One-point-seven million Michigan residents are traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday this year. Most are driving, but more than 151,000 are flying, with many in and out of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. “We
Power is expected to be restored around 3 pm in South Haven. Indiana Michigan Power says a high-voltage line pole was broken this morning, and that disrupted service at two substations in the area. The entire city
The city of South Haven has no electricity. City officials tell WSJM News both of their transmission lines from American Electric Power are down, with no estimate on when restoration will happen. The outage began around 9:45
From the Associated Press — A budget impasse in Michigan is starting to take a toll on government programs and services. Sheriff’s offices, jails, charter schools, private colleges, hospitals, local governments and nonprofits are casualties of the
Michigan lawmakers are being asked to put the brakes on the implementation of work requirements for Healthy Michigan enrollees. A coalition of healthcare and anti-poverty organizations filed a lawsuit last week challenging the Trump administration’s approval of
With high winds expected Wednesday, utilities are scrambling to be prepared. Consumers Energy spokesperson Brian Wheeler says even though it’s a holiday week, the company’s crews will be ready. “Right now, we’re looking at severe weather, high
As family cooks everywhere are getting ready to prepare their Thanksgiving meals this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding them of how to safely cook that bird. USDA technical information specialist Chrystal Okonta tells WSJM
All that remains for legal recreational marijuana businesses to set up shop in Buchanan now is state and local licensing. The city commission this week approved a zoning ordinance amendment to allow for those companies. The state
A Van Buren County man has an additional 300,000 reasons to give thanks this week. The Michigan Lottery says the 62-year-old has chosen to remain anonymous after claiming his jackpot from the Super Bingo instant game. He
From the Associated Press — Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has named Jonathan Brater to be the next director of the Michigan Bureau of Elections following the retirement of current director Sally Williams. Brater, who will take
Public attention is growing about an effort to get a disaster declaration for the entire Great Lakes coast in Michigan. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners last week approved a resolution asking the governor and Michigan Legislature
The city of St. Joseph will not be purchasing the former Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters from the U.S. Coast Guard. The federal government needed a decision by the end of this month with an asking price of $445,000.
Anyone who owes late fees to the Bridgman Public Library has a chance to pay them off this month while helping those in need. The library tells us they will accept donations of unopened, non-perishable food items
A new policy is going into effect at Spectrum Health Lakeland hospital in St. Joseph requiring visitors to wear ID badges. Starting December 2, anyone age 12 or older visiting someone at the in-patient area of the
Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski and Benton Harbor Interim City Manager Ellis Mitchell are putting out an appeal for help to be found for the residents of the New Harbor Condominium complex on Riverview Drive now that
The National Weather Service is expecting some wild winds in the coming days. It’s issued a high wind watch to be in effect Wednesday morning through Wednesday night. Meteorologist Andrea Honor tells WSJM News this will bring
The mystery of who I-196 Jane was has been solved by Michigan State Police and the DNA Doe Project, but now Detective Sergeant Scott Ernstes says that brought more questions about 28-year-old Marcia Bateman of Oklahoma City.
The final numbers are being tallied for this year’s Stuff-A-Truck foodraiser event by 97.5 Y-Country, but morning host Matt Malone tells us it looks like last year’s record will be eclipsed. “Roughly $14,300, and some change,” says
A Michigan State Police trooper is recovering from minor injuries and a semi driver is at Spectrum Health Lakeland for non-life threatening injuries after an early morning police chase and crash on I-94 in Bridgman. Troopers pulled
Work is underway on the second version of 21st Century Cures on Capitol Hill. That’s the landmark law put forth by Congressman Fred Upton that helps to speed up the availability of medication and medical devices, and
The new contract for faculty at Southwestern Michigan College is in place. The SMC Board of Trustees approved the deal this past week, and the union has already voted on it. The contract includes pay increases of
An attraction in Baroda Township that often hosts events could lose its permission to do so. Baroda Township Planning Commission Chair David Schultz tells WSJM News the special use permit for NIMBY Pond is under its yearly
The Van Buren County Domestic Violence Coalition is opening a new office in Covert Township. Coalition Director Melanie Hooker tells WSJM News this will expand the group’s ability to help those in need. “We’re in Paw Paw,
A 66-year-old Benton Harbor woman is in critical condition at Spectrum Health Lakeland after being shot in her home in the 900 block of Pavone late Saturday night. Benton Harbor Public Safety says she was in bed
The Michigan Department of Transportation is working to change the way people talk about vehicle crashes. In a new video called “Crash, Not Accident,” MDOT seeks to explain why it makes more sense to not refer to
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education has heard some good news out of the district’s latest audit. At a meeting this past week, trustees heard from CPA firm Hungerford Nichols the general fund, or operating
November is national Adoption Month, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced two new initiatives to help children in the foster system find adoptive homes. Spokesperson Bob Wheaton tells WSJM News the first
With firearm deer hunting season underway in Michigan, big bucks are being generated for the state’s economy. Michigan Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Ed Golder tells WSJM News hunting is a part of Michigan’s heritage. “Over the
The Michigan Senate Transportation Committee has moved forward on a bill that would study the idea of implementing toll roads in the state. On a recent episode of the Michigan Department of Transportation podcast, “Talking Michigan Transportation,”
A Berrien County deputy sheriff has received Berrien RESA’s 2019 Partnership Award. Deputy Kelly Laesch was honored for her efforts to foster relationships that encourage student development, growth, and achievement. Laesch was nominated by RESA employees Joe
