98.3 The Coast

In today's news: Three finalists have been selected for second round interviews to be the next superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools. Benton Township has announced a new push to eliminate blight throughout the community.  The ribbon has been cut on the new Benton Harbor Fitness Court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: A new invasive tick has been found for the first time in Michigan, right here in Berrien County.  The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is making upgrades to its jail bookings website.  Some upgrades are coming to the lighting at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frankie is a 2-year-old Lab mix. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. He weighs 44 pounds. Frankie is a comical, funny dog who will do anything for a treat. 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 our cute guy, Frankie!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: State Representative Pauline Wendzel has received an update on the effort to restart the Palisades nuclear power plant in Van Buren County.  The Berrien County Board of Commissioners is keeping its eye on developments in Lansing as lawmakers work on a new state budget. Berrien County Prosecutor Amy Byrd is working to reduce gun violence in the community by reminding gun owners how they can ensure their firearms aren't stolen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The Berrien County Trial Court's Family Division has launched a new online tool to help teens at risk of getting into trouble find the help they need. A student from Buchanan has been named the winner of Congressman Tim Walberg's 2025 Congressional Art Competition.  Set for this Saturday is the eighth annual Benton Harbor Juneteenth Parade and Celebration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Paid parking is currently suspended in downtown St. Joseph following an announcement Monday by City Manager Emily Hackworth. She explains to us what happened. Set for this Saturday is A Taste of Buchanan, a chance for everyone to take in downtown Buchanan and check out the dining options available.  Dredging could begin in South Haven this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Dredging tarts tonight in the St. Joseph Inner Harbor. Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education President Dashuna Robinson says the search for a new district superintendent has been going "amazingly smooth" so far.  Present Pillars in Benton Harbor is getting some attention in Lansing as it kicks off Dad Week this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Soula, our gorgeous Tortoiseshell Cat looking for her forever home! This stunning lady is incredibly people-friendly. She loves nothing more than curling up on a warm lap and receiving pets and scratches behind her ears. Despite her stunning looks, she is not high maintenance and is content with just being loved and cared for. Soula is also very playful and enjoys chasing after toys and playing with interactive puzzles. If you are looking for a loyal and loving companion, look no further than Soula. Give her a chance, and you will see just how special she truly is. Come to meet Soula and see if she is the purr-fect match for your family! Soula's estimated birthday is 11/01/2023. She is spayed, up-to-date on all vaccines, and tested negative for Feline AIDS and Feline Leukemia. Contact Paws of Hope at information@pawsofhope.org to learn more about our stunning Soula. The link to the Paws of Hope adoption application is: https://www.pawsofhope.org/adoption-applicationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

In today's news: Dredging is about to start in the St. Joseph Inner Harbor.  The Benton Harbor Planning Commission has approved a site plan amendment for the new Harbor Shores Wee Course, the golf course for youngsters planned along Champions Way and Graham Avenue.  A new mural is being unveiled in downtown Buchanan tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Abbott has been named the 2025 Sheriff of the Year by the Michigan Sheriffs Association.  Staff at the Cook nuclear power plant in Bridgman are gearing up for a major emergency drill later this month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 show Dad that he's appreciated.  An Andrews University student from Benton Harbor is making waves in the journalism world after receiving the Best Emerging Journalist Award at the 2025 Associated Church Press Awards last month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Joseph and Berrien County have been collaborating to improve the traffic flow into the attraction as we wait for the weather to warm up.  Edwardsburg High School's production of "Newsies!" led the way, taking home four awards, during the fourth annual WAVE Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre at Lake Michigan College this year.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 keynote speaker.  This is just a reminder that the Michigan Department of Transportation will hold an open house on the downtown St. Joseph Main Street reconstruction project Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Saturday will bring the Lake Bluff Artisan Fair to Lake Bluff Park in downtown St. Joseph, another returning tradition for the summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.