Local News Archives

South Haven Performance Series Schedule

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The South Haven Performance Series has announced its 2019 lineup. The series began in 2010 as a way to bring quality music to the residents of South Haven, and it’s all non-profit and volunteer-based. The series will

OutCenter Forums At LMC

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A new series of forums intended to spread awareness about the southwest Michigan transgender community and related issues will begin this week at Lake Michigan College. The OutCenter in Benton Harbor tells us “Southwest Michigan VOICES: Real

State May Forgive Extra Snow Days

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From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers are considering whether to cut schools some slack after frigid temperatures and other weather caused a high number of snow days. State law forgives schools from making up six days that

Anti-Bullying Tour Coming To St. Joseph

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Former Michigan State University basketball player Anthony Ianni will make a stop in St. Joseph Tuesday as part of his anti-bullying Relentless tour. Started by Ianni in 2013, Relentless is intended to raise awareness of autism and

Gas Prices Make Sharp Jump To $2.55

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Gas prices have made a huge jump around the area to $2.55 a gallon. GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan put out the warning about the unexpected increase late this morning, and prices started moving higher a short time

Lawmaker Looks To Increase Broadband Access

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A plan to help with the expansion of broadband internet in rural areas of Michigan is being worked on by state Representative Beth Griffin and state Senator Aric Nesbitt. Griffin tells WSJM News she’s reintroducing the legislation

Donation Supports Dental Program For Kids

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A donation of $200,000 is being made to a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services dental program this year by the Delta Dental Foundation. The foundation is the charitable arm of the non-profit insurer, Delta Dental.

Latest Land Bank Report

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2018 was a busy year for the Berrien County Land Bank. Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells us the entity manages foreclosed properties that can’t be sold at auction. He notes a big deal in 2018 was

Deficit Plan For Schools Being Revised

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The five-year deficit elimination plan for Benton Harbor Area Schools is being reworked by district officials with the Michigan Department of Treasury. Following a meeting this week, district CEO Robert Herrera told WSJM News the preliminary deficit

It’s A Free Fishing Weekend

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This weekend features free fishing all across Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells us Saturday and Sunday are a chance for anyone to go fishing without a license. Also, throughout the weekend, state parks will

State Issuing Food Aid Early

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced it will issue March and April food assistance benefits early to reduce the gap between benefits payments that resulted from the partial federal government shutdown. The department

Sports Groups Back Asian Carp Plan

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From the Associated Press — Hunting and fishing groups have teamed up to support a plan for preventing Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes. They have formed the Great Lakes Conservation Coalition, which will push for

Peters Pushes Great Lakes Legislation

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New legislation from Senator Gary Peters is aimed at boosting protections for the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act would give the U.S. Geological Survey the authority to support the Great Lakes Science Center

Kinexus Notes Strong Year For Manufacturing

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Manufacturing in southwest Michigan remains strong. Kinexus CEO Todd Gustafson tells WSJM News the latest state report for the region shows the manufacturing industry grew by 5% in 2018. Gustafson says the industry is southwest Michigan’s economic

Mims Found Guilty On All Counts

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A man charged with two murders in Benton Harbor has been found guilty on all charges. Antwan Mims of Benton Harbor was on the FBI’s Most Wanted Fugitives list at one point for the shooting deaths of

Murder Charges In Fatal Crash

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A Benton Harbor man is charged with murder in the deaths of a 6-year-old girl and 73-year-old woman in a January crash. It happened on January 12 in Hartford Township. Police say a vehicle driven by 23-year-old

Cornerstone Business Awards Held

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Cornerstone Alliance and Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce have held their annual Business Recognition Breakfast, saluting businesses around Berrien County who have made a difference. At the ceremony on Thursday, Red Rabbit Automation received the Manufacturing Large Business

Lakeshore Chamber Honors Businesses

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Stevensville and Baroda area businesses are looking forward to a busy 2019 following this month’s annual meeting of the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Ashlie Guyberson tells WSJM News the Business of the Year was Coaches

MDOT Expecting Rash Of Potholes

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Warm weather followed by freezing temperatures along with snow and ice are the breeding grounds for road potholes. That’s according to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Mark Schirripa. “What we’re going to see and what we’re expecting

Positive Evaluation For County Admin

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A one-year contract extension and a 2% raise will be going to Berrien County Administrator Bill Wolf following his annual performance evaluation by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners. Personnel Committee Chair Bill Chickering said at this