage of climate change. Lisa Hymas with Media Matters tells us covering climate change can be hard

The Berrien County 4H program has held its annual Member and Leader Recognition Program, honoring individuals who have worked with the 4H recently and for the long-term. At the banquet last month, Janice Gruss of Benton Harbor

Police are reminding southwest Michigan residents how to be safe on ice this winter. Van Buren County Sheriff Dan Abbott tells WSJM News ice has to be five inches thick to hold the weight of a person

Next year, Michigan’s gubernatorial election will have the nation watching. That’s according to Republican candidate and Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley. Michigan News Network asked him this week if he would welcome an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

The Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph will be closing down its Discovery Zone this month for some renovations. The museum tells us the Discovery Zone located in the Silver Beach Center on Broad Street will be

Child care workers will need to pass criminal background checks and day care facilities will see increased inspections under legislation signed by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley this week. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News the new

From the Associated Press — Authorities say perhaps 20 vehicles were involved in a pileup that closed a section of a southwestern Michigan highway as fresh snowfall snarled travel in much of the state. The Friday afternoon pileup

The number of police officers killed in the line of duty took a drastic dip across the nation this year, and also right here in Michigan. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Craig Floyd told Michigan

From the Associated Press — A demolition company is facing a $101,000 state fine for safety violations found after a worker was killed at a western Michigan arena. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration found five violations