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MARKET VAN BUREN TO ADDRESS HOUSING SHORTAGE WITH NEW GRANT
MARKET VAN BUREN TO ADDRESS HOUSING SHORTAGE WITH NEW GRANT PAW PAW, Mich.- In response to the overwhelming demand for more housing units in Van Buren County, Market Van Buren has successfully been awarded a grant from the State of Michigan’s Office of Rural Prosperity to help address the ongoing housing shortage. The $50,000 grant comes from the first round of awards from the Office of Rural Prosperity’s 2023 Rural Readiness program. Additionally, Van Buren County has committed to providing an additional
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First Class Cannabis Co. Opens Benton Harbor Location
First Class Cannabis Co. Opens Benton Harbor LocationRibbon Cutting Celebration Planned for Friday, December 8th Benton Harbor, Michigan – First Class Cannabis Co. opened their first Michigan marijuana dispensary in 2021. Since then, they’ve expanded to 6 locations including; Ann Arbor, Benton Harbor, Camden, Jackson, Lansing, and Portage with 5 new locations planned to open in 2024. Their newest location in Benton Harbor, opened quietly with friends and family on September 28th. Located at 241 E.
Corewell Health Encourages Community Members to Donate Blood, Save Lives This Holiday Season
Corewell Health Encourages Community Members to Donate Blood, Save Lives This Holiday Season Donate blood this December at a Corewell Health location in Southwest Michigan. ST. JOSEPH, Mich., December 4, 2023 – Corewell Health™, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan, is encouraging Lakeland area community members to donate blood this holiday season. A series of community blood drives will take place this December at the following dates and times: Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to
4 New Businesses Under One Roof in Buchanan! The Hometown & Co. Mercantile and Food Market Grand Opening
The Hometown & Co. Mercantile and Food Market Grand Opening The long-vacant building on the corner of Days Avenue and Front Street has been brought back to life and is teaming with exciting new energy. The Hometown & Co. is celebrating its Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, December 14th from 4 pm - 6 pm. The event will include food, drinks, giveaways, live music, and a Santa photo booth. The Hometown & Co. Mercantile and Food Market is operated as a small business incubator for emerging
SMRC ANNOUNCES BUSINESS RECOGNITION AWARD KEYNOTE SPEAKER & TICKETS O
The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is proud to announce the keynote speaker for their annual Business Recognition Breakfast, presented by ABC 57 News, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Mid-West Family Southwest Michigan, and MoodyOnTheMarket.com on Friday, February 16th. Returning to Southwest Michigan to keynote the breakfast is internationally acclaimed leadership speaker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and creator of the renowned TEDTalk “Everyday Leadership – The Lollipop Moment”, Drew
MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN TO OFFER 12-WEEK HEALTHCARE TRAINING PROGRAM
MICHIGAN WORKS! BERRIEN, CASS, VAN BUREN TO OFFER 12-WEEK HEALTHCARE TRAINING PROGRAM BENTON HARBOR, Mich.- In Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, the health care sector has over 900 fewer workers than before the pandemic, which means we have immediate openings for trained and skilled people. Additionally, the sector continues to grow, with nearly 750 open positions available and projections call for continued growth of 6% or nearly 550 jobs through 2032. With an aging population in Southwest
ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST RETURNS JANUARY 27, 2024, TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1
ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST RETURNS JANUARY 27, 2024,TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1 ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — St. Joe Today invites everyone 21 years and older to come out of hibernation and meet up with friends at this lakeside destination during the 2024 St. Joe Winter Beer Fest. The event takes place on Saturday, January 27 from 12:00p-4:00p, outdoors, on the corner of Broad St. and Lake Blvd. in St. Joseph, Mich. With available tickets limited to only 1,050, Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joe Today
Buchanan's Shop with a Cop 2023
Buchanan's Shop with a Cop For over 20 years, the Buchanan Police Department, in conjunction with local area fire departments, has sponsored the Shop with A Cop Program. In fact, this program began in partnership with the Buchanan American Legion Post #51 to raise money to help economically challenged children in the Buchanan community purchase toys, family gifts, and other needed items (i.e., clothing) for Christmas. On average, 10-15 local Buchanan youth are served through this program each year,
COMMUNITY LEADERS TO DONATE FIRST BEARS TO SBN'S 12th ANNUAL BEARS IN THE AIR PROGRAM
COMMUNITY LEADERS TO DONATE FIRST BEARS TO SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S TWELFTH ANNUAL BEARS IN THE AIR PROGRAM WHO: St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David SageSouth Bend Mayor James Mueller St. Joseph County Commissioner Derek DieterBeacon Children’s Hospital Director of Women and Children’s Services Jen TonkovichRobert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center Resident James Doublin WHAT: Twelfth Annual Bears in the Air ProgramCommunity leaders will place the first bears in the
SWMI & National Housing Market October Housing Market Sales Decline, Prices Set Records, Rates Star
“The housing market sales in SWMI continued to decline and stay below the sales level in October for the last ten years. October was the tenth consecutive month for sales to fall behind in the same month of 2022. Selling prices continued to set records, reaching the highest price in October, comparing back to beyond the peak years to 2006. However, selling prices increased by less than 6 percent,” stated Alan Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS®,
Join the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Emerge Innovation Hub for lunch and a Fellowship Demo Day
You are cordially invited to join the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Emerge Innovation Hub for lunch and a Fellowship Demo Day on Thursday, December 7th. Fellowship Demo Day will be held open-house style from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Soul’s Ground Café, 234 Territorial Rd. Benton Harbor, allowing you to come and meet their five (5) inaugural 2023 Fellows, see how the program has positively impacted their businesses, and how you can get involved. The Emerge Fellowship Accelerator Program is
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Home Watch of SWM Announces Acquisition, Expands Service Territory
Home Watch of SWM Announces Acquisition, Expands Service Territory St. Joseph, MI - Home Watch of Southwest Michigan, LLC is pleased to announce the acquisition of the clients, assets, and social media of Red Arrow Home Watch and Concierge. Home Watch of Southwest Michigan, LLC provides monitoring services for second homeowners and snowbirds in Michigan's Great Southwest, from New Buffalo to South Haven, along the shores of Lake Michigan. In closing the transaction with Red Arrow Home
Honor CU Announces 2023 Teacher Awards Winners
2023 Honor Teacher Award Winners AnnouncedBERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 27, 2023 – Honor Credit Union is excited to announce the winners of its Annual Teacher Awards. For over 10 years, Honor Credit Union has supported educators in its communities through its Annual Teacher Awards, athletic programs, and an abundance of community partnerships throughout the years. This year, Honor increased the value of its teacher awards to $500 per winner, increasing the total amount awarded to teachers to
“Frostina The Snowman” Planter Contest Announced in Bridgman
The Bridgman Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA) is hosting a “Frostina the Snowman” Planter Contest through downtown Bridgman. Visitors will be able to stroll down Lake Street and view the planter’s transformation from summer flowers to winter snowmen and vote on their favorite. Voting begins this weekend and runs through December 8th, with the winner being announced at the Bridgman Holiday Village Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. on December 9th. Individuals can vote by scanning the QR Code on the
MERRY & BRIGHT WEEKEND, DEC. 1-3, FILLS DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPH WITH HOLIDAY CHEER
Celebrate the winter season in Michigan’s Great Southwest! Merry & Bright Weekend invites the Southwest Michigan community to enjoy four festive events: Light up the Bluff, Reindog Parade, Santa’s House and the Holiday Artisan Fair. Light up the Bluff kicks off Merry & Bright Weekend on Friday, December 1. At 6:00p, the St. Joseph High School Choir begins with Christmas carols followed by the tree lighting at 6:30p. The one million holiday lights will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland
MARKET VAN BUREN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECEIVES MEDA MEDIALIST AWARD
On Friday, November 17th, Zach Morris, Executive Director of Market Van Buren, received the Michigan Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Medalist Award at the MEDA Fall Conference. The Medalist Award identifies outstanding contributions to economic development within Michigan. Zach was honored for demonstrating commitment to the profession of economic development, dedication to growth of his community of responsibility and has shown a record of achievements for an extended period of time. “On
SMSO Presents: Merry & Bright December 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. At the LMC Mendel Center Mainstage
As the holidays approach, families gather, spend time together and celebrate all of the traditions that were created while growing up. Let the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra be a part of your family's memories! Since music can evoke past holiday memories, join the SMSO as it performs its annual holiday concert, Merry & Bright on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Michigan Mendel Center Mainstage. This will be an evening of merry making, beloved traditions, and a taste of holiday
Dave Rudolf’s ‘Completely Cracked Christmas’ Promises Good Cheer and Belly Laughs at the Box
Dave Rudolf has discovered the perfect antidote to holiday stress: laughter! The Grammy-nominated and Gold Record recording artist will perform his hilarious take on Christmas on Saturday, December 16, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph, MI. The show is appropriate (and funny) for all ages.Advance tickets are $12 general admission and $15 for cabaret seating (at tables in front); reserve your seating at ticketstripe.com/daverudolf. Walk-in tickets are $15. Free for
Just in Time for the Holidays, Tickets to the 2024 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship On Sale Now
The best players in senior golf return to Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, Michigan Memorial Day Weekend The PGA of America is thrilled to announce that today, ticketsfor the 84th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championshipat Harbor Shoresare officially available for purchase. The Championship, one of the most historic and prestigious events in senior golf, is returning to Benton Harbor, Michigan May 23-26, 2024, bringing a variety of family-friendly experiences throughout the entire weekend. “We couldn’t be
HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WILL FIND GREAT BUYS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ON BLACK FRIDAY AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 24-25
HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WILL FIND GREAT BUYS THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN ON BLACK FRIDAY AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOV. 24-25 ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — Holiday shoppers seeking great deals will find them throughout Southwest Michigan (SWMI), on Black Friday, November 24, and Small Business Saturday, November 25. “You will easily find gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list from our merchants, restaurants and entertainment venues,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joe Today. “From the latest
Lake Michigan College seeking businesses to participate in 2024 Earn & Learn Internship Program
Lake Michigan College seeking businesses to participate in 2024 Earn & Learn Internship Program BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Local businesses can hire Summer employees at a fraction of the cost thanks to Lake Michigan College’s Earn & Learn Internship Program. Funded by a $500,000 gift from Whirlpool Corporation and the Whirlpool Foundation and administered by LMC Career Services, the program matches student employees with local businesses for a career-building experience. The program provides
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department to hold auditions for Spring musical ‘The Lightning Thief’
LMC Visual & Performing Arts Department to hold auditions for Spring musical ‘The Lightning Thief’ BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department will hold auditions for its Spring musical production of “The Lightning Thief,” book by Joe Tracz, music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, and adapted from the book “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan. The LMC production is directed by LMC Instructor of Theatre Dr. Patrick King, with musical direction by Rebecca Derbas-Selvidge,
LMC Alumni Association honors Barbara Peeples, Kim Bicard, Chokwe Pitchford as 2023 award recipients
LMC Alumni Association honors Barbara Peeples, Kim Bicard, Chokwe Pitchford as 2023 award recipients BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Alumni Association Board of Directors honored the recipients of its 2023 Alumni Achievement Awards on Sunday, Nov. 12, at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center on the Benton Harbor Campus. Barbara Peeples, '61, received the newly christened Gladys Peeples-Burks Alumni Service Award, named in honor of her sister. Kim Vincent Bicard, '07, received the
J.D. Power rated Indiana Michigan Power at the top of its rankings for mid-size electric utilities i
J.D. Power rated Indiana Michigan Power at the top of its rankings for mid-size electric utilities in the Midwest! J.D. Power rated Indiana Michigan Power at the top of its rankings for mid-size electric utilities in the Midwest as part of its 2023 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study released Wednesday, Nov. 15. The study examines overall satisfaction among business customers in the areas of power quality and reliability; price; billing and payment; corporate citizenship; customer
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BOSS Services Accepting Nominations for Holiday Furnace Giveaway
BOSS Services Accepting Nominations for Holiday Furnace GiveawayBOSS Services is excited to announce the launch of their annual Heartwarming Holiday Giveaway. Once again this year, the local home services company will give away two brand new, fully-installed furnaces to two deserving people in Southwest Michigan right before Christmas!Now until December 11th, BOSS is encouraging community members to pay it forward and nominate someone special in their life to win a new furnace. BOSS owners and managers will
Laila Ali to speak at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center as part of the LMC Speaker Series Jan.
Laila Ali to speak at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center as part of the LMC Speaker Series Jan. 18 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center welcomes to the Mainstage boxing world-champion, international Boxing Hall of Famer, LailaAliLifestyle.com CEO, and author Laila Ali at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Ali’s presentation is part of the LMC Speaker Series and MLK Celebration Week 2024, a community-wide effort honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ali
Lake Michigan College’s Olivia Ippel wins NJCCA Division II Cross Country National Championship
Lake Michigan College’s Olivia Ippel wins NJCCA Division II Cross Country National Championship St. Joseph freshman among three Red Hawk runners to compete BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College's Olivia Ippel is the national champion. The Red Hawks freshman runner and St. Joseph High School graduate finished first with a time of 17 minutes and 56.6 seconds at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Women's National Cross Country Championship on Saturday at John Hunt
Annual Holiday Collage Concert scheduled for Dec. 6
Annual Holiday Collage Concert scheduled for Dec. 6 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents its annual Holiday Collage Concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 in the LMC Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall on the Benton Harbor Campus.In a warm and inviting dinner theatre-like atmosphere, audience members will be treated to a festive celebration of the season when Visual & Performing Arts ensembles come together. Attendees will also enjoy light
BERRIEN COUNTY FIRE FIGHTERS NEED YOUR HELP! EVERY HOME NEEDS FIRE ALARMS
Berrien County Fire Departments receive thousands of fire calls each year. Since 2004, Servpro of Berrien County has donated more than 19,000 smoke alarms and 500 carbon monoxide detectors to the local fire departments in Berrien County to install for homeowners in need FOR FREE! Just call your local fire department for details. This year, we are fortunate enough to have Dan Crist owner of Centisible Heating & Air Conditioning based out of Coloma, Michigan match our funds. Together we donated $5000
Lake Michigan College celebrates International Education Week
Lake Michigan College celebrates International Education Week BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College's Internationalization Committee celebrates International Education Week with free events for students, faculty, staff, and the community from Monday, Nov. 13 through Thursday, Nov. 16. International student activist and speaker Jacob Breit will participate throughout the week. He recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a bachelor's degree in Global Health with a
TORP Improv Comedy to host HA! HA! Holidays Show Dec. 8
TORP Improv Comedy to host HA! HA! Holidays Show Dec. 8 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Fresh off their Kalamazoo Improv Festival appearance, TORP Improv Comedy will have everyone laughing all the way into the most wonderful time of the year during the HA! HA! Holidays Show, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at The Oak Room at the Citadel in Benton Harbor. This band of quick-witted merrymakers will provide plenty of Ho-Ho-Ho's and jolly belly laughs with their spur-of-the-moment improv antics. The unpredictable hilarity is
