Local News Archives

Board Pleased With Superintendent

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St. Joseph Public Schools Trustees are pleased with district Superintendent Ann Cardon. At meeting this week, the board of education approved Cardon’s annual performance evaluation and extended her contract through June 30, 2021. Board President Amy Porritt

Cost Of Uninsured Drivers

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We pay more for car insurance in Michigan than any other state, and a new report finds a big factor to that is 20% of Michigan drivers are getting behind the wheel without any insurance at all.

Cass Co. Shooting Investigation

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The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says one man was arrested following a shooting incident in Vandalia Friday afternoon. It tells us deputies responded to a call about shots being fired around 2:40. They learned there had been

Two Arrested After Fleeing Police

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The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us two men are in custody after a chase with deputies on Friday. It started in the 47,000 block of 27th Street in Almena Township when a sheriff’s deputy pulled

Outgoing Trustee Honored

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Retiring Lake Michigan College Trustee Judy Truesdell has been saluted for her years of service by the LMC Board of Trustees. At a meeting this week, the board sent Truesdell off with a resolution commending and thanking

Governor Signs Proos STEM Bills

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Governor Rick Snyder has signed legislation from state Senator John Proos designed to reward Michigan students who take STEM classes and to inform them about the jobs available in their areas. Proos tells WSJM News one bill

July Is Craft Beer Month

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July is Craft Beer Month, a chance for Michigan’s quickly growing craft beer industry to showcase its strength and for distributors to celebrate locally-made brews. Bud Distributing Sales Manager Jenna Podjan tells WSJM News the Dowagiac-based company’s

Eau Claire Cherry Fest Next Week

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The 33rd annual Eau Claire Cherry Festival will be held on Wednesday, the Fourth of July. The festival’s Cindy Glassman Cantrell tells us the downtown area of Eau Claire is shut down for the fun, which is

Health Department Talks Heat

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The Berrien County Health Department has activated a heat alert for this entire weekend, warning everyone to take steps to keep themselves healthy and safe. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News you need to be sure to

Dowagiac Fireworks Tonight

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Dowagiac will hold its fireworks tonight. The fifth annual fireworks celebration in Dowagiac will be at dusk at the Dowagiac Municipal Airport. The show is possible thanks to the Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac and donations from

Red Arrow Hwy Called Scenic Route

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USA Today has included Red Arrow Highway in its list of beautiful scenic drives around the United States. In a piece published this week, USA Today picks one route from each state to identify as offering lovely

Snyder Approves Education Budget

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From the Associated Press —  Rick Snyder has signed a $16.8 billion education budget that includes a sizable increase in base aid for lower-funded K-12 districts in Michigan. The outgoing Republican governor approved his final education budget Thursday. It

Sand Sculptor On Hand For Bridgman Fest

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She is sometimes known as the Sand Pirate, and she’s perhaps southwest Michigan’s most renown sand sculptor. Janet Moore Schrader tells WSJM News she started sculpting with sand after winning a battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the

Police Talk Fireworks Rules

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is reminding everyone of what the rules are for shooting off fireworks now that the Fourth of July is just about here. Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News, first of all,

Possible County Salary Study

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Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey is hoping to conduct a county salary study. For the past few meetings, she has asked other commissioners for their input as the Personnel and Human Services Committee weighs its options. Leahey

Latest West MI Jobs Report

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There have been some clear changes in Berrien County’s employment picture since the end of the Great Recession. The latest economic outlook report from the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research takes a look at such trends throughout

Dangerous Heatwave Looming

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It’s going to be very hot over the next few days in Michigan, especially in southern lower Michigan. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued an excessive heat watch from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.

Michigan Lags In Child Well-Being

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While Michigan is making some progress in child well-being, a new report shows it’s still falling behind its neighbors. The 2018 Kids Count Data Book released Wednesday by the Annie E. Casey Foundation assesses how kids are

No Emergency Managers In Place

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For the first time in 18 years, there are currently no emergency managers in charge of any Michigan cities or school districts. Michigan Department of Treasury spokesperson Ron Leix tells WSJM News Highland Park Schools got out

I-94 Ramps To Close

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The Michigan Department of Transportation will be shutting down two I-94 ramps this Friday in Van Buren County so they can be reconstructed. MDOT tells us the ramps at exit 52 in Lawrence are being rebuilt. That’s

Property Auction Book Available

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The latest book of foreclosed properties set to be auctioned off by the Berrien County Treasurer’s office is now available. Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News the new book has 183 properties, of which 181 were foreclosed

Board Salutes Outgoing Trustee

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Retiring Lake Michigan College Trustee Judy Truesdell has been saluted for her years of service by the LMC Board of Trustees. At a meeting this week, the board sent Truesdell off with a resolution commending and thanking

Michigan Seeking Motorcycle Instructors

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From the Associated Press — Michigan officials are looking for accomplished motorcyclists who could teach others to ride. Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says safety class instructors play essential roles in the Michigan Rider Education Program. Johnson

Pop-Up Kids Museum In South Haven

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A temporary kids museum is coming to South Haven. Set to be open from July 1 through September 3 is the non-profit Forever Curious Children’s Museum. It will be located in a storefront on Phoenix Street, and