2024 SWMI & National Housing Market March Sales Plunge 14%, Selling Prices Set Records
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in March 2024 plunged 14 percent compared to sales in March 2023. Selling prices continue to rise to record levels for prices in March,” stated Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in March dropped to 202 from 236 in March 2023. The level of sales in March 2024 was the lowest since March 2014. The highest number of sales in March was 286 in 2020. At the
MICHIGAN WORKS! ANNOUNCES GOING PRO SEASON FOR 2024
MICHIGAN WORKS! ANNOUNCES GOING PRO SEASON BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- Michigan Works! announced applications open today, April 22 for the popular Going PRO Talent Fund. This competitive grant opportunity provides funds to local companies for training, developing, and in some cases retaining employees. With technology changing by the day, new equipment and machinery launching across the country and beyond, and more complex systems to work around- it’s important to ensure southwest Michigan businesses remain
LMC celebrates student achievements at IdeaCon 2.0
LMC celebrates student achievements at IdeaCon 2.0 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — IdeaCon 2.0, Lake Michigan College's Student Symposium, takes place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 in the Multi-Purpose Room (L311) on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. This free annual event, which is open to the public, celebrates the work of LMC students with presentations, question-and-answer sessions, and performances. Students will showcase original research and creative works on various topics,
Schmidke Construction Celebrates Earth Day with Rewilding Initiative, Partners with Pizzo and Associ
Schmidke Construction and Contracting, LLC, a leading custom home building firm, announces its partnership with Pizzo & Associates, Ltd. to celebrate Earth Day 2024 by launching a "rewilding" initiative to restore balance to the ecosystem at its new 5-acre headquarters build-site and to invest in the sustainability of the community. Partnered with Pizzo & Associates, renowned experts in ecological restoration with decades of experience, Schmidke Construction is taking proactive steps to manage the
KitchenAid Brand Unveils Celebrity Chefs and Local Talent Headlining 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Cham
KitchenAid Fairway Club to feature chef demonstrations, espresso and smoothie samples, interactive product displays and much more KitchenAid brand is once again elevating the fan experience at the upcoming 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, taking place at Harbor Shores over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26. As the title sponsor of this prestigious event, KitchenAid promises an unparalleled fusion of cooking and golf for fans of all ages. Today, the brand unveiled the full schedule of celebrity
Bridgman’s Toth Street Park $312,000 Playground Update Complete
Bridgman’s Toth Street Park $312,000 Playground Update CompleteRibbon Cutting Celebration Scheduled for April 26Bridgman, Michigan – On Friday, April 26th at 4:00 p.m. the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in collaboration with their subsidiary the Greater Bridgman Chamber & Growth Alliance (CGA) and the City of Bridgman will host the official Ribbon Cutting celebration of the new playground equipment at Toth Street Park. In early 2023, Toth Street Park was the recipient of multiple substantial grants
Calling All Vendors: Buchanan Summer Concert Series Seeks Participants for 2024 Music Festivals
Calling All Vendors: Buchanan Summer Concert Series Seeks Participants for 2024 Music Festivals The Buchanan Summer Concert Series at The Common is thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for vendors to join us for our three vibrant music festivals taking place this summer. We are currently seeking enthusiastic vendors to enhance the festival experience at each event. With unique musical vibes at each festival, we are eager to curate a diverse array of vendors that complement the energy and
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Presents A Student Education Concert
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Presents A Student Education Concert St. Joseph, Michigan - “I want to be the piano player!,” exclaimed one student attending the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Education Concert. Another said that the SMSO would see them in two years when they started playing an instrument. The eagerness from students continued with comments such as, “Do you need a drummer? I’ll be your drummer!” and “I’m gonna play A LOT of instruments!” That is some of the enthusiasm
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to speak about election protection during Lake Michigan College visit
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to speak about election protection during Lake Michigan College visit BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel will speak about election protection and answer questions at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Hanson Theatre. This free event, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Berrien & Cass Counties and LMC Votes!, is open to the public. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. “We are excited to hear from Attorney General
PATRICK MAC CARTHAIGH, A.A.E., ACE, EARNS PROFESSIONAL AIRPORT ACCREDITATION
PATRICK MAC CARTHAIGH, A.A.E., ACE, EARNS PROFESSIONAL AIRPORT ACCREDITATIONJoins elite group of airport executives who have completed all requirements of 68-year-old programSouth Bend, IN. – South Bend International Airport (SBN) Vice President of Operations Patrick Mac Carthaigh, A.A.E., ACE, has been awarded the distinction of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).To qualify for his distinction, Mac Carthaigh had to successfully complete three
United Federal Credit Union Names Zach Thompson Branch Manager in Buchanan
United Federal Credit Union Names Zach Thompson Branch Manager in BuchananZach Thompson, Branch Manager, Buchanan BUCHANAN, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has named Zach Thompson as Branch Manager at its branch at 808 E Front St. in Buchanan. As Branch Manager, Thompson will be responsible for maintaining the performance of the branch and providing leadership and supervision to staff. Thompson brings more than eight years of financial industry experience to his role. Most recently, he
LMC to hold Red Hawk Career Fair for students, community
LMC to hold Red Hawk Career Fair for students, community BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — More than 30 employers are expected to attend Lake Michigan College's Red Hawk Career Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in Room L310 of the Main Building on the Benton Harbor Campus. Held as part of LMC's Grad & Future Fair, this event is designed to connect students and community members with employers looking to fill current job openings, internships, and future career opportunities in
Wightman Announces the Appointment of Steve Carlisle as President
Wightman Announces the Appointment of Steve Carlisle as President Benton Harbor, Mich.— Wightman, an award-winning architecture, civil engineering, and surveying firm serving the Great Lakes region, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Steve Carlisle, P.E. as its new President. With an impressive career in the civil engineering industry and a commitment to continuing Wightman’s service to its clients and people-centric company culture, Carlisle brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With
Tracy Letts’ dark comedy “The Minutes” to open The GhostLight Theatre’s 5th season April 18th
Tracy Letts’ critically acclaimed play “THE MINUTES” opens Thursday, April 18th and runs through Sunday April 28th at The GhostLight Theatre. Directed by Chicago-based Director Nate Cohen, THE MINUTES will mark the first production of the 2024 GhostLight Theatre season. THE MINUTES is a scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real-world power from the author of August: Osage County, playwright Tracy Letts. This play exposes the ugliness behind some of our closely-held American narratives
Casey’s Opens Third Berrien County Location
Casey’s Opens Third Berrien County LocationBerrien Springs Official Opens April 18thBerrien Springs, Michigan – Three stores later, the love and appreciation that Casey’s Gas Station and Convenience Store has for Southwest Michigan is becoming clearer. Officially opening the doors on April 18th in Berrien Springs, Casey’s newest location offers a full-service stop for travelers up and down the U.S. 31 Bypass and M-139. A ribbon celebration will be held on Thursday, April 18th at 10:00 a.m. with Oronoko
The Woods Fitness Park Announces New Rental Pavilion
The Woods Fitness Park Announces New Rental PavilionSouthwest Michigan Regional Chamber to host Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours April 18Benton Harbor, Michigan – What was initially an opportunity to bring fitness outdoors during COVID has turned into one of Southwest Michigan’s biggest outdoor playgrounds where guests can walk, run, crawl, jump, climb, and swing their way over 40-acres of land. The Woods Fitness Park is now expanding with the addition of a new pavilion that can be rented for a
Lake Michigan College Honors Program to hold annual Civil Discourse Forum on Jobs, Wages and Inflati
Lake Michigan College Honors Program to hold annual Civil Discourse Forum on Jobs, Wages and Inflation BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The Lake Michigan College Honors Program will hold its 2024 Civil Discourse Forum on Jobs, Wages, and Inflation from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, in Fettig Lecture Hall (D-105) on Lake Michigan College's Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. The forum offers an in-depth look at the implications and considerations for young adults starting careers and looking for jobs,
MICHIGAN WORKS! ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM ANNOUNCES OPEN OFFICE HOURS AT GALIEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
MICHIGAN WORKS! ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM ANNOUNCES OPEN OFFICE HOURS AT GALIEN PUBLIC LIBRARY BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- With transportation being a top barrier for individuals in Southwest Michigan, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, and Neighbor by Neighbor joined forces to bring Adult Education services and a variety of additional support services to individuals who live in Southwest Berrien County with open office hours at the Galien Public Library. Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, in
PORTRAIT ARTISTS ‘FACE OFF’ AT BOX FACTORY EVENT WITH LIVE MODELS, MUSIC AND A SILENT AUCTION
PORTRAIT ARTISTS ‘FACE OFF’ AT BOX FACTORY EVENT WITH LIVE MODELS, MUSIC AND A SILENT AUCTIONST. JOSEPH, MI – Fifteen professional artists will demonstrate their craft by creating portraits of live models in front of an audience. They will be accompanied by music from electric cellist Michael Jon DeHays.The public is invited to the Face Off event on May 3, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph, MI.A cash bar and refreshments will be available. Admittance is $5 at the
Buchanan’s 16th Annual Chili Walk
Sponsored by the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Sturgis Bank – Niles Banking Center Buchanan, MI - The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the best chili walk in the area. Buchanan may be a small town, but we do it big when it comes to serving chili! On Thursday, April 11, 2024, local businesses and organizations will standoff to see who has the best chili in Buchanan. The public is encouraged to participate in the sampling, and each attendee may vote for
2024 SWMI & National Housing Market February Closed with Lower Sales & Record Selling Prices
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market in February 2024 wiped out the sales gain started in January, and closed with 6 percent lower sales compared to February 2023 while January 2024 had a 6 percent gain in sales. Selling prices rose to record levels for prices in February,” stated Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®, Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in February dropped 6 percent from February 2023 (148 vs. 158). The level of
BENTON HARBOR’S MIGHTY DOG ROOFING WINS AMBASSADOR AWARD
Benton Harbor’s Mighty Dog Roofing Wins Ambassador Award Benton Harbor, MI – One of Southwest Michigan’s newest businesses has already gained spotlight and recognition on a national level. Benton Harbor’s own Mighty Dog Roofing received the Brand Ambassador award for 2023 at their annual brand convention held in March. The Brand Ambassador award is one of four (4) that Mighty Dog Roofing recognizes every year among their 150+ owners and is the only one not awarded based on a measurable result but
Lake Michigan College renames Mainstage as Jenkins Theatre
Lake Michigan College renames Mainstage as Jenkins TheatreRolfe Jenkin's brother Dennis Jenkins (left) and Lake Michigan College President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke (right) unveiled the new Jenkins Theatre name before a Mendel Center performance Thursday evening BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – On Thursday, Lake Michigan College leaders revealed the new name of the LMC Mendel Center Mainstage during a naming dedication ceremony. The 1,500-seat performing arts venue is now known as the Lake Michigan College Mendel
Lake Michigan College Theatre Instructor Dr. Patrick King receives Fulbright Scholar Award to resear
Lake Michigan College Theatre Instructor Dr. Patrick King receives Fulbright Scholar Award to research theater in Spain BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lake Michigan College Theatre Instructor Dr. Patrick King has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar. King will spend the 2024-2025 academic year in Barcelona, Spain, at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (or Autonomous University of Barcelona), researching Catalan musical theater as a Fulbright Scholar. "My research area is musical theater in a
Wednesday, May 1- MICHIGAN WORKS! TO HOST JOB FAIR
MICHIGAN WORKS! TO HOST JOB FAIR BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - If you’re looking for a job, you’ll want to join Michigan Works! at their next hiring event where an estimated 25 employers will be meeting with candidates to fill their open positions. The next hiring event will take place on Wednesday, May 1 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Michigan Works! Service Center, located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. “Our hiring events have been a major success for southwest Michigan employers and job seekers.
LMC offering Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program
LMC offering Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lake Michigan College is offering its Red Hawks Rise Summer Bridge Program to help 2024 graduating high school seniors and other incoming students prepare for the demands of college life. The free, immersive, 12-day, non-residential program provides students with college readiness guidance, assessment, career exploration, and math, reading, and writing instruction. "Red Hawks Rise is a fun, interactive program to assist first-time
4th Annual Berrien Springs Pickle Festival Set For July 4th
4th Annual Berrien Springs Pickle Festival Set For July 4thA Dill-ightful Day and Pre-Festival Activities Planned for 2024Berrien Springs, MI – The Village of Berrien Springs, the Berrien County Historical Association (BCHA), and the Berrien Springs Community Library invite you to the 4th Annual Pickle Festival on Thursday, July 4th and its auxiliary events in June. Continuing to grow in popularity, the Pickle Festival pre-event auxiliary activities kick off with the Pickle Fest Preview Weekend and the
Get Ready for the SPRING RUMMAGE SALE at the Box
Get Ready for theSPRING RUMMAGE SALE at the Box ST. JOSEPH, MI – The Box Factory for the Arts is looking for donations of gently used items in preparation for its Spring Rummage Sale on April 18-20. DROP OFFDonations can be dropped off at the Box Factory’s main entrance, 1101 Broad St., on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, between noon and 4 p.m. Accepted items include art and craft supplies and books, books of any type, magazines, household goods, glass items, and furniture. No clothes or
Dr. Linwood B. Whitten named to the NASPA Black Diaspora Knowledge Community Stellar 50
Dr. Linwood B. Whitten named to the NASPA Black Diaspora Knowledge Community Stellar 50 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has named Lake Michigan College Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Linwood B. Whitten to its prestigious Black Diaspora Knowledge Community Stellar 50. This esteemed recognition underscores Dr. Whitten's commitment to servant leadership and impact on higher education and student affairs. The Black Diaspora Knowledge
GhostLight Theatre announces inaugural Young Adult(YA) Theatre Arts Training Program and auditions
2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for The GhostLight Theatre! In their 5th anniversary season, The GhostLight is launching their first ever YA (Young Adult) theatre training program to take place throughout the entire season, which will culminate in a mid-summer fully staged production of the play She Kills Monsters (Young Adventurers Edition) written by Qui Nguyen. Students aged 13-19 interested in studying the theatrical arts including acting, stagecraft, set design, costuming, light and sound
Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party!
Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party! ST. JOSEPH, MI – Now that spring has finally sprung, get ready for some beachtime fun! Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party will bring the songs of Jimmy Buffett, the calypso of Harry Belafonte, the reggae of Bob Marley, and other music to the Box Factory for the Arts on Saturday, April 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $12 general admission and $15 for cabaret seating (at tables in front); reserve your seating at ticketstripe.com/daverudolfbeachparty. Walk-in tickets are $15.
Collaborative jazz concert will usher in spring at LMC
Collaborative jazz concert will usher in spring at LMCEvent: Swingin’ in the SpringWhen: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022Admission: Free general admission; tickets not required BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The joint will be jumpin' when the Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents Swingin' in the Spring at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. The concert will feature