Local News Archives

El-Sayed Talks Healthcare

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A Democratic gubernatorial candidate is proposing a plan to offer no-premium, no co-pay healthcare to everyone in Michigan. In part, Abdul El Sayed told Michigan News Network the plan would be paid for with what he calls

Orchards Mall Shut Down

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More trouble for the Orchards Mall as the complex was shut down Thursday morning by Benton Township due to a water shutoff. Although the JCPenney in the mall remained open due to it having a separate water

Group Calls For Juvenile Justice Reforms

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Legislation is currently proposed in the Michigan House that would raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to 18, rather than 17. Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Advocacy Tom Hickson tells us 17-year-olds are still developing

Sheriff’s Department Wins Two Awards

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is the recipient of a couple of awards from Assisted Patrol, a company that makes police equipment. Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells us the sheriff’s department submitted some ideas for a contest

Covert Schools Food Program

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Covert Public Schools has announced the sponsorship of the Summer Food Service for Children. Free meals will be made available to children 18 years of age and under or those up to 26 years of age who

Reactions To Prevailing Wage Vote

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Lawmakers from Michigan are reacting to the state legislature’s vote on Wednesday to repeal Michigan’s prevailing wage law. The 1965 statute requires that higher “prevailing” wages be paid to construction workers on state-financed projects. Following the repeal

Life Rings Now Installed

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City leaders in St. Joseph are hoping the north pier will be a little safer now that 12 life rings to help prevent drownings have been installed. City Manager John Hodgson tells WSJM News the rings come

Grand Opening Planned For Animal Shelter

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The grand opening for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan’s new animal shelter will be this Saturday. Humane Society Executive Director Jill Svoboda tells WSJM News it’s been a long journey to get the $2 million Yeager

Orchards Mall Auction Delayed

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The auction of the Orchards Mall in Benton Township is being delayed. It was supposed to have been held online this week, but is now scheduled for next Wednesday, June 13. No reason has been given for

School Board Talks Graduation

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With graduation set for this Friday, leaders at Benton Harbor Area Schools are hoping to ensure some students who are just a half credit away from the diploma requirements are still allowed to walk the field with

New Map Of MI Forests

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From the Associated Press — A newly developed online map provides information about how Michigan’s state forests are managed. The Department of Natural Resources says the map makes it easier to learn about timber sales, prescribed burns and

Senate Considering Nassar Bills

The state Senate has before it a package of sexual assault bills prompted by the Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University. Some had been modified by the House, and Representative Klint Kesto told Michigan News Network

School Board Discipline Policy

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The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education will be asked next week to approve a policy giving the district more control over which students are allowed to enroll. Interim Superintendent Patricia Robinson tells WSJM News an

South Haven Cottage Walk This Month

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Tickets are now available for South Haven’s annual Cottage Walk. SHOUT for South Haven’s Sue Cunningham tells WSJM News the booster organization has held the walks on the last Saturday of every June for 23 years now.

Krasl Public Art

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The Krasl Art Center will be installing a new sculpture in Benton Harbor’s Arts District this week as part of the center’s Biennial Sculpture Invitational. Krasl Deputy Director Tammy Miller tells WSJM News “Eve’s Awareness” by Terry

Upton Remains Opposed To Trump Tariffs

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Congressman Fred Upton continues to speak out against the tariff increases on steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union announced by President Trump. He says while Presidents have the authority to take that action,

State To Close Another Prison In 2019

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The state plans to close another prison next year. Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Chris Gautz says the closure comes as crime in the state and the prison population continue to dwindle. It’s not yet clear which

Voters To Decide Marijuana Legalization

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From the Associated Press — Michigan voters will decide whether to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. A citizen-initiated measure wasn’t approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature before a 40-day deadline passed Tuesday. That means the ballot initiative will

Snyder Approves Recreational Projects

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From the Associated Press — Governor Rick Snyder has approved nearly $50 million in spending to boost public recreation statewide. The $49.9 million for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund enacted Monday will go to 34 land

Snyder Approves Recreational Projects

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From the Associated Press — Governor Rick Snyder has approved nearly $50 million in spending to boost public recreation statewide. The $49.9 million for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund enacted Monday will go to 34 land

Water Protest In Lansing

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A protest took place Monday at the state capitol in Lansing, staged by hundreds of poor people, clergy, and others regarding water issues in Michigan. The Reverend-Dr. Liz Theoharis is co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. She

Water Protest In Lansing

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A protest took place Monday at the state capitol in Lansing, staged by hundreds of poor people, clergy, and others regarding water issues in Michigan. The Reverend-Dr. Liz Theoharis is co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. She

Legislature Poised To Repeal Prevailing Wage Law

From the Associated Press — A 53-year-old Michigan law that guarantees higher “prevailing” wages for construction workers on state-financed projects could soon be nullified. The Republican-controlled Legislature this week is poised to repeal the statute, which would make

Legislature Poised To Repeal Prevailing Wage Law

From the Associated Press — A 53-year-old Michigan law that guarantees higher “prevailing” wages for construction workers on state-financed projects could soon be nullified. The Republican-controlled Legislature this week is poised to repeal the statute, which would make

Commission Approves Demolitions

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Eight buildings, most of them houses, will be torn down in Benton Harbor this year following Monday’s city commission approval of the 2018 Berrien County Land Bank demolition list. None of the houses are occupied, and Mayor