State Representative Beth Griffin is hailing legislation designed to protect young people from sexual assault at Michigan schools. The plan, which was drafted in response to the ongoing Larry Nassar scandal at Michigan State University, would establish
From the Associated Press — Archie Van Elslander, the founder of Art Van Furniture and a major Detroit-area philanthropist, has died. He was 87. A statement released by his family says Van Elslander, who was known as Art
State Representative Kim LaSata is running for the Michigan Senate. The 79th District Republican from Bainbridge Township tells WSJM News she plans to make auto insurance reform, tax relief, and attracting business her priorities if elected. LaSata
The deadline to apply for a Frederick S. Upton Foundation grant through the Berrien Community Foundation is quickly approaching. The foundation tells us the date is March 15 for those wishing to receive a grant in during
The United Way of Southwest Michigan is taking over the job of connecting people with opportunities to volunteer. The United Way’s Rachel Wade tells WSJM News that means a big change for Volunteer Southwest Michigan. “Volunteer Southwest
The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph is planning to reopen to the public next month. Curator Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News repair work is coming along nicely since the museum had to close in
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hoping fishermen and anyone else who enjoys the great outdoors will act as its eyes when out and about this winter and coming spring. Spokesperson Elyse Walter tells WSJM News
Michigan Budget Director Al Pscholka is not going to get into the race for the 21st District state Senate seat currently held by John Proos. “The bottom line was really quality of life for me and my
Cassopolis vs St. Joseph on Academic Challenge. Watch each Match Live on Thursdays starting at 6pm on News/Talk 94.9 WSJM’s Facebook page from the Signature Community Room.
Coming up this month will be some events at Lake Michigan College to help students who are looking to navigate the financial aid system. LMC Financial Aid Director Kemmoree Duncomb tells WSJM News Help Night events will
The city of Benton Harbor will be working with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency to administer a home rehabilitation program. That’s following action this past week by the Benton Harbor City Commission. The home rehab program
A Democrat has joined in the race for Michigan Senate in the 21st District. Ian Haight is a former Hagar Township Clerk and current RESA technology specialist who tells WSJM News he senses the time is right
South Haven City Council has given their approval to a music festival called Rhythm on the River to be held this July at Riverfront Park. Spokesman Ben Holt from Foundry Hall spoke with WSJM News about what’s
The pool belonging to Benton Harbor Area Schools may be cheaper to reopen that previously thought. That’s the message from Trustee Steven Mitchell, who said at this past week’s school board work session he has sought a
Another Democrat has jumped into a southwest Michigan political race. Now running for Michigan House in Van Buren County’s 66th District is Dan Seibert, an IT engineer with Perrigo in Allegan. Seibert lives in Paw Paw, and
A bill being proposed in Lansing would expand upon the law established in 1976 to pay a reimbursable ten cent deposit on pop and beer cans and bottles. Under the proposal from Kalamazoo Representative Jon Hoadley, the
Lory’s Place has a new director. With the recent retirement of Lisa Bartoszek comes the naming of Stephanie Kohler as the new director of Lory’s Place. The organization provides grief counseling for families with loved ones who
Phase two in the construction of a new park in the South Haven area is now underway. The South Haven Recreation Authority tells us work at the Pilgrim Haven Natural Area throughout this year will include a
From the Associated Press — Michigan State University says it is turning over 45,000 pages of material to a special independent counsel investigating if the school mishandled sexual assault allegations against former doctor Larry Nassar. Pat Fitzgerald, a former
Darwin Watson remains the city manager of Benton Harbor. However, at a meeting Wednesday, city commissioners voted down a resolution to renew his contract for one year. At the meeting called by Commissioners Juanita Henry and Mary
Some state lawmakers want to shift control of environmental rules from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to state-appointed boards, a move environmentalists say would put the fox in charge of the henhouse. Senate Bill 652 would
The Berrien County Health Department wants everyone to know about the risks of hepatitis A as an outbreak of the disease continues in part of Michigan. Health department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the situation is
State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker has been named the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Legislator of the Year. The Lawton Republican tells WSJM News she was selected for the honor due to her work on several fronts,
A program that works with at-risk young people in southwest Michigan has received a $250,000 grant to expand its operations. Youth Solutions, Incorporated is part of Kinexus and an extension of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program.
The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education wants to get a better handle on the district’s finances. At a work session this week, board members told the finance director to rework the district’s Financial and Operating
It’s Warm Your Heart Month in South Haven with the 18th annual Island Sit at the Phoenix Street Welcome Island set for February 24. We Care’s church partners, community organizations, and area businesses are joining forces to raise
Friday’s winter storm sweeping through southern Michigan is expected to dump six to eight inches in some areas by the time it’s all done. Mlive Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa told Michigan News Network there are two more waves
Niles-area job seekers looking for a little extra help in their search for new employment can now stop by the Niles District Library every other Wednesday for sessions with Kinexus. The organization’s Sonya Blanzy tells WSJM News
The new master plan for the village of Stevensville is now online and available for all residents to review. Southwest Michigan Planning Commission Associate Planner Ryan Fellows helped work on the document and tells WSJM News the
The city of Benton Harbor is headed toward the implementation of its new income tax. At a meeting this week, commissioners approved the purchase of computer software to administer the tax at a cost of $65,000. They
