The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department is working to solve a wave of thefts from parked cars. It says the reports of items being stolen from vehicles have come in all month long from Berrien, Buchanan, Watervliet, Hagar, and Royalton Townships. There’s been about 40 of them. In most of the cases, the vehicles were unlocked, and the thefts happened overnight. Police remind you to lock your car doors and not to leave anything valuable inside the car overnight. If you see anything suspicious, call police.... [Read Full Story]
The Mason Jar Cafe in Benton Harbor is this year’s local winner of the Celebrated Service Award. Celebration Cinema gives out the award to a business in each of its service areas each year to honor those places that go the extra mile for customers, says the theater chain’s Emily Loeks.... [Read Full Story]
Hundreds of people gathered at Michigan State University to protest hateful political rhetoric and promote unity following the presidential election. The East Lansing event Thursday was organized by the MSU College Democrats as a way to come together after the election. Organizers say it wasn’t intended as a protest against President-elect Donald Trump. As the crowd dispersed, some protesters gathered at the MSU Union. The Lansing State Journal reports police locked the building’s doors to keep people from staying inside. No arrests were reported. In Grand Rapids on Thursday night, hundreds of anti-Trump protesters marched through downtown. And in Detroit, hundreds marched from Wayne State University to protest Trump’s election. It was the second day of postelection protests in Michigan. On Wednesday, protesters rallied in Detroit and Ann Arbor.... [Read Full Story]
In this week’s WSJM Week in Review, for November 11, 2016, Election Day brings victory for Southwest Michigan Republicans, a solar plant in Watervliet is now online, and more.... [Read Full Story]
Authorities say two bicyclists have been taken to a hospital with injuries following a hit-and-run crash near Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department says a pickup truck hit the bicyclists on Thursday night in Alamo Township. The department says the two injured bicyclists were among four bicyclists involved. Injuries were described as non-life-threatening. Investigators say the truck has front passenger-side damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department. In June, a motorist plowed into a group of bicyclists with his pickup truck, killing five and injuring four, in Kalamazoo County’s Cooper Township, which is nearby. On Monday, a judge ordered Charles Pickett Jr. to trial on second-degree murder charges in that case.... [Read Full Story]
A federal judge has ordered the state of Michigan and the city of Flint to deliver bottled water to lead-tainted homes under certain conditions. Judge David Lawson granted an injunction Thursday sought by the American Civil Liberties Union and Natural Resources Defense Council. They’ve argued that many residents can’t get to water distribution sites or have other challenges. Flint residents are urged to use bottled water or filtered tap water while the city’s water system heals from lead contamination. Corrosive water from the Flint River wasn’t treated properly for 18 months. Flint has free water distribution sites, but the judge says some residents still “are encountering great difficulty.” Lawson says home delivery isn’t required if officials verify that a filter has been properly installed and maintained. Residents also can decline delivery.... [Read Full Story]
A South Haven man is in line to receive the nation’s highest military honor for his acts of heroism during the Vietnam War. Congressman Fred Upton and Michigan’s U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have introduced legislation to make James “Doc” McCloughan eligible for the Medal of Honor. He is credited with saving the lives of 10 members of his platoon during the Battle of Nui Yon Hill from May 13-15, 1969. In a statement, Upton says McCloughan is “no doubt” an American hero, and his recognition is long overdue. Medal of Honor recipients must be honored within five years of their actions, but the Defense Department has recently recommended the recognition for the South Haven native. During his service, McCloughan was highly decorated and received multiple honors that include the Combat Medical Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with “V” device for valor, and more.... [Read Full Story]
During this National Diabetes Awareness Month, doctors are reminding everyone of the warning signs of the disease, as well as how you can avoid it. Vascular surgeon Dr. Gary Gibbons tells our newsroom 29 million Americans have diabetes, including almost 800,000 in Michigan. Lifestyle choices can affect whether you get it.... [Read Full Story]
State Senator John Proos is introducing legislation that would crack down on anyone caught stealing veterans grave markers. Some thieves will take the markers and sell them to collectors or scrap metal dealers, and Proos tells our newsroom that’s just disturbing.... [Read Full Story]
Manufacturing is leading the way in reducing southwest Michigan’s unemployment rate. Southwest Michigan First Chief Executive Officer Ron Kitchens tells our newsroom manufacturers in the region are adding jobs left and right. It’s helped to push the unemployment rate down.... [Read Full Story]
The Michigan Department of Transportation has added the completion of the US-31 corridor to its five year construction plan. State Representative Al Pscholka has been working on getting MDOT to commit to the project for years, and tells us he’s relieved US-31 will finally be connected to I-94. He’s always asked about it.... [Read Full Story]
Friday is Veterans Day, and there will be plenty of chances for Berrien County vets to receive a special thank you. Martin’s Supermarkets, for example, are serving up free meals to veterans from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Just head over to the Martin’s deli and you’ll get fried chicken. The Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo also has something planned, as veterans and one guest each can get a 50% discount on meals at the buffet. Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Texas Corral are offering free meals for veterans, while IHOP has free stacks of red, white, and blue pancakes. If you’re a veteran, or just someone looking to take a veteran out for lunch or dinner, you can call ahead and find most places have some kind of a deal. In all cases, it’s important to remember to bring along proof of military service.... [Read Full Story]
State Representative Tom Leonard is the new leader of state House Republicans. He was picked for the job of speaker on Thursday, and says there are a lot of things on his plate.... [Read Full Story]
The Great Lakes area is remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy, 41 years after the boat sank amid a furious storm on Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City is one of several places that held a memorial today. For good reason, says academy superintendent Jerry Achenbach, who’s spent his career on the water.... [Read Full Story]
Several Michigan companies, including the Michigan Blueberry Growers and Naturipe out of Grand Junction are introducing themselves to China this week. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams is leading her first food and agriculture trade mission to the country with the goal of the introducing Michigan companies to the ever growing and expanding Chinese market. Adams says Michigan already has a good relationship with China.... [Read Full Story]
Students at Michigan State University have been cutting back on drinking and smoking. Dr. Dennis Bartell is MSU’s director of health promotion and says the campus becoming tobacco-free is definitely a factor.... [Read Full Story]
There may have just been a big election, but that’s no reason for Congress to step away from its responsibilities. That’s the belief of Congressman Fred Upton, who tells WSJM News one of the big things to be done in the lame duck session is the final approval of his 21st Century Cures legislation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said that will happen.... [Read Full Story]
A $65,000 budget amendment sought by Benton Harbor City Manager Darwin Watson has been approved by the city commission. At Monday’s meeting, Commissioner Duane Seats wanted to know how there could have been a $65,000 underestimation for what would be needed by police for overtime. He opposed the amendment saying someone should take responsibility. Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the adjustment had to be approved.... [Read Full Story]
The $1.4 million replacement of a culvert on Red Arrow Highway in Berrien County is now done. The Berrien County Road Commission this week celebrated with a ribbon cutting. The project to replace the nearly 80-year-old culvert near Cherry Beach Road in Chikaming Township began in August. It was originally slated to start in April, but local businesses complained it would damage the busy tourist season. So, the road commission agreed to the delay. The work meant the closure of Red Arrow Highway between Three Oaks Road and Warren Woods Road for several months. Traffic in the area is now back to normal.... [Read Full Story]
South Haven Health Systems will now be called Bronson South Haven. That’s after voters this week approved making SHHS part of Bronson Healthcare. The move is designed to make the South Haven entity better able to provide care to patients in the long term. The South Haven Health Systems Board of Trustees announced its plans with Bronson back in April, but it had to clear voter approval. This week, that happened with 89% of the public voting yes. SHHS President Joanne Schroeder says the move will ensure “strong, local healthcare for our community for years to come.” The transition will take effect on January 1.... [Read Full Story]
State Representative Aric Nesbitt says there’s still some work to do as the Michigan legislature heads into a lame duck session. The Lawton Republican will leave office at the end of this term, but tells us there’s time left to get a few things done.... [Read Full Story]
General Motors is cutting shifts at two plants, eliminating about two thousand jobs. The Lansing Grand River Plant builds Camaros and Cadillacs. The Lordstown plant makes the Chevy Cruze small car. AutoTrader analyst Michelle Krebs says this comes as sales of those products have been declining.... [Read Full Story]
Governor Snyder says he’ll be working to improve Michigan’s relationship with the White House under a Donald Trump presidency. Snyder points out that Trump and Hillary Clinton made numerous stops here during the campaign. And he expects jobs to part of that conversation with president-elect Trump.... [Read Full Story]
Voters have approved Lake Michigan College’s millage request. It was a close one, but in the end, the millage passed by about 680 votes. LMC President Dr. Bob Harrison tells WSJM News it’s gratifying to get the public’s support. Now that the money is secured, detailed planning for building improvements and course offerings begins.... [Read Full Story]
Congressman Fred Upton has congratulated President-elect Donald Trump. The St. Joseph Republican stayed out of the race for president, not endorsing Trump. However, following Trump’s surprise and decisive victory Tuesday Upton issued a statement saying that he’s willing and able to work with whoever was elected. Upton also says the voters “have clearly spoken,” adding it’s time to put divisiveness behind and work toward common goals.... [Read Full Story]
Bridget Smith wanted voters not to elect her to Frankenmuth’s school board — and they didn’t. Smith filed earlier this year to run for one of three four-year terms on the school board, but afterward was hired to serve as Frankenmuth’s city manager. When she was being hired by the Bavarian-themed community about 75 miles northwest of Detroit, Smith indicated that she would drop her school board bid. But the deadline to withdraw had passed and her name remained on Tuesday’s ballot.She encouraged voters not to cast ballots for her and Smith placed last among
the four candidates.... [Read Full Story]
A judge seeking to get around Michigan’s age limit by challenging another judge has lost an election in Livingston County. But Carol Sue Reader won’t be out of a job. She’ll still remain on the county’s District Court through 2018. Reader challenged fellow Judge L. Suzanne Geddis in the election Tuesday. Geddis was elected to another six-year term by a comfortable margin. Under the Michigan Constitution, judicial candidates can’t run if they’re 70 or older. That restriction disqualifies Reader in 2018, so she tried to get Geddis’ seat before hitting the age limit. Geddis said it all seemed “greedy.” The judges appeared together during the final weeks of the campaign season, sparring over temperament and other issues.... [Read Full Story]
