From the Associated Press — An apparently homesick bear who was moved from an area in northwestern Michigan where he had raided bird feeders and trash cans has traveled back to the same location. The Traverse City
Hagar Township is working with consulting firm Wightman to update its cemetery records with a modern GIS system. Wightman GIS Manager Ryan Miller tells WSJM News the township has three cemeteries, and modern technology is being used
The Secretary of State says that the long waits to get into a local branch to do things like renew your drivers’ license won’t lighten up for the next two to three months. Jocelyn Benson’s comments came
Many people are heading on road trips this summer. But if you’re hoping to stay at a state park campground and haven’t made reservations yet, you might be out of luck. “Any campground or national park or
As more folks are vaccinated and reopening continues, mental-health experts say it’s important to acknowledge and treat the trauma many children and teens experienced during the pandemic. Kids were concerned about a deadly, contagious disease during a
Lake Michigan College has hired Major Cooper to be its first dean of diversity, equity, and inclusion. LMC says in that role, Cooper will be responsible for creating and implementing a five-year diversity, equity, and inclusion plan.
Congressman Fred Upton thinks a compromise on infrastructure between the Biden administration and Republicans in Congress will be possible soon. He tells WSJM News there have been ongoing discussions, and it appears both sides do want to
Berrien County has a new medical director. With current Director Rick Johansen retiring, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved a contract with Spectrum Health Lakeland to bring on Dr. Rex B.G. Cabaltica to serve
Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Fletcher, out of the Paw Paw post, has been named the 2020 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year. MSP says Fletcher was selected for the honor due
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners will consider a plan to return to in-person meetings starting July 1. During a meeting this Thursday, Community Development Director Dan Fette told commissioners a review of current state capacity restrictions
The St. Joseph City Commission has approved the applications of 10 businesses to be part of the city’s social district providing it is approved by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The city held a meeting Thursday afternoon
The shooting of a Marcellus man in the head by his father is under investigation by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were called after 55-year-old Russell and 29-year-old Cody Gonder got into a fight after drinking,
The family of Colleen Van Wagner of South Haven Township says she has died from her injuries after her and her husband’s house exploded Tuesday. She died yesterday morning, and her husband, Bob, is still hospitalized. South
The Berrien County Road Department has announced the hiring of a new superintendent. Greg Trail will take over the job that had been filled by Don Geisler, who has retired after 35 years of service. Trail has
Coming up in June 5 will be the annual Lake Bluff Artisan Fair in downtown St. Joseph. St. Joe Today’s Amy Zapal tells WSJM News the event is a chance to scoop up the wares of a
Legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel is aimed at helping restaurants and bars hurt by COVID-19 by treating them fairly. Wendzel tells WSJM News it would reimburse and drop some fees they have to pay. “It waives
Congressman Fred Upton is hailing the passage and signing of the NO HATE Act. He voted for it in the House last week, and it has been signed by President Biden. The bill will increase and standardize
There’s a new park in the city of St. Joseph. City Manager John Hodgson tells WSJM News the land is at 213 Upton Drive, where the old city water tower once stood on the north side of
Business leaders are applauding new legislation that will expand the ready-to-drink cocktails market in Michigan. The measure is expected to make canned cocktails more accessible and affordable for distillers. Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesales Association President Spencer
From the Associated Press — Michigan lawmakers have unveiled bipartisan bills that would require updated use-of-force policies and make changes designed to hold police accountable for misconduct a year after the murder of George Floyd. The Senate
From the Associated Press — Michigan Republicans have advanced a bill that would prohibit state and local health officials from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for children under age 18. The concept is not under consideration in the state.
There will be lane closures on US-31 from US-12 to the Indiana state line from Tuesday until the end of August. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be resurfacing 6.5 miles of the highway starting June 1.
Consumers Energy is implementing a new peak summer rate starting June 1. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the company worked with the Michigan Public Service Commission to come up with a plan to give customers an
A 41-year-old motorcyclist from Berrien Springs is dead after a crash with a semi in Oronoko Township Tuesday evening. The Berrien Springs Oronoko Township Police say Robert Lucas was dead when officers arrived at the scene and
A fifth grade student from Michigan has come in second place in the 2021 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. The Michigan State Police Missing Persons Coordination Unit’s Jolene Hardesty told WSJM News last year a statewide
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District is once again taking submissions for its annual photo contest. Army Corps spokesperson Emily Schaefer tells WSJM News they’re looking for pictures of the agency’s work around the region.
Congressman Fred Upton is expecting delays with the establishment of a commission to investigate the January 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. He spoke on the House floor in favor of the commission last week, but tells WSJM News
Two people have been injured in a South Haven Township house explosion. South Haven Area Emergency Services has released the following: An explosion pulverized a South Haven Township (Van Buren County) residence seriously injuring the two occupants
The South Haven Beach Safety Committee has decided against recommending the city hire lifeguards for its beaches this year. The ad hoc committee was established to study the idea and conducted meetings over the past six months.
Coming soon to downtown Buchanan will be a social district. The city council approved it on Monday. Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Director of Membership Sarah Spoonholtz tells WSJM News within a social district, a person can carry
