Making English the official language of Michigan is what the state House has voted to do. Charlotte Republican state Representative Tom Barrett, who sponsored the measure which passed yesterday, spoke on the House floor Thursday. “We have
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
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is already looking at the long-term needs of Berrien and Cass counties when it comes to flood cleanup. United Way of Southwest Michigan President Anna Murphy tells WSJM News that’s why
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
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
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
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
The United Way of Southwest Michigan and the Berrien Community Foundation have set up a special fund to help those who have been affected by flooding in southwest Michigan this week. The organizations tell us 100% of
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
Indiana Michigan Power is keeping a close eye on its infrastructure that could be affected by this week’s flooding in Berrien County. Spokesperson Schnee Garrett tells WSJM News I&M’s dams are holding up. “All of I&M’s dams
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
A shelter has been set up at Berrien Springs Middle School for local families displaced by flooding this week. One girl we spoke with, Yurida, told us she had to leave her home quickly when it was
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department continues to help local first responders deal with flooding. Undersheriff Chuck Heit tells WSJM News the department was helping to evacuate some Royalton Township residents on Thursday in the area of of
The current political climate has inspired a local Democrat to run for Michigan House in the 79th District. Joey Andrews operates a solar energy company and works for a family business in the St. Joseph area. He
Two girls are back with their families following a rescue by South Haven Area Emergency Services this week. The department tells us firefighters on Tuesday afternoon rescued the girls who were stuck in a ravine area behind
23 passengers aboard an Indian Trails bus that caught fire on I-94 in Van Buren County Thursday are unhurt. Michigan State Police tell us the bus was in the eastbound lanes of the highway near Hartford when
From the Associated Press — The University of Michigan is changing a policy that allows for classes to begin 10 minutes after their scheduled start. The university announced that the “Michigan Time” policy will be phased out on
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is congratulating one of its corrections officers for having completed a local corrections officer training academy held at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The sheriff’s department tells us Rebecca Laws took part
From the Associated Press — The Michigan House has voted to spend $175 million on road and transportation projects as the winter thaw reveals awful potholes around the state. Governor Rick Snyder had proposed spending the money in
Two shelters are now open in Berrien County for people being driven from their homes due to the flood. The American Red Cross tells WSJM News they’ve opened shelters at Berrien Springs Middle School and at Wesley
The Berrien County Courthouse in Niles will be closed through Monday due to flooding. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us all matters involving traffic citations, arraignments or reporting to probation offices should now report to the
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.
There has been some historic flooding in the Niles area this week, and Berrien Springs has been hard hit as well. Niles City Administrator Ric Huff tells WSJM News there are some things residents need to do
While the nation debates gun control again, Congressman Fred Upton says he’s always been in favor of some common sense rules. He tells WSJM News he was calling for universal background checks back in the 90s. He
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is partnering with local fire and police departments to respond to flooding throughout the area. Undersheriff Chuck Heit tells WSJM News there are some simple safety rules for drivers to follow as
Benton Harbor Area Schools has shuffled around its business office. At a meeting Tuesday, the board voted to contract with Rehmann Robson accounting firm to manage finances. Trustee Joseph Taylor told WSJM News that comes as the
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
Flooding in Berrien County this week has been the worst in the Niles and Berrien Springs areas. The city of Niles put out word Wednesday morning the St. Joseph River level is poised to crest at 16.9
Flooding concerns all over southern lower Michigan and they’re being proactive in one area town. Part of Mattawan is threatened by floodwaters. The water is overflowing the banks of the Mattawan Creek which runs through the center
State Representative Kim LaSata has announced her campaign co-chairs as she runs for the Michigan Senate in the 21st District, and they’re some well-known names. LaSata tells us her chair for Berrien County will be Berrien County
