MCCAA recognizes LMC 56 student-athletes for individual academic excellence
The Michigan Community College Athletic Association has announced its list of student-athletes who have achieved 2024-2025 academic honors. Among them are 56 Lake Michigan College student-athletes who have earned a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA during the past year including 45 Academic All-MCCAA recipients and 11 Academic All-Conference recipients. Additionally, LMC Baseball, Softball, and Women’s Volleyball have been named MCCAA Academic Teams for 2024-2025. To achieve MCCAA Academic Team status, a MCCAA
2025 SWMI & National April Housing Market Slipped from the Robust Sales in March
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in April 2025 slipped from the robust results in March. Sales and the average selling price declined. Only the median selling price increased above that in March.” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in April fell 20 percent to 196 from 245 in April 2024. Year-to-date, the number of houses sold was down 1 percent (744 vs. 752).” The good news for buyers
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United Federal Credit Union Named Tenth Overall on Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in North America List
United Federal Credit Union (United) has been ranked in the top ten of the 2025 Top 100 Workplaces in North America by Inspiring Workplaces Group, in association with Employera, at an exclusive event in Chicago. In addition to securing a spot in the top ten overall rankings, United was also recognized among the top five in the large business category and received best-in-class certificates for excellence in key areas of building a people-first culture, including purpose and values, leadership, employee
Great Lakes Eye Care Welcomes Dr. Rachel McKuras to the Team
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Alex Gaytán Education Coordinator | Administrator Great Lakes Eye Care 269-428-3300 Ext. 266 Great Lakes Eye Care Welcomes Dr. Rachel McKuras to the Team FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26th, 2025 St. Joseph, MI – Great Lakes Eye Care is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Rachel McKuras, OD, to its team of dedicated eye care professionals. Dr. McKuras brings a wealth of clinical experience, academic excellence, and a heart for service to the Southwest
Kaleidoscope Playground to Celebrate Grand Opening of New All Abilities Accessible Playground at Kiw
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Nicole Stusick kaleidoscopeplayground@gmail.com Kaleidoscope Playground to Celebrate Grand Opening of New All Abilities Accessible Playground at Kiwanis Park Public Invited to Ribbon Cutting on June 30th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 23rd, 2025 SAINT JOSEPH, MI - The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, City of Saint Joseph, Kiwanis Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, and the St. Joseph Parks Foundation invite the community to the Grand Opening Celebration
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Wightman Welcomes Ladd as Municipal Services Manager
Wightman, a prominent civil engineering, architecture, and surveying firm serving communities across the Great Lakes region, is proud to announce the addition of Anthony Ladd, PE, PMP as Municipal Services Manager. In this position, Ladd will oversee Wightman’s municipal services team, partnering with communities across the region to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions for water, sewer, roadway, and stormwater systems. His leadership will support municipalities in navigating complex regulatory
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT MARKET KICKS OFF THE 2025 SEASON ON JULY 2
St. Joe Today is excited to announce the 2025 season of the Wednesday Night Market. This weekly market will be held on Wednesdays, July 2 through August 27, from 4:00p-8:00p in Court Place Plaza (across from Silver Harbor Brewing) and will feature a mix of artisans and their handcrafted goods, as well as farmers and food/beverage vendors. Additionally, the market will host live music each week from 5:30p-8:30p, courtesy of Silver Harbor Brewing Co. There are still limited vendor spots available!
Community Race with a Purpose: YMCA of Greater Michiana Hosts 14th Annual 5K/10K in St. Joseph
The YMCA of Greater Michiana invites runners, walkers, and families to join the 14th Annual Race for YMCA 5K/10K on Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 a.m., presented by Honor Credit Union. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA's annual campaign, which provides financial assistance for memberships and programs to local children and families in need. Participants can choose between a 5K or 10K along a scenic course that starts and finishes at the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum, featuring
June Programs Kick Off Summer at Fernwood
Along with the seasonal beauty of the gardens and natural areas, Fernwood has an exciting lineup of youth camps, programs, classes, and events this summer. The garden just wrapped up their first of three youth camp sessions. The next, called “Habitat Heroes,” is scheduled for July, followed by “Art and Mindfulness in Nature” in August. Summer day camps are generously supported by a grant from the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. Learn more and register at
WATERFRONT HOUSE OF FRAMING AND FASHION TRANSITIONS OWNERSHIP
Waterfront House of Framing & Fashion, a cherished downtown St. Joseph destination for unique art, expert custom framing, and women’s boutique fashion, is proud to announce a change in leadership. Founder and long-time owner Valerie Byrnes has entrusted the business to local entrepreneur Corey Carolla, following the exciting news of Valerie’s recent appointment to a leadership role with the Independence Chamber of Commerce near Kansas City, MO. For the past six years, Valerie, along with her daughter Emily
City of Benton Harbor, Cornerstone Alliance, and Partners Celebrate Official Launch of Downtown Social District ?and New Redevelopment Tool
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Andrew Haan P: (269) 352-2345 ahaan@cstonealliance.org June 16, 2025 City of Benton Harbor, Cornerstone Alliance, and Partners Celebrate Official Launch of Downtown Social District and New Redevelopment Tool BENTON HARBOR, MI – June 16, 2024 – The City of Benton Harbor, in partnership with Cornerstone Alliance, Benton Harbor Arts Association, and the Downtown Development Authority, is proud to announce the official launch of the Benton Harbor Downtown Social
2025 MAAC Award Winners
2025 MAAC Award WinnersHeather Boersma's "Year of Jubilee" won Best of Show Award winners have been announced for the 2025 Michiana Annual Art Competition (MAAC), now on display at the Box Factory for the Arts. Voting for the People’s Choice is still open to the public.MAAC in the Box is a juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize and reward excellence of artists in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana. More than 150 original works by 120 artists were selected for the
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Ziker Cleaners Celebrates Southwest Michigan Additions
Ziker Cleaners, a trusted name in garment care for over a century, is proud to announce their expansion into downtown St. Joseph. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at 425 State Street, and the public is invited to join local leaders, customers, and the Ziker team to celebrate the occasion. With 108 years of local ownership and industry-leading innovation, Ziker Cleaners brings its legacy of quality service and community commitment to the St. Joseph market.
Watermark Brewing Co. Celebrates 9 Years with a Pirate-Themed Bash Presented by Honor Credit Union
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Chris Mason Co-Founder / Business Maneuverer chris@watermarkbrewing.com www.watermarkbrewing.com (269) 930-0380 Watermark Brewing Co. Celebrates 9 Years with a Pirate-Themed Bash Presented byHonor Credit Union For Immediate Release: June 9, 2025 Stevensville, Michigan – What started as a bold idea shared over a table at Honor Credit Union nearly a decade ago has grown into one of Michigan’s most beloved breweries. This summer, Watermark Brewing Co. is
Outstanding Musician of the Year Finds Musical Renaissance at Lake Michigan College
Marcia Blake of St. Joseph has been selected by the Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department as the 2025 Outstanding Musician of the Year Award recipient.The Outstanding Musician of the Year Award is a long-standing tradition at LMC, started in 1974. Each year, the music faculty surveys the prospective music graduates and, if a qualified candidate is identified, presents the award to the student who best exemplifies leadership in performance ensembles and has demonstrated significant
Great Strides Underpin Palisades’ March to Restart
Great Strides Underpin Palisades’ March to Restart We are pleased to report that the restart of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert Township, Michigan, continues to advance, with several recently achieved milestones reinforcing confidence in the facility’s near-term return to service. From hands-on maintenance and training areas to regulatory approvals and self-governing industry association assessments, the scope and pace
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First Church of God Opens New Community Space, The Commons Leadership Invites Non-Profit and Communi
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 First Church of God Opens New Community Space, The Commons Leadership Invites Non-Profit and Community Partners to Utilize Space For Immediate Release: June 5, 2025 St. Joseph, Michigan – Nearly 100 individuals gathered on Monday, June 2nd at First Church of God for a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber celebrating the grand opening of The
Honor Credit Union Announces 2025 Community Commitment Scholarship Winners
Honor Credit Union is excited to announce the recipients of its 2025 Community Commitment Scholarship program. Each year, this program honors Michigan high school seniors who go above and beyond in their dedication to community service while also excelling academically. Through a blind selection process, twelve outstanding students have been chosen to receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their continued education. The 2025 recipients exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, serve others,
The GhostLight Theatre’s 2025 summer production season kicks off with Jonathan Larson’s award-winning Broadway musical “RENT” – June 12th-29th in Benton Harbor
The GhostLight Theatre continues its 2025 Theatre Season with RENT – a musical written by the late Jonathan Larson, & directed by Spencer Ryan Diedrick (Once, Lewiston/Clarkston). Rent will mark the 3rd production of The GhostLight Theatre’s 6th season, and it will be presented in the GhostLight’s Black Box Theatre space from Thursday, June 12th through Sunday, June 29th. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, curtain is at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. at 101 Hinkley Street in Benton Harbor. General
Lake Michigan College announces 2025 winners of WAVE Awards celebrating high school musical theatre
Edwardsburg High School's "Newsies!" led the way, taking home four awards, during the fourth annual WAVE Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre held May 21 at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre. Presented by LMC's Visual & Performing Arts Department and loosely designed after Broadway's Tony Awards, the WAVE Awards recognize high school theater students and arts educators from Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties in Michigan and St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties in
Zo’s Mini Donuts Announces Grand Opening, Bringing Sweet Tradition to Southwest Michigan
Zo’s Mini Donuts, the beloved local donut venture founded by sisters Zoey and Lydia Heyn, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Southwest Michigan. The celebration will take place at 508 Pleasant St, St Joseph, MI 49085 on Friday, June 13th, with festivities running from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Guests can look forward to trying their award-winning hot and fresh donuts and a chance to meet the founders behind this rapidly growing community favorite. Their season will run June 13th
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Competitive Edge: Staying Rooted in the Community, Reaching New Heights, Ribbon Cutting & Open House Planned for June 11th
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Competitive Edge: Staying Rooted in the Community, Reaching New Heights Ribbon Cutting & Open House Planned for June 11th For Immediate Release: June 2, 2025 Saint Joseph, Michigan – Competitive Edge recently brought the company's headquarters back to its original stomping grounds, setting up shop in a spacious new warehouse and office facility right here in St.Joseph. After selling their
United Way of Southwest Michigan Adapts Funding Cycle in Response to Changes in Funding Landscapes
ST. JOSEPH, MI (May 28, 2025) – In a bit of a ‘perfect storm’ scenario, United Way of Southwest Michigan President & CEO Anna Murphy said changes in the economy & workforce locally coinciding with the changes to federal, and eventually, state budgets, are making things exceptionally challenging. “Everything around us is quickly adapting and changing, so our organization’s sustainability mission for the future is to be agile and nimble with our processes. Whether that’s raising funds or making funding
