Local News Archives

Local School Official Talks Security

The shootings at a Florida High School this week have many parents nervous about sending their kids to school, but education leaders in southwest Michigan say they do all they can to be prepared for dangerous situations.

Police Post Looking For Chaplain

Michigan State Police at the Paw Paw post could use a little spiritual guidance. Lieutenant Dale Hinz tells us the post is looking for a chaplain. The chaplain is a volunteer member of clergy who helps state

First Responders Train For Ice Rescues

South Haven Area Emergency Services held cold water rescue drills off the South Haven piers on Tuesday. Deputy Chief Tony Marsala tells WSJM News why the training is needed. “Any situation that would involve someone being in

Cass County Fire Under Investigation

One man is recovering after a home fire initially reported as an explosion in Cass County’s Milton Township Tuesday night. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us it happened in the 33,000 block of Bertrand Street around

Changes For Monument Discussed

Changes could soon be coming to the World War I monument in downtown St. Joseph. The Daughters of the American Revolution addressed city commissioners this week to tell them they’re hoping to move a plaque with the

SJ Drafting Plan For Three Parks

The city of St. Joseph is closer to having a parks master plan. Last year, a series of public meetings took the suggestions of residents for Dickinson Park, Riverview Park, and Whirlpool Centennial Park. At Monday’s city

Legislature Eliminates Fees, Cuts Taxes

From the Associated Press — Michigan drivers will get a tax cut, and those who owe extra fees assessed for certain traffic infractions will see them waived under bills approved by the Michigan Legislature. The state House

RESA Needs To Fill Board Vacancy

Berrien RESA has a school board post to fill. RESA tells us the board this week accepted the resignation of Thomas Fanning, its secretary. Fanning recently suffered an injury after falling at his home and can no

Victim Statement Bill Introduced In House

A state House Committee has sent to the floor the “Rebekah Bletsch Bill,” which would require that convicted criminals be required to listen to the victim impact statements given during sentencing hearings. Representative Holly Hughes of Montague

MI Businesses Affected By Flu

The flu has been hitting hard in many states, including Michigan. It’s been tough in Kalamazoo County where Cherri’s Chocol’art  in Kalamazoo had to close for several days in January because of the flu. Owner Cherri Emory

State Board OKs Two Petition Drives

From the Associated Press — Groups wanting to expand access to voting and boost Michigan’s renewable energy requirement have seen the form of their ballot initiatives approved by the state elections board. Promote the Vote wants to amend

Congressman Slams Trump Budget

With the release of President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2019 budget, Congressman Dan Kildee of Flint told Michigan News Network this week the budget fails to meet America’s infrastructure needs and he disagrees with cuts to the

Health Department To Offer Free STD Testing

With this being the week of Valentine’s Day, the Berrien County Health Department is suggesting the gift of a clean bill of health. That’s why it’s offering free STD testing at its Niles office. Health department spokesperson

Police Release Cause Of Two Niles Deaths

Police have determined two people found dead in a home in Niles last month froze to death. The Niles Police Department tells us 81-year-old Albert Bivens and his daughter, 55-year-old Patricia Bivens, were found in their home

Cleanup Forces Monday Closure Of US-31

No one was seriously injured, but there was a bit of a mess to clean up on northbound US-31 Monday in Sodus Township following a crash. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department tells us the crash happened near

Three Arrested in 2014 Bloomingdale Murder

Three people have been arrested in connection to a 2014 homicide in Bloomingdale Township. Over the past two weeks, Amber Roberts, James Eakins and Brandon Robertson, all of Battle Creek, were arrested and charged with the murder

Ford Issues Airbag Warning

From the Associated Press — Ford is telling the owners of 33,428 additional Ranger pickups in North America not to drive them because their Takata air bag inflators may present an extreme danger. The company says its investigation

Business Assistance Program Extended

The Michigan Strategic Fund has decided to extend Grow Michigan’s funding for two years. Grow Michigan CEO Patrick O’Keefe tells told Michigan News Network this week the organization can step in when banks are unable to offer