Local News Archives

Tugboat Blamed For Pipeline Damage

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From the Associated Press — The U.S. Coast Guard says it’s still looking into what caused damage to underwater electric cables and oil pipelines in the channel that connects Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. Cmdr. Shaun Edwards declined

Commission Talks Procedures

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Benton Harbor City Commissioners this week shot down a couple of proposals that would have changed up some of their own procedures. At Monday’s meeting, the commission considered changing a rule which states the mayor gets to

Proos On Prison Kitchen Inspections

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State Senator John Proos is working on language to insert in the Michigan Department of Corrections budget to subject all department-operated kitchens to the public safety requirements of the state’s food code. Proos tells WSJM News it

Teachers Voice Support For Principal

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The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has heard from a group of teachers opposed to the possible release of High School Principal Donald Pearson. The board was presented on Tuesday with a letter signed by

Realtors Helping To Create Dog Park

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The village of Baroda is getting a new dog park thanks to the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors. Association Executive Alan Jeffries tells WSJM News they award a $2,500 grant each year to a local community for

Lawmakers Talk Nassar Bills

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A Michigan House committee on Tuesday heard testimony on a package of bills in response to the Larry Nassar sexual misconduct scandal. Oakland County Republican Klint Kesto told Michigan News Network his legislation prohibits sexual contact under

Humane Society Festival Next Weekend

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Tickets are on sale for the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan’s second annual Charcuterie Festival. Set for next Saturday in downtown Stevensville, it’s a chance for everyone to sample beers and food from 11 restaurants and 15

City Considers Public Safety Cost Ordinance

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A proposal to charge non-residents for their costs to the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is being considered by city commissioners. At Monday’s meeting, commissioners heard a proposal from City Manager Darwin Watson to set up

South Haven Expands Rental Inspections

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The city of South Haven will be expanding the number of short-term rental home inspections this year as the Summer rental season approaches. City Manager Brian Dissette spoke with WSJM News about the plan. “The city has begun

Airline Accused Of Mechanical Issues

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Allegiant Air, which flies out of Grand Rapids, is accused in a “60 Minutes” report of having more than 100 serious mechanical incidents in a year and a half. Gerald R. Ford International Airport spokeswoman Tara Hernandez

Study Examines Support For Teen Mothers

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Most adults with children feel that state support for pregnant teens is a good investment in the baby’s health. That’s according to a new national study by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan. Study co-director

Tiger Team Gets Key To The City

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The Benton Harbor City Commission has officially recognized Benton Harbor High School Tigers Basketball for its state championship win this year. At Monday’s meeting, Mayor Marcus Muhammad read a resolution granting a key to the city for

Governor Proposes School Safety Plan

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Governor Rick Snyder is proposing a school safety plan that calls for upgrading security at up to 400 schools and tripling the budget of the OK2Say tip line. The proposal made Monday includes $20 million to update

Community Could Drop Lifeguard Services

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New Buffalo city leaders are thinking about not having life guards at the local beach this summer. However, that won’t affect how the U.S. Coast Guard approaches its duties there. Executive Petty Officer Lazaro Lopez with the

Small Business Event Next Month

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An event is coming up at the Mendel Center in Benton Township for small business owners and those interested in starting a business. Cornerstone Alliance Entrepreneurship Director Stacey Stephens tells WSJM News Small Business Day will be

Thousands Remain Without Power

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From the Associated Press — Nearly a quarter of a million Michigan power customers remain without service after a storm brought freezing rain and high winds to the state. DTE Energy said Monday afternoon about 240,000 of its

Michigan Democrats Pick Nessel As AG Choice

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Michigan Democrats have endorsed Dana Nessel in a hotly contested race to be the party’s state attorney general candidate. Thousands of delegates made their choice Sunday at a convention at Cobo Center in Detroit. Nessel, a former assistant prosecutor

House Plan To Fight Student Sex Abuse

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The Michigan House inquiry into the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal has led to the introduction of legislation intended to protect Michigan students. House leaders on Wednesday announced the package which includes tougher child pornography penalties and

MI Beverage Industry Shows Strong Growth

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The food and beverage industry in southwest Michigan is showing very strong growth in a new study. Commissioned by Indiana Michigan Power, the study was done to help better plan for the utility’s responsibilities and also to

Group Wants Info On Gun Fees

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The group Michigan Open Carry is suing the Michigan State Police to clarify how the department uses money raised from concealed carry fees. President Tom Lambert spoke with Michigan News Network about the effort. “In the 2015-2016

Three Dead Following Chase

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Three people are dead following a chase with police in Berrien County on Sunday morning. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells WSJM News it all started shortly after 5 a.m. when dispatch got a call about a

SJ Police Work With Schools On Safety

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Protecting students is a top priority for St. Joseph Department of Public Safety Director Brian Uridge. He told city commissioners this past week he’s been in regular talks with schools at all levels to be prepared for

K9 Getting Protective Vest

A K9 with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a donation from the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s, Incorporated. German Shephard Luca has been with the Allegan County

Support Animal Workshop This Month

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Coming up this month at the Disability Network Southwest Michigan will be a presentation on the dos and don’ts of service animals. The network tells us the free workshop is being offered to address confusion about what

Repaving On I-94

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A repaving project is about to get started on I-94 in Van Buren County. Michigan Department of Transportation spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News  they’ll start the work on eastbound 94 between 56th Street and M-51 Monday.