Local News Archives

State Senator John Proos is reminding parents of a tool they can use to help protect their kids online. In a new video, he promotes the state’s efforts to make the internet safer. “One tool is the

Michigan State Police are reminding everyone of one aspect of emergency preparedness that most probably don’t think about. They say you should have a pet emergency kit in the house. The emergency management division of MSP tells

It’s been a busy year for state Representative Beth Griffin. The Mattawan Republican tells us it was satisfying to see her first bill signed into law by the governor this April. It was a plan to help

U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have announced nearly $10 million in grant money for Michigan airports. The Federal Aviation Administration awarded the funds Friday to the Michigan State Block Grant Program to support a variety

A southwest Michigan man is the recipient of a Junior Achievement Leadership Award. Junior Achievement Northern Indiana tells WSJM News Harry Burrit, of Berrien County, has been teaching JA in southwest Michigan for more than 25 years.

Fernwood Botanical Garden has received a $250,000 challenge grant as it seeks money for a capital improvement campaign. The garden in Buchanan Township tells WSJM News its Seed the Future legacy campaign is intended to address facility

The summer is off to a good start for the Berrien County Parks Department. Director Brian Bailey tells WSJM News sales of permits are up. Nearly 900 were sold through the month of May this year, compared to

The St. Joseph Department of Public Safety has implemented a variety of changes to parking and traffic management downtown for the summer. Director Brian Uridge tells WSJM News he thinks the biggest change is the addition of

It’s almost time for the third annual Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Fair. The event on Saturday below the bluff in St. Joseph will feature the work of all sorts of makers, says organizer Joe Rommel. He tells

Several members of Michigan’s congressional delegation have taken a tour of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie. Those along for the trip included Congressman Fred Upton and Governor Rick Snyder. All on the tour agreed there

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding the public to be safe when stopping to take pictures of wild-life. John Pepin with DNR told Michigan News Network it is especially important to make sure when you pull over

From the Associated Press — Authorities say a 71-year-old man has died after falling from a sailboat while working on the vessel at a marina in southwestern Michigan. The Allegan County sheriff’s department says John Edward DeBoer, of

A Florida man is in the Berrien County Jail following a high-speed chase with police Thursday evening. Michigan State Police tell us the 33-year-old suspect first came to their attention when he committed a theft at Firekeepers

Strengthening Michigan’s economy by offering more for the people who live here and training for the future. Speaking Thursday on Mackinac Island, Governor Rick Snyder says there is a major “talent gap” in the state. “The question

From Michigan News Network — Provide more tax incentives for larger companies that move to the state. That’s the idea behind bi-partisan legislation being debated in Lansing. On Mackinac Island this week, state Senator Jim Stamas urged

The Berrien County Health Department is once again offering a Freedom from Smoking program. Developed by the American Lung Association, Freedom from Smoking will be led by a certified facilitator who will go over a step-by-step plan

Elliot Uzelac will remain the head football coach at Benton Harbor High School. The board of education voted Thursday night to keep him in the position, while also reprimanding him and ordering cultural sensitivity training for all

You can now sign up for Berrien County’s new Smart 911 system. 911 Director Dave Agens tells WSJM News Smart 911 is an online system where you can enter information about yourself for first responders to know if

Fatalities on Michigan roads during the Memorial Day weekend continue to trend up. Michigan State Police Special Lieutenant Jim Flegel tells WSJM News eight people died this past Memorial Day weekend in crashes. Lack of seat belt

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us it was able to nab a couple of home break-in suspects last week after they were reported in the act. It happened last Thursday in Breedsville. Someone called police

The Van Buren County Drain Commission has had a beaver problem lately. Drain Commissioner Joe Parman tells WSJM News there’s been an increasing number of instances in which beavers have caused flooding of fields and roads by blocking

A couple from Wyoming, Michigan remains in the Berrien County Jail facing a variety of charges after an incident involving a gun at the courthouse in St. Joseph this week. 40-year-old Arnelda Jackson and 37-year-old Molly Jackson

The U.S. has withdrawn participation in the Paris global climate pact. President Donald Trump made that announcement Thursday at the White House. Republican Congressman Fred Upton spoke with Michigan News Network and said he’s not happy about

If you’ve got an E-ZPass transponder, you’re not saving any money on the Indiana Toll Road starting today compared to using cash. Big increases are taking effect with the expiration of a state subsidy from the state’s

Governor Snyder says the state budget should be resolved soon because K-12 school districts and many municipalities start their fiscal year three months before the state does. The Republican governor told The Associated Press on Wednesday that

Is a U.S. Senate run in the cards for Congressman Fred Upton? Michael Patrick Shiels put that question to the St. Joseph Republican this morning on “Michigan’s Big Show.” “You know, we don’t have a timetable,” said

From the Associated Press — Likely gubernatorial candidate Brian Calley is leading a ballot drive to make Michigan’s Legislature part-time. The Republican lieutenant governor announced the Clean MI Government proposal Tuesday. It would amend the constitution to limit lawmakers

A ribbon cutting for the closest active viewing park at an airport in the country has been held in Grand Rapids. The Airport Viewing Park at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport has reopened now that renovations

The Red Cross is urging everyone to look into donating blood this summer. Spokesperson Todd Kulman tells WSJM News things can get tight this season. “Summer donations tend to decline due to folks traveling, vacations, that sort of