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,
Cirque Mechanics returns to the LMC Mendel Center with an all-new production
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Gravity-defying acrobatics meet theatrical ingenuity when Cirque Mechanics returns to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center with their spectacular new production. On Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m., the Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre audience will be transported into the whimsical world of "Tilt! A Circus Thrill Ride" – an awe-inspiring celebration of mechanical marvels and human artistry that reimagines the thrills and wonder of an amusement park. In Tilt!, Cirque Mechanics takes
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
Greater Bridgman CGA Announces Return of the Street Dance
Greater Bridgman CGA Announces Return of the Street Dance Beloved Tradition Returns as Part of Celebrate Bridgman on July 12th For Immediate Release: May 29, 2025 Bridgman, Michigan – The Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance (CGA) in partnership with Classic Catering & Events, Indiana Michigan Power an AEP Company and the greater Bridgman community is excited to announce the Street Dance will return as part of Celebrate Bridgman on July 12th. For many years hundreds of individuals
Dablon Vineyards & Winery Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Baroda, MI — May 29, 2025 — Dablon Vineyards & Winery is thrilled to announce its 10th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 31, 2025, marking a decade of globally inspired, locally produced wines. Dablon Vineyards & Winery is a family-owned estate vineyard in Southwest Michigan, situated just inland from Lake Michigan. We craft exceptional wines from grapes grown on our unique terroir and rolling hills. Named for explorer Claude Dablon, who planted French varietals on Michigan soil in the 1600s, we
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
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ST. JOE TODAY COMMISSIONS A TEMPORARY MURAL FOR THE BLUFF STAIRS 2025
St. Joe Today is happy to announce the installation of another temporary mural on the stairs leading up to Lake Bluff Park and downtown St. Joseph. St. Joe Today was able to bring this project to the community with support from the Schalon Foundation. St. Joe Today started the mural project in 2018, the week leading up to Chalk the Block, with a permanent mural on the back of the Welcome Center building and continued in 2019 with a temporary mural on the bluff stairs, both pieces commissioned and
Armor Physical Therapy Opens New St. Joseph Clinic
Armor Physical Therapy is excited to announce the ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest outpatient orthopedic and sports physical therapy clinic in St. Joseph. The event, hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, will take place on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 1:00 p.m., with an open house happening until 6:00 p.m. Community members, local leaders, and healthcare professionals are encouraged to attend to meet the team, tour the facility, and learn more about the specialized services
See Winners of the MAAC Art Competition on Exhibit at the Box Factory
Award winners have been announced for the 2025 Michiana Annual Art Competition (MAAC), now on display at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. 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 exhibit.Awards were presented at the opening reception in eight categories and Best of
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LAKE BLUFF ARTISAN FAIR RETURNS TO LAKE BLUFF PARK ON MAY 31ST
Over 50 regional artisans and crafters will share their talent at the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair, held in Lake Bluff Park from 10:00a-5:00p on Saturday, May 31. Event attendees will find one-of-a-kind handcrafted, homemade goods such as home décor, furniture, jewelry, candles, clothing and more. St. Joe Today invites the community to enjoy this eclectic artisan fair that overlooks Lake Michigan. 2025 show dates are May 31, July 19, August 16 and August 30. While you are downtown, be sure to EAT, SHOP, STAY
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
Contemporary Dance Troupe Performs 'in the Round' at Box Factory on June 7
Contemporary Dance Troupe Performs 'in the Round' at Box Factory on June 7 ST. JOSEPH, MI – Southwest Michigan’s premiere contemporary-dance company, CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, will present its new dance concert, “Resonance,” at the Box Factory for the Arts on Saturday, June 7, from 7-9 p.m.Tickets can be purchased online for $12 general admission or $15 cabaret tables at ticketstripe.com/cprdance2025. Walk-in tickets are $15. Admission is free for children 12 and under.“Resonance” is a collection of new
MEDC Announces $8.8 Million in Grants for Organizations Supporting Under-Represented Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMAY 21, 2025 Contact: Otie McKinley517-930-8049mckinleyo@michigan.org MEDC Announces $8.8 Million in Grants for Organizations Supporting Under-Represented Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs The Trusted Connector Grant and Entrepreneur Support Grant, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, provide funding to support
Allegiant Announces New Route to Fort Lauderdale with One-Way Fares as Low as $59*
The Airline Offers New Low-Cost Travel Options to Popular Destinations in Eight Cities Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced five new nonstop routes to eight cities around the country. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on the new routes as low as $39.* The routes, launching this fall, will provide the only nonstop service between these cities. Additionally, the airline added an intrastate route for travelers in Tennessee. "This expansion caters to passengers and
Biggby® Coffee Berrien Springs Announces Ribbon Cutting
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Biggby® Coffee Berrien Springs Announces Ribbon Cutting Community Celebration Planned for May 28th For Immediate Release: May 20, 2025 Berrien Springs, Michigan – The aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and the spirit of community blend perfectly in Berrien Springs at the new BIGGBY® COFFEE! Join the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber for a celebratory ribbon cutting on Wednesday, May 28th at 3:00
Coloma Frozen Foods Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence in Frozen Food Production
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Bradley Wendzel President 269-876-5934 Coloma Frozen Foods Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence in Frozen Food Production For Immediate Release: May 19, 2025 Coloma, Michigan – Coloma Frozen Foods, Inc., a leader in premium frozen fruits, vegetables, and juice concentrates, proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1925 as Coloma Co-operative Canning, the company has grown from a cooperative supporting local growers into a trusted name in the food
THE BOX FACTORY CELEBRATES ITS 30th ANNIVERSARY WITH AN ART AUCTION, FOOD & DRINK, AND A SPECIAL CONCERT
THE BOX FACTORY CELEBRATES ITS 30th ANNIVERSARY WITHAN ART AUCTION, FOOD & DRINK, AND A SPECIAL CONCERT ST. JOSEPH, MI – In 1995, something extraordinary happened in the local art community. Looking for a place to meet and exhibit their art, a collective of artists known as the Berrien Artist Guild purchased an old, three-story building in St. Joseph that used to house a box factory. In the 30 years since, the Box Factory for the Arts has become a bustling, multidisciplinary art center known for its ongoing
Wolf Financial Advisory New Location With Ribbon Cutting
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Wolf Financial Advisory Announces New Location With Ribbon Cutting Celebration Planned for May 19th For Immediate Release: May 14, 2025 St. Joseph, Michigan – Wolf Financial Advisory is proud to announce a major milestone in its history as the company celebrates the grand opening of its new office location and continued team growth. The community is invited to join the celebration on
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ST. JOE FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF THE 2025 SEASON ON MAY 24
ST. JOE FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF THE 2025 SEASON ON MAY 24 ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly St. Joe Farmers Market held in scenic Lake Bluff Park in downtown St. Joseph. The 2025 St. Joe Farmers Market season kicks off Saturday, May 24 from 9:00a–2:00p and includes a variety of products such as baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more. "The St. Joe Today team is thrilled to kick off the 2025 Farmers Market
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Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in Berrien Springs
Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in Berrien Springs BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – May 14, 2025 – Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian, is pleased to host a Free Community Shred Day in Berrien Springs, MI. The event will take place at Honor's Operation Center on May 22, from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM. This event is one of 10 Shred Days spanning April through September and provides a convenient, secure way for community members to dispose of sensitive documents. Honor’s
MICHIGAN GATEWAY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT TO DOWAGIAC SCHOOLS FOR THE LYONS READING FUND
In January of 2021 the Lyons Family formed the Lyons Reading Fund through Michigan Gateway Community Foundation. This gift was put in place to aid Dowagiac Union Schools with their goal of improving literacy and reading proficiency throughout all grade levels. While many wonderful reading programs exist for youth across the region, a missing piece of that puzzle has always been the Middle School level. To address this important period for young people in our community, the Lyons Reading Fund has
Lake Michigan College Receives National Recognition for Student Voter Engagement
Lake Michigan College has garnered two national awards for its efforts to engage students in the 2024 election process. LMC student Renato Recillas of Fennville has been named to the 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. This honor recognizes student leaders nationwide who excel in supporting their peers with voter registration, providing nonpartisan resources, and ensuring eligible college students can cast informed ballots. Recillas, the only community college
The Lake Michigan College Alumni Association Board of Directors is seeking nominations for its 2025
Nominations for the Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award, and Alumni Achievement Award must be received by June 15 for consideration. Recipients will be announced this fall. To be eligible, alumni must have graduated from LMC or its predecessor, Benton Harbor Community College, or taken at least 30 semester hours. LMC first presented its Alumni Awards in 1986. Since then, more than 80 individuals have been honored. To nominate an individual for the
A Taste of Ireland – The Irish Music & Dance Sensation comes to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Oct. 18
After premiering Off-Broadway last season, “A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation” returns to stages across the USA in 2025. On Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m., this incredible live stage experience comes to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre in Benton Harbor for one performance only. Tickets, starting at $38, will be available at www.TheMendelCenter.com/events beginning Friday, May 16, at 10 a.m. “A Taste of Ireland” has entertained thousands around the globe. Audiences
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SEES RECORD NUMBER OF PASSENGERS TAKE OFF IN MARCH
For the first time ever, South Bend International Airport (SBN) had more than 50,000 people depart on flights in a single month. March 2025 enplanements – an industry metric indicating the number of people boarding an airplane from a specific airport – increased 24.6% year-over-year from 40,612 to 50,602. At the end of the first quarter, SBN enplanements reached 134,624, a 27.7% increase over the first quarter of 2024. Historically, in the aviation industry, January and February are the slowest months of
GhostLight Theatre announces auditions for Young Apprentice Training Program (YAP) on May 17 & 18 for their July production of The Wolves – a play by Sarah DeLappe
The Ghostlight Theatre is excited to announce the return of their Young Apprentice Training Program (YAP) for the Summer of 2025, to include any/all students aged 13-19. This season the program continues to grow and develop with the feature performance, The Wolves – a play by Sara DeLappe. Auditions for the YAP will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 17th & 18th from 4-6pm at The GhostLight Theatre – 101 Hinkley Street, Benton Harbor. Auditioners need only attend one day of auditions but should plan on
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Barbara Berken as Director of Enterprise Projects & Process Excellence
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Barbara Berken as Director of Enterprise Projects & Process Excellence ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) is pleased to announce the promotion of Barbara Berken to the position of Director of Enterprise Projects & Process Excellence. Berken brings over two decades of experience in credit union operations, project management, and process improvement to her new role at United. Barbara Berken, Director of Enterprise Projects & Process
Lake Michigan College inducts new honor society members
Lake Michigan College recently inducted 55 students into the Mu Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and 41 students into the National Society of Leadership and Success. PTK is the international community college honor society which focuses on service, scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. PTK members participate in community service projects, leadership opportunities, social events, and monthly meetings. Membership is by invitation to students who have completed at least 12 credits and have a cumulative GPA of
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MEMORIAL DAY PARADE RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPH ON FRIDAY, MAY 23
St. Joe Today invites the community to join them for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade on Friday, May 23 in downtown St. Joseph. This event is sponsored by Lest We Forget. This yearly tradition honors those who have served and sacrificed their lives in service of our country. The parade starts at 12:00p and travels along Lake Boulevard from Park Street to Port Street in downtown St. Joseph. Immediately following the parade, there will be a short memorial ceremony held at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell. St.
Kimmy Cramer Named Spirit of Nursing Award Recipient by Lake Michigan College
Lake Michigan College is proud to announce that Kimberly “Kimmy” Cramer, who will receive her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing on May 4, has been named the Spring 2025 recipient of the Spirit of Nursing award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon a graduating nursing student. The Spirit of Nursing award is presented each semester to the graduate who best exemplifies the philosophy and core values of the LMC Nursing Program. The award recognizes not only academic success, but also the personal
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Returns $1.3 Million in Tax Refunds to the Community
United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, commonly known as VITA (pronounced VYE-tuh), is excited to announce the program’s volunteers assisted over 1,100 clients across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties with tax preparation & filing. The result is over $1.3 Million in tax refunds returned to Southwest Michigan residents through this vital program.“This program is so integral to the ALICE population,” stated Anna Murphy, President & CEO of United Way of Southwest
Swinging into Action – 38th Annual Softball Fundraiser to Support The Center for Growth and Independence
The Center for Growth and Independence kicks off their 38th Annual Softball Fundraiser, taking place July 25th and 26th at Plangger’s Park in Benton Harbor, MI. This event, sponsored by Dominion Chevrolet, brings the community together for a weekend of friendly competition, team building, and a positive impact for the community’s most vulnerable populations. This community event takes one of America’s favorite games, baseball, and adds a creative twist: bribe the ump to put the other team at a disadvantage!
St. Joseph, MI Businesses: How to Respond to the CTA, BOI and FinCEN Now
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
