Local News Archives

Berrien County Offers Text-To-911 Service

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It’s now possible to contact Berrien County 911 dispatch via text message. County 911 Director Dave Agens says the installation of new equipment earlier this year has brought the new service. He tells WSJM News there are

Two Teens Shot In Kalamazoo

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Two teenagers have been shot and killed in southwestern Michigan. Police report that Marsavious Frazier and Daqarion Hunter, both 17, were found in an alley Monday night in Kalamazoo. Officers initially responded to a report of one person shot

Gas Prices Trending Down

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AAA Michigan says gas prices statewide have dropped 10 cents per gallon in the past week. The Dearborn-based auto club says the average price for self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was about $2.28 per gallon on Sunday. That’s about

Search for Missing Teen Suspended

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Family and friends of a 17-year-old who is presumed drowned in Lake Michigan last week are upset that the search for him was called off over the holiday weekend. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department say they will

Silent Observer Launches New App

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They’re trying to catch more criminals in west Michigan. Silent Observer has launched a new web app called “Caught in the Act.” Executive Director Chris Cameron says the page features surveillance photos of people who have allegedly

Battle Creek Considers Panhandling Ban

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Battle Creek city commissioners are scheduled to cast final votes Tuesday on ordinances aimed to regulating panhandling and loitering. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports the proposals would outlaw remaining “idly” within 25 feet of an intersection and soliciting

EPA: Flint Water Needs More Testing

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Federal officials say it will take at least three months of testing before Flint can distribute water from a new pipeline in the in the wake of its crisis with lead-tainted water. The Flint Journal reports Friday the

State Legislature Returns To Work This Week

The Republican-led Michigan Legislature returns for voting this week after a three-month summer break, with plans for an abbreviated calendar before the crucial November election determines which party controls the House. Both chambers will have three weeks in

Apple Growers Enjoying Bumper Crop

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Apple growers around southwest Michigan say they’re pleased with this year’s crop. The Michigan Apple Committee announced this week 2016’s harvest will be much larger than usual, and Sarah Jollay, with Jollay Orchards in Coloma, tells WSJM

Orchards Mall Facing Possible Foreclosure

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Foreclosure is a possibility for the Orchards Mall in six months. The owner of the Orchards Mall in Benton Township owes $324,000 in back property taxes to Berrien County and is flirting with foreclosure. County Treasurer Bret Witkowski

150,000 Jobs Added In August

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The latest numbers from the United States Labor Department show employers added 151,000 jobs in August. That may seem like a lot, but it’s about half of what was added in July and June. Michigan News Network

Protesters Greet Trump In Detroit

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Area clergy and several hundred city residents have denounced a visit by Donald Trump to a Detroit church as the Republican presidential candidate hopes to convince black voters to cast their ballots for him. Trump attended an attendance-by-ticket-only

Auto Sales Down In August

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U.S. sales of new cars and trucks were expected to drop in August, ending summer on a low note for the auto industry. Ford’s sales were down 8 percent compared to last August. More automakers will report sales