98.3 The Coast

In today's news: After weeks of mostly negative feedback from residents and business owners, the St. Joseph City Commission has approved changes to make city-owned lot parking in the downtown free to residents. The Benton Township Police Department is seeking the public's help to solve a possible hit and run case. Governor Gretchen Whitmer addressed the Niles Chamber of Commerce Thursday. See omny...

In today's news: The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is planning to have at least two deputies on patrol at Silver Beach each day this summer to help ensure peace is maintained. Following fights that shut down Silver Beach County Park on Tuesday night, Sheriff Chuck Heit tells us the department is committed to keeping the attraction a safe place for families.  Van Buren County Sheriff Dan...

In today's news: Project T, a mixed use commercial and residential development planned for the site of the former Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, is a step closer to becoming a reality now that city commissioners have approved an amended Brownfield plan for the effort. Present Pillars in Benton Harbor is preparing to celebrate Dad Week next week, and it's inviting all families to take part to sho...

In today's news: Congressman Bill Huizenga has joined more than 100 colleagues in the U.S. House signing a letter to appropriations leaders asking that there be a wage freeze placed on H-2A visa guestworkers in upcoming spending legislation.  The playground isn't the only new thing at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph heading into the summer this year. As we've reported, the city of St....

In today's news: The United Way of Southwest Michigan is making some adjustments to its funding cycle so it can better serve non-profits in the face of changing circumstances.  The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce will hold its Annual Luncheon on June 5, and there will be a special guest in attendance. Niles Chamber Director Ryan Boeskool tells us Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be the keynot...

In today's news: St. Joseph City Commissioners may be making adjustments to the paid parking program downtown, but it looks like many downtown business owners still aren't satisfied.  The new mural to get people talking about mental health issues has now been finished at Paw Paw High School, and students and teachers are hoping it will keep a dialogue going among the community.  This Sat...

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...

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...

Sarah talks with Zack about the upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and NextGen Networking opportunities waiting for you in the events section right now at SMRChamber.com! 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...

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...

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/...

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...

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...

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...

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 Admini...

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...

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 202...

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 paren...

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 informa...

Sarah joins Zack with details on upcoming Ribbon Cuttings and more from the events section at SMRChamber.com! 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 informati...

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...

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...