Local News Archives

SWM Housing Prices Still Going Up

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The area housing market remains strong. The latest report from the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors shows prices are still going up and the year-to-date total dollar volume through October is the highest since 2006, right before

New MDOT System To Warn Wrong-Way Drivers

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A new Wrong Way Alert System is being unveiled by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Jackson Transportation Service Center Manager Kelby Wallace told Michigan News Network this week the system is being installed at the eastbound I-94

LMC Getting Funds To Fight Sexual Assault

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A $1 million grant to prevent sexual assault on college campuses has been announced by the Michigan Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program. Included in that allocation is $6,500 for Lake Michigan College. Michigan First Lady Sue Snyder

United Way Online Auction Next Week

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up for another Bid United online auction. To be held next week, Bid United is a totally online auction with a wide variety of items and services up for

AARP On Avoiding Holiday Scams

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Identity thieves and other scammers are ready and waiting to ruin the holiday season. However, Michiganders can reduce the chances to become a scam victim. With shoppers distracted by their to-do lists and opening their wallets frequently,

Free State Park Access Friday

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Entry to Michigan state parks will be free on Friday. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources tells us it could be a new Black Friday tradition — heading to the great outdoors. The Opt Outside movement started

Some Ski Slopes Already Open

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It’s an earlier than usual start for ski resorts in Michigan as many are open because there have been colder temperatures and snow. Mickey MacWilliams, the executive director of the Michigan Snow Sports Industry Association, spoke with Michigan

Governor Seeks $372 Million As Term Ends

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From the Associated Press — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder is seeking a final $372 million budget bill before he leaves office, proposing to spend more on addressing water contamination and hiring 246 additional children’s protective services caseworkers

Extra Police Patrols For Thanksgiving

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There are extra Michigan State Police troopers out and about on the state’s roads as Thanksgiving approaches. MSP Special First Lieutenant Jim Flegel tells WSJM News Thanksgiving is a dangerous time to be driving. “Last year, we

Suspected Drunk Driver Hits Patrol Vehicle

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The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says a Dowagiac man is facing charges after hitting a police vehicle while possibly driving drunk. The department tells us a sheriff’s deputy had pulled over a vehicle that had been reported

DEA Opening Traverse City Office

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From the Associated Press — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is opening an office in Traverse City. The DEA’s Detroit Field Division says the new post will help the agency identify, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations

Large Grant To Motown Museum

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A $500,000 grant from DTE Energy to the Motown Museum in Detroit will support its  plans for an expansion of the facility. CEO and Chairwoman of the Motown Museum Robin Terry told Michigan News Network this week

SpartanNash Buys Martin’s Super Markets

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An area grocery chain is being bought out. Grand Rapids-based SpartanNash is purchasing Martin’s Super Markets and all 21 of its locations in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. SpartanNash owns 139 stores under the names D&W Fresh

Ground Broken On New Women’s Prison

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Ground has been broken at the state’s women prison in Ypsilanti for a new vocational center. This marks construction of the third  of what are known as “vocational villages” in the state — the first for a

Short-Term Rental Rules Approved

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An amendment to the short-term rental ordinance has been approved by the South Haven City Council. At Monday’s meeting, the vote was four to two to update the rules that govern homes that are rented out to

City Officials Talk Lead Testing

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City officials in Benton Harbor are still waiting on results from water tests after elevated levels of lead were found in eight of 35 homes recently tested. At Monday’s city commission meeting, City Manager Darwin Watson said

Strong Retail Season Expected

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This holiday shopping season is expected to be a good one for retailers. Meagan Holland of the Michigan Retailers Association tells Michigan News Network the organization does a monthly survey in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank

Upton Pushes Medicaid Legislation

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New legislation from Congressman Fred Upton is designed to protect senior citizens from being impoverished due to medical problems. He and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell have introduced the Protecting Married Seniors from Impoverishment Act. It would extend spousal

GOP Seeks Last Ditch Law Changes

From the Associated Press — With their grip on power set to loosen come January, Republicans in several states are considering last-ditch laws to weaken Democrats and advance a conservative agenda. Michigan Republicans want to water down a

MSU Offers Housing For Substance Abuse Recovery

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From the Associated Press — Michigan State University has joined a list of universities nationally that provide on-campus housing to students in recovery from substance abuse disorders. The East Lansing school says its Collegiate Recovery Community is in