Local News Archives

A new program is being launched in Allegan County to have sheriff’s deputies spend more time in local schools in an effort to improve security. State Representative Mary Whiteford tells WSJM News it was the idea of

The American Red Cross has closed its last flood shelter. The organization closed its shelter shelter in Berrien Springs at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Sunday after moving there from Berrien Springs Middle School last week

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has released his office’s annual list of the top consumer complaints for the past year. Complaints about credit and finance companies led the way in 2017. Schuette says the complaints were about

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Michigan’s population grew 0.4% from April 2010 to July 2016. That’s a slower rate than other nearby states. Western Michigan University Economics Professor Susan Pozo tells WSJM News a reason could

Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Shelly Walker has been rated as ineffective by the board of education. Walker heard her yearly performance evaluation at a board meeting Wednesday. Her overall score was 36%. Trustee Joseph Taylor told

A $100,000 grant has been awarded to the River Valley Senior Center by the Pokagon Fund to help pay for an ongoing renovation project. The center’s Tim Hawkins tells WSJM News the Pokagon Fund money will help

Andrews University has broken ground on a new health and wellness center. Andrews Associate Vice President of Development Audrey Castelbuono tells WSJM News they’re now working full speed ahead on the $17.5 million, 76,000 square fooot facility

Kinexus is getting ready for a jobs fair next month at Lake Michigan College, and this one is focused specifically on one industry. Spokesperson Mary Morphey tells WSJM News it’s the fastest growing sector of the southwest

Lest We Forget and the Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan are teaming up to honor veterans as part of this May’s Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores. The Exchange Club’s Jim Ashbrook tells WSJM News they did

Federal legislation to crack down on websites that promote human trafficking has the support of Congressman Fred Upton. He tells WSJM News the “Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act” passed the House last

It’s time once again for state Senator John Proos’ Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament. Proos tells WSJM News it’s a way for communities throughout his district to demonstrate their support for the local high school, with last year’s

The Michigan Department of Transportation has released its 2018 construction map. Spokesperson Jeff Cranson tells WSJM News the map can help drivers plan their routes ahead of the busy construction season to avoid being stuck in work

The Berrien County Health Department says now is the time to make sure you and your family are prepared for a disaster. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News the recent flooding has been proof of that. First,

Former state Representative Al Pscholka has found a new job. He’s working at Kinexus as the Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs. That role will have the Stevensville-based Pscholka working with government leaders relating to

The first federal legislation inspired by last month’s school massacre in Parkland, Florida could get a vote in the U.S. House next week. Congressman Fred Upton tells WSJM News he’s been a co-chair of the Working Group

The Safe Shelter for Domestic Violence in Benton Harbor has launched a social media campaign to get regular people thinking about whether someone they know could be a victim of abuse. Safe Shelter’s Tiffany Griffin tells WSJM

Michigan has terrible infrastructure. That’s the conclusion of the American Society of Civil Engineers which this week issued a report card for the state in 2018, giving it a grade of D+. The Michigan section of the

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is running a children’s book drive all throughout this month. The organization’s Julee Laurent tells WSJM News they’ve got book drive stations in businesses and other locations all over Berrien and

Business Leaders for Michigan, an organization that represents the state’s 80 largest employers, has launched a new campaign to help guide Michigan’s economic development in the long term. Spokesperson Kelly Chesney tells WSJM News the Plan for

There is now a Republican in the race for Michigan House in the 79th District. The seat currently held by state Representative Kim LaSata is up for grabs because LaSata is instead running for the state Senate

It’s time to spring forward this weekend. Michigan State Police tell us the time to move your clocks ahead one hour will be 2 a.m. Sunday. Due to everyone losing an hour of sleep with the time

The Michigan Department of Treasury is telling taxpayers it’s taking some extra steps this year to help prevent tax-related identity theft. As a result, some individual income tax returns may be selected for identity confirmation. Treasury tells

Lake Michigan played a critical role in training Navy pilots during World War Two, and as part of the Michigan Maritime Museum’s Lecture Series, that’s going to be discussed next week. Troy Thrash, President and CEO of

A multi-agency flood relief center is being set up in Niles for the next few days to help distribute flood cleanup supplies. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us agencies including Berrien County Office of Emergency Management,

It’s quite the scene at St. Joseph High School this Friday and Saturday as a FIRST Robotics competition featuring 40 teams takes place. St. Joseph High School Principal Greg Blomgren tells WSJM News the St. Joe team,

Southwestern Michigan College will host more than 60 employers from Michigan and Indiana for a jobs fair this month. Set for next Wednesday, the Internship and Career Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Country music is back at the Berrien County Youth Fair this summer. “We will be having LoCash in the house at 7 p.m. (Wednesday, August 15),” says Kala Hoover of the fair’s board of directors. She notes

From the Associated Press — Defendants in Michigan would be compelled to listen to victim impact statements under legislation that has moved through the House. The House passed the bill 105-2 Thursday in honor of the late Rebekah