Local News Archives

Sheriff Talks Silver Beach

silverbeach5-14

Rowdy crowds at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph caused police to clear the place out Monday night, but there were no injuries in the incident. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey tells WSJM News his deputies

State Promotes Education Trust

education9-16

The Michigan Education Trust is spreading the word to parents about how they can help their children get a college education. Trust Executive Director Robin Lott told Michigan News Network this week parents can save for college

Protesters At Mackinac Conference

gr-62697-1-1

Some of the people getting off the ferry to attend the Mackinac Policy Conference on Tuesday were be handed lollipops by protesters. The lollies came with a plea “not to be a sucker” for Enbridge, the company

Group Submits Petitions For Paid Sick Time

02407_electiongood3-18

From the Associated Press — Michigan workers would receive mandatory sick days under a newly filed initiative that could appear on the November ballot. The group Michigan Time to Care turned in 382,239 signatures Tuesday for a petition

Plan Expands OK2Say Line

ok2say6-5

The Michigan House last week approved legislation from state Representative Kim LaSata to expand the OK2SAY tip line to include reporting on sexual abuse, assault, and rape. The bill was part of an 18-bill package intended to

City Explains Rental Moratorium

southhavencitylogo2014-10

The South Haven City Council has approved a clarifying resolution to amend the short-term rentals moratorium implemented in early May. City Manager Brian Dissette spoke with WSJM News about the matter. “The moratorium does not affect the

Jail Project On Track

berriencountycourthouse-25

The renovation project at the Berrien County Jail is on track. Berrien County Board of Commissioners Chair Jon Hinkelman tells WSJM News the work is going by quietly and fluidly. The $8.4 million project will involve improvements

Southwest Michigan Population Gains

southwestmichigan

Southwest Michigan has seen some population gains in the past year. According to Kinexus, after years of population loss, the tri-county region of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties showed a slight increase in 2017. Across the

USDA Urges Safe Grilling

barbecue-3

  Memorial Day is Monday, meaning the summer grill season is here, and food experts are reminding everyone of some basic safety tips for their cookouts. USDA Food Specialist Archie Magoulas tells WSJM News foods should not

Lake Huron Drownings On The Rise

lakehuron-7

Huron County officials are bracing for the seasonal surge of kayakers taking advantage of the north shore of Lake Huron for adventure. Sheriff Kelly Hanson tells Michigan News Network they’ve also handled a surge of rescue calls

Major Transmission Line Project

electricity-6

Indiana Michigan Power is planning a $92 million transmission line improvement project in the region. Spokesperson Schnee Garrett tells WSJM News the Granger-Benton Harbor Transmission Line Rebuild Project will start next spring. “Approximately 46 miles of 138

Pscholka To Talk Talent Development

alpscholkahousefloor-17

Kinexus Vice President of Government Affairs Al Pscholka will be part of a roundtable discussion on talent development at next week’s Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island. Pscholka tells WSJM News “Prioritizing Michigan’s Policy Agenda for Cultivating

Health Department On Safe Boating

shoreline-8

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reminding boaters of a danger on the water that many might forget. Spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News boat generators often create carbon monoxide. She says every boat

Lawmakers Talk Surplus

Michigan lawmakers are facing a possible surplus of $500 million over the next two years, and it’s looking like at least some of that money will go toward fixing the state’s roads. State Representative Kim LaSata tells

Minimum Wage Proposal Push Back

money3-11

A group that represents small businesses says a proposal to raise Michigan’s minimum wage to $12 per hour would lead to more than 180,000 jobs lost over ten years if approved. National Federation of Independent Business of

Drain Issues In Berrien

creek-2

February’s flooding around Berrien County did a number of the drainage system, and it’s still feeling the effects. Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin tells WSJM News lots of melting snow and rain led to flooding never

New Park Slated For August Opening

sdhfkjdhfkjd

Berrien County’s newest park should be open to the public by the end of the summer. Berrien County Parks Director Brian Bailey gave an update to county commissioners this month on Paw Paw River County Park located

New Effort To Stop Marijuana Vote

marijuana88

Michigan voters may not get a chance to vote on legalizing marijuana in November. As we are learning for the first time, key state lawmakers are trying to work out a plan that lawmakers would approve. Michigan

Study Looks At Harbor Issues

water-52

Benton Harbor City Commissioners have heard a report on a study done by the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and others regarding possibilities for development of the local harbor. The Twin Cities Harbor Study took a look at

Upton Hopes For New Farm Bill

fredupton24234-73

Congressman Fred Upton is hoping to see a new Farm Bill approved in the next month or so. He tells WSJM News he was among the representatives who shot down a Farm Bill proposal last week in

One Dead In Crash

vanburensheriff-20

One person is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Van Buren County on Friday night. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us it happened just before 9 p.m. on M-51 near 89th Avenue in Decatur. Deputies

Sheriff’s Department Kids Camp

kids-camp-2-2018

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is taking registrations for its summer Kids Camp. The department tells us the camp will be held at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs June 21 and 22 from 8

Area Housing Market Frustrating Buyers

southwestmichiganassociationofrealtors-7

There is plenty of frustration building for people trying to buy a home in southwest Michigan, with historically low inventory and lots of competition for fewer houses. According to the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, April’s median