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
.png){kind=logo}
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
(1).png)
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
.jpg)
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
Health Elevated Pelvic Health Therapy Moves to New Space
Health Elevated, a concierge pelvic health practice dedicated to empowering women through personalized care and education, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new office in downtown St. Joseph. A ribbon cutting and open house celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the official ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. Community members, local leaders, and healthcare professionals are invited to join owner Amy Underwood in
.png){kind=logo}
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!
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
Former Stevensville Post Office to Be Redeveloped as Creative Agency Headquarters
The Village of Stevensville has approved a Commercial Redevelopment Act (CRA) tax abatement supporting the redevelopment of a historic downtown property. The former U.S. Post Office at 2797 Kimmel Street, a mid-century building constructed in 1963, will be transformed into the new headquarters of Applied arts, a creative services agency serving clients nationwide. Vacant since 2022 and most recently home to retailer Black Arsenal, the 3,300-square-foot facility will undergo a comprehensive renovation
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
Lake Michigan College to award 454 degrees and certificates at May 4 commencement ceremonies
Lake Michigan College will host its 78th annual commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. (Arts & Sciences and General Studies) and 1 p.m. (Career & Workforce and Health Sciences) Sunday, May 4, at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave.A total of 414 students will receive 403 degrees and certificates from 49 areas of study.Presenters include LMC Board of Trustees Chair Joan Smith, LMC Board of Trustees member John Grover, LMC President Dr. Trevor A.
DR. ELAINE FOSTER NAMED LAKESHORE’S 2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
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 Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1982. Dr. Foster also earned a Master of Science in Nursing and a Ph.D. in
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
.jpg)
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
.jpg)
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,
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
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
