Local News Archives

School Leaders Work To Evaluate Superintendent

The annual performance evaluation of Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Shelly Walker is now being worked on by the board of education. However, the board is facing one complication. Walker is currently suspended for an unspecified investigation.

City Of St. Joseph Announces Closings

The city of St. Joseph is advising everyone of some weather-related closings. The Howard Ice Arena is now shut down because of the warm weather. The city will keep us updated regarding its status. Also, the city

Lawmakers Hope To Address Road Funding Soon

Michigan lawmakers are set to focus on the governor’s proposed spending of additional road funding. House Speaker Tom Leonard spoke to Michigan News Network Monday and said he wants to speed-up the process: “That $175 million is

Pothole Swallow Your Car?

Pothole season is well underway across Michigan — and the state’s pothole hotline is being swamped with calls, according to Diane Cross with the Michigan Department of Transportation. “Drivers truly have got to drive defensively,” says Cross.

Road Weight Restrictions Now In Place

Truck weight restrictions took effect Monday to avoid damaging Michigan roads as the weather begins to warm up. The restrictions are imposed on all state highways from the Michigan-Indiana and Michigan-Ohio state lines north to Muskegon County. Dan

Deadline Approaching To Remove Ice Shanties

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers that mandatory ice shanty removal dates are approaching. For counties in the southern Lower Peninsula, shanties must be removed from the ice by midnight Thursday, March 1. For

Utility Looking To Phase Out Coal

Consumers Energy is aiming to completely eliminate coal from its energy portfolio in the coming decades. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the utility announced several long-term energy goals on Monday. “By 2040, we expect to be

Crew Fighting Coloma Restaurant Fire

Firefighters worked Monday night to battle a fire at a Coloma restaurant. Berrien County Central Dispatch tells us one department responded to El Asadero Mexican restaurant on North Paw Paw Avenue. Witnesses reported a large amount of

Pagel Talks Run For State Senate

Experience. That’s what state Representative Dave Pagel says he has heading into the race for the 21st District Michigan Senate seat. He has announced he’s running to replace the term-limited state Senator John Proos. Pagel tells WSJM

Local Police Working With Schools On Security

Being prepared for emergencies is among the top priorities for schools in Michigan, and here in Berrien County, helping them is a function of the sheriff’s department’s emergency management and homeland security division. The office’s Captain Rockey

Missing Covert Township Child Found Safe

A tip to Covert Township Police has helped find a missing eight-year-old boy. Police Chief Jay Allen confirms to WSJM News that Xavier Preston was found this morning in a “neighboring community” thanks to the tips that

Filling Up Not As Painful This Week

Michigan’s average gas price is down 11¢ a gallon to start the week at $2.45. According to Triple-A Michigan, the prices in the St. Joseph and Benton Harbor area fell 13¢ a gallon over the last week

Rep. Pagel Wants Senate Seat

State Representative Dave Pagel is now running for the Michigan Senate in the 21st District. The Republican is term-limited out of the House at the end of this session, as is Senator John Proos. Pagel will face

Union Pier Restaurant Damaged

Some repairs are needed for a restaurant in Union Pier. A car hit the outside of Timothy’s shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday, damaging the exhaust hood system. The restaurant wasn’t able to open as a result of

Boy Missing In Covert Township

Covert Township police are asking for help finding a missing eight-year-old boy. Xavier Preston has not been seen since 10 a.m. Sunday outside his home in the 72-thousand block of 24th Avenue in Covert. He is four-feet

Local Rep Talks State Senate Run

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

Fire Marshall Talks Snow Safety

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

MSP Post Looking for Chaplain

Michigan State Police at the Paw Paw post could use a little spiritual guidance. Lieutenant Dale Hinz tells us the post is looking for a chaplain. The chaplain is a volunteer member of clergy who helps state

College Financial Aid Night This Week

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

Crash Injures One

A Decatur man is hospitalized at Borgess Lee Memorial in Dowagiac after being hurt in a rollover crash Sunday morning in Pokagon Township. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us 44-year-old Chad Strehlke was trying to pass

Vacancy On RESA Board

Berrien RESA has a school board post to fill. RESA tells us the board this week accepted the resignation of Thomas Fanning, its secretary. Fanning recently suffered an injury after falling at his home and can no

Stevensville Master Plan Released

The new master plan for the village of Stevensville is now online and available for all residents to review. Southwest Michigan Planning Commission Associate Planner Ryan Fellows helped work on the document and tells WSJM News the

Local Scholarship Applications Available

The Berrien Community Foundation is taking applications for this year’s scholarships. Foundation President Lisa Cripps Downey tells us there are four new ones this year, with the BCF administering a total of more than 30. A new