Local News Archives

Big Emergency Drill Coming Up

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Coming up next month will be a nationwide test of emergency alert systems, and officials in Berrien County want the public to let them know how it goes. Set for Wednesday, October 3 at 2:20 p.m., the

Voter Registration Deadline Soon

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Are you registered to vote? This past Tuesday was National Register to Vote Day and Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says “USA Today” has named Michigan number one in getting people registered to vote. “Every 18-year-old

Effort To Combat Racial Health Disparity

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In Berrien County and across America racism literally kills. Dr. David Ansell, Vice President Of Community Health at Rush University Medical Center, will speak on this shocking reality September 27th at Lake Michigan College’s Hanson Theater. “A

Traffic Changes Likely For Napier

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The public has had a chance to offer input on plans to repave part of Napier Avenue in St. Joseph and Benton townships starting next year. At a forum this week, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission talked

State Recognizes Rail Safety Week

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This past week was Rail Safety Week in Michigan when everyone was reminded to follow the rules of railroad tracks. Sam Crowl with Michigan Operation Lifesaver tells WSJM News they held events all week following a proclamation

Local Schools To Address Literacy

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Officials at Benton Harbor Area Schools are planning a new push to promote literacy. Communications Director Amy Nichols tells WSJM News “We Welcome Literacy” is a community event set for October 8 at the high school. On

Niles Community Schools Building Improvements

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A series of celebrations is underway at Niles Community Schools as the district completes several renovation projects at its buildings. Work has been done at Niles High School, Eastside Connections, Ballard Elementary School, and Niles Cedar Lane.

Lawmaker Brings Attention To Senior Program

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The Michigan House has approved a resolution from state Representative Mary Whiteford to declare September PACE Awareness Month. The Casco Township Republican tells us PACE, or Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, helps keep senior Michiganders

Andrews University Names Wellness Center

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Andrews University has formally named its wellness center in honor of a former president. The university in Berrien Springs tells us it’s to be called the Andreasen Center for Wellness in recognition of Niels-Erik Andreasen, president emeritus

New Bike Safety Law In Effect

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If you’re driving in Michigan, you now need to allow bicyclists some space on the roadways. That’s as a new law is now in effect. “The new law specifically requires you give bicyclists three feet of space,”

Departments Team Up For Trail Project

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The more than 10 mile trail being planned for Red Arrow Highway in Berrien County is a unique arrangement for the area. Instead of just being a Berrien County Parks Department effort, it’s a joint effort with

Hundreds Busted In Drunk Driving Crackdown

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Police say an end-of-summer crackdown on drunk driving across Michigan led to hundreds of arrests and citations. Michigan State Police announced Thursday the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown that started August 17 and ran through

Halloween Actor Coming To Scream Park

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A special celebrity guest is coming to the Niles Scream Park. The park’s Kellie Welch tells WSJM News Tony Moran, the man behind the mask in the horror classic Halloween will be at the attraction from October

Governor Signs Job Training Plan

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  A skilled trades training program hailed by state Senator John Proos will be permanent in Michigan now that the governor has signed legislation Proos co-sponsored. Proos tells WSJM News the Going Pro Talent Program awards grants

Al-Van Humane Society Anniversary

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The Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to providing emergency food and shelter for homeless pets. Providing public education is an important part of Al-Van’s efforts to reduce the number

School Threat Suspect Arrested

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The man wanted for calling in a phony threat about someone with a gun at Eau Claire High School earlier this month is now in the Berrien County Jail. Police arrested 32-year-old Justin Bashore of Niles during

Governor Snyder: Road Lockout Is Over

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More than 150 stalled road projects across Michigan will resume because road builders have agreed to end a lockout of a union of heavy equipment operators. Governor Snyder announced the end of the labor impasse Thursday. He

Vote On Spending Plan Likely

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A major federal spending bill will be considered by the U.S. House this week to avoid a government shutdown at the end of the month, and among its supporters is Congressman Fred Upton. He tells us the

West Nile Death In Allegan County

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A death from the West Nile virus has been announced in Allegan County. West Nile, a mosquito-borne illness, can lead to serious neurological complications, especially in the elderly or people with diabetes or hypertension. The Allegan County

Planning Underway For Red Arrow Trail

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The public has had a chance to review a possible Red Arrow Highway trail project being planned in Berrien County. At an open house on Wednesday, Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey told WSJM News the master

August SWM Home Sales Report

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Home sales in southwest Michigan dropped a bit during August. The Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors tells us in August the number of houses sold dropped 7% from August of 2017. Also, the average and median selling

South Haven Short-Term Rental Forum

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The South Haven City Planning Commission is having a workshop session on Thursday evening to continue discussions on Phase 2 amendments to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier spoke with WSJM News about the

Cass County Appoints New Treasurer

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Cass County has a new treasurer. Hope Anderson of Cassopolis has been named by the Treasurer Appointment Committee as the successor to Linda Pruett, who died this summer. Anderson will serve through the end of Pruett’s term