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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.

Here's Domino! She is a beautiful, extremely smart, and sweet tuxedo kitty with a playful and loving personality. Domino was keeping a secret when she first joined Paws of Hope... she was expecting! Our little Mama safely delivered her babies, nurtured them into loving homes of their own, and is now an "empty nester," ready for her own home. Domino enjoys affection, cozy spots, and spending time with her favorite people. Always ready for fun, Domino loves to play and explore, bringing joy and energy wherever she goes. With her charming looks and spirited nature, she is sure to brighten any home with love and laughter. Domino's estimated birthday is April 12th, 2024. She is spayed, up-to-date on all vaccines, and tested negative for FeLV-FIV. Reach out to Paws of Hope at [email protected] to learn even more about our smart girl, Domino! The link to our adoption application: https://www.pawsofhope.org/adoption-applicationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boone is a beautiful three year old Treeing Walker Coonhound. He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all vaccines. Please call or visit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan at 269-927-3303 (5400 Niles Road, St Joseph, MI 49085) to learn more about their handsome boy, Boone.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A 73-year-old Cassopolis man is dead after a crash between a pickup and a tractor in Cass County on Wednesday.  As the Berrien County Road Department continues reconstructing Red Arrow Highway in the coming years, new sections of road will come with new sections of roadside trail.  South Haven High School will mark the 50th anniversary of its girls volleyball team this week with a special Alumni Match and cookout. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The 22nd annual Whirlpool Community Charity Golf Event, held this Sunday and Monday at multiple golf courses around Berrien County, has raised more than $3.2 million for five youth organizations in Southwest Michigan.  Engineering firm Abonmarche is planning a new apartment development in downtown Benton Harbor. Police are reminding everyone to be careful when crossing busy streets after a family of four was injured crossing Main Street in St. Joseph on Wednesday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of South Haven could be updating the way it sets rates for customers of the municipal electric utility.  The Berrien County Health Department will host some free overdose response training this month.  The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is bringing back its Shark Tank-style business pitch competition this year to help young business owners get support to continue growing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Some police officers and medics from the South Haven area have been honored by the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department for their actions during a standoff last month.  A state grant of $25,000 will help to renovate the former Stevensville Post Office into a new office for a graphic design company.  Indiana Michigan Power has announced a new contract with Google to help reduce stress on the electric grid during peak usage periods. 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: Elections are being held in a handful of Southwest Michigan communities Tuesday. A gas station could soon be added to the Martin's Super Market property in St. Joseph Township.  Michigan's OK2Say school tipline received a record number of tips in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce has ended its formal partnership with the South Bend Regional Chamber and is moving toward a partnership with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.  Citizens Research Council of Michigan President Eric Lupher was in Berrien County this week to highlight the "Ax MI Tax" proposal that backers are currently seeking to get on the ballot in the state next year.  It took a community of good Samaritans to safely resolve an incident on Lake Michigan near South Beach in South Haven on Thursday night. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Cornerstone Alliance welcomed Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Quentin Messer to Benton Harbor on Thursday to showcase some of the projects that have been transforming the community with the help of the state.  A resurfacing project is about to get started on Cleveland Avenue in St. Joseph.  The city of Buchanan is adopting a short-term rental ordinance to help ensure residential properties throughout town aren't bought up by those seeking to rent them out to vacationers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Project T in Benton Harbor is a go.  There's a new president and CEO at the helm at Berrien County Cancer Service.  This weekend will bring the return of Chalk the Block to downtown St. Joseph.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of St. Joseph is moving forward with a proposal to help generate revenue for improvements downtown.  Benton Harbor City Commissioners will be asked next week to approve the transfer of land owned by the city to the Benton Harbor Housing Commission so that the Harbor Towers apartment complex can qualify for federal improvement funds. Everyone's invited to Coloma this weekend for two days of fun with the Coloma Glad Peach Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Now on the job as the new superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools is Dr. Simone Griffin, who started Monday.  Fruit crops in Southwest Michigan remain healthy despite the hot weather the region has been experiencing lately. says the region's crops are in "really great shape." The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services continues to urge COVID vaccinations for everyone age six months and older as recent recommendations coming from the federal government have caused some confusion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A Berrien Springs farm has been awarded a $175,000 grant by the Michigan Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development to help with an expansion project.  The Salvation Army of Benton Harbor is planning a celebration for its 100th anniversary next month.  The South Haven City Council has voted to continue supporting Market One and the work it does to encourage economic development in the region for another year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Riverwood Center CEO Ric Compton is sounding the alarm about some upcoming changes to how the state manages behavioral health services.  Plans to develop the former Overton property in South Haven into housing have hit another delay.  A new invasive species has been found at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Congressman Bill Huizenga has decided not to run for the U.S. Senate.  Dr. Simone Griffin will officially start as the new superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools on Monday, July 28.  Bond has been set at $2 million for a South Bend man charged in the shooting death of a woman in Niles Township this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of Benton Harbor has received a statewide award for its community master plan. The Berrien County Sheriff's Department says a woman who was found dead in Niles Township on Monday had been shot, and her boyfriend is now charged with open murder in the case. The Hartford Public Library will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this Saturday with a special event. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Construction begins this week on the new Lakeshore Trail, a multi-use pathway along M-63 connecting Benton Harbor and St. Joseph to several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan.  FEMA and Michigan State Police will hold a briefing on the safety plan for the Palisades nuclear power plant next month.  The South Haven Regional Business Hub has announced the hiring of a new executive director. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced the first round of medical debt forgiveness through a collaboration with the non-profit, Undue Medical Debt.  The next phase of housing construction is in the works at Harbor Shores as the development this week asked for a new brownfield plan on three parcels near Upton Drive, Whitwam Drive, and M-63 to help recoup some of the cost.  As downtown Buchanan businesses continue to struggle with a drop in customers due to major construction work going on in the area, the Buchanan Area Senior Center has launched a new promotion to help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Michigan Department of Transportation has made a presentation to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners to explain its planned reconstruction of Main Street in downtown St. Joseph in 2027.  St. Joseph City Commissioners have recommended that Berrien County make some changes to the Brownfield plan for properties near Harbor Shores so new housing developments planned on those parcels can proceed.  The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has announced the hiring of a director for the new Central Berrien Chamber Growth Alliance, or CGA. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County Sheriff's Department Emergency Management Division and the Van Buren County Office of Domestic Preparedness are marking the successful test of the region's public alert system on Wednesday.  Benton Township leaders say residents will be better served now that a brand new, fully automated trash collection truck has been delivered to the public works department.  The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department is saluting some of its 911 dispatchers for their quick action to help others during severe weather back in May. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: City leaders in Benton Harbor say the fight for a terminated $20 million federal grant supporting clean energy and sustainability programs isn't over.  Now up and running for the season is the city of Benton Harbor's Summer Youth Employment Program.  Set for July 26 at Union Park in Benton Harbor is the Berrien County Health Department's third annual Dad’s Day in the Park, a chance for dads of all walks of life to bring their families, have some fun, and mingle with other dads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.