Local News Archives

Lawmakers Consider Surplus Options

More talks are expected this week between lawmakers and the governor’s office on whether to spend or save money from a budget surplus. Economists estimate a $500 million surplus for this year and next. Michigan Senate Appropriations

Group Seeks Minimum Wage Increase

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From the Associated Press — The prospect of a $12-an-hour minimum wage by 2022 for all Michigan workers, including tipped servers, could be put to a popular vote this fall. The Michigan One Fair Wage group on Monday

Watervliet Woman Seeks House Seat

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The field of candidates in the running for the Republican nomination in the Michigan House in the 79th District includes a Watervliet woman with a long family family history in Bainbridge Township. Pauline Wendzel tells WSJM News

Energy Incentive For Buchanan Apartments

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The owners of an apartment complex in Buchanan have received a check for more than $243,000 from Indiana Michigan Power for making improvements to their facility to save energy. Jason Muniz with Hollander Development Corporation tells WSJM

St. Joe Goes Green

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St. Joseph City Commissioners are making their commitment to sustainability official. At this week’s meeting, the commission approved a resolution to pursue bronze certification from Michigan Green Communities. Commissioner Peggy Getty tells WSJM News she and Commissioner

Beach Flags Now Out

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In a sign of the summer, the safety flags are now flying at beaches in South Haven. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us it monitors lake conditions as reported by the National Weather Service. Beach warning

New Drug Drop Off Points

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28 Walgreens stores will be part of an expansion into Michigan to provide drug kiosks so customers can get rid of unwanted medications. Spokesman Phil Caruso says millions of pounds of unused drugs have already been collected

Health Officials Warn About Ticks

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This is the time of year when infections of Lyme disease increase, and the hazard is a particular concern here in southwest Michigan, Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News Berrien County has a

Plan To Reduce MI Fires

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With more than 50 fire deaths in Michigan so far this year, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer has announced a statewide community risk reduction initiative. He spoke with Michigan News Network about who is the most at

Lake Water Level To Be Lowered

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The water level at the Berrien Springs Hydroelectric Dam will be coming down later this month for maintenance. Indiana Michigan Power plans to draw down the level of the water by three-and-a-half feet at a rate of

Van Buren Road Meetings

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A series of meetings will take place in Van Buren County over the next few months for residents to learn more about a road millage proposal voters will consider in August. The Van Buren County Road Commission

Roll Call For Fallen Soldiers

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Set for this Memorial Day in South Haven will be a roll call of all the American soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Vietnam-era veteran Major Craig Massey of the U.S. Army will spend

New SJ Parks Foundation

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The St. Joseph Kiwanis Club has started a new effort to help improve parks in the community. St. Joseph Kiwanis Community Parks Foundation Chair Chris Wagner tells WSJM News the group will raise money for all of

New Festival In South Haven

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If you’re a fan of mermaids, then you’ll want to be in South Haven this Memorial Day weekend. Set for May 25 through May 28 is the first ever Mermaid MegaFest. Organizer Brad Carrier tells WSJM News

Residents Reminded Of Naloxone Order

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Michigan residents are being reminded of the state’s standing order on anti-overdose drug naloxone. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News the order was issued in May of last year, making

Congressman Hopes For MI Defense Site

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Congressman Fred Upton is pushing for a site in Michigan to be selected by the U.S. Department of Defense for a missile defense facility. Upton tells WSJM News the Pentagon has been studying possible places for a

Niles Renaissance Faire Tomorrow

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Set for this month is the first ever Niles Renaissance Faire. Niles History Center Director Christina Arseneau tells WSJM News the city decided to hold a renaissance faire because the events are increasingly popular in the region,

Proos Backs Ban On Marijuana-Infused Beer

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State Senator John Proos is among the lawmakers hoping to ban the latest THC-related innovation before it comes to Michigan. On Thursday, Proos voted for legislation to pre-emptively prohibit marijuana-infused beer, wine, and spirits. He tells us

Recycling Event Tomorrow

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A household chemical recycling event is slated for this weekend in Berrien County. The Berrien County Parks Department tells us it will collect chemicals, home medical waste, electronics, and personal documents tomorrow at the Southeast Berrien County

New Tax Savings Accounts

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Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski has announced a new service being offered by some local banks to help property taxpayers stay current on their bills. Witkowski tells WSJM News he’s arranged for the banks to offer special

Coast Guard Safety Event

The U.S. Coast Guard will hold a special water safety event this weekend. Petty Officer Jeffrey Gehrke with the St. Joseph post tells WSJM News the coast guard and other agencies will be at out in the

LMC Breaks Ground On Wine Center

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Lake Michigan College has broken ground on its new wine making facility. LMC President Trevor Kubatzke tells WSJM News the 14,000 square foot Wine and Viticulture Center will be a state of the art home for the

Sheriff Saves Overdose Patients

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Two men who overdosed on heroin in Kalamazoo County are alive thanks to quick thinking by the sheriff this week. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller tells us he was grabbing food from his favorite restaurant on Tuesday

I&M Renewable Energy Program

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If you support renewable energy and want Indiana Michigan Power to invest more in it, you now have a chance to put your money where your mouth is. I&M spokesperson Tracy Warner tells WSJM News the company

Lawmaker Talks MSU Settlement

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Where will Michigan State get the funds to pay for the massive $500 million settlement to victims of Larry Nassar? Interim President John Engler has said the costs will be paid by tuition and through state aid.

Lawmakers Welcome Seniors To Lansing

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State lawmakers from southwest Michigan welcomed representatives of the Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County Area Agency on Aging to the Capitol On Wednesday to celebrate Older Michiganians Day. State Representatives Kim LaSata, Beth Griffin, and Aaron

State Investigating Utility Issues

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From the Associated Press — The Michigan Public Service Commission is investigating DTE Electric Co.’s recent storm-related outages and the death of a Detroit woman who came in contact with a downed power line. More than 300,000 DTE