Local News Archives

Democrat Hopes For Win In 66th District

siebert

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

outcenter-e1495654847482-4

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

lakemichigan3-32

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

snow6000-4

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

lakemichigancollege2-29

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

money3-8

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

bhhighschool-3

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

1-rebuilt-balcony-cases

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

southhaven-32

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

united-way-17-75th-a-4

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

snyder7827-8

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

help-identify

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

saintjosephriver-11

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

gavel947-30

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

Deadline Approaching For Grant Program

berriencommunityfoundation2-6

The deadline to apply for a Frederick S. Upton Foundation grant through the Berrien Community Foundation is quickly approaching. The foundation tells us the date is March 15 for those wishing to receive a grant in during

Superintendent Placed On Leave

0206222

Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Shelly Walker has been placed on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave pending an investigation by a law firm. At a Tuesday work session, the board of education voted unanimously to put Walker on

City Manager Contract To Be Reviewed

jhngjgfdgfgf-2

The contract of Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson will be the topic of discussion when city commissioners hold a special meeting on Wednesday. Watson received his performance evaluation at Monday’s commission meeting, but it was done

GM Posts Operating Profit

generalmotors-18

General Motors has posted an operating profit of $12.8 billion for 2017. CEO Mary Barra told Michigan News Network she expects a good year ahead with new crossover vehicles now on the market, and new pickup trucks

MSU Announces Interim Athletic Director

michiganstate-2

From the Associated Press — Michigan State has hired Bill Beekman to be the school’s interim athletic director. Interim school president John Engler made the appointment Monday. Beekman will keep his role as vice president of the school and

State To Remove 90 Year Old Dam

water-62

From the Associated Press — Officials are preparing to remove a 90-year-old dam in southwest Michigan to help restore habitat for native fish. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and other organizations will