Local News Archives

Drug Raid In Benton Harbor

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No details have been released yet by Michigan State Police, but authorities from several police agencies raided a Benton Harbor home last night for a drug bust. A block of Catalpa near Colfax was blocked off by

Bill Bans Dog Breed Rules

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From the Associated Press — No bans on pit bulls allowed, Michigan’s Senate says. The chamber voted 22-13 on Thursday to prohibit local governments from dictating breed-specific regulations on dogs. The legislation will benefit canines that are perceived

Dispatchers Of The Year Saluted

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Two people have been picked as Berrien County’s Dispatchers of the year. At Thursday’s Berrien County Commission meeting, the honor was given to Eric Ruth and Lanny Duffel. Ruth, who works for Niles Dispatch, handled a call

State Approves Electric Rate Hike

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The Michigan Public Service Commission has given approval to Indiana Michigan Power to raise its electric rates. MPSC spokesperson Nick Assendelft tells WSJM News I&M asked the state for permission to do so in May of last

Teen Facing Terrorism Charge

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A teen from Berrien Township is facing a charge of terrorism due to a threat of violence. The Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office tells us the 15-year-old Berrien Springs High School student was taken to the Berrien County

BH Schools Forum Being Planned

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A community forum for stakeholders in Benton Harbor Area Schools is in the works. At this week’s school board meeting, Lou Ann Vidmar, a union representative of district teachers, invited everyone to take part in a discussion

Governor: Lake Leak Caused By Vessel

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From the Associated Press — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder says twin oil pipelines beneath the waterway linking two of the Great Lakes apparently were damaged by the same vessel believed to have caused a recent 600-gallon coolant fluid

Consumers Energy Encouraging FIRST Robotics

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Consumers Energy is out in force this week at the FIRST Robotics state championships in Saginaw. Spokesperson Roger Morgenstern tells WSJM News that competition features robotics teams from all over the state, and Consumers has executives on

Proos To Get Award

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State Senator John Proos will receive a special honor from the Michigan Secretary of State’s office this week. On Friday, he’ll get the Shining Star Award, which is given out to groups or individuals who work to

LaSata Talks Nassar Bills

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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

State Supreme Court Hearing Gun Case

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From the Associated Press — The Michigan Supreme Court has heard arguments in two high-profile cases involving guns on school property. Lawyers for gun owners say the appeals court was wrong when it said public schools can create

Allegan K9 To Get Protective Vest

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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

Body Found In Paw Paw River

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The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has found a body in the Paw Paw River near Watervliet. On Tuesday afternoon, a sheriff’s department lieutenant and the undersheriff were patrolling the river to look for the body of 35-year-old

I-94 Repaving Starts Next Week

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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.

Coloma Wins Spirit Tournament

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The winners of state Senator John Proos’ annual Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament for 2018 are the Coloma Comets. They beat out the River Valley Mustangs in the final round of the tournament, which is a March Madness-like

City Accepts Castle Donation

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Here’s something you’ve probably never heard before. The city of St. Joseph has accepted the donation of a castle. At Monday’s meeting, Marketing Director Susan Solon told city commissioners Turner Construction, the company doing work at Lakeland,

Board Names Interim Superintendent

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There is now an interim superintendent in place at Benton Harbor Area Schools. During an eight minute meeting Monday, the board of education voted to appoint Patricia Robinson, the district’s assistant superintendent, to serve as head administrator

Bills Require Temporary Immigration Status On IDs

From the Associated Press — Bills that would require Michigan driver’s licenses and state ID cards to show certain immigration statuses are headed to the House floor. On Tuesday the Michigan House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure unanimously