Local News Archives

Policy League Praises Budget Proposal

With Michigan’s budget process kicking into high gear, some policy groups are praising Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposals to improve the lives of state residents. Whitmer’s first executive budget recommendation totals $60.2 for Fiscal Year 2020, more than

Lawmaker Slams Gas Tax Proposal

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State Representative Beth Griffin says there’s zero chance the Michigan House will approve the 45 cent gas tax increase proposed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. We asked the Republican lawmaker from Mattawan what should be done to raise

Skywarn Training This Week

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Registrations are now being taken for Skywarn training in Berrien County. The Berrien County Office of Emergency Management says Skywarn is a program that teaches anyone how to spot signs of severe weather. The volunteers then become

Report: Police Grow Facial Image Database

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From the Associated Press — A newspaper reports the Michigan State Police’s Statewide Network of Agency Photos has grown to nearly 50 million facial images. The Detroit Free Press reports the Secretary of State’s Office has been

State Warns Of Healthcare Data Breach

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From the Associated Press — Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents potentially affected by a health care data breach are being urged to take extra precautions about their personal information. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Department

Cass County Semi Crash Under Investigation

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The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the crash of a semi in Newberg Township. Deputies say the driver, 50-year-old Katherine Aris of Ypsilanti, fell asleep behind the wheel just before 6 Sunday morning on M-60 and

Lawmaker Aims For More CTE Training

A three-bill legislative package has been introduced in the Michigan House aimed at allowing high school students more flexibility to pursue career and technical training. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News her piece of the

City Approves Creek Cleanup Easements

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Benton Harbor City Commissioners have agreed to grant easements to the Berrien County Drain Commissioner for city-owned properties along Ox Creek. At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats said the move was the first step toward

State Police Warn About Elder Abuse

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More than 500,000 elderly Americans experience abuse each year, and that’s why Michigan State Police are reminding everyone of the warning signs. MSP Trooper Holly Higgs of the Niles post tells WSJM News the abuse isn’t always

BH Water Filter Distribution Continues

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The Berrien County Health Department says it will continue to provide water filters to residents of Benton Harbor as the city works to rid itself of lead issues. Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News they’ve

Proos Reveals Next Move

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Former state Senator John Proos is ready to talk about what he’s doing next. Proos left office last year after 14 years in Michigan government. He told WSJM News on Monday he’s started a consulting firm intended

Push Continues For Auto Insurance Reform

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The Insurance Alliance of Michigan says now is the time for auto insurance reform. Director Tricia Kinley tells us the issue has attracted support from state lawmakers of both parties, and she’s optimistic this time. Kinley says

Pokagon Band Honors Dowagiac Man

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A Dowagiac man has been honored by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Elders Council for his efforts to help the community. Brian Antisdel, a Pokagon citizen, received an eagle feather at a recent ceremony led by a

Berrien Road Plan Now Online

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The new three-year asset management plan of the Berrien County Road Department is now online. The plan covers all aspects of the road agency’s resources and lays out improvement plans for the roads over the next three