Local News Archives

Kinexus Helping Job Seekers In Niles

Niles-area job seekers looking for a little extra help in their search for new employment can now stop by the Niles District Library every other Wednesday for sessions with Kinexus. The organization’s Sonya Blanzy tells WSJM News

Upton Praises Budget Deal

Congressman Fred Upton says the two-year budget deal approved by the U.S. House overnight Thursday will properly fund the military, take care of veterans, support medical research, and bolster infrastructure. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 was

Pileup On I-94 Near Kalamazoo

From the Associated Press — A section of Interstate 94 in southwestern Michigan was blocked after dozens of vehicles crashed amid heavy snowfall. Michigan State Police said about 50 vehicles were involved in the Friday afternoon pileup

Road Crews Prepare To Be Busy

Across lower Michigan, road crews have prepared for a major snowfall expected throughout Friday. Van Buren County Road Commission Engineer Manager Larry Hummel spoke with Michigan News Network about what they were doing there. “We’re making sure

Weather Blamed For Cass County Crash

A Niles man is recovering after a single-vehicle crash on Leet Road north of US-12 in Cass County. Deputies say Walter Langheinrich had to be freed from his vehicle by first responders after he lost control, hit

Snyder Calls For More Road Funding

While speaking in Metro Detroit’s Oakland County this week, Governor Rick Snyder continued his call for more road funding. That’s what he’s proposed in his budget plan. “Even after this next year’s budget, you’re going to see

Plan Would Give Counties Money For Veterans

Legislation from state Representative Beth Griffin would establish a grant program in Michigan for counties to maintain veterans service offices. She tells us county veteran officers can connect veterans with the often-confusing benefits system. “There are actually

State Agencies Reviewing Superintendent Suspension

State agencies with authority over Benton Harbor Area Schools are reviewing the suspension this week of Superintendent Shelly Walker. The Departments of Treasury and Education have consent and partnership agreements with the school district, respectively. Treasury’s Ron

State Police Brace For Snow Storm

With snow expected to slam southwest Michigan for the next day, state police are reminding everyone to give themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations when driving. Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division

Democrat Hopes For Win In 66th District

Another Democrat has jumped into a southwest Michigan political race. Now running for Michigan House in Van Buren County’s 66th District is Dan Seibert, an IT engineer with Perrigo in Allegan. Seibert lives in Paw Paw, and

OutCenter Steps Up Security

The OutCenter in Benton Harbor is stepping up security following an online threat this week. Director Mary Jo Schnell tells WSJM News one person threw a barrage of hate speech the OutCenter’s way, and then suggested violence.

Upton Seeks To Fight Coastal Erosion

Congressman Fred Upton wants the federal government to do more to help fight shoreline erosion along the Great Lakes. He’s signed on to a letter sent this week to the Office of Management and Budget and to

Get Ready For More Snow

A winter storm bearing down on parts of the Midwest is expected to dump up to a foot of snow on us before it leaves the state Friday night. WNDU NewsCenter 16 meteorologist David Harker says this

College Holding Financial Aid Event

Coming up this month will be some events at Lake Michigan College to help students who are looking to navigate the financial aid system. LMC Financial Aid Director Kemmoree Duncomb tells WSJM News Help Night events will

MI Attraction To Be Featured On Quarter

From the Associated Press — A new quarter commemorates Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The U.S. Mint and the National Park Service on Wednesday are holding an event to launch the “America the Beautiful Quarters

Board Trustee Talks Pool Repairs

The pool belonging to Benton Harbor Area Schools may be cheaper to reopen than previously thought. That’s the message from Trustee Steven Mitchell, who said at this week’s school board work session he has sought a second

Heritage Museum Close To Reopening

The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph is planning to reopen to the public next month. Curator Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News repair work is coming along nicely since the museum had to close in

South Haven Council Approves Festival

South Haven City Council has given their approval to a music festival called Rhythm on the River to be held this July at Riverfront Park. Spokesman Ben Holt from Foundry Hall spoke with WSJM News about what’s

United Way Adding Volunteer Service

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is taking over the job of connecting people with opportunities to volunteer. The United Way’s Rachel Wade tells WSJM News that means a big change for Volunteer Southwest Michigan. “Volunteer Southwest

Snyder Seeks More For Indigent Defense

From the Associated Press — One of the largest funding increases included in Governor Rick Snyder’s budget proposal would go toward improving court-provided legal defense for poor people accused of crimes. Snyder said Wednesday the $46 million in proposed

Police Look For Indecent Exposure Suspect

The Allegan County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a flasher who exposed himself to some underage girls last month. It says the indecent exposure incident happened on the afternoon of January 26

State Wants Tips About Fish Kills

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hoping fishermen and anyone else who enjoys the great outdoors will act as its eyes when out and about this winter and coming spring. Spokesperson Elyse Walter tells WSJM News

Michigan Gets Request To Pardon Polish-Born Doctor

From the Associated Press — Michigan officials have received a request to pardon a Polish-born doctor arrested by immigration agents over misdemeanor convictions 25 years ago. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Wednesday that Governor Rick Snyder received the request on

Bill Would Expand Bottle Law

A bill being proposed in Lansing would expand upon the law established in 1976 to pay a reimbursable ten cent deposit on pop and beer cans and bottles. Under the proposal from Kalamazoo Representative Jon Hoadley, the