Local News Archives

Police Offering Skywarn Training

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The arrival of spring can provide some interesting and sometimes severe weather, and the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department would like to sign up some volunteers to help spot it. Lieutenant Robert Kirk tells WSJM News there

Plan Would Reduce Some Vehicle Fees

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A new plan from state Senator John Proos is designed to allow more wheelchair-accessible vehicles to receive a state registration fee deduction. Proos tells us the idea applies to vehicles that have been specially-modified for wheelchair use.

SJ Schools Getting Robotics Facility

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St. Joseph Public Schools has announced plans to build a new robotics facility. To be named the Edward J. Todd Innovation Center, the 7000 square foot building will be adjacent to the Career Technical Center of the

Pagel Discusses Race For MI Senate

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Experience. That’s what state Representative Dave Pagel says he has heading into the race for the 21st District Michigan Senate seat. He has announced he’s running to replace the term-limited state Senator John Proos. Pagel tells WSJM

Proos Vows Support For Flood-Affected Areas

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State Senator John Proos on Friday issued the following statement following the Berrien County Board of Commissioners action to declare a state of emergency due to flooding: “Our emergency management officials have done and continue to do

MI Utility Increases Renewable Energy Goal

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Consumers Energy is aiming to completely eliminate coal from its energy portfolio in the coming decades. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the utility announced several long-term energy goals on Monday. “By 2040, we expect to be

What’s Next After Disaster Declaration

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The Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Friday declared a Local State of Emergency due to the flooding this week. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News the declaration is the first step

LaSata Praises New Road Funding

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The Michigan House on Wednesday voted to spend $175 million more on road repairs. State Representative Kim LaSata tells WSJM News the move was timely. “As we know, it’s a top priority right now, especially as the

State Seeking Volunteers For Frog, Toad Survey

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From the Associated Press — Michigan biologists are looking for volunteers to help with an annual survey of frogs and toads. Declining numbers of frogs, toads and other amphibians have been documented worldwide since the 1980s. Studies suggest

Indiana Michigan Power Flood Update

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Indiana Michigan Power released the following statement Friday evening regarding its response to flooding in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. “The number of customers whose service was disconnected for safety reasons due to flooding in the South

SMC Appeals Pension Decision

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An appeal has been filed by Southwestern Michigan College in its fight against a Michigan Auditor General’s order to take teacher pension system contributions out of the paychecks of part-time students who work on campus. SMC President

Bangor Leaders Looking For Input

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If you live in the city of Bangor, the Downtown Development Authority would like your input. Chairman Thad Earl tells WSJM News they’re doing a survey. “Bangor Downtown Development Authority is asking for input,” Earl said. “We’re

Berrien County Declares State Of Emergency

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The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has declared a Local State of Emergency due to the flooding this week. Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News the declaration is the first step in

Coast Guard Helping With Flood Rescues

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The U.S. Coast Guard says it has rescued more than 40 people and their pets from flooded neighborhoods in southwest Michigan this week. The Coast Guard said Thursday it’s helping local authorities conduct house-to-house rescues and evacuations

Snyder Wants More For Education

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From the Associated Press — Governor Rick Snyder wants Michigan to spend an additional $100 million to educate students who can fill jobs in professional trades, information technology and other high-demand fields. Snyder is calling it Michigan’s Marshall

BH Principal Placed On Leave

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Another official with Benton Harbor Area Schools is on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave pending an unspecified investigation. This time, it’s STEAM Academy at MLK Principal John David VanDyke. In a brief statement issued Thursday, the school district

Upton: DACA Now Up To House

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Congressman Fred Upton is still holding out hope for a replacement for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program after the Senate failed last week to put together an immigration bill. The DACA program enables young people