A new survey of travelers finds 31% are more likely than before the pandemic to purchase travel insurance. Debbie Haas, VP of Travel at Triple-A, says the respondents’ number-one concern is COVID-19. “We see that typically, half
Honor Credit Union says it has shredded 76,750 pounds of paper this year in 10 free shred events at 10 locations in Michigan. Stevensville shredded the most at 11,300 pounds, followed by Marquette at 10,000 pounds and
People have been enjoying eating outside in social districts set up by communities during this pandemic. That’s the word from state Representative T.C. Clements, who’s introduced a bill to extend the sunset on social districts beyond 2024.
A 65-year-old man has died in a Cass County house fire. The sheriff’s office says Robert Hilliard’s body was found by firefighters late Monday morning as they were battling the flames. The cause of the fire and
PNC Bank is supporting a bill making its way through Michigan Legislature that would make financial literacy part of school curriculum. PNC Regional Vice President Ric DeVore spoke to Michigan News Network about the bill. “Even people
Low inventories are expected to translate to low car and truck sales in September. Cox Automotive estimates sales will be down 26% from last year at the same time. Analyst Michelle Krebs told Michigan News Network this
There hasn’t been much action since July on a bill in the Michigan Legislature that would take away local control over short term rental properties, but St. Joseph City Manager John Hodgson says the bill could get
From the Associated Press — Michigan would award its 15 electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the national popular vote if enough other states also join the pact under a 2022 ballot initiative. The drive
The St. Joseph City Commission has instructed city staff to look more into a program that would help businesses pay for energy efficiency improvements. The PACE program enables a special tax assessment to be applied to a
The Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor is teaming up with the Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation to provide local young people some experience with the animals. Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation board member Sally Bogert
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with News/Talk/Sports 94.9 WSJM, will be hosting a candidate forum for the St. Joseph City Commission election next week. It will be Wednesday, October 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Michigan Works of Berrien, Cass, Van Buren counties, along with the Berrien County Friend of the Court and other partners, is planning a Friend of the Court Amnesty Day, Expungement and Resource Fair. It’s for southwest Michigan
The American Red Cross is appealing to those who are eligible to make blood donations. Spokesperson Meghan Lehman tells WSJM News the supply is extremely low right now. “It’s an emergency blood shortage, which just means we
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reporting 7,733 additional cases of COVID-19 for Saturday through Monday. It says that works out to 2,577 cases per each day. The state added 35 deaths during that
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was a big target on Mackinac Island this past weekend as the Republican Leadership Conference was held. It’s an event that happens every two years, bringing some of the biggest names in the party
Dowagiac police are looking for a man who they say shot his girlfriend on Saturday. The Dowagiac Police Department says officers were dispatched to parking lot near Dowagiac Liquor in the 900 block of Spruce Street around
The U.S. Coast Guard this past weekend paid tribute to a longtime Auxiliary member who died last year. Ben Plachta died at the age of 81 in August of 2020. He served the Coast Guard Auxiliary since
South Haven’s 2021 Beach Safety Flag program has ended for the season. SHAES launched this year’s program with an emphasis on water safety through improved communication with the public about water conditions at the city’s beaches. The
From the Associated Press — Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has signed an agreement to buy energy for seven state parks and offices in southwestern Michigan. The DNR says the deal with South Lyon-based Utopian Power will
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced home heating assistance will be going to more than 178,000 families this coming winter. It’s thanks to the state’s Home Heating Credit. The governor’s office has released the following: Gov. Whitmer today
Are you planning to do some traveling around Michigan this fall? Pure Michigan Vice President Dave Lorenz expects the travel trend to continue. He spoke with Michigan News Network about what he’s been seeing. “We really do
The American Electric Power Foundation has made a $50,000 donation to the city of Buchanan to fund the McCoy’s Creek Trail Extension Project, which will expand the trail another half mile. AEP’s Schnee Garrett tells WSJM News
State Representative Beth Griffin is holding a photo contest. She’s inviting residents of the 66th House District to submit their best photos capturing the essence of fall in southwest Michigan. Two winners will be announced when the
The Michigan Legislature this past week approved a nearly $70 billion budget for the next fiscal year. State Representative Pauline Wendzel tells WSJM News it’s the largest state budget ever in Michigan, and it targets many long
Estifanos Family (DENVER) — The 6-year-old girl who died on a ride at a Colorado amusement park earlier this month was never strapped into her seat — and two operators failed to notice even after a monitor
The city of South Haven has taken a step forward with a residential development planned for the former Overton factory site on Elkenburg Street. During meeting of the South Haven City Council this past week, a rezoning
Andrews University is celebrating the spirit of community following its fifth annual Change Day. It was held Thursday, September 16 and featured teams of volunteers from Andrews spreading out across southwest Michigan. Andrews Chaplain Jose Bourget tells
As a mayoral and city council election approach in South Haven, a candidate forum is planned for this month. Judy Pollack with the American Association of University Women tells WSJM News mayoral candidates Scott Smith and Ahmmad
It’s a busy time on campus at Southwestern Michigan College as SMC brings back athletics. The college last year brought back cross country, and then in May of this year, the board of trustees authorized the revival
There will be another opportunity to volunteer at Warren Dunes State Park this October. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the volunteer stewardship day will be Saturday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The
