Local News Archives

AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have gone up about 8¢ per gallon in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club said Tuesday the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.68 a gallon. That

There’s one fewer Republican running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Young has exited the race. He announced on a Detroit radio station this morning that he is “suspending” his

From the Associated Press — A Native American tribe is set to open its first Indiana casino to join three it already operates in southwest Michigan. The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi announced Tuesday that the Four Winds South

From the Associated Press — AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have gone up about 8 cents per gallon in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club said Tuesday the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.68

Congressman Fred Upton is maintaining that much was accomplished in Washington throughout 2017. His office has released a 2017 year in review report, which can be found on its website. Upton says, “2017 was a transformational year

The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety will be getting some new radios. City Commissioners on Tuesday approved the purchase of 22 police radios at a cost of $31,500. A $25,000 grant pays for most of it,

From the Associated Press — In the capital of the U.S. auto industry, drivers have been slow to accept that more Americans are choosing bicycles over cars for commuting or for fun and exercise. Now Michigan is trying

Looking back on 2017, state Representative Kim LaSata can identify several things accomplished by the Michigan Legislature. She tells WSJM News a big one from last year is a reform plan for teacher pensions. “They’ll be fully

The Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter is closed to the public due to a disease outbreak. Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Jim Charon tells WSJM News they’ve detected Parvo at the shelter in Hartford. “A

If you’re looking for an after school program for your daughter, one option is Girls on the Run. The southwest Michigan program is now taking registrations for its 2018 program. Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan Director

The cold weather isn’t leaving us anytime soon. WNDU Meteorologist Mike Hoffman tells us you can expect to be freezing for the next two weeks. He tells WSJM News we may have reached some record lows in

Michigan lawmakers will have several time-sensitive issues to address when they are back in session this new year. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley identified spoke with Michigan News Network about 2018 and identified two priorities. “There’s a skilled

Southwest Michigan’s first baby of the year is Lillian Helton, born at Lakeland Hospital in Niles yesterday. According to Lakeland, she was born at 4:46 a.m. to Ciara Lamb and James Helton of Union. The little girl

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph has launched a crowdfunding campaign as it aims to replace the museum’s HVAC system. Heritage Director Elizabeth Andrews tells WSJM News the aging system caused flooding that was

Southwest Michigan lawmakers are looking forward to what they hope will be a busy 2018. WSJM News caught up with several of them and learned auto insurance reform remains a priority. State Representative Dave Pagel of Berrien

Child care workers will need to pass criminal background checks and day care facilities will see increased inspections under legislation signed by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley last week week. State Senator John Proos tells WSJM News the

How did Michigan’s economy fare in 2017 and what’s expected going forward in 2018? Michigan’s economy had a solid 2017 and the head of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is optimistic for 2018. MEDC CEO Jeff Mason

2017 was a busy year for state Representative Dave Pagel. He tells WSJM News he looks back at the year and regards a failed House vote to eliminate the Michigan income tax as a significant moment. Pagel

The new president of the Michigan State Horticultural Society is a fruit grower from Eau Claire. Monica Teichman of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm has been selected to lead the horticulture society for 2018. Michigan State Horticultural Society Secretary

Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley this week signed legislation designed to fight the opioid epidemic in Michigan. State Representative Beth Griffin of Mattawan tells WSJM News one of the bills Calley signed Wednesday was her plan to have

The Michigan Department of Transportation is pointing to a recent bridge project in St. Clair County as an example of how the agency could team up with local agencies and others to make road projects more efficient

Westbound I-94 is back open in Van Buren County between Decatur and Paw Paw. The highway had been shut down for a few hours Sunday afternoon due to a massive pileup involving as many as 50 vehicles.

Westbound I-94 is closed in Van Buren County between exit 56 (Decatur/Dowagiac) and exit 60 (Paw Paw). Police have shut down the highway due to a massive pileup involving as many as 50 vehicles this afternoon. The

2017 was a busy year for Michigan lawmakers, and each is now reflecting on what they feel were the biggest accomplishments. State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton tells WSJM News she is disappointed the Michigan House didn’t

Due to a shortage of skilled trades workers, the number of new homes being built in 2018 is only expected to increase by 1%. Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan, spoke with Michigan

Lots of snow has meant some pretty good business for some Berrien County parks this week. Love Creek County Park Manager Kip Miller tells us the cross-country skiing action at Love Creek is quite popular this time

All of the state lawmakers who represent southwest Michigan get a gold star for perfect attendance in 2017. The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has released its latest tally of missed votes for Michigan lawmakers, and the

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is sending out a message to all property owners. He says you can’t pay next year’s property taxes right now in order to get a deduction that’s about to go away. Witkowski

AAA of Michigan has seen a 157% increase in calls for roadside assistance this past week with single digit or near-single digit temperatures around the state. Spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WSJM News your car needs extra care

With this week’s dangerously cold weather, health experts are reminding everyone how avoid needing to make a trip to the emergency room. Lakeland Emergency Department Nurse Manager Kathy Effa tells WSJM News they do see a spike