Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Andrae Townsel has been hired to serve as superintendent of Calvert County Public Schools in Maryland. The Calvert County district put out word this week its board has decided to hire Townsel
From the Associated Press — The Michigan Supreme Court has turned down a challenge by Democratic-aligned groups to a new map for state House seats. The groups claim the map unfairly favors Republicans and conflicts with the
The Soo Locks opened at 12:01 a.m. and people were waiting patiently to watch two of the Great Lakes bigger vessels make their way through. Jeff Herrington with the US Army Corp of Engineers says the Edgar
It is Michigan Young Parent Awareness Day, and groups are spotlighting efforts to support expectant and parenting young people, both in taking care of their kids and achieving their personal goals. Research shows fewer than half of
State Senator Kim LaSata is recognizing Vietnam war veterans as March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day. She says many Vietnam vets don’t even talk about the sacrifice they made. “These heroes were part of our military and
South Haven Memorial Library will soon reopen to the public for the first time in about a year. Director Jim France tells WSJM News thanks to a 2017 millage, the library has been able to do about
The funding is in place for a new medical research agency proposed by Congressman Fred Upton. He tells WSJM News the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, known as ARPA-H, would operate alongside the NIH and CDC
Honor Credit Union has raised some funds for the Benton Township Fire Department. Credit Union team members have presented Fire Chief Rob Harper a check of $5,029 for the purchase of a new Jaws of Life. Those
From the Associated Press — Jurors in Grand Rapids are hearing from a second man who pleaded guilty in a scheme to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Kaleb Franks says he got involved because he “no longer wanted
The Michigan Legislature has approved a $4.8 billion infrastructure package. State Representative Pauline Wendzel says the plan also continues COVID-19 relief and a stabilization of the state’s unemployment benefits trust fund. Senate Bill 565 and House Bill
Pet owners may be running into delays when it comes to procedures with their cats and dogs. A worker shortage in the veterinarian industry has led some animal hospitals and clinics to delay surgeries and other work.
In a survey of likely voters, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has some work to do if she wants to be re-elected. According to the survey, conducted by the Lansing-based Marketing and Resource Group, only 34% of respondents indicated
Michigan lawmakers have unveiled and begun passing a massive $4.8 billion spending plan, one that will upgrade long-neglected infrastructure including water pipes, dams, roads and parks. The legislation is the product of months of negotiations between the
There will be no meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners today due to a lack of a quorum. The Administration Committee’s meeting at 9:15 a.m. is also canceled. Two other committees, Finance and Personnel and
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has released a new video advising everyone how to protect themselves from pet-related scams. She says if you’re getting a dog, research the breed, research the breeder, and insist you meet the
The PGA of America has announced the 2022 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship Community Long Drive Contest. It will be held at Pipestone Indoor Country Club on April 6 starting at 4:30 p.m. and will and feature longest
Congressman Fred Upton is feeling a lot better after his positive COVID test last week. He told WSJM News on Tuesday his symptoms never got all that bad. “I’m feeling much better,” Upton said. “Thank goodness the
Michigan Works Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren is touting the success of its Offender Success program. Program Director Derek Knuth tells WSJM News it works directly with the Michigan Department of Corrections to help those who are
The Michigan and Ohio Section of the American Nuclear Society has sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer urging her and state lawmakers to reconsider the closure of the Palisades nuclear power plant in May. The organization
From the Associated Press — A man who pleaded guilty to planning a kidnapping of Governor Gretchen Whitmer says he and his allies wanted to act before the 2020 election to prevent Joe Biden from winning the
A Michigan lawmaker wants to do away with teacher evaluations for this year. Livonia Senator Dayna Polehanki says 40% of the teachers’ annual year end evaluations are based on student growth. She says it’s not fair for
A study by Beaumont Health researchers finds a significant boost to getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster. Researchers found people have a 45% lower death rate than people who have not been vaccinated. They also had much lower
A new report found older Michiganders and people with disabilities face some of the greatest barriers to housing, and systemic racism has led to higher rates of disability among people of color. Renter households at or below
A 38-year-old Bloomingdale man is jailed after a chase with police in Van Buren County. Deputies and the Michigan Department of Corrections Absconder Recovery Unit were looking for the parole absconder, who was wearing a GPS tether.
An event being held in May will take bicyclists along the Kal Haven Trail all the way from Kalamazoo to South Haven. Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail Vice President Jeff Green tells WSJM News the 35th Annual
An address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Congress last week is getting high marks from Congressman Fred Upton. He tells WSJM News Zelenskyy painted a stark picture of what has happened to his country since Russia’s
A new pedestrian walkway will be built in South Haven along Aylworth Avenue from Kalamazoo to LaGrange Streets. Public Works Director Bill Hunter tells WSJM News the paved walkway will be on the south side of the
Teachers at Benton Harbor Area Schools will get retention bonuses at the end of the school year following action Monday by the board of education. Superintendent Andrae Townsel tells WSJM News it was time to reward teachers
From the Associated Press — Electric vehicle battery maker LG Energy Solution, a joint-venture partner with automaker General Motors, plans a $1.7 billion expansion in western Michigan that will add up to 1,200 jobs by 2025. The
