Local News Archives

One Dead In Oronoko Twp Crash

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One person is dead following a crash that shut down part of M-139 in Oronoko Township for several hours on Monday. The Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township Police Department tells WSJM News it happened around 11:30 a.m. on M-139

Judge Pushes Opioid Treatment Program

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A southeast Michigan leader in the fight against opioid addiction says there’s a lack of urgency in what she calls one of the biggest health issues facing the country. Macomb County District Judge Linda Davis is the

Whitmer Gets UAW Endorsement

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From the Associated Press — Michigan’s largest labor union is endorsing Gretchen Whitmer for governor. The United Auto Workers, which represents 385,000 active members and retirees in the state, announced the endorsement Monday at its international headquarters in

Threat Closes Paw Paw Schools

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No school today for students in Paw Paw due to a threat against the district. A student is accused of threatening a shooting at the high school and has been arrested. The district put out automated calls

Congressional Art Contest Underway

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Congressman Fred Upton has announced the 2018 Congressional Art Competition, open to high school artists throughout the Sixth Congressional District. The winner will have his or her piece hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year along

South Haven Budget Work

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If you think planning a family budget is difficult and time consuming, imagine trying to budget for a city. That’s what South Haven City Manager and staff are working on right now. City Manager Brian Dissette spoke

Take Back The Tap

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Bottled water sales in the United States are skyrocketing, but a new report looks at what is actually being sold to those customers. In “Take Back the Tap,” Food and Water Watch researchers look at the booming

School Leaders Talk Security

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Benton Harbor School leaders continue to think about improving security. At a Tuesday meeting, the board of education heard from Acting Superintendent Patricia Robinson the district’s metal detectors are almost repaired, with six door units now operational.

Opposition To Medicaid Work Requirements

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The Michigan League for Public Policy is not pleased with a proposal in Lansing to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients. League policy analyst Emily Schwarzkopf tells WSJM News implementing such requirements would be messy. “People on

Jon Cox; With Respect 03/18/18

John’s guest this week is Professor John Cox of Hope College. He is one of the world recognized experts on William Shakespeare. In this show, followed by a sequel next week, they talk about Shakespeare’s life and

Changes Coming To Krasl

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St. Joseph City Commissioners have given the green light to the Krasl Art Center as it seeks an improvement project for its grounds to attract more visitors. At a meeting this past week, the commission signed off

Snyder Talks “Marshall Plan” For Jobs

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$100 million is the price tag for Governor Rick Snyder’s ambitious plan to expand job training programs for all ages. Called the “Marshall Plan for Talent,” he tells WSJM News the reaction has been positive from lawmakers so

Upton Talks School Safety

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As students protested school violence across the country Wednesday, the U.S. House was voting to increase security in schools. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News the STOP School Violence Act had its vote, passing 407 to 10.

School Officials Get Academics Update

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The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has received an update on the academic progress of district students since the partnership agreement with the state went into effect. Acting Superintendent Patricia Robinson tells WSJM News there’s

Update Planned For War Monument

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Changes are coming to the World War I monument along the bluff in downtown St. Joseph. At a meeting this week, the city commission approved moving the plaque listing area World War I soldiers to a more

Humane Society Gets Challenge Grant

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A new $700,000 challenge grant has been announced to help the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan as it prepares to move into its new facility. Humane Society Director Jill Svoboda tells WSJM News the Yeager family, longtime

Dem Throws Hat In Ring For Senate

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There’s a Democrat running for the Michigan Senate in the 26th District. That’s the district currently represented by state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker, covering Van Buren and Allegan counties and part of Kent County. Garnet Lewis is a

Calley Launches First TV Ad

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From the Associated Press — Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Calley is launching a campaign ad that will run for nearly three weeks on network and cable TV stations. The 30-second ad begins airing Friday. It makes Calley,

New Road Money Expected Next Month

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Mattawan State Representative Beth Griffin is expecting to see some fresh work on southwest Michigan roads soon. She tells WSJM News Michigan lawmakers last month approved extra road funding money for the state to the tune of

State Does Cyber Security Audit

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From the Associated Press — Auditors have flagged the state of Michigan for gaps that could increase the risk of its computer network being hacked. An audit released Friday made 14 findings, including five that are “material” –

Driver Fees Go Away In October

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Relief is coming to Michigan residents who owe money in the form of driver responsibility fees. Michigan Secretary of State’s office spokesperson Fred Woodhams tells WSJM News the fees will be totally a thing of the past

Upton Seeking Mental Health Funding

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Congressman Fred Upton is pushing for more money for states next year to treat mental illness. He tells WSJM News he and some colleagues this week sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee asking for money

United Way Celebrates 75 Years

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The United Way of Southwest Michigan is celebrating another successful fundraising year. On Thursday, the United Way held its 75th anniversary celebration, noting it managed to raise more than $4.2 million in the latest capital campaign. In

Bangor School Leaders Talk Security

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School systems around the country are reviewing their security systems and procedures, including in Bangor. Bangor Public Schools Superintendent Lynn Johnson tells WSJM News the work is ongoing. “We’ve done a lot,” Johnson said. “We’re working with

Police Investigate Attempted ATM Theft

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The St. Joseph Township Police Department is investigating a crime involving a local ATM that has international implications. The department tells us officers were called out to the United Federal Credit Union at 2580 South Cleveland around