Local News Archives

Darwin Watson is no longer the city manager of Benton Harbor. At a special meeting Monday night, the Benton Harbor City Commission fired Watson. The vote was five to three, with Commissioner Edward Isom, Mayor Po Tem

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced her office has joined 49 other Attorneys General in a multi-state settlement with Equifax as a result its massive 2017 data breach. The settlement includes up to $425 million in

Speaking to those at the NAACP Convention at Cobo Center Monday morning, U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan said a fundamental part the United States is equal opportunity for all Americans. He said President Trump’s recent rhetoric

A delegation of 16 members of Congress that traveled to the southern U.S. border last week returned on Saturday, and among those to go was Congressman Fred Upton. He spoke to Michigan’s Big Show on Monday and

With the September 30 deadline fast approaching, there’s still no deal in place for a state budget. Governor Gretchen Whitmer says leaders on both sides took a vacation instead of working on a plan. She spoke to

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is advising everyone to be careful around breakwaters, piers, or jetties in the Great Lakes. It says due to the high Great Lakes water levels, the threat of injury near a

From the Associated Press — DTE Energy is planning to buy three new wind parks in Michigan that are expected to help lower carbon emissions from the utility’s operations. The Detroit-based utility says Michigan’s Public Service Commission

Unit 2 at Cook’s nuclear power plant in Bridgman was shut down Sunday to fix two water pumps. Indiana Michigan Power says there’s no safety issue and the repairs are expected to be made soon. Bill Downey

From the Associated Press — U.S. states and Canadian provinces in the Great Lakes region are looking for ways to cooperate on preventing Asian carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Representatives of the states and provinces met last

From the Associated Press — The head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a $2 million grant program to clean up the shorelines and waters of the Great Lakes. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler during an

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is seeking public input on the new redistricting commission being set up to draw the state’s legislative districts. Secretary of State spokesperson Shawn Starkey tells WSJM News that’s as the application

A Michigan group that advocates for Muslims has filed a civil rights complaint against Tim Hortons restaurants, claiming a worker refused to serve a Muslim-American couple and told them to “Go back to your own country.” At

It could be Labor Day before we know if the Michigan Supreme Court will issue an opinion on the constitutionality of the Michigan legislature action gutting the state minimum wage law. The GOP severely weakened the law

The American Red Cross still faces a blood donation emergency in Michigan. Southwest Michigan Red Cross Communications Director Todd Kulman says stepping up now to donate your blood could well save a life. “The easiest way is

Consumers Energy is taking applications for its first ever Prosperity Awards. Spokesperson Brian Wheeler tells WSJM News the utility is making $500,000 available this year through the grant program. They’re looking for non-profits with plans to improve

Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles is teaming up with Chikaming Open Lands for an environmental film festival this summer. Fernwood tells us they’ll be showing two films with a green message. First up will

The fundraising is underway for a new home for the Hartford Public Library. Director Stephanie Daniels tells WSJM News the goal is to break ground in September on a new facility located on East Street, the site

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is advising everyone how to be safe at fairs this summer. With so many county fairs taking place around the state, spokesperson Lynn Sutfin tells WSJM News swine flu

The South Bend International Airport held a celebration this past week as its new Federal Inspection Station was opened. Airport Director Mike Daigle tells WSJM News the station will expand the possibilities for flights at South Bend

The deadline to apply for student aid through the state’s Tuition Incentive Program, or TIP, is approaching. Michigan Office of Post-Secondary Financial Planning Director Anne Wohlfert tells WSJM News TIP provides tuition to students who qualified for

South Haven Area Emergency Services has promoted one of its own to be the new deputy chief and fire marshal. Firefighter and paramedic Keith Bierhalter has been moved up to the new rank. Bierhalter has 37 years’

The Berrien County Health Department is reminding everyone of the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke now that summer is here and we’ve had many days in the 90s. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News

Red flags are posted again at South Beach in South Haven today. South Haven Area Emergency Services has released the following statement: “Today in South Haven, South Beach is RED FLAGGED for Saturday July 20, 2019. Similar

Berrien County is holding a pesticide collection event this month. Farmers, greenhouse operators, golf course staff, and gardeners are welcome to drop off unwanted and outdated pesticides at the Clean Sweep Collection site in Benton Harbor on

Ground has been broken on a medical marijuana production facility in Benton Harbor. NoBo Partners purchased the former Alreco Metals site for $450,000, and was granted final approval this month to move forward with its plans for

The Niles Scream Park has announced its community project scholarship recipients for the year. Secretary Kelly Welch tells WSJM News six young people from Niles, Brandywine, and South Haven High Schools have been picked for $500 scholarships

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is investigating multiple cases of an uncommon gastrointestinal illness reported in Van Buren County. Spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News it’s called cyclosporiasis, and it’s believed to have come

Michigan State Police are encouraging everyone to stay safe during this weekend’s heatwave. Lieutenant Ken High out of Paw Paw tells WSJM News you need to take a few simple precautions. “Stay hydrated, drinking plenty of water,

From the Associated Press — Health officials in Detroit have confirmed a case of measles in a city resident who recently returned from overseas travel. The Detroit Health Department says the person with the highly contagious disease

Two suspects who police say broke into an Allegan County hardware store and stole 22 guns are now headed to prison. The U.S. Attorney in Grand Rapids says Matteo Marroquin and Lacy Zimmerman broke into the Graafschap