United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP
United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP/FEMA) ProgramST. JOSEPH, MI (February 17, 2025) – United Way of Southwest Michigan (UWSM) announced today that it is accepting funding proposals from Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County agencies for Phase 42 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP/FEMA). The National Board has awarded Berrien County the grant amount of $58,883 for this phase, Cass County the grant amount of $19,779 for this phase,
Free Tree Care and Maintenance Workshop Hosted by Present Pillars.
ReLeaf Michigan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and maintaining trees across the state, is offering a free presentation on Basic Tree Care and Maintenance at the Pillar Center on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This educational event, led by Bob Hunt, an ISA Certified Arborist and grounds supervisor at Hope College, will provide valuable insights into proper tree care techniques. As a project forester with ReLeaf Michigan, Bob will share his expertise on how to maintain
Annual Edible Horticulture Event at Fernwood
Fernwood Botanical Garden invites all to enliven their gardens and taste buds at our Edible Horticulture event! Hear from local chefs, farmers, and gardeners influenced and inspired by the community and crops growing in our region. This year's speakers include an organic farmer specializing in homemade sourdough breads, the head chef of a vibrant new Indian restaurant, and the chair of a South Bend vegan food festival. Enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by The Grateful Pie Company and visit our
Midwest Energy & Communications Connects Its 30,000th fiber internet customer and celebrates with a contest
Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) recently achieved a significant milestone by connecting its 30,000th fiber internet customer and effectively eliminating the digital divide for the rural people it serves in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. In 2015, the Michigan-based electric cooperative launched a major fiber optics project to smarten its electric grid and bring fiber internet to its electric customers. “Becoming an internet service provider started because our customers turned to us for help.
Kennedy’s Kitchen Brings Toe-tapping Irish Tunes to the Box Factory on March 8
What better way to get ready for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration than with pub songs, sing-alongs and ripping dance tunes from the Celtic tradition? That’s the fare that will be presented by Kennedy’s Kitchen on Saturday, March 8, 7-9 p.m., at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. Make sure to reserve your seats for this popular Irish-music band from South Bend, IA. Tickets are $25 for cabaret seating in front or $15 general admission if purchased in advance
The Grateful Pie Company at Fernwood to Host Ribbon Cutting
Fernwood Botanical Garden is excited to announce its partnership with The Grateful Pie Company. Previously located inside The Commerce Center on Colfax in South Bend, the eatery now operates from the Fernwood Café. The Grateful Pie Company is open to the public during Fernwood’s operating hours, offering both dine-in and take-out options. The café menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, pot pies, and pizzas. Homemade baked goods are sold in the garden’s gift shop, including fresh pies, loaves of bread,
The Ghostlight Theater 2025 Season OPENS THIS WEEK!!
CLYDE's OPENS THURSDAY! Our Season Premiere!! Click here for tickets NOW! Actor Daniel Rivera (Rafael) prepares the grill in CLYDE'SCLYDE's OPENS THURSDAY! Our Season Premiere!! Click here for tickets NOW! Click the video below to see part of our presentation from last weekend's Michigan Black Summit! CLICK here to get your tickets to CLYDE'S February 13-23rd!!CLICK here to get your tickets to CLYDE'S February 13-23rd!! Join us in a very important Post-Show Discussion on Sunday, February 23rd at 5pm
Governor proposes steep tax hikes on Michigan businesses to fund roads
Covering what's hot this week or could affect you and your business. What’s happening: Today, Governor Whitmer released a proposal to attempt generate $3 billion in new long term road funding revenues. Most significant in the plan is the attempt to raise $1.6 billion in new taxes on Michigan businesses. One of the taxes rumored to be part of the plan is an increase to the state’s Corporate Income Tax (CIT) from the current 6% rate to 8%. Specific details were not made clear, but other sources of revenue
Watermark Brewing Co. Expands with Depths Society Golf in Downtown Stevensville
Watermark Brewing Co. is proud to announce the opening of Depths Society Golf, an indoor golf club now open to the public in Village Square, downtown Stevensville. Located at 2670 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI, the latest addition to the Watermark family offers an immersive, high-end golf experience, bringing cutting-edge technology and a welcoming community atmosphere to Southwest Michigan. Three bays equipped with Trackman iO simulators, Depths Society Golf delivers unmatched accuracy and realism.
Debbie Smidler Named 2025 REALTOR® of the Year by Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors
Debbie Smidler, a licensed REALTOR® with eXp Realty, was named the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year for the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS at their Annual Recognition Gala held in January. Smidler is a licensed REALTOR® with over 20 years of office management experience and 25 years of customer service experience and holds several professional designations, including Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), At Home with Diversity (AHWD), and Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
SWMAR Announces 2024 (ACE) Continuing Education Award Recipients
The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® Education Committee will acknowledge and celebrate members who continue their education in the complicated field of real estate over and above required courses to better serve homeowners and homebuyers in our community. The new award is named ‘ACE Award’, standing for Achievement in Continuing Education. There were seven REALTORS ® who invested extra time and expenses to further their real estate education and have received the ACE Award for 2024. The
SWMAR Annual Fundraiser Benefits The Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition and The REAL Help
The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® (SWMAR) recently celebrated their sixth annual holiday luncheon and fundraising auction. The REAL Help Foundation was established in 2014 and has been the Association’s charity of choice for this fundraising event since 2023. This program helps families in Southwest Michigan who are in times of crisis and has been a heartfelt priority for REALTORS ® and ancillary service members of the Association. Association members knew there were other charities in
New analysis examines why snow shoveling, paired with sedentary lifestyle, increases heart attack risk in men
Not so fun fact: Shoveling snow for just ten minutes involves lifting and throwing nearly one ton of frozen precipitation, according to a newly published analysis from Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital. This finding and others further distinguishes snow shoveling as a significant risk factor for acute cardiac events in sedentary men. Led by Barry Franklin, Ph.D., director (emeritus) of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Preventive Cardiology, the review examines the physiological demands of
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center to host free community concert featuring the U.S. Army Field Ban
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center to host free community concert featuring the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – The internationally acclaimed United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will continue its long tradition of presenting free public performances when it returns to Southwest Michigan this spring. The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center will host this special community performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, in the Jenkins Theatre. The Concert Band &
HEART MONTH: New analysis examines why snow shoveling, paired with sedentary lifestyle, increases he
New analysis examines why snow shoveling, paired with sedentary lifestyle, increases heart attack risk in men Royal Oak, Mich., Feb. 10, 2025 – Not so fun fact: Shoveling snow for just ten minutes involves lifting and throwing nearly one ton of frozen precipitation, according to a newly published analysis from Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital. This finding and others further distinguishes snow shoveling as a significant risk factor for acute cardiac events in sedentary men. Led by
DEADLINE EXTENDED! 2025 Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Business Recognition Breakfast
Good Morning, Chamber Community! Due to an influx of requests, we're pleased to announce an extended deadline! You now have until close of business on Friday, February 14th, to secure your tickets for our highly anticipated 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast & Awards Ceremony. The morning promises an exciting lineup: a brand-new keynote from Drew Dudley, insights into our 2024 achievements, and a sneak peek into what's ahead for 2025. Plus, don't forget the live voting for our prestigious
Village of Stevensville Downtown Development Authority Seeking Input For Downtown Development Plan
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Kacey Dominguez, Village Manager Village of Stevensville manager@villageofstevensville.us 269-429-1802 VILLAGE OF STEVENSVILLE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SEEKING INPUT FOR DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 9, 2025 Stevensville, Michigan – The Village of Stevensville Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is creating a long-term Downtown Development Plan to chart the path for the future of Downtown Stevensville. The DDA will
United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the Community
United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the CommunityST. JOSEPH, MI (February 11, 2025) – Today, February 11th (2/11) is National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7 three-digit (2-1-1) resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The three-digit service connects information about resources and services available in our local community and is free to utilize.Based on
Spring semester Vocal Exhibition performance scheduled for Feb. 23
Spring semester Vocal Exhibition performance scheduled for Feb. 23 BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – Lake Michigan College voice students will be center stage during the Vocal Exhibition presented by the LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Enjoy a lively afternoon of classical, jazz, musical theatre, and folk music during this free event. The performance will be held in the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Deckmann Studio on the College’s Benton Harbor campus located at 2755. E.
The GhostLight Theatre’s 2025 season kicks off with Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage
The GhostLight Theatre begins its 2025 Theatre Season with Clyde’s – a play written by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, directed by Aaron Reese Boseman (American Son). Clyde’s will mark the start of The GhostLight Theatre’s 6th season, and it will be presented in the GhostLight’s Black Box Theatre space from Thursday, February 13th , through Sunday, February 23rd. 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
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CELEBRATE BREEZE AIRWAYS’ INAUGURAL FLIGHT TO FORT MYERS ON FEBR
South Bend, IN. – Breeze Airways’ third nonstop flight from South Bend International Airport (SBN) takes off to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 10:55 a.m. To celebrate, passengers on the inaugural flight will be treated to a gate party including cookies, beach balls, photo opportunities, and more.Media should arrive at 9:45 a.m. at Airport Information to be escorted through security. Airport Information is located near baggage claim. Park in the
Powerhouse Players: LMC Women's Athletics Turns 50
On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, February 5, 2025, Lake Michigan College is proud to spotlight 50 years of women’s athletics at LMC. The day brings attention to the accomplishments of girls and women while promoting equality in sports. The College currently fields five women’s teams - basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, and volleyball – which are represented by 70 female student-athletes during the 2024-2025 season. The Red Hawks compete as part of the Michigan Community College
Progress remains slow in Senate on earned sick time, minimum wage
What’s happening: With limited session days remaining before Feb. 21 – the day the sweeping new minimum wage and earned sick time (ESTA) changes are slated to take effect – the Michigan Senate has yet to take any action, although conversations are still happening behind-the-scenes. Why it matters: It’s been a week since a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House came together in support of commonsense changes to the onerous ESTA and minimum wage law. The fate of these issues now rests in the Senate’s
Freedom Counseling Center Welcomes Two New Therapists To Their Team
Ria Ferguson and Jonathan Rusbach Now Accepting Patients Freedom Counseling Center is proud to announce the addition of two new therapists, Ria Ferguson and Jonathan Rusbach, to its esteemed team of mental health professionals. With decades of experience providing quality counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and children in Southwest Michigan, Freedom Counseling Center continues its commitment to enhancing mental well-being in the community. Founded in 1998, Freedom Counseling Center
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Two to Director Roles to Start New Year
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Two to Director Roles to Start New Year ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) announced the promotion of two current employees to director level positions in 2025. Jenny Baker, Director of Deposit Operations Jenny Baker has been promoted to Director of Deposit Operations. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the administration of Deposit Operations for the credit union, leading a team of Deposit Operations Analysts. Jenny
Wales Wealth Management Group Recognized as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Keri Suarez Director of Client Experience 269-983-7555 Wales Wealth Management Group A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial LLC Wales Wealth Management Group Recognized asa Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes January 31, 2025 St. Joseph, Michigan – Wales Wealth Management Group, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial in St. Joseph, Michigan, was named to the 2025 list of “Best-in-State Wealth
Lake Michigan College Students Win Statewide LAND Writing Awards
Lake Michigan College Students Win Statewide LAND Writing Awards Benton Harbor, MI – Lake Michigan College (LMC) students Emily Karpinski and Kevina Clear have been recognized for their outstanding creative writing skills in the statewide Liberal Arts Network for Development (LAND) Creative Writing Competition. Karpinski earned 1st place in the Creative Nonfiction category for her essay “The Perpetual Stranger,” while Clear was awarded 2nd place in the Fiction category for her short story “Blu
A WEEKEND OF FROSTY FUN DURING THE 2025 ICE FEST, FEBRUARY 7-9
A WEEKEND OF FROSTY FUN DURING THE 2025 ICE FEST, FEBRUARY 7-9 ST. JOSEPH, Mich. —St. Joseph Mich., is renowned as a four-season water wonderland, with Lake Michigan and nearby rivers and inland lakes. This time of year, the city’s focus turns to frozen water during the 2025 Ice Fest. Presented by Silver Beach Pizza, February 7-9. Professional ice carving, a Scavenger Hunt and Ice Interactives are just some of the reasons to bring family and friends to this frosty, fun-filled weekend. “This event is
LMC students earn spots on Fall 2024 President’s, Dean’s Lists
LMC students earn spots on Fall 2024 President’s, Dean’s ListsBENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2024 Spring semester.There were 80 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 208 full-time students and 441 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher. President’s ListBaroda Brooke Gerlach Charley KrackerBelle River, ON Ryan
$30,000 in Scholarships from Honor Credit Union
BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN— January 29, 2025—Honor Credit Union is excited to continue its 15- year tradition of supporting Michigan students through its 2025-2026 Community Commitment Scholarship Program. This year, Honor will award a total of $30,000 in scholarships, providing 12 community-driven high school seniors with $2,500 each to help them achieve their college or trade school education goals. Honor Credit Union’s history is rooted in supporting education, beginning over 90 years ago as
2024 SWMI & National Housing Market December Sales Increase, Selling Prices Continue to Set Records
In SWMI, the housing market celebrated its peak years starting in 2016 through 2020. Then, the pace slowed under the influence of Covid in 2021 and 2022, resulting in a dwindling supply of houses for sale, taking a toll on the local housing market. In 2023, sales began to increase with selling prices reaching the highest level since 2006. At the end of 2024, housing sales continued to rebound due to the growing inventory of houses for sale. Selling prices in December 2024 surpassed the record prices
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department announces 2025 Spring semester performances
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department announces Spring semester performances BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department has announced its schedule of student performances for the Spring 2025 semester. All events will be held in the LMC Mendel Center on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. Feb. 23 Vocal Exhibition, Deckmann Studio, 3 p.m. Mar. 28 Student Music Recital, Deckmann Studio, noon Mar. 28 & 29 Spring musical - “School of Rock:
Sound Journey Features Gongs, Chimes and Cacao for Valentine Treat at the Box Factory
Four Hearts, a local “sound medicine” collective, is offering a heart-opening Sound Journey in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. The group uses musical instruments and ceremonial cacao to guide participants into a relaxing, meditative state which benefits physical and mental wellbeing. Experience the Four Hearts Sound Journey the Saturday after Valentine’s Day, on February 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. Tickets are $40. Reserve your spot
Dr. Ken Flowers Receives ESGR Patriot Award for Outstanding Support of Military Reservists
Dr. Ken Flowers has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Patriot Award, presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program. The award recognizes supervisors who provide exceptional support and understanding to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Dennis Lutz, retired U.S. Army Major General and ESGR volunteer, presented the award to Dr. Flowers. About the Patriot Award The Patriot Award is unique in that only Reservists can
Watermark Brewing Co. Nominated as One of USA TODAY's 10 Best Beer Gardens
2025—Watermark Brewing Co., the heart of Stevensville’s vibrant craft beer community, is thrilled to announce its nomination for USA TODAY’s 10 Best Beer Gardens in the country. This national recognition highlights the brewery’s commitment to creating an unforgettable outdoor space for beer enthusiasts to gather, relax, and enjoy exceptional craft beer. Since opening its doors in 2016, Watermark Brewing Co. has prioritized building a brewery and a destination where community and craft beer thrive together.
Watermark Brewing Co. Hosts SWM Polar Plunge on February 1st, Supporting Michigan Special Olympics
Watermark Brewing Co. is excited to announce its role as host for the annual Southwest Michigan Polar Plunge, which will take place on Saturday, February 1st. This much-anticipated event will bring together the community to raise funds and awareness for the Michigan Special Olympics, with a fun and icy plunge into frigid waters as the day's highlight. This year’s Polar Plunge will kick off at Watermark Brewing Co., with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the plunge at noon. Participants, fondly known
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast Award Nominees
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast Award Nominees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2025 St. Joseph, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is proud to announce the nominees for their annual Business Recognition Breakfast Awards Ceremony & Annual Meeting, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, and Honor Credit
Bryan Lubeck returns to the LMC Mendel Center for a romantic Valentine’s Day concert event
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – This Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m., Amazon #1 best-selling guitarist Bryan Lubeck will bring his brand-new show, “Echoes of Barcelona,” with a romantic twist to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. Set in the intimate surroundings of the Hanson Theatre, this enchanting concert will feature fiery Spanish guitar, soulful pop grooves, and captivating Latin rhythms. Celebrate love with a collection of Lubeck’s popular songs, inspired by his time in Spain,
MI House passes bills improving mandatory sick time, minimum wage laws
Advocacy Alert Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 MI House passes bills improving mandatory sick time, minimum wage laws What’s happening: A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the Michigan House came together today in support of commonsense changes to the onerous Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and minimum wage law, both of which are slated to go into effect on Feb. 21. Why it matters: With just 29 days left before these sweeping laws take effect, the
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Scholarship Application Now Open
Deadline: March 15th at 11:59 PM – Apply Today! Buchanan, MI - Jan 15, 2025 – The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) is excited to announce the launch of its annual scholarship application process. The application portal is now open for students interested in applying for a variety of scholarships for the 2025 academic year. Students are encouraged to apply early, as the deadline for all applications is March 15th at 11:59 PM. The application can be accessed through the official MGCF website at
St. JOSEPH COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD PRESIDENT TO PRESENT $10,000 To THE ROBERT L. MILLER SR. VETERAN’S CENTER
South Bend International Airport’s thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program raised $10,000 to benefit local Veterans residing at the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center on the campus of the Center for the Homeless. St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage will present the $10,000 check to Lani Vivirito, Chief Resource & Veterans Services Officer at the Center for the Homeless, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The presentation will take place at South Bend International
St. JOSEPH COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD PRESIDENT TO PRESENT $10,000 To THE ROBERT L. Miller SR. V
South Bend, IN. – South Bend International Airport’s thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program raised $10,000 to benefit local Veterans residing at the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center on the campus of the Center for the Homeless. St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage will present the $10,000 check to Lani Vivirito, Chief Resource & Veterans Services Officer at the Center for the Homeless, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The presentation will take place at South
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