98.3 The Coast

In today's news: A program of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is in the state spotlight as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist on Wednesday announced more than $1.4 million in grants to five organizations to attract new residents to Michigan.  A student from Upton Middle School in St. Joseph was in Washington, D.C. this week to compete in the Scripps Howard Spelling Bee. Michigan Gas Utilities is introducing its new ambassadog to the community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis isn't mincing words about his problems with management at the Berrien County Juvenile Center.  No one was hurt, but a family was displaced following a Saturday afternoon car fire in Benton Harbor.  Planning is well underway for what may be Berrien County's fastest growing summer festival. The Berrien Springs Pickle Festival will once again be July 4 at the History Center at Courthouse Square. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: There's good news for kids who want to use the new playground at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph. Berrien County Parks Director Jill Adams told us Friday afternoon after about two years of work, they're about to open the attraction. Berrien County will have a little more in its coffers this year than previously expected thanks to an error discovered by Equalization Director Warren Parrish.  The Michigan Department of Transportation is suspending work and lifting traffic restrictions wherever possible this holiday weekend to ease congestion and increase safety out on the roads. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: 186 employees of Berrien County have gone from being represented by a union to being non-union.  Flowers Early Learning has announced the launch of a new early childhood education apprenticeship program. State Representative Brad Paquette has introduced legislation in the Michigan House prohibiting schools from serving foods containing certain unnatural ingredients. 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 could be asked to consolidate polling locations in order to save money. Benton Township Police Chief Greg Abrams has a proposal for township trustees. He addressed them this week to ask for permission to seek a grant to purchase and train a K9.  The Pokagon Band of Pottawatomi will hold a pow wow this Memorial Day weekend. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A Van Buren County woman has been sentenced for murdering her husband in 2007. A setback to the Berrien Hills River’s Edge project on the site of the old Berrien Hills Country Club is being called a disappointment by St. Joseph Township leaders, but they say they're still excited that the first phase of construction is slated for next year.  The city of South Haven may have found a new developer for the former Overton property.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.