Local News Archives

Economic development organizations and others are working on making southwest Michigan a more attractive place for young workers to live as they seek to increase the region’s population. Michigan State Demographer Eric Guthrie was in Benton Harbor

As online shopping becomes more prevalent and physical stores continue to shut down, Michigan Works has launched a program to help retail workers who find themselves without a job. Michigan Works Talent Development Manager Samantha Gizzi tells

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is planning to hold a Citizens Academy next month. It holds the academies so residents can learn about what the sheriff’s department does and get to understand the court system a

The St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club Foundation has announced its grant recipients for 2019. Secretary Bill Healy tells WSJM News the Rotary is giving out $59,000 to eight groups in the area. It’s a local tradition. “The

There will be a formal inauguration for Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad this month. Muhammad was re-elected in November, and now the city says his inaugural will be on December 16. There, he plans to talk about

A website has been launched for the Benton Harbor Area Schools Community Engagement and Advisory Committee. Michigan Deputy State Treasurer Joyce Parker tells us Michigan.gov/EngageComm will provide meeting agendas and minutes, committee member bios, outreach meeting dates,

Some major recreation grants have been approved for communities around the state by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board. The board says the grants add up to $25 million, and several large grants are included for

After years of work, the Cherry Beach Project in Chikaming Township has ended in success. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board this week announced its next round of recreation grants to communities around the state, and

Congressman Fred Upton welcomed a team from Western Michigan University to Washington, D.C. this week for the Energy and Environment Innovation Showcase. He tells us it was put on by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee

From the Associated Press — The U.S. Coast Guard says it has launched ice-breaking operations in the western Great Lakes. Officials announced Wednesday they have started what they call “Operation Taconite” in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan,

Reducing the stigma that can be associated with drug addiction is a goal of the Berrien County Health Department as it works to fight drug overdose deaths. Berrien County Health Department Communications Manager Gillian Conrad tells WSJM

There will soon be a new chief judge of the Berrien County Trial Court. At this week’s meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, current Chief Judge Gary Bruce said he’ll be stepping down from that

Congressman Fred Upton has made it official. He’s against the impeachment of President Trump. Upton spoke with us this week and expressed reservations, and his office issued a statement Thursday with Upton’s official stance. He says “the

Set for Saturday is an open house at the historic Chapin Mansion and Fort St. Joseph Museum in Niles. Niles History Center Assistant Director Molly Watson tells WSJM News this is a chance for everyone to tour

If the holidays will be taking you over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house, you’re going to have plenty of company. The holiday season travel forecast from Triple-A projects record numbers of people both

The Lincoln Township Board has voted to formally abandon an old, unused section of road near the Grand Mere area. Lincoln Township Supervisor Dick Stauffer tells us it’s a 55 foot long, 66 foot wide former piece

As Michigan lawmakers and county commissioners try to get an emergency declared over Great Lakes coastal erosion, Congressman Fred Upton has been looking into what he can do. He tells WSJM News he met Tuesday with representatives

A FIRST Robotics Team representing Benton Harbor Area Schools will be in West Bloomfield this weekend taking part in a statewide championship. At a meeting of the school board Tuesday, students in the FIRST Lego League and

Some changes are being made at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph as it struggles to overcome funding challenges. Box Factory Board President Judy Sokolowski tells WSJM News after an emergency meeting of the

The Bissell Pet Foundation wants to get forever homes for as many pets as possible this week with their latest “Empty The Shelters” event. Locally, Van Buren County Animal Control in Hartford and the Al-Van Humane Society

The suspect in the murder of 29-year-old Quintina Jeffries in Benton Harbor on Sunday is dead. Samuel Brown shot himself Tuesday night in St. Joseph after attending the Benton Harbor-Dowagiac basketball game. Brown had been actively posting

From the Associated Press — Recreational marijuana sales totaled about $1.6 million in the inaugural week of business at the first retail shops in Michigan. The Detroit Free Press and MLive.com report sales during the December 1-8

While the state budget impasse is about half-resolved with lawmakers passing supplemental budget bills restoring $573 million dollars cut from the current fiscal year’s budget by line item vetoes, the work isn’t yet done. They and the

Two people from South Haven and one from Bloomingdale will serve two-year terms on the Michigan Blueberry Commission. Governor Whitmer reappointed Creela Hamlin of South Haven to represent at-large growers. She owns Lake Michigan Berry LLC. Cornerstone

Despite a legal victory against a major corporation, some environmental and community groups are not letting their guard down when it comes to protecting Michigan’s water. The Michigan Court of Appeals last week ruled Osceola Township had

As the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education prepares to hold its final interviews with the two remaining candidates for superintendent next week, the community will also have a chance to meet the prospective hires. At