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
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
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
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO CONDUCT ANNUAL LIVE FIRE TRAINING MONDAY, MAY 5
The St. Joseph County Airport Authority (SJCAA) Department of Public Safety will be conducting annual fire training required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with live burns on Monday, May 5, 2025 from approximately 8:00 a.m. until Noon at the live fire training facility on the northwest corner of the airfield at South Bend International Airport (SBN). The training will not impact flight operations.The fire safety training is mandated by the FAA under FAR Part 139 for any entity specializing in
Lake Michigan College announces 2025 nominees for WAVE Awards honoring High School Musical Theatre
Lake Michigan College announces nominees for WAVE Awards honoring High School Musical TheatreBENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department has announced the nominees for its 2024-2025 WAVE Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre.Loosely designed after Broadway's famed Tony Awards, the WAVE Awards recognizes, encourages, and promotes high school theater. Ten adjudicators evaluated 12 high schools and about 710 students who participated in high school
2025 SWMI & National February Housing Market Picked up 49 Percent Over February
“Southwest Michigan’s housing market sales in March 2025 picked up from a sluggish February performance and ended with an explosive finish. All figures increased by double digits, except for sales year-to-date. Sales increased 49 percent over that in February with selling prices increasing 1-3 percent higher in March. ,” stated Luke Jeffries, Association Executive, Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® , Inc. Jeffries continued, “The number of houses sold in March jumped 12 percent to 226 from
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Honor Credit Union Announces Free Community Shred Day in South Haven
Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian, is pleased to host a Free Community Shred Day in South Haven, MI. The event will take place at Honor's South Haven location on May 10, from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. 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 Community Shred Days not only help protect against identity theft but also contribute to a greener future by ensuring
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United Federal Credit Union Receives Recognition from United Way of Southwest Michigan and University of Nevada, Reno
United Federal Credit Union (United) is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by two esteemed organizations within the same week for its outstanding contributions to the community and higher education. Pictured: Jodie Kitchell2025 United Way of Southwest Michigan Annual Celebration On Thursday, April 24, United was awarded the Whirlpool Community Commitment Award by United Way of Southwest Michigan. This prestigious award, named after Whirlpool for its significant fundraising efforts,
Nursing Educational Leader Named Lakeshore's 2025 Distinguished Alumni
DR. ELAINE FOSTER NAMED LAKESHORE’S 2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI STEVENSVILLE, Michigan, April 30, 2025 - Chad Deja, President of the Lakeshore Alumni Association, announced Dr. Elaine Foster as the recipient of the coveted Lakeshore Distinguished Alumni Award for 2025. Dr. Foster is a 1978 graduate of Lakeshore and has distinguished herself in the field of nursing. Dr. Foster began her professional nursing career at South Bend Memorial Hospital upon graduating from the University of Michigan with a
Four students to speak at 78th Lake Michigan College Commencement Ceremonies
Hailey Marbut, Renato Recillas, Ashley Ledin, and Dajah Parker have been selected as student speakers for Lake Michigan College's 78th annual commencement ceremonies, which will be held at 10 a.m. (Arts & Sciences and General Studies) and 1 p.m. (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences) on Sunday, May 4, at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave.Student speakers are nominated by their peers, LMC faculty, and staff based on academic excellence,
United Way of Southwest Michigan's Annual Celebration Held as a Tribute to People and Their Impact In Local Communities
Nearly 300 donors, volunteers, and community partners filled Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center Grand Upton Hall on Thursday, April 24, for United Way of Southwest Michigan’s Annual Celebration, an evening that looked back on 2024 and honored the people who made last year’s impact possible. President & CEO Anna Murphy opened the program by reminding guests that the night was really about them and their willingness to “live united” for neighbors across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren
Hungerford and Bridgman High School Team Up to Showcase Student Art
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Heather Halligan Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors hhalligan@hungerfordnichols.com www.hungerford.com (616) 949-3200 Hungerford and Bridgman High School Team Up to Showcase Student Art St. Joseph, Mich., April 24, 2025 – Hungerford, a locally owned leader in the accounting, technology and wealth management industries, has once again partnered with Bridgman High School for its annual student art collaboration, now in its fifth year. This creative
Sturgis Bank Promotes Berrien County Retail Managers
Sturgis Bank is pleased to announce several promotions for team members headquartered in Berrien County. Nicholas Barber has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Retail Sales Manager for the Sturgis Bank system. He joined Sturgis Bank in October 2020 as Branch Manager for the St. Joseph offices and was appointed manager of all Berrien County offices when the bank opened their Niles branch in 2022. Nicholas has over ten years experience in financial services management. He serves on the “NextGen”
United Names Vice President of Production Support
United Federal Credit Union (United) has appointed Andrea Ausra as the Vice President of Production Support. Ausra brings over 24 years of extensive experience in mortgage loan operations, underwriting, and management to her new role at United. "We are thrilled to welcome Andrea Ausra to our leadership team," said James Knight, United Chief Sales & Service Officer. "Her extensive experience and proven track record in mortgage loan operations and underwriting will be instrumental in driving our production
MAAC ART COMPETITION AND AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED AT BOX FACTORY RECEPTION ON MAY 16
The Michiana Annual Art Competition—or MAAC for short—showcases works by over 120 of the finest artists in the region. The popular, multimedia exhibit, “MAAC in the Box,” is held at the Box Factory for the Arts with support from members, area businesses and corporate sponsors. Artists and the general public are invited to the MAAC Opening Reception on Friday, May 16, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Refreshments and a cash bar will be available.The MAAC is a juried, fine art exhibition designed to recognize and reward
Berrien Springs Pickle Festival Announces 5th Anniversary on July 4
A Dill-ightful Day and Pre-Festival Activities Planned for 2025 The Village of Berrien Springs, the Berrien County Historical Association (BCHA), and the Berrien Springs Community Library are excited to share planning is underway for the festival's 5th Anniversary! What started while having a “what if” conversation at the end of 2020 quickly turned into the return of a beloved celebration on July 4th, 2021. Originally, the committee hoped maybe a few hundred people would join them for a day of
