98.3 The Coast

Meet Balto!!  Balto is an Alaskan Malamute who is around 2 years old. He loves to run and play whenever he can. When he first came to us, he was a hot mess! Standoffish and did not want to socialize, and had mats and burrs covering his body. As soon as he got comfortable and clean, he couldn't get enough of the love! Balto is so cuddly and fluffy, he just lures you in with his charm. He will make a great protector of the home because he knows who’s giving him the love and affection that he craves. Balto is not neutered but is currently up to date with his vaccinations. If you’re interested in welcoming Balto into your home, his adoption fee is $65.00. Please call or visit Cass County Animal Control (323 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031; Phone 269-445-3701) to learn more about handsome Balto.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: More Berrien County municipalities are taking a look at a potential ballot proposal that could be considered by Michigan voters next year and warning its approval would be a bad idea. The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is entering into a partnership with Corewell Health and Harbortown Treatment Center to provide opioid addiction treatment to inmates at the Berrien County Jail as part of the department's new MAT program.  The city of Buchanan's $19 million downtown infrastructure project is almost finished, and the community is getting ready to celebrate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is considering a resolution making some requests of the Michigan Department of Transportation as it plans to rebuild Main Street in St. Joseph in 2027.  A controlled deer hunt is being planned for Love Creek County Park in Berrien Center next month.  Lincoln Township has received another positive audit report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Whirlpool has announced a plan to invest $300 million in two of its U.S. manufacturing plants as part of an effort to grow its American manufacturing footprint. There are some improvements in the works for Hagar Park and Beach.  The committee tasked with finding a new manager for Lincoln Township will be meeting with some potential candidates in the coming week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Retired Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey is speaking out in support of the Lake Michigan College millage renewals set to be on the ballot next month.  Corewell Health is rolling out a new enhanced text messaging system.  No charges will be filed following the threat that led to the cancellation of last Friday's football game between Benton Harbor and Berrien Springs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Present Pillars in Benton Harbor has honored several men who have helped make the community a better place in the past year with its third annual Pillar Awards Gala, held on Saturday at the Four Winds Casino. Southwestern Michigan College will hold in-person, on-campus interviews with its three finalists for college president this month.  Benton Township Police Chief Greg Abrams is hoping to help prevent gun violence in the community with some of the things he learned at the 2025 Gun Violence Intervention Summit in Lansing last week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Berrien Community Foundation has announced $270,000 in grants to community organizations throughout the county as it held its 73rd Annual Meeting and Celebration on Thursday night.  More than 1,000 teachers from across Berrien County gathered at St. Joseph High School on Friday for a professional development conference partly organized by Berrien RESA.  Berrien County has reached an agreement with the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport to help keep Euclid Avenue clear for traffic during the winter after an issue was brought to the county's attention by New Heights CCDA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Berrien County's transit committee is set to meet later this month to discuss how a regional transportation system might be created after the Michigan Department of Transportation indicated it wants a replacement to be found for the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority, or TCATA.  Berrien County may have found a buyer for a 36-acre property it owns in Three Oaks.  A Niles man has been arrested and charged in connection with racially motivated graffiti found at a barbershop earlier this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: There's an election for St. Joseph City Commission next month, and perhaps the biggest issue will be paid parking. After the city's unpopular rollout of a paid parking program downtown back in May, and its later suspension, we've chatted with all six candidates to learn their position on the issue. With a lawsuit now filed by the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association against the state's new 24% wholesale tax on marijuana products, what are marijuana retailers in Southwest Michigan saying?  An 89-year-old Lake Township woman is dead following a two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning on Red Arrow Highway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a plan for the restoration of wildlife habitat in Ox Creek.  There are changes coming to the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance.  Now on display at the South Haven Center for the Arts is this year’s juried exhibition, "The Ghosts that Linger."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The St. Joseph Township Board of Trustees is considering a brownfield financing plan for a residential development planned at the site of the former Berrien Hills Country Club off Napier Avenue.  There's a new director on the job at the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Berrien County Health Department is reminding women of the importance of regular screenings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Michigan's budget crisis is over.  There have been some sleepless nights lately for leaders of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging while Michigan lawmakers hammered out the final state budget. Lake Michigan College has a frontrunner for the position of president, just a month after current President Trevor Kubatzke announced his retirement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Both of Southwest Michigan's representatives in the U.S. House are placing the blame for the federal government shutdown squarely on Democrats in the U.S. Senate.  So, what's going on with the state budget? State Representative Joey Andrews explains. Now at work at Coloma Elementary School is a fully-certified therapy dog to help improve the physical and mental well-being of students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A developer has plans to bring 120 new homes to Royalton Township. The Van Buren Conservation District has unveiled a new series of interpretive signs along the Van Buren State Trail.  A grant from Michigan Gas Utilities will enable South Haven Area Emergency Services to protect its first responders from carbon monoxide when they're out on calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A developer has plans to bring 120 new homes to Royalton Township. The Van Buren Conservation District has unveiled a new series of interpretive signs along the Van Buren State Trail.  A grant from Michigan Gas Utilities will enable South Haven Area Emergency Services to protect its first responders from carbon monoxide when they're out on calls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Michigan will avoid a state government shutdown if lawmakers can take quick action to approve a budget deal announced on Thursday.  It looks like Berrien County has found its next finance director. Cornerstone Alliance will hold a grand opening celebration next week for the new Canal Commons, a public plaza now built between the Benton Harbor shipping canal and Emma Hull Flats at 170 Riverview Drive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beautiful Elsa is a husky mix of fur and love. We named her Elsa after "Frozen" because her coat is white and fluffy like the snow in winter. We found it to fit her. We are unsure of her exact age, but we guess that she is about 3 years old. She prefers to hang out on the outside area of her kennel during the mornings when everyone is barking and being noisy. Elsa is pretty low key and will shy away from people initially, but she is very friendly and loving. She enjoys being groomed and petted. She has no problem rolling over onto her back so that you can reach all the best places. She came to us after a fatal chicken incident and was never claimed by her owner. You could tell that she was pretty scared and was quite stand-offish. Now she greets us, she paws at us when we get close to her. All-around, Elsa is just a great dog. She does well with some of the dogs here at the kennel, but not with our resident cat. She loves to explore in our play yard and play with her toys. She has even been caught trying to play with her kennel neighbors under the fence. She has been so good and patient, we just want to tell everyone about how sweet she is. She will gently lick your cheek when she sidles up next to you. Please contact Van Buren County Animal Control at 269-621-4624 or visit the shelter at 58040 County Road 681, Hartford, MI 49057 to learn more about beautiful Elsa!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Alex and Max, happy little guys who are certain to put a smile on your face! They are playful and adore attention from people. Pure breed Havanese dogs, only 4-1/2 years old. Alex is grey and weighs around 14 pounds. Max is black with white and weighs around 16 pounds. Both boys would like to lose a couple of pounds, but wouldn't we all?!! Alex loves to be held and carried. Max is more independent, preferring to walk and climb up beside you. The boys are crate-trained, however, they are not fully house-trained and will need work with leash-training, but they are smart and have wonderful personalities! The boys are neutered and up-to-date on vaccines. They recently saw their groomer, so their normally longer coats will be growing out soon. Neutered and up-to-date on vaccines. Reach out to Paws of Hope at [email protected] to learn more about adorable Alex and Max.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has been advised to be prepared for a short state government shutdown as the deadline for Michigan lawmakers to approve a budget approaches.  The Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority has extended its deadline for companies interested in managing Dial a Ride to submit their proposals.  Berrien County is lowering its asking price for a 36-acre piece of property in Three Oaks that it's been trying to sell. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Governor Gretchen Whitmer is pushing for free school meals to remain in the final state budget.  A new program is turning Benton Harbor residents into community leaders so they can help make their neighborhoods healthier.  More than 1,200 extra workers are now on site at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman for Unit 2's 28th refueling outage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph had a busy summer, according to new numbers just released by the Berrien County Parks Department.  Lakeshore Public Schools says it's working with leaders at Kalamazoo Public Schools after an incident during the JV football game between Lakeshore and Kalamazoo Central on Thursday that left a player injured. Several Southwest Michigan food producers are getting a big boost in the form of more than $400,000 in state grants to grow their operations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Berrien County is getting a larger opioid settlement payout than previously expected.  The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is taking steps to ensure the county is prepared if there's a state government shutdown on October 1. A group of Michigan lawmakers, including state Representative Joey Andrews has announced a new package of legislation intended to protect unemployment benefits and expand unemployment rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Michigan Department of Transportation will hold an open house this month on its plans to reconstruct M-139 in Benton Harbor starting next year.  Students at Lake Michigan College facing financial hardship and having difficulty purchasing books for classes have received a boost from the Berrien Community Foundation.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has removed the swim buoys from most state parks around the Great Lakes for the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The U.S. Department of Energy has released its sixth loan disbursement to Holtec International to help the company restart the Palisades nuclear power plant in Van Buren County. Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad was in Lansing Tuesday as Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered an address calling on state lawmakers to approve a budget before October 1 deadline.  The Hagar Township Board of Trustees could soon consider a resolution opposing a proposed constitutional amendment in Michigan that would eliminate property taxes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Whirlpool Corporation says it's confident the Trump administration will investigate the company's allegations that competitors are evading tariffs by underreporting the value of their imports. Lincoln Township Clerk Michael Brown will serve as the interim township manager when current manager Ralph Bansen steps down next month.  Lake Michigan College has been ranked the 13th best community college in the country by financial services firm SmartAsset.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety is working with partner agencies to create a new countywide Fire and Police Training Facility.  The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education is considering an endorsement of a proposed constitutional amendment in Michigan that would increase taxes on those with the highest incomes to support schools. The city of St. Joseph is planning a few of new special events for the downtown area this fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: County leaders across Michigan are being urged to put pressure on their state lawmakers to end the political stalemate in Lansing.  Construction has started on the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan's new Mary C. Grish Animal Community Center.  A formal plan for the revitalization of Ox Creek will be considered by Benton Harbor City Commissioners next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Space Race is back on. Beer Drinkers are Mosquito Magnets! And the "Covid Pause". That's what Paul Layendecker is BuZzin' about today on The Daily BuZz!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A Stevensville-area bicycle club will hold a special memorial ride Thursday in honor of a member who was killed on the road this past weekend. To honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, the annual 9/11 Stair Climb is taking place Thursday at Lakeshore High School's Al Stockman Stadium.  The Berrien Community Foundation has awarded more than $145,000 to Berrien County non-profits in its latest round of For Good Grants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: No one is hurt after a mobile home was been destroyed by fire in Lincoln Townhip Monday.  The city of St. Joseph is going to install new signs at 12 of its parks.  Buchanan City Commissioners are welcoming a new development at a former school on Claremont Street. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A 73-year-old Stevensville man is dead after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Lake Township on Saturday.  Police are investigating the discovery of a body in a Sawyer pond on Monday.  Budget negotiations are taking place between Michigan legislative leaders and Governor Gretchen Whitmer, but state Representative Joey Andrews tells us he heard they're not going well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Edgewater Automation is inviting everyone to help raise some money for FIRST Robotics teams from around the region with its third annual Edgewater Automation Poker Run this month.  The Berrien Community Foundation has announced the latest recipients of Heart of Cook grants. Planning is underway for the next Michigan Black Summit, once again to be held at Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center in February. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A series of meetings is being held over the next three months for community leaders throughout Berrien County to discuss a mass transit plan now that the Michigan Department of Transportation has made it clear it wants a replacement to be created for the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority.  A Casey's General store is coming to Hartford. The Berrien County Parks Department is planning a Recycling Collection event for Saturday, September 13 at Silver Beach County Park.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lake Michigan College President Trevor Kubatzke says he's ready to retire after about 40 years in higher education.  Berrien County Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford has been caught up in a bit of confusion over a political endorsement.  To honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, the annual 9/11 Stair Climb is set for next Thursday at Lakeshore High School's Al Stockman Stadium. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Lake Michigan College will hold an open forum next week as it prepares to search for a new president. The Michigan Department of Transportation is hoping to see the formation of a new transit authority to replace the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority within the next year or two. Present Pillars in Benton Harbor has announced the permanent closure of its headquarters on West Main Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heard on The Morning Show with Ken & Friends, this is the weekly News from the Bear Den! segment from Kristen Bawks, Superintendent for St. Joseph Public Schools. This podcast is your opportunity to learn more about what's new at St. Joseph Public Schools and what they're celebrating with students, parents, faculty, and the community! For more information, visit: https://www.sjschools.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor City Commissioners will soon be asked to reallocate $2.7 million in state grant dollars from use to another to allow for improvements at the water plant.  The city of South Haven is seeking funding from the state to help low-income residents pay for home repairs.  The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution to seek state funding for a new gun safety campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is now discussing the possibility of creating a countywide transit authority as leaders at the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority seek help continuing bus services to residents. Cornerstone Alliance has officially launched a new study on housing availability in Berrien County.  Brandywine High School has earned second place out of 36 schools around Michigan in a student-led traffic safety campaign competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: An effort to form a new transit authority in Berrien County to assume oversight of the Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority has been gaining some momentum.  The city of St. Joseph has accepted the donation park property from Whirlpool.  A small business in Hartford that's looking to expand has gotten a boost from Van Buren County. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Plans by Harbor Shores for new housing, commercial space, and a marina in St. Joseph have taken another step forward following action by city commissioners this week.  Lake Michigan College is hoping to dispell some misinformation about the millage renewals it's seeking from voters this year.  Coming soon to downtown St. Joseph will be a vendor tent operated by Chick-Fil-A. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.