98.3 The Coast

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.

In today's news: The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety has had a busy few days after it responded to two fires -- one of which it calls suspicious -- and a large illegal gathering.  May is Women's Health Month, and doctors are reminding women of all ages to take simple steps to ensure they stay healthy and don't let small problems turn into big problems.  Berrien County will hold a chemicals and electronics recycling event next month, and this time it's being hosted in southern half of the county. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor City Commissioners are being asked to make another emergency transfer of city income tax money into the general fund to pay the bills.  The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has learned more about how the county's opioid settlement money is getting used following a presentation this week.  Some renovations are being planned for the Berrien County Administration Building in St. Joseph.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looking for a cat with personality? Meet AC, a confident, chatty explorer who’s never met a shoulder he didn’t want to sit on. Yes, you read that right, this guy thinks he’s part parrot! AC is a social butterfly (or maybe a social tiger?) who thrives on attention. He’ll happily narrate his day to you with a symphony of meows and chirps, and he’ll return your affection tenfold. If you're not petting him, he’ll politely remind you, with his voice, his paws, or by suddenly being on your shoulder like it's totally normal. He's curious, adventurous, and always investigating his surroundings like he’s on a mission from Cat Headquarters. Whether it’s a new room, a cardboard box, or your unsuspecting back, AC is going to explore it. AC is the kind of cat who turns heads and steals hearts. If you're looking for a clingy little weirdo who’s equal parts hilarious and affectionate, AC might just be your perfect match. AC is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and FIV/F

In today's news: Police agencies from throughout Berrien County gathered in St. Joseph Thursday to hold the annual Fraternal Order of Police memorial service for fallen officers.  A dedication ceremony for the newly improved Charles Yarbrough Park in Benton Harbor is planned for this Saturday. Lake Michigan College has garnered two national awards for its efforts to engage students in the 2024 election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Lincoln Township Trustee Marc Florian is feeling optimistic something can be done to help reduce flooding in the area of North Grand Mere Lake following a meeting with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and state Representative Joey Andrews. St. Joseph City Commissioners have again balked at approving a policy that would grant city employees paid parental leave when they have a baby or adopt a child. Students at Van Buren Tech in Lawrence now have experience responding to a high-pressure emergency situation following Tuesday's mock disaster drill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started dredging in the outer St. Joseph Harbor. Legislation from state Representative Brad Paquette would prevent food assistance programs in Michigan from paying for the purchase of soda, or pop.  Set for June 19 through June 22 is the second annual Sunflower Film Festival in Paw Paw. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Corewell Health has announced the opening of a new substance use treatment and education center in Berrien County. State Representative Brad Paquette has introduced legislation intended to prevent children from accessing adult content on the internet.  The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven has found a new director. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selene is a 10-month-old unspayed female. She is microchipped and up to date on her vaccinations. She weighs 36 pounds. 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 pretty little Selene.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County GOP has struck back against controversy over its engagement featuring some January 6 defendants and two men acquitted of charges in the kidnapping plot against Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Pope Leo XIV, the first American to be elected as pope of the Catholic Church, not only is from Chicago, but he has extensive ties to Southwest Michigan.  Several Southwest Michigan beaches have been nominated for the title of Best Beach in Michigan by USA Today, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 information@pawsofhope.org, 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.