The writer and director of a new film that was shot in southwest Michigan says it’s rewarding to see all of his effort come to fruition. Cooper Flannigan is behind Moondance, which is screening this weekend around
Four businesses have been awarded licenses to operate medical marijuana provisioning centers in Benton Harbor. Benton Harbor City Commissioners picked the four out of eleven total applicants at a meeting this week. Mayor Marcus Muhammad read off
Berrien County Drain Commissioner Christopher Quattrin is warning about the likelihood of flooding this year. He addressed the Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, telling them something must be done to prevent it. Quattrin told WSJM
Spectrum Health has ramped up its planning for COVID-19 as the number of cases around the country grows. Director of Emergency Preparedness Julie Bulson tells WSJM News they opened their command center last week, and it’s in
Some students at the Arts and Communications Academy at Benton Harbor Area Schools have distinguished themselves in a technology competition. At this week’s Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education meeting, Go IT coach Mary Brown told
A massive 24-bill package is now in the state House to help human trafficking survivors. Representative Mary Whiteford of Casco Township is among the sponsors and says there’s not much awareness of the scope of the problem
Lake Michigan College is closing all campuses to students and non-essential staff on Friday, and all classes tomorrow are canceled. On Monday, the college will reopen with employees back to work during regular business hours, but all
Pure Michigan, the Going PRO talent fund, and coronavirus mitigation efforts are included in a supplemental budget bill on its way to Governor Whitmer for her signature. The state Senate voted 36-2 to approve the bill Thursday,
Overall, the Secretary of State’s office is pleased with how smoothly the primary election went on Tuesday. Spokesman Jake Rollow said the election attracted a lot of young voters, and voter turnout was high. “The presidential primary
There will be no Blossomtime pageant this weekend. The Blossomtime Festival Board of Directors tells WSJM News they are postponing the events on March 15 and 16 with the Mr. Blossomtime Contest/Showcase of Queens and Miss Blossomtime
As the number of presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan remains at two, state officials have new recommendations for communities to slow the spread of the virus. Governor Whitmer and others are calling on businesses and
As a precaution due to the coronavirus pandemic, St. Joseph Public Schools is postponing this evening’s Kindergarten Round-up. Superintendent Dr. Thomas Bruce tells WSJM News that all registration forms that would have been provided to parents and
Congressman Fred Upton has met with healthcare leaders in southwest Michigan to find out what they need as COVID-19 becomes more of a concern. He tells WSJM News he held a meeting in Kalamazoo on Friday to
A bill that would designate Cass County’s Dr. T.K. Lawless Park as a state-recognized dark sky preserve is making its way through the Michigan Senate. State Senator Kim LaSata this week testified in favor of the plan
Celebration Cinema in Benton Harbor this Sunday is where and when you can see a new movie that was shot in southwest Michigan. Moondance is described as a “zany musical comedy that follows a rogue director that
An emergency budget plan has been approved by the Michigan House to restore support for tourism, economic development, and other programs. State Representative Beth Griffin says the bill partially restores funding Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed last year.
Restaurants and hotels around Michigan are taking steps to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association President Justin Winslow tells WSJM News the industry is working to ensure staff and customers are protected. “This
Spectrum Health is advising the public about educational resources it’s made available regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, it’s posted materials online that include travel tips, videos, and other information on how to prevent the spread
There have been some high level staff changes at Benton Harbor Area Schools. At Tuesday’s meeting of the board of education, the resignations of three principals were accepted. They are the principals of Fair Plain East, Hull,
Michigan State University is calling off all in-person classes until April 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak. In addition to MSU, Notre Dame is suspending all in-person classes on campus from Monday, March 23 through Monday, April
The decision by the Paw Paw Public Schools to retire the Redskins nickname and image at the end of this school year is being applauded by area native Americans. In a joint statement, the chairpersons of Tribal
Michigan State University is calling off all in-person classes until April 20 due to the coronavirus outbreak. MSU officials say they learned today of an individual linked to campus who is currently being monitored for the illness
Less than two weeks before he was to leave the job as Berrien County chief public defender for the same post in Kalamazoo County, Christopher Renna has died. The Herald Palladium reports the 40-year-old died at Spectrum
Michigan casinos say they’ll be ready today after state regulators said yes to sports betting. Marvin Beatty is with Greektown Casino. He says his casino plans to have an app as well as personal assistance available to
An autopsy is being done at Western Michigan University on a body found in the parking lot of Slumberland Furniture on East Napier Avenue in Benton Township. The body was found Tuesday. Police tell WSJM News there
The chief of the Pokagon Tribal Police Department will be honored with an award from a southwest Michigan Boy Scout council this week. Chief William Lux has been picked to receive the 2020 Soaring Eagle Award from
A state of emergency is now in place in the state due to the first presumed positive cases of coronavirus in Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement late Tuesday night “We’re taking every step that we
Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Andrae Townsel is working to ensure there won’t be a repeat of a bullying incident at the International Academy at Hull that was caught on video and put online last week. At
Some informational sessions on an invasive insect that threatens hemlock trees will be held this month by the Van Buren Conservation District. It says the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid eats away at the trees, possibly posing an
Interfaith Action of Southwest Michigan is planning a series of presentations on refugees for this month. The group, which represents churches and other faith-based organizations around the area, says angles to be addressed include who refugees are,
