Local News Archives

The number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped to 446 for Friday. That brings the pandemic total to 889,957. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 27 people died of COVID-19 with that total now

Have patience. That’s what the director of Michigan State’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, Dr. Phil Gardner, says he’s telling new college grads right now. “What we’re seeing now is a lot of mid-sized and smaller companies coming

The state unemployment agency has released a new call in schedule and procedure for those who must certify their eligibility. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has released the following: The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has reintroduced a

From the Associated Press — Shares of General Motors Co. closed at a record high Thursday after the company said its efforts to manage the global computer chip shortage have worked better than expected, so it’s financial

From the Associated Press — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has vetoed Republican-sponsored legislation that would have exempted high school graduation ceremonies from COVID-19 restrictions on crowd sizes, calling it “half-baked and punchless.” Thursday’s veto came two days

A man who was shot in the hip during a Wednesday night incident at the Briarwood Apartments in Benton Township is now charged with murder. The Benton Township Police Department says officers responded to the apartment complex

From the Associated Press — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proposed spending $300 million in federal COVID-19 funding to help businesses pay workers $15 an hour. State grants would cover the difference between an employee’s current hourly wage

The 2021-2022 Berrien County Government Directory is out. Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler told the county commissioners on Thursday the directory has contact information for county agencies and related organizations. The directory has a theme this year.

It’s official. The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a return to in-person government meetings as of July 1. Speaking to the board Thursday, County Administrator Brian Dissette said that’s the day all local governments will

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has sent word to local state lawmakers that it’s opposed to legislation that would prevent local governments from having restrictions on short-term rental properties. Speaking at Thursday’s meeting, Chair Mac Elliott

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up for its next 21-Day Equity Challenge, which starts on June 14. The 21-Day Equity Challenge is designed to be an opportunity for the whole community to improve itself

Michigan has 510 new cases of COVID-19 for Thursday to bring the pandemic total to 889,511. The Department of Health and Human Services says there were 57 deaths from the virus for a total of 19,266. In

Things are getting back to normal on Mackinac Island and one of those things is the annual Lilac Festival, which begins on Friday. “Lilacs are not native to Mackinac Island, but once they started getting here a

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata to fix an unexpected interpretation of an existing tasting room law was signed by the governor on Thursday. “Michigan is renowned for its craft beverage industry, contributing billions to our state’s

Legislation from state Representative Pauline Wendzel designed to make it easier for families with autistic children to get help has been approved in the Michigan House. Wendzel’s office has released the following: State Rep. Pauline Wendzel’s legislation

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the new Michigan Economic Jumpstart Plan, which she says will help the economy get back on track following more than a year of pandemic setbacks. The governor’s office has released the following:

From the Associated Press — Republicans and some Democrats in the Michigan House have passed a bill that would ban government-required COVID-19 vaccine passports, even though they do not exist and no legislative effort is being made

Police are investigating a murder in Benton Township on Wednesday night. The Benton Township Police Department says it happened at Briarwood Apartments on Union Street shortly after 11:30 p.m. Officers arrived at 1885 Union to find 18-year-old

A Berrien County Sheriff’s deputy and a department K9 have been honored for their part in catching a suspect who fled from police with his 1-year-old daughter in the vehicle last year. The sheriff’s department says Brandon

Michigan Works is planning a Career and Community Expo for this month. Talent Exchange Specialist LaRon Harris tells WSJM News this will be a day of job interviews, food, music, prize giveaways, and more. Michigan Works will

You can now get a COVID-19 vaccine just by showing up to a walk-in clinic run by Spectrum Health Lakeland. Spectrum Health Lakeland Primary Care Director James Savoie tells WSJM News they opened up the clinics in

Hartford is receiving a $375,000 state grant to improve its water quality. The office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced more than $5 million in grants statewide as part of the MI Clean Water plan. The grants

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs says Countryside Nursing Home in South Haven closed last week due to financial and staffing difficulties faced by its owner. The facility, which housed 40 residents, was shut down

From the Associated Press — Michigan businesses with COVID-19 safety protocols could retroactively seek a refund for sales taxes paid on personal protective equipment, disinfecting products and plexiglass barriers under bills nearing the desk of Governor Gretchen

From the Associated Press — Senate Republicans have voted to require the lieutenant governor to make a “good-faith effort” to notify legislative leaders when the governor has left Michigan and he or she has assumed gubernatorial powers

The housing market in southwest Michigan remains red-hot. For April, the average selling price hit $335,767, up 25% from March and up 51% from a year ago.. The median sales price was 12% higher than a year

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a new initiative to expand the rollout of broadband internet around Michigan. The governor’s office has released the following: Governor Gretchen Whitmer today issued Executive Directive 2021-02 to help bridge the digital divide

From the Associated Press — Michigan has finalized a requirement that all 440,000 licensed or registered health workers in the state undergo annual hidden bias training to help address disparities in how patients are treated. The rule

With the summer underway, tick season is also underway. Berrien County Health Department Communications Manager Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News there has been an increase in tick activity, which is a problem considering the bugs cause lime