Local News Archives

The city of Benton Harbor has changed the way people pay for parking at Jean Klock Park. It’s gone to a pay by plate system. There are now two kiosks at the beach where visitors pull in

A new statewide poll shows Joe Biden’s lead in Michigan is widening over President Trump. EPIC-MRA is out with the results of a new survey that shows 55% of respondents said they would vote for Biden, while

Legislation from state Senator Kim LaSata intended to close a loophole in a tasting room law has received a hearing in a Michigan Senate committee. LaSata says her bill “makes a small, but important change” to legislation

More than $20,000 in grants to local non-profits have been announced by the Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation. The organization says it’s supporting educational, cultural, beautification, and youth programs throughout the area. The recipients are the

Wearing a mask should not be political. So says Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who spoke Wednesday about the importance of everyone wearing a mask to stop the spread of COVID-19. She talked about some numbers. “Two people wearing

The Michigan Senate has approved a package of legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel that will allow breweries in the state to self-distribute more of their products. Wendzel tells WSJM News current state law limits small breweries

From the Associated Press — The Michigan House has approved spending $880 million in federal relief aid in response to the coronavirus pandemic, setting aside funding for frontline workers, municipalities and child care providers. The bill would

What Michigan has been doing to fight COVID-19 has been working. So says Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who provided a COVID update on Wednesday. She credited the state residents who have taken the pandemic seriously with flattening the

The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising drivers about some lane closures planned for I-94 in Van Buren County this week. MDOT says there will be single night time lane closures on eastbound I-94 for repaving from

Michigan is reporting 204 new cases of COVID-19 for Wednesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 60,393 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported just

The Potter Park Zoo in Lansing reopens to the public Thursday after being closed for a few months because of the coronavirus. It’s open already for members. Zoo director Cynthia Wagner says new safety protocols are in

No one is hurt, but a home in Van Buren County is a total loss following a fire on Tuesday night. South Haven Area Emergency Services tells us firefighters were sent to the home on County Road

Michigan lawmakers last year approved sweeping changes in an effort to reduce the cost of auto insurance. They take effect July 1. However, what if you haven’t had insurance before or have been driving around without it?

Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she believes schools could resume in-person learning in the fall. Her office has released the following statement: Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Michigan schools may resume in-person learning in phase 4 of

There’s something missing from downtown Detroit. Mayor Mike Duggan told city workers to remove the bust of Christopher Columbus from along Randolph Street near Jefferson. “When I looked at some of the violence around the country, and

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth this month. The office of the governor has released the following statement: Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring June 19th as Juneteenth Celebration Day in Michigan. Juneteenth commemorates

Congressman Fred Upton is urging policies to help the energy industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. He testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy Tuesday, saying the industry has been hurt in multiple ways. “If there

Volunteers are being sought to help clean up Michigan’s forests this summer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced the “100 in 100 Forest Challenge,” inviting residents to clean up 100 forests in 100 days. DNR

South Haven Area Emergency Services has welcomed eight new citizen firefighters. A SHAES Fire Academy Graduation ceremony was held Monday, completing an eight month long process of training the volunteers and getting them certified. In addition to

State Representative Mary Whiteford of Casco Township held a rally in front of the Michigan Capitol Tuesday to call for reforms to Michigan’s unemployment benefits system. She says she’s heard from constituents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the

The South Haven City Council has approved a short-term plan to address flooding near the intersection of Dunkley Avenue and East Wells Street, just to the east of the Black River. City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM

Southwestern Michigan College has sent a new class of graduates off into the world with its first ever virtual commencement. SMC President Joe Odenwald tells us because of COVID-19, a normal graduation couldn’t be held this year.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is sticking with her time line to move the state into the next to last phase of COVID recovery. She spoke to Michigan News Network this week. “People in Michigan are taking this seriously

Michigan is reporting 125 new cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the state has had 60,189 cases of the illness since the start of the pandemic. It reported 18

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the U.S. Supreme Court decision extending workplace protections to LGBTQ Americans is a “major victory for civil rights.” Following the Monday announcement, Nessel said the high court found that under federal

A couple of days after a massive racial equality march through Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, the Benton Harbor City Commission has approved a resolution declaring racism a mental health emergency. The move came during a Monday

Ford says it will finally unveil the new Bronco on July 9. Unfortunately, July 9 is also the 73rd birthday of OJ Simpson, who famously lead police on a chase while driving a Ford Bronco. Ford says

From the Associated Press — Some beaches along Lake Michigan are taking a hit from high water levels. The Escanaba Daily Press reports the vegetation that protects sandy beach areas is eroding. City recreation director Kim Peterson

From the Associated Press — Michigan’s health department is mandating coronavirus testing of all nursing home residents and staff after reporting the deaths of nearly 2,000 residents – about a third of all COVID-19 deaths across the

Racism and discrimination can be a tough subject to talk about, especially for parents and kids. Dr. Emily Mudd, a child psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, recommends asking kids what they’ve seen and letting them lead the