Local News Archives

Upton Praises Tax Cuts

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As next month’s elections are expected to bring a surge in voter turnout, one thing that could help Republicans is the state of the economy. September’s unemployment rate was 3.7%, the lowest it’s been since 1969. Congressman

Major Pokagon Construction Project Underway

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Major construction is underway at the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi’s Rodgers Lake campus near Dowagiac. Pokagon Band Government Manager Jason Wesaw tells us they’re doing a major improvement project at a cost of $25 million on

Immigration Detention Center Proposed For MI

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In west Michigan, the Immigration Centers of America has proposed converting the former Deerfield Correctional Center in Ionia into a federal immigration detention center. Dennis Muchmore, who represents the Immigration Centers of America, told Michigan News Network

Assistance Animals Workshop Next Month

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A workshop on the different types of assistance animals and the rules that apply to them is planned for next month in St. Joseph. Disability Network Southwest Michigan Education Coordinator Miranda Grunwell tells WSJM News there are

Home Repair Help In South Haven

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Residents of South Haven who might need some financial help repairing the exterior of their home could be in luck. South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette tells WSJM News that’s after action by the city council this

Michigan Bans Marijuana-Infused Drinks

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From the Associated Press — Rick Snyder has signed legislation to immediately prohibit marijuana-infused alcoholic drinks in Michigan. The law enacted Tuesday bars the use, possession or sale of marijuana-infused beer, wine, liquor and mixed drinks. Supporters

Maritime Museum Fright Nights This Week

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Set for this weekend is the fourth annual Michigan Maritime Museum Fright Nights in South Haven. The museum’s Ashley Deming tells WSJM News they’ll have the grounds decked out in a scary theme designed to thrill those

Opioid Summit Held This Week

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The national opioid crisis is being felt all over Michigan. In Washtenaw County there have 56 overdose deaths so far this year, an increase of more than 30% from a year ago. The Washtenaw County Opioid Summit

Fish Virus Appears In Two MI Lakes

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the largemouth bass virus that killed hundreds of fish back in the early 2000s has been found in Cedar Lake in Alcona and Iosco counties. DNR Hatchery Manager Martha Van

Stabenow And James Talk Healthcare, Trade

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By Doug Cunningham U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and GOP Senate candidate John James highlighted differences between them on healthcare when they met for debate. James is a staunch Trump backer who says Michigan needs new blood in

Voters Urged To Be Prepared

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The AARP of Michigan is hoping the state’s voters will get themselves familiar with the variety of proposals set to appear on next month’s ballot before they hit the polls. Manager of Advocacy Lisa Dedden Cooper tells

Cornerstone, Bridgman Chambers Integrating

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The Greater Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance is integrating into the Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce. Cornerstone’s Chris Heugel tells WSJM News the Twin Cities-based chamber started helping the Bridgman chamber when its previous leader moved out of

Upton, Longjohn Debate

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Rep. Fred Upton and Dr. Matt Longjohn faced off for an hour long debate Monday simulcast on WKZO and WSJM.  This is the closest re-election race Upton has faced since winning his seat in Congress in 1986.

Coast Guard Approves Mackinac Anchor Ban

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From the Associated Press — The U.S. Coast Guard says ships can’t drop anchor in the Straits of Mackinac unless they have permission. The area between Michigan’s two peninsulas has an oil pipeline, known as Line 5, as

DNR Warns About Deer Disease

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With hunters now hitting the woods, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking them to be on the lookout for bovine tuberculosis. DNR deer biologist Ashley Autenrieth tells WSJM News bovine TB is an ailment in

Resource Officer Coming To BH Schools

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A finalized code of conduct at Benton Harbor Area Schools and new security procedures are close to being implemented. District CEO Robert Herrera told WSJM News after a meeting this week the new school resource officer set

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Domestic Violence Coalition of Van Buren County, located in Paw Paw is ready to help. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are

Food Center Possible For Benton Harbor

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Feeding America West Michigan is conducting a study on a possible community food center in Benton Harbor. Marketing and Development Director Pattijean McCahill tells WSJM News the organization helps relieve hunger in 40 counties, but right now

BH Schools Early Enrollment Numbers

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The early enrollment numbers for Benton Harbor Area Schools this year are down slightly. District CEO Robert Herrera told WSJM News this week the counts are showing a loss of about 70 students from last year, which

SJ Schools In Good Financial Shape

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The latest financial audit has found St. Joseph Public Schools to be in good shape. At a meeting this past week, the board of education was told the district in the last year spent slightly less than