In Historic First, Committee Advances Peters, Merkley, Hawley, Ossoff and Rosen Bipartisan Legislati
Bipartisan legislation, negotiated by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA), and built off of Merkley’s ETHICS Act, to ban Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependents from holding, buying, or selling stocks has advanced out of committee. This is the first time a Senate Committee has marked up legislation barring stock trading by Members of Congress. The bipartisan modified legislation, which was sponsored in committee by Peters, Hawley,
Buchanan to Host the World's Largest Olympic Watch Party
Mayor Sean Denison announced that the City of Buchanan will once again host the World's Biggest Olympic Watch Party for Buchanan native and Olympic Medalist, Hannah Roberts on Wednesday July 31st at 7:00 am Eastern with a rebroadcast at 7:00 pm Eastern at the Buchanan Common. Hannah will compete for the Gold Medal in the Paris Olympics in the BMX Freestyle Event. Buchanan currently boasts the title "World's Biggest Olympic Watch Party in History" that was earned in 2021 when Hannah competed and brought
2024 SWMI & National Housing Market June Sales fell 4%, Inventory grows Selling Prices Drop
“Halfway through 2024, sales-to-date were down 4 percent from June 2023. June housing sales increased 7 percent above that in May 2024 (241 vs. 226), helping to build the peak selling season. The good news for buyers is that inventory grew 17 percent from June 2023, and average selling prices dropped from prices in May 2024. In the year-over-year comparison, the average and median selling prices in June 2024 dropped below the record-setting prices for June in the year-over-year comparison dating back to
Chamber Young Professionals Give Back to Benton Harbor with Community Clean-Up Event
Pictured: (Left to Right) Trevor Carlson, Prairie Real Estate Group; Forrest Avery, Venanpri; Molly McFadden, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber; Jasmine Hansen, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber; Avery Backus, Edgewater Automation; and Brittany Lee, Corewell Health Chamber Young Professionals Give Back to Benton Harbor with Community Clean-Up Event Benton Harbor, MI - Yesterday, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber's NextGen young professionals program took a break from the office to give
City of Bridgman and Surf Internet to Break Ground on New Broadband Build Out
City of Bridgman and Surf Internet to Break Ground on New Broadband Build OutCelebration Scheduled for July 29th Bridgman, Michigan – As communities all across Southwest Michigan continue to grow, as does the need for reliable and dependable internet. Surf Internet and the City of Bridgman are excited to share their partnership to take the step towards closing the digital divide. A celebratory groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this achievement will be held on Monday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at
CHALK THE BLOCK KICKS AUGUST OFF WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR, AUGUST 2-4
CHALK THE BLOCK KICKS AUGUST OFF WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR, AUGUST 2-4 ST. JOSEPH MI- Summer is on its final stretch, but summertime fun in St. Joseph is still in full swing! St. Joe Today invites the community to watch as both amateur and professional artists take over Broad St., and part of the Pleasant Street Plaza, in downtown St. Joe to showcase their talents during Chalk the Block, August 2-4. This art-filled weekend event is sponsored by Beaudoin Electrical, Caffe Tosi, Comfort Suites, Courtyard by
Be Healthy Berrien Receives $55,000 Award from Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals to Continue Collec
Be Healthy Berrien Receives $55,000 Award from Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals to Continue Collective Impact Efforts in Berrien County ST. JOSEPH, MI – Be Healthy Berrien, a collective impact initiative has received a $55,000 award from Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals to continue efforts in Berrien County to reduce obesity through policy, system, and environmental changes. The initiative is anchored by United Way of Southwest Michigan. “We have seen successes in our community by reducing
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Presents Peter and the Wolf
Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra Presents Peter and the Wolf St. Joseph, Michigan - Share and create childhood memories with a live performance of Peter and the Wolf on Saturday, July 27 at Shadowland Ballroom in the Silver Beach Event Center, located at 333 Broad Street, St. Joseph. Take your kids on a musical adventure with Peter and his companions: a bird with flute-song, an oboe-waddling duck, a clarinet-crafty cat, and their run-in with a shadowy wolf, hinted at by ominous
Entrepreneur and Two-time Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson to open the 2024-2025 Lake
Entrepreneur and Two-time Basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson to open the 2024-2025 Lake Michigan College Speaker Series BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center welcomes entrepreneur and two-time basketball Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson as the first guest of the 2024-2025 LMC Speaker Series on Friday, Aug. 23, in Grand Upton Hall. A pre-speaker buffet dinner will be served at 5 p.m. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can choose from the dinner and
YMCA Celebrates Downtown Opening with Ribbon Cutting
Downtown South Bend Inc. (DTSB) will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 25, at 11 a.m. for the YMCA of Greater Michiana, to celebrate the grand opening of its new facility at 111 W. Jefferson Blvd. An open house will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will continue after the ceremony. Special guests will include Mayor James Mueller, alongside representatives from the City of South Bend, DTSB, and the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. The downtown South Bend YMCA’s new facility is a testament
Tri-County Head Start CEO Chanda Hillman Selected for Prestigious UCLA Leadership Program
Tri-County Head Start CEO Chanda Hillman Selected for Prestigious UCLA Leadership Program Paw Paw, MI – July 23, 2024 – Tri-County HeadStart is thrilled to announce that our esteemed CEO, Chanda Hillman, was selected as one of only 42 executive Head Start directors nationwide to participate in the prestigious UCLA Head Start Leadership Program. This program, known for its rigorous curriculum and leadership development, aims to empower and equip leaders in the Head Start community with advanced skills
Cass County Kids Set to Receive Backpacks Filled with School Supplies from United Way of Southwest M
Cass County Kids Set to Receive Backpacks Filled with School Supplies from United Way of Southwest Michigan School Supply Spectacular returns for another great year helping Cass County students over three days across four locationsCASS COUNTY, MI – As the new school year approaches, United Way of Southwest Michigan is gearing up to ensure that every child in Cass County has the tools they need to succeed. The annual School Supply Spectacular event is back, providing free backpacks filled with essential
Berrien County Drain Commission Celebrates the Completion of the New Pinebrook Drain
Berrien County Drain Commission Celebrates the Completion of the New Pinebrook Drain Benton Harbor, Mich.— The Berrien County Drain Commission is pleased to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Pinebrook Drain on Tuesday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m. This significant infrastructure project marks a milestone in the County’s ongoing efforts to improve water management and environmental stewardship in the community. The upgraded Pinebrook Drain is a simple but efficient system designed to move
Tickets Now Available for Annual Hospice Benefit Wine and Beer Tasting in South Haven on August 3!
Tickets Now Available for Annual Hospice Benefit Wine and Beer Tasting in South Haven on August 3 (South Haven) – Community members are invited to attend and support the 12th annual Hospice Benefit Wine and Beer Tasting for Caring Circle/Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care, on Saturday, August 3, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is the second year the fundraiser will take place at the Michigan Maritime Museum, 260 Dyckman Avenue in South Haven. Guests will enjoy a night of local wine, beer, delicious
Honor Credit Union Announces Promotion of Jon Westfall to Commercial Loan Officer
Honor Credit Union Announces Promotion of Jon Westfall to Commercial Loan Officer BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – JULY 11, 2024 – Honor Credit Union is thrilled to announce the internal promotion of Jon Westfall to Commercial Loan Officer (CLO). Westfall will serve Honor’s Shoreline Region, which includes Benton Harbor, Coloma, Hartford, St. Joseph, and South Haven communities. As part of the Business Services team, Jon will collaborate closely with Honor’s Member Center Managers, Community
FREE BOOKS – LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE CONTINUES TO REDUCE BARRIERS FOR STUDENTS
FREE BOOKS – LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE CONTINUES TO REDUCE BARRIERS FOR STUDENTS BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – With the State of Michigan announcing that the Community College Guarantee will be effective this fall, providing free in-district tuition for the high school graduating classes of 2023 and 2024, Lake Michigan College is moving to use private funding to pay for books for in-district, graduating class of 2024 students who attend LMC this fall and for class of 2023 students who entered LMC for Fall semester
United Way 'Rock the Boat' Results from Thur July 11 Event
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s “Rock The Boat” Raises More Than $31,000 The return of the highly anticipated cardboard boat race on the St. Joseph River channel saw over a thousand spectators with 25 boats participating for a great causeST. JOSEPH, MI – The weather was perfect for the return of the Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races, which took place Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph with 25 boats participating. The event had a fundraising total of over $31,000
Watermark Brewing Company Receives Match on Main Grant for Beer Garden Expansion
Watermark Brewing Company Receives Match on Main Grant for Beer Garden ExpansionStevensville, MI - The Village of Stevensville is thrilled to announce that Watermark Brewing Company has been awarded a $22,157 Match on Main grant to support the expansion of its beer garden in downtown Stevensville! This project will enhance the local downtown corridor by replacing a previously blighted property with a dynamic beer garden that will appeal to both tourists and locals. By activating this underutilized space in
The GhostLight Theatre unveils first-ever Young Adult Production with the play “She Kills Monsters” - July 18th - 21st
The GhostLight Theatre continues its 2024 Theatre Season with She Kills Monsters – Young Adventurers Edition – a play by Qui Nguyen, directed by Lindsay Gaspari. This play marks the first-ever Young Adult Production of The GhostLight Theatre, and it will be presented in the GhostLight’s Black Box Theatre space from Thursday, July 18th, through Sunday, July 21st. 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 Admission
$3.9M AWARDED TO MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN TO SUPPORT APPRENTICESHIPS IN SOUTHWEST MI
$3.9M AWARDED TO MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN TO SUPPORT APPRENTICESHIPS IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren was awarded a $3.9M Apprenticeship Building America, Round 2 (ABA2) grant from the United States Department of Labor. The goal of the grant is to establish pre-apprenticeship programs leading to Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) enrollment. The four-year grant will start in July 2024 and conclude in June 2028. Michigan Works!
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s “Rock The Boat” Happening This Thursday, July 11th
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s “Rock The Boat” Happening This Thursday, July 11th With 26 boats participating in the event, Rock the Boat will feature a fun afternoon of cardboard boat racing for a great cause. ST. JOSEPH, MI – United Way of Southwest Michigan is inviting the community and the media to join us at the Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races, set to take place this Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph. “We have 26 boats participating and they’ve been
Bridgman Open Air Market Annual Kids Day!
Bridgman Open Air Market Annual Kids Day!Prizes, demonstrations and more.. Bridgman— 7/8/2024 — The Bridgman Open Air Market welcomes the public to its annual Kids’ Day event on Sunday July 14th. The Bridgman Open Air Market: homegrown flowers, freshly -baked goods, locally sourced honey, dog treats and numerous booths of handcrafted items made by local artisans plays host once again to a day of merriment, mirth and fun. The vendors are all encouraged to set up an activity for the kids as well as some
Chicago Jazz Singer Elaine Dame & Guitarist Andy Brown on Saturday, July 27
Chicago Jazz Singer Elaine Dame and Guitarist Andy Brown Perform at the Box Factory on July 27 ST. JOSEPH, MI – Stevensville native Elaine Dame returns to Southwestern Michigan for an intimate evening of music along with celebrated jazz guitarist Andy Brown. The duo performs Saturday, July 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $20 general admission or $25 cabaret seating (reserved
MICHIGAN WORKS! ANNOUNCES EMPLOYER LINEUP AT UPCOMING JOB FAIR
MICHIGAN WORKS! ANNOUNCES EMPLOYER LINEUP AT UPCOMING 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 Thursday, July 11 from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm at the Michigan Works! Service Center, located at 499 West Main Street in Benton Harbor. Last month’s hiring event brought 24 employers and 342 job
Attitudes Salon Unveils Exciting New Rebrand to Enhance Client Experience
Attitudes Salon Unveils Exciting New Rebrand to Enhance Client ExperienceSt. Joseph, MI – 07/09/2024 – Attitudes Salon, a premier hair salon in St. Joseph, Michigan, is thrilled to announce a significant rebrand aimed at elevating the client experience and showcasing the salon’s commitment to excellence. This transformation includes a fresh visual identity, new signage, and an updated interior, all designed to reflect the salon’s dedication to high-quality service and client satisfaction.A New Look for a
Doo-Wop Hall of Fame-ers The Spaniels Forever on Friday, July 19
Doo-Wop Hall of Famers ‘The Spaniels Forever’ Bring Their Four-Part Harmony to the Box Factory Stage ST. JOSEPH, MI – The Spaniels Forever performsFriday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Tickets are $12 general admission, available in advance at ticketstripe.com/spanielsforever. Walk-in tickets are $15. Free for children 12 and under. The concert immediately follows the opening reception for the Box Factory’s
Forever Clean Soap Works Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary & new Downtown St. Joseph Location
Ten (10) years ago, Lisa Miller officially opened the doors on her first brick and mortar location for Forever Clean Soap Works in Niles. Since then, she’s expanded her footprint and moved in 2019 to her first St. Joseph location before settling at the beginning of this year at her new home on State Street in Downtown St. Joe. To celebrate this milestone, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is partnering with Miller to host a 10-year celebration and a special ribbon cutting on Wednesday, July 10th at
Six Regional Artists Featured in New Exhibit at Box Factory for the Arts
From travel art to the power of color to the comic grotesque, a variety of artistic themes will be on exhibit at the Box Factory for the Arts from July 12 to September 8, 2024.The public is invited to meet the artists at the Opening Reception on Friday, July 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Light snacks and a cash bar will be available. The Series 4 exhibition is this year’s fourth building-wide show displaying artwork on all three floors of the historic building. Featured artists are below. “Turn Left” by Kerri
LMC students earn spots on Spring '24 President’s, Dean’s Lists
Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2024 Spring semester.There were 52 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 119 full-time students and 548 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher.President’s ListAlleganHolly CurtissBangorJessica SaucedoBenton Harbor Zachary Arrans, Katarina Easley, Dajah Parker, Catherine SteedBerrien Springs Sofia Pate, Emily
MIKE YORE MEMORIAL CAR SHOW PART OF LOVE LOCAL WEEKEND JULY 19-21
St. Joe Today invites the community to celebrate all things Southwest Michigan during the Love Local Weekend July 19-21. The weekend kicks off with the Mike Yore Memorial Car Show on Friday, July 19 from 4:00p-8:00p in downtown St. Joe. Step back in time and enjoy over 150 vintage cars lined up along Lake Boulevard as DJ Mark Durocher spins classic hits. Cars can start parking in the event zone along Lake Boulevard at 1:00p on Friday, July 19. Participating cars need to be in place no later than 4:00p
Present Pillars Helping Fathers Learn The Key Behaviors of A 24/7 Dad
National Fatherhood Initiative’s® 24/7 Dad® Key Behaviors Workshop Being Used to Enhance Fathers’ Skills Benton Harbor, MI – Present Pillars is helping fathers develop a set of behaviors that will help them gain new skills through the National Fatherhood Initiative’s® (NFI) 24/7 Dad® Key Behaviors Workshop. Present Pillars will facilitate the workshop for dads in Berrien County & Cass Counties. Dads will have an opportunity to develop and apply the 12 key behaviors of a 24/7 Dad that are
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2024-2025 season of performances and speakers announced Individ
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2024-2025 season of performances and speakers announcedIndividual events on sale July 15 BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center has announced its 33rd season of performing arts and speaker events. The season begins Friday, Aug. 23, with Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the first Lake Michigan College Speaker Series guest. “We’ve built this season based on the type and timing of programming that has been the most successful over the past few seasons, as
United Federal Credit Union Named to 2024 Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in North America List
United Federal Credit Union Named to 2024 Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in North America List L to R: Jennifer Wignall (Learning & Development), Kirin Northam (Human Resources), and Bob Beauchamp (Learning & Development) receive United’s 2024 Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces in North America award. ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has been named one of the 2024 Top 100 Workplaces in North America by Inspiring Workplaces Group. The Inspiring Workplaces Awards honor organizations that
Wightman Hires McRobie to Lead Government Sector
Wightman Hires McRobie to Lead Government Sector Benton Harbor, Mich.— Wightman, a leading civil engineering firm known for its commitment to delivering innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the hiring and appointment of Mark McRobie as its new Government Market Sector Leader. With this strategic addition, Wightman aims to strengthen its government sector capabilities and expand its footprint in the public infrastructure market. McRobie brings over 16 years of
$1.7M SECURED TO SUPPORT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS
$1.7M SECURED TO SUPPORT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN EMPLOYERS BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren has secured $1.7M in competitive grants from the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund to help 30 local employers enhance their workforce. The grants awarded provide funds to local employers for training, developing, and retaining employees. “Our number one goal is to ensure southwest Michigan businesses remain competitive in the local and national market. One way to do that is by
Peters Again Recognized by Non-Partisan Lugar Center as One of the Most Bipartisan Senators
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) was recognized as the 2nd-most bipartisan Senator – and the most bipartisan Democrat – in 2023, according to new rankings released by the non-partisan Lugar Center and McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. The announcement also ranked Peters the 3rd-most bipartisan Senator for his work during the 117th Congress (2021-2022). Peters earned the recognition for his successful efforts to advance and enact bipartisan legislation into law. “I’m proud to be