The Michigan Department of Transportation has ended a contest to name some of its plows. MDOT spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells us about one of the most popular submissions. “”There were some great names,” Schirripa said. “The name
A case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been found in Allegan County. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services sent notice to the local health department this week. It says the Omicron case is
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s new redistricting commission has approved a U.S. House map, one that is fairer to Democrats than when the process was controlled by the Republican-led Legislature for two decades. In a landmark
2021 remained a good year for hunting and fishing in Michigan. Michigan Wildlife Council Chair Nick Buggia tells WSJM News sales of hunting and fishing licenses shot way up in 2020 when the pandemic started. And 2021?
The two latest recall petitions filed against Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad have been rejected by the Berrien County Election Commission. The body shot down petitions five and six on Monday, while the Berrien County Clerk’s office
12-28-21 WSJM Afternoon News
From the Associated Press — Michigan public schools can use non-teaching staff as substitute teachers the rest of the academic year under a law designed to address a shortage during the coronavirus pandemic. Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer
From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to prohibit Michigan’s new redistricting commission from citing exceptions under the Open Meetings Act to hold closed sessions. Her signature last week came days after the
To ensure City of Benton Harbor residents have enough water for the holidays, additional hours for distribution have been added from 12 to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31 at Benton Harbor High School. Residents can get
Governor Whitmer today announced that schools are recruiting and in the process of hiring 560 more school psychologists, school social workers, school counselors, and school nurses with the help of funding from the FY22 State School Aid Act. “The pandemic
The price of gas is about to jump for the first time in nearly two months. GasBuddy.com analyst Patrick DeHaan is expecting a price jump in the next two days in west Michigan. “Stations usually decrease their
If you want to start saving for your child or grandchild’s college education, now is a good time to do it. The Michigan Education Trust is kicking off a new pricing structure this month so you can
Making travel plans for next year? How about a cruise along the Great Lakes? Conde Nast Traveler has chosen Great Lakes cruising as one of the best travel options for 2022.Cruise the Great Lakes initiative chair Dave
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Unit has received an award for its work during a campaign this year to catch drunk boaters. The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded the unit with a certificate of merit
A portion of Holden Road in the Baroda area has been closed by the Berrien County Road Department for a drain project. It says the Berrien County Drain Commission is working on the Sober and Becker Drain,
Congressman Fred Upton is decrying the divisive environment in Washington and around the country. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union over the weekend, Upton said nasty rhetoric in the national discourse is affecting the ability of
Jackson and Isabelle were the most popular names for babies born in Berrien County hospitals in 2021. Spectrum Health Lakeland has released its annual list. It says the top boys names were Jackson, Daniel, Oliver, Elijah, and
A documentary about Benton Harbor is in the works. Neighbors Organizing Against Racism is working with DG Media on producing “Benton Harbor: The Story, The Pain, The Hope” to focus on the positive things happening in the
The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will be closed Dec. 30 and 31 to observe the New Year’s holiday. Anyone who needs to certify for benefits should do so early in the week. Unemployed workers can certify for
The Autism Alliance of Michigan is working to ensure that autistic people understand the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID. The organization is also reaching out to parents whose autistic children are now eligible to be vaccinated.
From the Associated Press — An animal shelter in Michigan has been inundated with hundreds of parakeets. The Detroit Animal Welfare Group in Romeo said in a Facebook post that the small, colorful birds were dropped off
From the Associated Press — It could cost more to be a Michigan lawyer. The Michigan Supreme Court is accepting public comment on a proposal to raise dues for most lawyers by $70 a year to $385
From the Associated Press — Defense attorneys have sought to dismiss the indictment against five men accused of plotting to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer because of what they describe as “egregious overreaching” by federal agents and informants.
Pockets of Michigan have limited or no access to mental health providers, and a new pilot program aims to change that. The Wayne State University College of Nursing has received a $1.6 million grant from the state
Gas prices continue to fall in the state. Triple-A Michigan says the average price is down 4¢ a gallon from last week to $3.10, a drop of 23¢ in the past month. Prices are 82¢ higher than
With 2021 about behind us, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Paul Ajegba is reflecting on a busy year. Speaking on the Talking Michigan Transportation podcast, he said this week the $3.5 billion in funds for road work
Some new online course offerings are coming to Lake Michigan College. LMC VP of Academic Affairs Leslie Kellogg tells WSJM News it’s thanks to a new partnership with Rio Salado College in Arizona, which has a robust
The community is invited to support an effort to build monuments to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and local leaders in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. Sharon and Mack Brown are the founders of the Unified Civic
$3.7 million in water bonds are being sought by the Benton Harbor City Commission. During a meeting this past week, they were told the money through the state Drinking Water State Revolving Fund won’t have to be
Bipartisan economic development legislation signed this past week by Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be a boost to the state, says Cornerstone Alliance President Rob Cleveland. He was present when the governor signed the bill in Detroit and
