Local News Archives

Plan Could Expand Bottle Deposit Law

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A bill being proposed in Lansing would expand upon the law established in 1976 to pay a reimbursable ten cent deposit on pop and beer cans and bottles. Under the proposal from Kalamazoo Representative Jon Hoadley, the

MSU Turns Over Materials To Attorney General

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From the Associated Press — Michigan State University says it is turning over 45,000 pages of material to a special independent counsel investigating if the school mishandled sexual assault allegations against former doctor Larry Nassar. Pat Fitzgerald, a former

City Manager Continues Indefinitely

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Darwin Watson remains the city manager of Benton Harbor. However, at a meeting Wednesday, city commissioners voted down a resolution to renew his contract for one year. At the meeting called by Commissioners Juanita Henry and Mary

Environmentalists Blast DEQ Plan

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Some state lawmakers want to shift control of environmental rules from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to state-appointed boards, a move environmentalists say would put the fox in charge of the henhouse. Senate Bill 652 would

Health Department Talks Hepatitis A

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The Berrien County Health Department wants everyone to know about the risks of hepatitis A as an outbreak of the disease continues in part of Michigan. Health department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the situation is

Senator Saluted By Police Group

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State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker has been named the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Legislator of the Year. The Lawton Republican tells WSJM News she was selected for the honor due to her work on several fronts,

It’s Warm Your Heart Month In South Haven

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It’s Warm Your Heart Month in South Haven with the 18th annual Island Sit at the Phoenix Street Welcome Island set for February 24. We Care’s church partners, community organizations, and area businesses are joining forces to raise

Kinexus Helping Job Seekers In Niles

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Niles-area job seekers looking for a little extra help in their search for new employment can now stop by the Niles District Library every other Wednesday for sessions with Kinexus. The organization’s Sonya Blanzy tells WSJM News

Road Crews Prepare To Be Busy

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Across lower Michigan, road crews have prepared for a major snowfall expected throughout Friday. Van Buren County Road Commission Engineer Manager Larry Hummel spoke with Michigan News Network about what they were doing there. “We’re making sure

Weather Blamed For Cass County Crash

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A Niles man is recovering after a single-vehicle crash on Leet Road north of US-12 in Cass County. Deputies say Walter Langheinrich had to be freed from his vehicle by first responders after he lost control, hit

Snyder Calls For More Road Funding

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While speaking in Metro Detroit’s Oakland County this week, Governor Rick Snyder continued his call for more road funding. That’s what he’s proposed in his budget plan. “Even after this next year’s budget, you’re going to see

Plan Would Give Counties Money For Veterans

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Legislation from state Representative Beth Griffin would establish a grant program in Michigan for counties to maintain veterans service offices. She tells us county veteran officers can connect veterans with the often-confusing benefits system. “There are actually

State Agencies Reviewing Superintendent Suspension

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State agencies with authority over Benton Harbor Area Schools are reviewing the suspension this week of Superintendent Shelly Walker. The Departments of Treasury and Education have consent and partnership agreements with the school district, respectively. Treasury’s Ron

State Police Brace For Snow Storm

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With snow expected to slam southwest Michigan for the next day, state police are reminding everyone to give themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations when driving. Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division

Democrat Hopes For Win In 66th District

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Another Democrat has jumped into a southwest Michigan political race. Now running for Michigan House in Van Buren County’s 66th District is Dan Seibert, an IT engineer with Perrigo in Allegan. Seibert lives in Paw Paw, and

OutCenter Steps Up Security

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The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is stepping up security following an online threat this week. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News one person threw a barrage of hate speech the OutCenter’s way, and then suggested violence.

Upton Seeks To Fight Coastal Erosion

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Congressman Fred Upton wants the federal government to do more to help fight shoreline erosion along the Great Lakes. He’s signed on to a letter sent this week to the Office of Management and Budget and to

Get Ready For More Snow

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A winter storm bearing down on parts of the Midwest is expected to dump up to a foot of snow on us before it leaves the state Friday night. WNDU NewsCenter 16 meteorologist David Harker says this

College Holding Financial Aid Event

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Coming up this month will be some events at Lake Michigan College to help students who are looking to navigate the financial aid system. LMC Financial Aid Director Kemmoree Duncomb tells WSJM News Help Night events will

MI Attraction To Be Featured On Quarter

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From the Associated Press — A new quarter commemorates Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The U.S. Mint and the National Park Service on Wednesday are holding an event to launch the “America the Beautiful Quarters

Board Trustee Talks Pool Repairs

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The pool belonging to Benton Harbor Area Schools may be cheaper to reopen than previously thought. That’s the message from Trustee Steven Mitchell, who said at this week’s school board work session he has sought a second

Heritage Museum Close To Reopening

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The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph is planning to reopen to the public next month. Curator Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News repair work is coming along nicely since the museum had to close in