Local News Archives

A tax reform package could be approved by the U.S. House by the end of next month. That’s according to Congressman Fred Upton. He tells WSJM News everything depends on the House approving a federal budget in

State representative Kim LaSata has co-sponsored a resolution calling on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to develop more water trails. She tells WSJM News water trails create excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. “In

From the Associated Press — Health premiums will rise an average of 27 percent for the hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents who buy their own health insurance. Consumers eligible for income-based tax credits will be protected from

A body found buried in a remote area has been identified as a Michigan teacher who’s been missing since May. Police say Theresa Lockhart’s identity was confirmed Wednesday, a day after her husband killed himself at his Portage

Coming up this Sunday will be some haunted walking tours of downtown St. Joseph. Tracy Gierada with the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center tells WSJM News they’re going to start at Bear Park at State and Market

St. Joseph City Commissioners have approved a new Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate for Whirlpool as it moves forward with its plans to invest in the tech center on Upton Drive. Rob Cleveland of Cornerstone Alliance tells WSJM

From the Associated Press — Michigan has approved $16 million in tax incentives for the Detroit Pistons to build a practice facility and headquarters in downtown Detroit. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board on Tuesday granted a request by

From the Associated Press — A 61-foot spruce in Menominee County has been chosen as the official state Christmas tree. The designation continues a 32-year holiday tradition in Michigan. William Winter and grandson Alex Stevens are donating the towering

It’s yet another milestone for the Niles Scream Park. Secretary Christina Rhebergen tells WSJM News they broke their all-time single day attendance record this past Saturday. Just under 13,500 people walked through the gates. “This was the

The new indoor ice arena in Lincoln Township has led to the loss of some hockey business for the rink in St. Joseph. St. Joe Deputy Public Works Director Greg Grothous tells WSJM News the BAHA hockey

A former professor for Southwestern Michigan College who is facing several charges of criminal sexual conduct has waived his preliminary exam and been bound over to Cass County Circuit Court for trial. The prosecutor’s office tells us

A Bangor man will serve between seven and 15 years in prison for a fatal shooting at a local park early this year. Prosecutors say 20-year-old Thurman Fletcher shot 28-year-old Eddie Holland of Hartford at Lions Park

A team of Whirlpool volunteers has chipped in to make the upcoming winter a little better for area seniors. They helped the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency pack meal packages on Tuesday in Benton Harbor. The action

Flooding has been a problem this week for the Van Buren County Road Commission. Engineer Manager Larry Hummel tells WSJM News water has pooled over roads in mostly low-lying areas. He reminds drivers to never try to

There’s been another twist in the case of a missing Portage woman. Her husband was found dead of an apparent suicide on Tuesday. Portage police say the body of Christopher Lockhart was found in his home during

Whirlpool has parted ways with Sears. On Monday, Sears announced it will no longer be selling Whirlpool, Kitchenaid, or Maytag appliances. That’s after a pricing dispute with Whirlpool. Sears says it can no longer afford to sell

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department says it has caught a serial arson suspect. Sheriff Daniel Abbott tells WSJM News a string of fires at abandoned houses and barns were reported to his office last week. They

Police say a woman whose body was found in a Lincoln Township lake earlier this month drowned. Lincoln Township Police Chief Gary Soper has issued a statement saying the medical examiner’s report is complete, and it finds

The Michigan Department of Transportation is planning an open house in Edwardsburg for tomorrow to tell everyone the details of an upcoming repaving project planned for US-12. Spokesperson Nick Schirripa tells WSJM News this work will affect traffic through town.

A faulty distribution line is causing power to be out for just over 1,500 people. It is expected to be restored by 12:30pm.

From the Associated Press — Grants totaling $872,000 are being awarded to 20 employer groups, labor organizations and other nonprofits in Michigan to support worker safety and health. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the grants

Kalamazoo Public Schools have put the Principal of Loy Norrix High School on Administrative Leave with pay, but they are not saying why. The notification came down early last evening that Principal Rodney Prewitt is on leave,

From the Associated Press — Midwest retailer Meijer Inc. says it’s recalling some packaged produce items in six states due to potential listeria contamination. The recall affects certain Meijer-brand produce sold in Meijer stores in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky,

Calls for the director of the Michigan State Police to step-down are getting louder. Activists on Friday delivered 85,000 nationwide petition signatures to the governor demanding Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue to be removed from her post. State

Hear ye! Hear ye! The city of St. Joseph’s public art display this summer will feature heroic knights on horseback. City Marketing Director Susan Solon announced Monday night the theme this year is “The Magical Kingdom of

  A judge has ruled in favor of the city of St. Joseph in the ongoing fight over a blighted property on Niles Avenue. At Monday’s meeting, the city attorney informed commissioners a judge has sided with a

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors are reminding everyone that it’s not just women who can get the disease. Men can also get breast cancer. About 2,500 of them will be diagnosed this year, compared

Benton Harbor-based employment and economic development organizations Kinexus and Cornerstone Alliance both have their concerns about the city’s proposal for a local income tax. Representatives of both groups chatted with WSJM’s Pat Moody this week about the

November is the month the Van Buren District Library will aim to show the community it cares. The library’s Kay McAdam tells WSJM News they’re using the whole month at all seven branches to help the needy.