Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees Appoints Alloyd Blackmon as New Member
The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees has voted to appoint Alloyd Blackmon as its newest member, filling the seat vacated by Joan Smith, who resigned in January. Blackmon brings to the Board a distinguished career in corporate leadership, nonprofit management, and community service across Southwest Michigan. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan, which provides after-school and summer programming for youth in grades 1 through 12 across
Lake Michigan College Earns Prestigious ALL IN Highly Established Action Plan Seal for 2026 Election
Lake Michigan College (LMC) has been awarded the Highly Established Action Plan Seal by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for the 2026 election cycle, recognizing the college's exceptional commitment to fostering nonpartisan democratic engagement among its students. Led by Dr. Tiffany Bohm, Department Chair, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education, and Faculty, Political Science, LMC earned a score of 31.5 out of a possible 36 points on the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Guide
First Crate Strawberry Auction for Charity Returns to the Benton Harbor Fruit Market
A beloved Southwest Michigan tradition is making its return as the first crate strawberry auction for charity comes back to the Benton Harbor Fruit Market on Friday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m.As part of the kickoff to the market’s 166th season, Glassman Auctions & Real Estate will auction off strawberries from the first local grower to have fresh berries available for the 2026 season. In keeping with tradition, 100% of the proceeds from the auction will go directly to the buyer’s charity of choice.Community
BCF INVITES COMMUNITY TO EAT WELL, DO GOOD AND PUT MORE PRODUCE IN PANTRIES
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Susan Matheny Program Director Berrien Community Foundation 269-983-3304 BCF INVITES COMMUNITY TO EAT WELL, DO GOOD AND PUT MORE PRODUCE IN PANTRIES Seasonal produce subscriptions now available; orders due May 27 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: SAINT JOSEPH, MI —Berrien Community Foundation, in partnership with the Nutrition Exchange of Southwest Michigan, is rolling out something fresh — and it’s good in every sense of the word. The For Good Produce
2026 KRASL ART FAIR DETAILS ANNOUNCED
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Jamie Balkin Director of Events Krasl Art Center jamie@krasl.org KRASL.ORG 2026 KRASL ART FAIR DETAILS ANNOUNCED Winner of the Krasl Handcrafted Label Competition Revealed FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15th, 2026 SAINT JOSEPH, MI — Krasl Art Center, in partnership with Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, announced details for the 2026 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff at a Business After Hours event on Thursday, May 14th. In addition to the details
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Returns $1.4 Million to Southwest Michigan Residents
United Way of Southwest Michigan's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, commonly known as VITA (pronounced VYE-tuh), is pleased to announce that this year's program helped 1,094 clients across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties with free tax preparation and filing, returning over $1.4 million in refunds to Southwest Michigan residents, a 12% increase in refund dollars year-over-year for the program. "This program is so integral to the ALICE population," stated Anna Murphy, President & CEO of United
CPR Dance: Inhale Movement Premieres Fifth Season, “Soma” at the Box Factory for the Arts on June 20
Southwest Michigan’s premier contemporary dance company, CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, will present their newest concert, “Soma,” on Saturday, June 20, from 7-9PM at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St.Make sure to reserve your seats! Tickets in advance are $20 for cabaret seating, $15 general admission at https://ticketstripe.com/cpr2026, or $20 at the door. Free admission for children 12 and under. Drinks will be available for purchase at the Box Bar.This highly anticipated performance will feature
.png){kind=logo}
LAKE BLUFF ARTISAN FAIR RETURNS TO LAKE BLUFF PARK ON MAY 30
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 30. 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. 2026 show dates are May 30, July 18, August 15 and September 5. While you are downtown, be sure to EAT, SHOP,
.png){kind=logo}
Honor Credit Union Awards $30,000 in ?Scholarships to Michigan High School Seniors
Honor Credit Union Awards $30,000 in Scholarships to Michigan High School Seniors BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – May 13, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is excited to announce the recipients of its 2026 Community Commitment Scholarship program. Each year, this program awards $30,000 to 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
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR SBN UPFRONT TAKES PLACE
Officials gathered at South Bend International Airport (SBN) today to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for SBN UpFront, a nearly $20 million project that will positively impact the passenger experience. This one-and-a half-year project is focused on passenger safety, improving traffic flow on the front drive, and increasing efficiency as historic levels of passenger growth continue to take place. The project includes a new transportation lane that will be used by taxis, rideshares like Uber and
Regional Chamber, Lake Michigan College, and Legata Leadership Solutions Announce 2026 Management Accelerator Cohort
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Sarah Spoonholtz Membership Director Regional Chamber sspoonholtz@smrchamber.com REGIONAL CHAMBER, LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE, AND LEGATA LEADERSHIP SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCE 2026 MANAGEMENT ACCELERATOR COHORT Applications now open for Cohort 2 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 12th, 2026 SAINT JOSEPH, MI — The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, in partnership with Lake Michigan College and Legata Leadership Solutions, is proud to announce the continued success of its
Southern California’s Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” coming to the LMC Mendel Center in October
Experience an unforgettable evening of live music when Southern California’s Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” comes to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theater on Saturday, Oct. 10. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. A spirited blend of originality and the pursuit of excellence has taken Hotel California “A Salute to the Eagles” to a level of recognition normally reserved for Gold and Platinum recording artists. By respectfully and accurately reproducing the Grammy Award-winning sounds of our
.png)
PRESS RELEASE: FRESH DECOR CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ALL DAY CELEBRATION
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Kym DeLong Hernandez Vice President Fresh Decor kym@myfreshdecor.com FRESH DECOR CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ALL DAY CELEBRATION Tuesday May 19, 8:00am - 5:00pm | Remarks: 12:30 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 12th, 2026 BENTON HARBOR, MI — Fresh Décor Pro Hardware is proud to celebrate its 25-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey of serving Southwest Michigan and its commitment to excellence. Please join us on
Whirlpool Corporation Appliance Sale Raises $139,000 for United Way of Southwest Michigan
The Annual Whirlpool Corporation Appliance Sale wrapped up another record-setting weekend in St. Joseph, raising $139,000 in net proceeds for United Way of Southwest Michigan, surpassing last year's total of $134,000. Senior Director of Organizational Sustainability Zack East notes, "This was our biggest sale since 2024, and the community showed up in a real way. Over 690 units were sold across the two days, and KitchenAid Small Appliances were the runaway favorite -- 445 of those units alone. That's
.png){kind=logo}
Honor Credit Union Announces 2026 Free Community Shred Days
Honor Credit Union Announces 2026 Free Community Shred Days BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – MAY 7, 2026 – Honor Credit Union is excited to announce its 2026 Free Community Shred Days schedule, offering residents across western and northern Michigan a safe, convenient way to securely dispose of sensitive documents while supporting environmental sustainability. In partnership with trusted shredding service providers, Data Guardian and Country Mile Document Destruction, Honor’s Free Community Shred Days
.png)
NEW WRESTLING & TRAINING FACILITY OPENS IN ST. JOSEPH WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Lisa Altman Owner Great Lakes Training Center lisa@glwrestling.com NEW WRESTLING & TRAINING FACILITY OPENS IN ST. JOSEPH WITH COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Ribbon Cutting and Remarks Scheduled for 12:15 PM, May 16th FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 7th, 2026 ST. JOSEPH, MI — The community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Great Lakes Wrestling and Training Center on Saturday, May 16, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. This exciting event will feature an open house and
Two Lake Michigan College Students Receive 2026 Outstanding Musician of the Year Award
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department has recognized Landon Mitchell of Buchanan and Luis Sanchez of Niles as the 2026 Outstanding Musicians of the Year Award. The award recognizes leadership within music ensembles, growth in musical knowledge and performance, and excellence in the classroom.Reflecting on both students, Dr. Rob Lunn, Department Chair, Visual & Performing Arts, and Music Faculty said, “Landon demonstrates a strong understanding of music and consistently goes above and
.png){kind=logo}
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPH ON FRIDAY, MAY 22
St. Joe Today invites the community to join them for the 2026 Memorial Day Parade on Friday, May 22 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. Joe
Vegas cool meets holiday cheer at the LMC Mendel Center
Step back into the golden age of swing, swagger, and holiday cheer when Christmas with the Rat Pack comes to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theater on Sunday, Dec. 6, for a special 3 p.m. matinee performance. Relive the glamour, laughter, and iconic music of Sinatra, Dean, and Sammy in their prime, complete with a special guest appearance by Marilyn Monroe. Together, they bring to life the timeless chemistry, comedy, and charisma that made the Rat Pack legendary. Audiences are transported
1st Ward Council Member Georgia Boggs and Granddaughter Open Northside Legacy Center, Continuing a Legacy of Community in Niles
For Immediate Release Media Contact: D’Lana Lark Person Co-Founder Northside Legacy Center dlana@northsidelegacy.com 269.500.8298 1st Ward Council Member Georgia Boggs and Granddaughter Open Northside Legacy Center, Continuing a Legacy of Community in Niles FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 1ST NILES, MI — A new chapter of community, connection, and legacy is unfolding in Niles with the opening of the Northside Legacy Center, a family-founded gathering space created to honor the past while serving
Lake Michigan College announces nominees for 2026 WAVE Awards honoring High School Musical Theatre
The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department has announced the nominees for its 2025-2026 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 13 high schools and about 890 students who participated in high school musical productions in the 2025-2026 academic year. Individuals and productions from participating schools were
LMC Names Spirit of Nursing Award Recipient for Spring 2026 Nursing Cohort
Asia Allen-Baugher had a career in ophthalmology. As a certified ophthalmic assistant, she moved up to working in the surgery center of a local eye care center. Following a mission trip to Africa, she was inspired to give more and became a registered behavior technician working with autistic children. But there was still something else she aspired to.She wanted to be a nurse.Reflecting on her decision, Allen-Baugher stated, “After working in other areas of healthcare for ten years, I finally decided it was
.png){kind=logo}
ST. JOE LIGHTHOUSE TOURS KICKS OFF THE 2026 SEASON ON MAY 23
Explore the North Pier's Inner Light this summer during the St. Joe Lighthouse Tours. The 2026 season will run Saturdays, May 23 through September 5, from 10:00a-7:00p at the North Pier Inner Light located on the North Pier at Tiscornia Beach. Visitors will get to explore the free first-floor exhibit and learn about the St. Joe Lighthouse from the volunteer docents. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular panoramic view for just $5. Tickets for the climb can be purchased in advance at the St.
MICHIANA ANNUAL ART COMPETITION OPENING RECEPTION AT THE BOX FACTORY ON MAY 15
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 from May 15 through July 5 with support from members, area businesses, and corporate sponsors, including Visit Southwest Michigan. Artists and the general public are invited to the MAAC Opening Reception on Friday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Enjoy drinks for purchase at the Box Bar, free
.png){kind=logo}
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Dylan Wyatt as Chief Information Officer
Honor Credit Union Welcomes Dylan Wyatt as Chief Information Officer BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN – April 28, 2026 — Honor Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Dylan Wyatt as Chief Information Officer. In this role, Wyatt will lead technology strategy, including cybersecurity, data, digital banking, and IT infrastructure that support the services members rely on every day. Wyatt brings nearly two decades of financial services and technology leadership experience spanning community
Wightman Announces New Shareholders and Board of Directors Leadership Reappointments
Wightman welcomed five new shareholders and announced the reappointment of its Board of Directors leadership at the firm’s annual shareholder meeting in April. These two milestones reflect the firm’s continued focus on employee ownership and long-term, strategic growth. New shareholders include Ashley Hilder, Dan Isbrecht, Christine Kennedy, Crystal Snow, and Anna Van Strien. Ashley Hilder is a project manager in the South Haven survey department with 21 years of experience. She began her career as
“WORK AT HAND” DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWING AT THE BOX FACTORY MAY 23
“Work at Hand,” a documentary film about the painter Michael K. Paxton, will be presented at 7PM on May 23rd at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad Street. There will be an artist’s talk following the screening.A $5 donation to the Box Factory is requested to attend the screening. Drinks will be available for purchase at the Box Factory Bar.“Work at Hand” chronicles the life of the artist Michael K. Paxton. From his humble beginnings in the hills of West Virginia to his time as an art student at
Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan Launches Medically Appropriate Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors with Chronic Conditions Thanks to the Berrien Community Foundation ‘For Good’ Grant
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Linda Tinsley Executive Director Senior Nutrition Services / Meals on Wheels of SW Michigan (269) 925-0137 LTinsley@snsmeals.org Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan Launches Medically Appropriate Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors with Chronic Conditions Thanks to the Berrien Community Foundation ‘For Good’ Grant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2026 Berrien County, MI — Senior Nutrition Services Region IV, Inc., doing business as Meals on Wheels of
United Way of Southwest Michigan's Annual Celebration Honors Community Champions Across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties
More than 300 donors, volunteers, and community partners filled Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center on Thursday, April 23, for United Way of Southwest Michigan's Annual Celebration, a night built around one simple idea: none of this happens without people. President & CEO Anna Murphy set the tone early, grounding the evening in the story of Tyrone, a Southwest Michigan resident whose path to stability ran through partners Michigan Works! Berrien Cass Van Buren and New Heights Auto Service. Before the
Student Speakers Selected for 79th Lake Michigan College Commencement Ceremonies
Carol Brînzan and Caleb Damoah have been selected as student speakers for Lake Michigan College's 79th 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 3, in the LMC 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, integrity, and compassion for their
.png)
BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIP SET TO BREAK GROUND ON EUCLID AVENUE PARK, APRIL 23RD
For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Lisa Cripps-Downey President Berrien Community Foundation 269-983-3304 lisa@berriencommunity.org Cathy Yates Supervisor Benton Charter Township cyates@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov BENTON CHARTER TOWNSHIP SET TO BREAK GROUND ON EUCLID AVENUE PARK Join us April 23rd to celebrate FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2026 Benton Heights, MI — Benton Charter Township is proud to announce the groundbreaking of the Euclid Avenue Park on December 4th at
Comcast Business Launches Total Solutions Advantage: Simplified, All-In Plans for Small Businesses Starting at $60 per Month
Comcast Business has launched Total Solutions Advantage, a new suite of simplified, all-in-one technology plans that combine high-speed connectivity and built-in cybersecurity into a predictable monthly price starting at $60/month. Designed for small and growing businesses, the new plans reduce complexity, improve protection, and help owners stay focused on running their business. Small business owners can explore Total Solutions Advantage and check local availability at comcastbusiness.com/small-business.
SOUTH BEND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR TSA EMPLOYEES
South Bend International Airport (SBN) is collecting donations for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown. Items can be dropped off at the Airport Information office daily from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Airport Information is located near baggage claim across from the gift shop. The most needed items are:Gas cards to specific gas stations such as Speedway, Meijer, or Kroger. Gas cards must be in $10 denominations and cannot
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Lazer Graphics is Celebrating 50 Years in Business!
St. Joseph – 1/5/2026 – Lazer Graphics, a leader in custom apparel and promotions, is proud to announce their 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in their history of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to their customers and community. Founded in 1976 by Dennis and Debbie Barker in Stevensville, Lazer Graphics began as a small operation with a bold vision to provide an artistic and reliable resource for businesses, teams, schools, and more to go to for their decorated apparel
Regional Chamber’s HYPE Pitch Competition Fuels Dreams for Young Entrepreneurs
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042 Regional Chamber’s HYPE Pitch Competition Fuels Dreams for Young Entrepreneurs November 21, 2024 Stevensville, MI – Southwest Michigan’s brightest entrepreneurial talent gathered at the Watermark Solarium last night for the debut of HYPE – Highlighting Young Professional Excellence. Hosted by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber in partnership with the Emerge Innovation Hub, this dynamic
