A new report out of Grand Valley State University shows West Michigan’s economy finished 2017 on solid footing. Economist Dr. Brian Long says the recovery from the Great Recession has relied heavily on the automotive industry, but
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash between a snowmobile and a car in Silver Creek Township. The sled was piloted by Joseph Vantuyle of Dowagiac, who didn’t yield at a snowmobile crossing to the
Michigan Blood could use some help. Due to the recent weather, the organization has seen blood donations drop drastically. Spokesperson Mariya Morbach tells WSJM News they’re not far away from being in a dire situation. “We’re at
On sale now are tickets to one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven. The organization’s Jennifer Nuernberg tells WSJM News the bi-annual Fur Ball fundraiser will be in
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi has announced the opening date for its new Four Winds Casino. The new one in South Bend will open to the public on Tuesday, January 16 at 4 p.m. The casino is
State Senator John Proos is praising legislation now headed for a vote of the full Senate designed to prevent an individual convicted of rape from getting custody of a child born as a result of that crime.
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is working to better train its officers to deal with the public. Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis told city commissioners this week the department is working with the St. Joseph
A new mayor and three new council members sworn in at Tuesday night’s South Haven City Council meeting. Mayor Scott Smith, Councilmen Joe Reeser, Chris Campbell, and George Sleeper. City Manager Brian Dissette told WSJM News there
Continued cold weather means you still have to give extra care to your car. AAA of Michigan this week sent out another Arctic Advisory, with spokesperson Susan Hiltz telling WSJM News it cost you a few bucks
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott has a warning for everyone taking in the great outdoors this week. He tells WSJM News the ice is still too thin to walk on in many cases. “It’s still iffy
Tickets are now on sale for the next St. Joseph Winter Beer Festival. St. Joe Today’s Daniele Crevier tells WSJM News 16 local and regional breweries will be on hand offering samples. The event isn’t until January
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad is planning to deliver a State of the City address. The mayor announced this week he’ll be discussing Benton Harbor as it is heading into its first year of total local control
The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety will be getting some new radios. City Commissioners on Tuesday approved the purchase of 22 police radios at a cost of $31,500. A $25,000 grant pays for most of it,
This frigid weather so far has not damaged southwest Michigan crops. Michigan State University Extension Fruit Educator Mark Longstroth tells WSJM News it needs to get down to about ten below zero before our crops are in
Congressman Fred Upton is maintaining that much was accomplished in Washington throughout 2017. His office has released a 2017 year in review report, which can be found on its website. Upton says, “2017 was a transformational year
With more snow being dumped on southwest Michigan this week, the Berrien County Road Department is plenty busy. Traffic Safety Supervisor Mike Juengling tells WSJM News the crews are out and about doing their best. “We have
From the Associated Press — A bald eagle that was injured in southern Indiana has a new home at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The Detroit Zoological Society says Thursday that the eagle named Mr. America could
Allegan, Van Buren and Berrien Counties were hit hard over the past few days as winds out of the north put a steady lake effect tendril over our area. Some areas received up to a half a
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is advising state residents about how to be smart when signing up for gym memberships. His office tells us there was an increase in consumer complaints about fitness centers in 2017 with
Horizon Bank has a new leader. The chairman and CEO of Horizon Bancorp announced on Wednesday James D. Neff has been named president of both Horizon and Horizon Bank. In addition, Neff will serve on Horizon Bank’s
The Niles Salvation Army could use some extra help this winter. Salvation Army Lieutenant Joseph Hixenbaugh tells WSJM News the chapter’s Red Kettle donations this holiday season were drastically down. He says that hurts because the organization
Looking back on 2017, state Representative Kim LaSata can identify several things accomplished by the Michigan Legislature. She tells WSJM News a big one from last year is a reform plan for teacher pensions. “They’ll be fully
Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is asking state lawmakers to use 2018 as an opportunity to do away with driver responsibility fees. The fees are charged to drivers on top of their normal fines when they
On sale now are tickets to one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Al-Van Humane Society in South Haven. The organization’s Jennifer Nuernberg tells WSJM News the bi-annual Fur Ball fundraiser will be in
The Michigan Department of Transportation is pointing to a recent bridge project in St. Clair County as an example of how the agency could team up with local agencies and others to make road projects more efficient
Our cold weather spell has spelled problems with freezing and sometimes bursting water pipes around southwest Michigan. Covert Fire Department Chief Doug Myers tells WSJM News that happened at his department’s fire station Thursday evening. “The alarm
Details of the settlement agreement between Lake Michigan College and former President Jennifer Spielvogel have been released. Spielvogel sued LMC in 2016 after she was fired after about five months on the job. LMC President Trevor Kubatzke
Michigan State Police are pointing to a Friday highway crash in Berrien County as an example of what happens when drivers don’t slow down in winter conditions. The state police post in Niles tells us troopers were
State Senator John Proos is saluting conservation and sportsman groups as he promotes the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Proos last month met with the St. Joseph County Conservation and Sportsman Club in Sturgis to talk up
If you’re looking for an after school program for your daughter, one option is Girls on the Run. The southwest Michigan program is now taking registrations for its 2018 program. Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan Director
