If Royalton Township leaders get their way, the township could get some big park improvements next year. The township has applied for two state grants, totaling $300,000, to pay for work at Bicentennial Park and the nature
State Senator John Proos is once again expecting the Michigan legislature to roundly approve a resolution calling on the federal government to do more to ensure the Asian carp doesn’t get into the Great Lakes. He tells
Individuals and businesses who helped the United Way of Southwest Michigan in the past year reach its fundraising goal have been saluted by the organization. It held its annual awards dinner Thursday at the Mendel Center, with
“Penny wise but pound foolish” is how Congressman Fred Upton describes the president’s new budget proposal. Upton has issued a brief statement on the plan. He writes that the budget “acknowledges our unsustainable national debt and does
The president’s budget proposal is calling for the elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which is best known for its AmeriCorps program, and that’s got the United Way of Southwest Michigan concerned. The United
The Lake Michigan College Foundation is taking over the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan. As the club has faced increased costs in recent years, it sent a letter to members this week telling them that handing off
President Donald Trump’s federal budget aims to eliminate the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and that’s expected to get some tough opposition from Michigan’s congressional delegation. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow told WKZO News she’s going to fight the
From the Associated Press — Members of Michigan’s House of Representatives have passed bills that would make the governor, lieutenant governor and the legislature accountable under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. The package of bills was voted
Firefighters say they managed to save a dog from a fire in Casco Township Thursday morning. It was reported in a home on Baseline Road near 70th Street shortly before 9 a.m. A passerby reported the place
From the Associated Press — President Donald Trump wants to eliminate federal support of a program that addresses the Great Lakes’ most pressing environmental threats. Trump’s 2018 budget released Thursday would remove all funding for the Great Lakes
State Superintendent Brian Whiston is waiting for word from the attorney general’s office on whether he can cut funding for school districts with offensive nicknames if they don’t change them. In particular, he wants to force Paw
Cornerstone Alliance is moving to a new facility in Benton Harbor. President Rob Cleveland tells WSJM News they’ve found new digs on West Main, while Mosaic CCDA will take over Cornerstone’s current property on West Wall Street.
The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over spring campaign kicks off Thursday. Judge Geno Salomone stood in front of law enforcement officers talking about case after case of drunk drivers who went before him in court this
The new partnership agreement between Benton Harbor Area Schools and the state of Michigan is starting to come together. Benton Harbor Superintendent Dr. Shelly Walker tells WSJM News she’s learning new things each day about how the partnership
Everyone’s welcome to come out on March 31 to see the Michigan Army National Guard engage in some training in Dowagiac. Guard Captain Ryan Kimball tells WSJM News about 50 guardsmen will board a Chinook helicopter as
The Michigan Department of Transportation has begun work on seven traffic signal replacements around St. Joseph. City Engineer Tim Zebell tells WSJM News the new signals going in around town are different in that they sit on mast
Recent controversies surrounding Bangor Public Schools have led to the publication of an online petition seeking to oust the school board and the former superintendent, who is now the chief operations officer. The petition on Change.org as
A Niles man is dead after he was struck by an Amtrak train Wednesday in Cass County. The sheriff’s department tells us deputies were called out to the tracks about a half mile south of Pokagon Highway
The Trump administration is reportedly proposing a 97% cut to Great Lakes programs, upsetting advocates for the lakes. They’re meeting in Washington D.C. this week for talks on how to continue restoration efforts. Jordan Lubetkin, with Healing
If you enjoy ice skating at the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena in St. Joseph, you’re running out of time to do it for the season. St. Joseph Deputy Public Works Director Greg Grothous tells WSJM
From the Associated Press — A foundry that employs more than 100 people in western Michigan has been destroyed by fire. Authorities in Muskegon say an equipment malfunction likely started the fire Tuesday night at Muskegon Castings. Forty
Stealing groceries has ended the law enforcement career of a man once named the Berrien County “Deputy of the Year.” Lieutenant Trent Babcock was fired this week for shoplifting nearly $200 in groceries from the Niles Walmart
There’s no school in Lawrence today, but not because of the weather. It’s what has been happening inside the building, mainly the spread of a nasty virus between classmates and staff that prompted the administration to call
Senators Tonya Schuitmaker of Lawton and Rick Jones of Grand Ledge are introducing bills to require the Executive and Legislative branches of state government be subject to the Freedom of Information Act. The package goes one step farther than
With power now restored for most Michiganders from last week’s wind storms, many of those impacted are picking up the pieces. Experts say that means it’s a busy time for scammers. Lori Conarton, with the Insurance Institute
A Michigan Senate resolution seeking to establish the right to hunt and fish in the state constitution has the backing of Senator John Proos. He tells WSJM News hunting and fishing are traditions that deserve legal protection. “The
The deficit at Benton Harbor Area Schools has gone down. The district says it’s been reduced by more than 39% in the last two years. That’s a statistic cited in a resolution the board of education approved
Blues guitarist Jonny Lang will headline this year’s BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival in St. Joseph. St. Joe Today’s Brian Smith tells WSJM News Lang had to cancel last year because of a family issue, but promised
Things have been going well for the Krasl Art Center as it seeks $1.7 million as part of a place-making initiative to reopen its grounds and offer an outdoor space. Executive Director Julia Gourley tells us the
A plan from Mattawan state Representative Beth Griffin to help schools improve energy efficiency and make other building improvements has been approved by the Michigan House. Griffin tells WSJM News the plan would let schools enter into lease-purchase
