Michigan households now are receiving 2020 census forms in the mail – and while the goal is to count everyone, there is concern that some children may be overlooked. Millions of federal dollars are at risk if
The Berrien County Health Department is preparing for the area’s first COVID-19 cases. Spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News as of late Thursday afternoon, the county still had no confirmed cases. “But we do expect that to
Governor Whitmer announced today that Michigan’s licensed distilleries are now permitted to produce ethanol-based hand sanitizers in order to help meet demand as the state of Michigan mitigates the spread of COVID-19. The State Emergency Operations Center
Local restaurants are working to adjust to the new normal of only being allowed to serve customers via takeout as the COVID-19 outbreak continues. Jayme Bendoski with the Full Circle Cafe in Stevensville tells WSJM News she’s
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has voted to proceed with applying for some grants to expand two county parks. At a Thursday meeting, it authorized the Berrien County Parks Department to put in for a $300,000
Getting things done at a Secretary of State branch office in Michigan will be a bit different for the next several weeks or months. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson tells WSJM News the changes are due to
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is remaining flexible when it comes to the COVID-19 outbreak. At this week’s meeting, Chair Mac Elliott said the nation’s response to the crisis has once again shown that “when we
The number of coronavirus cases in Michigan is now 336, with three deaths. All three deaths have been in metro Detroit, which has been the hardest hit with positive cases so far. There are no cases in
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is waiving the need for a state Recreation Passport for entry at state parks and other destinations for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. The DNR says state parks are a
Big changes are being made by Michigan’s largest grocery retailer. Meijer will no longer be open 24 hours starting Friday night for the length of the coronavirus pandemic. The chain, based in suburban Grand Rapids, will close
The Region IV Area Agency on Aging is closing its Creative Campus on Aging and main offices to visitors, but keeping an information line open. The Area Agency on Aging has released the following statement: “As Region
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has donated nine pallets of food from its Four Winds Casino locations to food banks as the COVID-19 outbreak continues. The Pokagons shut down all of their casinos in Michigan and Indiana
Three lives have been lost in Michigan from the COVID-19 outbreak. The first was a man in his 50s at a Beaumont Health hospital in Wayne County early Wednesday. The two latest deaths are of a woman
There will not be a Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade this year. The annual event in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor is being canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak, and had been scheduled for May 2nd. The Blossomtime
From the Associated Press — Ford, General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, Honda and Toyota confirm they will temporarily shut down all of their North American factories due to the coronavirus threat. Ford said its plants will close after
A rash of car break-ins has been seen in Hartford lately. The Hartford Police Department put out word on Wednesday it’s handled 16 larceny from vehicle cases in the past five days. 13 of them were in
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an executive order allowing public bodies to meet remotely. Her office has issued the following statement: Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-15 to
Tax foreclosures in Michigan are now being delayed until May 29 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Governor Whitmer made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in the latest in a series of executive orders over the past week. “There
The Berrien County Health Department is investigating a case of possible COVID-19 exposure at a concert at Andrews University in Berrien Springs. The concert artist, singer Sandi Patty, announced on her Facebook page on Tuesday she had
Many churches have gone to online-only services due to the coronavirus outbreak, and now there’s word from Bishop Paul Bradley suspending all public Masses for Catholic churches in the Diocese of Kalamazoo through Palm Sunday, April 5.
The coronavirus pandemic is causing plenty of anxiety and worry for public health, but it’s also bringing out the best in many people. One example of that is the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s new Buy Local Berrien
Martin’s Super Markets and Roger’s Foodland in St. Joseph have reserved time for seniors only to grocery shop. Roger’s tells us its store will switch to new hours, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, and the
Northside Municipal Marina in South Haven will be closed for the 2020 boating season. The city says the closure is to make needed electrical upgrades, as high water has compromised the shore power electric system. That could
The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Michigan is up to 80. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 15 new cases have been confirmed as of 2 p.m. Wednesday, and all of the
Congressman Fred Upton is expecting the U.S. Senate to get to work on an economic stimulus package this week. He tells WSJM News it will likely be around $1 trillion to carry the country through the coronavirus.
As the coronavirus outbreak continues, the PGA of America is considering its options when it comes to the 2020 Senior PGA Championship, which is still set for May 19 through May 24 in Benton Harbor. A statement
Benton Harbor city officials are doing what they can to protect residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. At a Tuesday press conference, Mayor Marcus Muhammad noted the city is suspending water shutoffs and reconnecting those who already had
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued another executive order, this time intended to increase operational capacity and efficiency in Michigan hospitals. Her office has issued the following statement: “Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-13, to temporarily
Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Andrae Townsel says staff are working to disinfect the school buildings with classes shut down for three weeks. During his portion of a community update at Benton Harbor City Hall on Tuesday,
With the governor limiting the size of gatherings in Michigan as part of COVID-19 response, many churches are improvising. Overflow Church Pastor Brian Bennett tells WSJM News they went into Sunday thinking services would be normal, but
