Local News Archives

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is willing and able to assist the city of St. Joseph in adding life rings to the north pier. Chief Deputy Robert Boyce tells WSJM News he was on hand for this

Michigan State Police at the Paw Paw post could use a little spiritual guidance. Lieutenant Dale Hinz tells us the post is looking for a chaplain. The chaplain is a volunteer member of clergy who helps state

A legal battle over the vaccination of a 2-year-old girl will go to trial in Oakland County. Micheal Schmitt wants his daughter vaccinated, given local health concerns. He told Michigan News Network that includes an outgoing flu

South Haven Area Emergency Services held cold water rescue drills off the South Haven piers on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Tony Marsala tells WSJM News why the training is needed. “Any situation that would involve someone being in

The Berrien Community Foundation is taking applications for this year’s scholarships. Foundation President Lisa Cripps Downey tells us there are four new ones this year, with the BCF administering a total of more than 30. A new

State Representative Kim LaSata is taking a look at drafting legislation designed to crack down on the owners of abandoned, dilapidated businesses. She tells WSJM News the move comes on the heels of legislation she’s working on

One man is recovering after a home fire initially reported as an explosion in Cass County’s Milton Township Tuesday night. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us it happened in the 33,000 block of Bertrand Street around

Changes could soon be coming to the World War I monument in downtown St. Joseph. The Daughters of the American Revolution addressed city commissioners this week to tell them they’re hoping to move a plaque with the

The city of St. Joseph is closer to having a parks master plan. Last year, a series of public meetings took the suggestions of residents for Dickinson Park, Riverview Park, and Whirlpool Centennial Park. At Monday’s city

From the Associated Press — Michigan drivers will get a tax cut, and those who owe extra fees assessed for certain traffic infractions will see them waived under bills approved by the Michigan Legislature. The state House

Berrien RESA has a school board post to fill. RESA tells us the board this week accepted the resignation of Thomas Fanning, its secretary. Fanning recently suffered an injury after falling at his home and can no

Benton Harbor Area Schools could be looking at another deficit this year. At Tuesday’s meeting, the board of education was told a reworking of the district’s financial operating plan shows some funds for at-risk students could have

A state House Committee has sent to the floor the “Rebekah Bletsch Bill,” which would require that convicted criminals be required to listen to the victim impact statements given during sentencing hearings. Representative Holly Hughes of Montague

Starting Thursday and running through the end of Friday is the 12th annual 97.5 Y Country “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Country Cares Radiothon.” Y Country Morning Host Matt Malone tells us the event raises money for

The flu has been hitting hard in many states, including Michigan. It’s been tough in Kalamazoo County where Cherri’s Chocol’art  in Kalamazoo had to close for several days in January because of the flu. Owner Cherri Emory

From the Associated Press — Groups wanting to expand access to voting and boost Michigan’s renewable energy requirement have seen the form of their ballot initiatives approved by the state elections board. Promote the Vote wants to amend

With the release of President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2019 budget, Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint told Michigan News Network this week the budget fails to meet America’s infrastructure needs and he disagrees with cuts to the

Trustees on the Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education have heard from some parents and staff about the suspension last week of Superintendent Shelly Walker. At Tuesday’s meeting, former board member Elnora Gavin said the board

The national spotlight on the Larry Nassar scandal has cast Michigan in an unflattering light when it comes to how the state handles sexual assault on college campuses. A group of female lawmakers is setting out some

Berrien County Commissioner Jeanette Leahey is among those calling for the city of St. Joseph to install life rings at the north pier. She represents St. Joe Township on the county commission and has been a big

Changes are coming to the fall wine festival in St. Joseph. Following action this week by city commissioners to allow it, the September event will now be known as the St. Joseph Today Roots and Brews Festival.

With this being the week of Valentine’s Day, the Berrien County Health Department is suggesting the gift of a clean bill of health. That’s why it’s offering free STD testing at its Niles office. Health department spokesperson

Police have determined two people found dead in a home in Niles last month froze to death. The Niles Police Department tells us 81-year-old Albert Bivens and his daughter, 55-year-old Patricia Bivens, were found in their home

No one was seriously injured, but there was a bit of a mess to clean up on northbound US-31 Monday in Sodus Township following a crash. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us the crash happened near

Three people have been arrested in connection to a 2014 homicide in Bloomingdale Township. Over the past two weeks, Amber Roberts, James Eakins and Brandon Robertson, all of Battle Creek, were arrested and charged with the murder

From the Associated Press — Ford is telling the owners of 33,428 additional Ranger pickups in North America not to drive them because their Takata air bag inflators may present an extreme danger. The company says its investigation

From the Associated Press — A group is launching a ballot drive to boost the use of renewable sources of energy in Michigan. The initiative announced Monday would raise the renewable energy standard to 30 percent by 2030.

The Michigan Strategic Fund has decided to extend Grow Michigan’s funding for two years. Grow Michigan CEO Patrick O’Keefe tells told Michigan News Network this week the organization can step in when banks are unable to offer

The city of St. Joseph could add life rings to its north pier. At Monday’s meeting, city commissioners heard from U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lazaro Lopez, who told them it is the Coast Guard’s safety recommendation