Local News Archives

Short Term Rental Rules Hammered Out

southhaven-61

An amendment to the short-term rental ordinance in South Haven was approved this week by the city council. The vote was four to two to update the rules that govern homes that are rented out to vacationers

Extra Patrols Continue All Weekend

police9-48

There are extra Michigan State Police troopers out and about on the state’s roads through the rest of Thanksgiving weekend. MSP Special First Lieutenant Jim Flegel tells WSJM News the Thanksgiving period is a dangerous time to

CISMA: Watch Out For Invasive Vines

wines2

The Van Buren Conservation District and the Southwest by Southwest CISMA are telling southwest Michigan residents how to spot invasive vines that could be choking out native plants. The CISMA says there are four invasive vines that

Small Business Saturday In St. Joseph

downtownsj7566-6

When the madness of Black Friday is over, there’s still Small Business Saturday to consider. St. Joseph Today tells us some downtown shops began offering deals as part of Black Friday with plans to continue the next

BH Water Testing Results

bentonharborcityhall1-46

The city of Benton Harbor has released the results of the first batch of lead tests done on homes around the community after eight homes were found to have elevated levels last month. According to results from

Crews Remove SWM Dam

forest-6

From the Associated Press– Crews have wrapped up removal of a roughly 90-year-old dam in southwestern Michigan as part of an effort to help restore habitat for native fish. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced this month

SWM Housing Prices Still Going Up

swmirealtors-9

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

highway4343-7

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

lakemichigancollege5-5

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

bid-u-banner-590x350

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

shopping55644

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

warrendunesstatepark2-2

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

skiing-2

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

snyder-image-e1486671783580-14

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

michiganstatepolicegood-145

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

casscountysheriff-51

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

gaveltakenbyandrew-108

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

money1-44

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

martinssupermarkets-2

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