98.3 The Coast

In today's news: The Berrien County Democratic Party says it's disappointed that the Berrien County GOP is welcoming two January 6 defendants and two men charged in the plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer to Stevensville Friday. Students at Paw Paw High School are preparing to take part in the painting of a mural near the building's entryway to spread a message about mental health.  The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is clarifying its role helping U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest undocumented migrants in the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of Buchanan has been awarded a $1 million state grant for its downtown infrastructure project.  State Representative Brad Paquette has introduced new legislation that would ban gender transition procedures for minors in Michigan. A Van Buren County has won more than $5 million in the Michigan Lottery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The South Haven City Council is inching closer to taking a vote on the return of a lifeguard program for city beaches. Work to improve Hall Park in Benton Harbor will now move forward following action by city commissioners Monday. Kimberly "Kimmy" Cramer is this spring's recipient of Lake Michigan College's Spirit of Nursing award, one of the highest honors bestowed upon a graduating nursing student at the college. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Archie, a playful little orange kitten with a big personality and a zest for fun! Always ready for an adventure, Archie loves chasing toys, climbing, and exploring every corner he can find. His bright eyes and endless energy make him a joy to be around. When he is done playing, Archie is happy to curl-up for some snuggles. Archie is ready to bring love, laughter, and nonstop fun to his forever home! Archie's estimated birthday is March 9th, 2025. He tested negative for Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia, has started on his kitten-series of vaccines, and will be neutered once he is old enough. Reach out to Paws of Hope at [email protected], complete our adoption application at https://www.pawsofhope.org/adoption-application.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Congressman Tim Walberg has been working on some changes to the federal government's student loan program to reduce costs and help prevent young college students from going too deeply into debt.  The deadline to get a REAL ID is fast approaching after years of postponements and delays.  The Berrien County Health Department is planning a Community Baby Shower for first-time expectant parents this month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of South Haven has applied for an emergency dredging permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to get its recreational harbor ready for boaters this summer as the water in the harbor has become too shallow.  President Donald Trump has signed an executive order slashing federal funding to public broadcasters PBS and NPR. How does that affect WNIT in South Bend? Berrien County is being required to return $320,000 in COVID funding back to the federal government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Congressman Bill Huizenga isn't laying out a timetable for making a decision on whether to run for the U.S. Senate, but he's feeling pretty good about the idea.  A St. Joseph man who was killed Wednesday in a Benton Township crash has been identified as a popular instructor at Lake Michigan College. As Benton Township plans the creation of a new park near the intersection of Euclid and Laurel avenues, it's seeking more input from the public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Police investigate fatal head-on crash in Benton Township  St. Joseph rental inspections contracted out and fees increase Benton Harbor's Second Baptist Church celebrates 150 years and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of St. Joseph is notifying the public the Whirlpool Compass Fountain below the bluff downtown won't be opening on its traditional date this year.  St. Joseph City Manager Emily Hackworth has received a positive performance evaluation from city commissioners.  It's time once again for the Bridgman Open Air Market to reopen for the season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Third interim police chief appointed in South Haven Corewell Health announces apartment complex plan in St. Joseph St. Joseph city commission balks at paying for maternity leave and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Applications are now available for the next round of Heart of Cook grants. Corewell Health is planning to build some new apartments in St. Joseph.  Thursday is the big day for the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen as it completes its move into a new location.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Congressman Bill Huizenga "leaning toward" run for U.S. Senate Area business owners make plea to change St. Joseph parking plan Three Chicago women arrested for alleged smash and grab in Stevensville and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Three Chicago women are facing charges after a smash and grab robbery at the T-Mobile store in Lincoln Township on Sunday. The Cass County Sheriff's Department is investigating a fatal fire on Monday. The track at St. Joseph High School will be a hopping place this Friday as the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor holds its 67th Annual Track Meet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Area congressman welcomes President Trump back to Michigan Berrien Co. GOP ready to sue local veterans group Elections inspector training set and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County GOP has released a statement amid controversy over its scheduled event featuring January 6 defendants and two men charged and later acquitted in a plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  The United Way of Southwest Michigan has announced the winners of its Volunteer Awards for the year.  The Berrien County Clerk's office will hold an event to offer free election inspector training in June.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: South Haven's police chief resigns after scrutiny on holding two jobs More money flowing to the Palisades Nuclear power plant for restart Local drone operator captures extensive Lake Michigan erosion footage and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: South Haven Police Chief Dennis Honholt has resigned.  The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has gotten an update on how some of the county's opioid settlement money has been put to use since it announced a partnership with the First Church of God in St. Joseph last year.  The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven will be unable to sail its tall ship, Friends Good Will, up to Holland for the Tulip Time Festival next week due to a low water level in South Haven Harbor.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Report claims South Haven's police chief is still a chief in Dover, Tenn. Six candidates filed for St. Joseph City Commission A "nationwide grassroots" group holding local townhall in Benton Harbor and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: City leaders in St. Joseph are spreading the news about the coming changes to downtown parking in the summer, hoping to allay concerns and clarify what the arrangement will be.  A grassroots political organization formed this year in Southwest Michigan is planning a town hall for this Friday in Benton Harbor to discuss how spending cuts, tariffs, and new policies on the federal level are affecting everyday citizens.  A farmer from Berrien County has been honored with the Michigan Farm Bureau's 2025 Young Farmer Excellence in Agriculture Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Seatbelts now required on Dial a Ride in Benton Harbor Dredging underway near Tackle Haven docks on St. Joseph River Cook Nuclear Power Plant's weather buoy is back and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A 2016 graduate of St. Joseph High School is the winner of America's Test Kitchen Next Generation Season 2.  The Cook nuclear power plant weather buoy is now back in Lake Michigan, signaling the start of the busy boating season.  St. Joseph Public Schools' newest foundation is making significant progress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Local reaction to Pope Francis's passing Benton Harbor approves $300k in sidewalk work St. Joseph hears both sides of upcoming parking fees and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Catholics all over the world are mourning Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88 on Easter Sunday.  As the city of St. Joseph prepares to implement its downtown paid parking program this summer, social media has blown up with negative remarks. However, some business voices downtown are urging people to give the parking plan a chance. The city of Bridgman is hoping to help revitalize a vacant building downtown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Another local protest against President Trump County jail changing food service providers Civil rights complaints against Hagar Township dismissed  and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor Area Schools begin search for new superintendent equalization report from Berrien County New golf tournament coming to Benton Township See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benton Harbor Area Schools is officially beginning the search for a new superintendent.  Kristina Burks is Berrien County's 911 Dispatcher of the Year following a presentation at the Berrien County Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday. 2024 was a busy year for the Berrien County Clerk's office.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Caring Connection funding still in question Protect yourself against measles Berrien County 911 dispatcher of the year awarded See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of downtown St. Joseph business owners will meet next week to talk about the new paid parking rules coming to part of the downtown area starting this summer.  The long-abandoned and blighted Old Feed Mill in Buchanan is set to be demolished, thanks to a State Land Bank grant. The Hagar Township Board of Trustees has approved a one-year moratorium on wind and solar developments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly two months since a post basketball game incident on February 26 at Dowagiac High School, the Cass County Prosecutor's Office has announced charges against those involved.  The Berrien County Prosecutor's Office has announced the sentencing of two men in relation to the shooting of a 21-year-old Benton Harbor resident at the Briarwood Apartment Complex last June.  Work to stabilize the bluff at Hagar Park Beach will start soon now that the Hagar Township Board of Trustees has approved a contract for the project. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:  Cass County Prosecutor charges three people in Benton Harbor-Buchanan post game incident Hagar Township working to stabilize beach bluff Huizenga is weighing a run for the U.S. Senate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We now have a Miss Blossomtime for 2025 Holtec International has passed several new milestones on its way to restarting the Palisades nuclear power plant.  Michigan Works of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren has announced its second round of 2025 grant applications is now open for the Going PRO Talent Fund. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:  Holtec achieves milestones in Palisades restart efforts Berrien County Health Department and MSU Extension team up to educate about eggs Berrien County Central Dispatch celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Mr. Blossomtime 2025 crowned Sawyer man dead after walking on I-94 St. Joseph looking for a few good parking ambassadors and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: US-12 construction begins next Monday Cornerstone Alliance releases its 2025 strategic plan A new wrestling room coming to SMC See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Building upgrade project funds running low in Berrien County  Allegan County Sheriff issues missing person alert New mixed-use plan approved in downtown South Haven and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Berrien County's ongoing effort to address needs at its facilities is now moving at a slower pace as the funds run out. M-139 in Berrien Springs will be under construction next week.  April 13 through April 19 will be Animal Care and Control Week, and Berrien County Animal Services is hoping everyone will take a moment to thanks its staff and volunteers for all the things they do on behalf of the county's four-legged citizens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor approves policy keeping OutCenter out of City Center Park South Haven educators rallying over cuts to federal education funding Lincoln and Lake townships will share a fire chief  and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Democrat Jessica Swartz has announced another run for Congress in the Fourth District.  Benton Harbor City Commissioners have approved a new parks policy that limits what kinds of events can be held at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park.  Lincoln Township Fire Chief Brandon Chiarello is taking on a second job.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: MDOT unveils plans to reimagine St. Joseph's Main Street Water/sewer rates in St. Joseph going up again National Weather Service confirms 12 tornadoes in Michigan from March 30 storms and more!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Lincoln Township Planning Commission is approved the rezoning of property at 3822 Red Arrow Highway to make way for a new 200-unit apartment complex.  Water and sewer rates are going up in the city of St. Joseph.  A new crowdfunding campaign has been launched to support development of a new park in Chikaming Township. 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: More than 500 marijuana plants found in illegal grow operation in Baroda Paid parking starts in downtown St. Joseph on May 15 South Haven votes to find out more about a proposed lifeguard program and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Southwest Enforcement Team has seized more than 550 marijuana plants from an unlicensed growth operation in Baroda Township. State Representative Joey Andrews will welcome Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to Benton Harbor this week for a town hall.  The Friends of Berrien County Trails are reflecting a major milestone in the group's history as a ribbon cutting approaches for part of the Marquette Greenway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Traffic detour: Westbound I-94 ramp onto Napier Avenue is closed till mid-July National protest against President Trump reflected in a large way in St. Joseph Area officials warn about high river levels and discourage water recreation and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've got a sweetheart named Nike here, a 6-year-old, mellow buddy with a beautiful fawn-colored coat. He's a total lovebug, just wants to be near you, and loves a good tug-o-war or just having a toy in his mouth! Now, Nike's got heartworm, but don't let that scare you! Friends of BCAS are covering his treatment. He's a "Velcro dog," meaning he's all about affection, not just playtime. He's a volunteer favorite, but he's having a hard time living at the shelter, and frankly, we're worried about him. He's good with other dogs, but we're just not sure about cats. If you're looking for a gentle companion, come meet Nike! He's waiting for you at Berrien County Animal Services at 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. No appointment necessary to come meet him. His adoption fee, like several of our longer term dogs, is sponsored. Check them all out on m0564.petfinder.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The deadline to file to run for St. Joseph City Commission this year is coming up at the end of the month.  Friends of Berrien County Trails are planning to celebrate a new milestone in the construction of the Marquette Greenway, a 60-mile trail planned between Chicago and New Buffalo.  Coming back to the city of St. Joseph this summer will be Movies in the Park. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Free downtown parking opened up for St. Joseph residents Illinois man's body recovered from Paw Paw River near Lawrence Beacon Health System acquires Ascension Healthcare in SW Michigan and more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has recovered the body of an Illinois man who drowned in the Paw Paw River Thursday. The Coloma Road bridge over the Paw Paw River could reopen next week after the Berrien County Road Department closed it for some unscheduled repairs last month.  The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is conducting extra patrols this month to look for distracted drivers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.