98.3 The Coast

In today's news: The South Haven Police Department is investigating an apparent drowning in Lake Michigan on Monday.  RyeBelles Restaurant and Bar in downtown St. Joseph will be allowed to host live outdoor music later into the evening this summer following action by city commissioners Monday.  St. Joseph Public Schools Superintendent Kristen Bawks will soon mark one year on the job, and she says it's been it's been an eventful one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph is back open after police shut it down early again on Sunday due to fights.  A forum on preventing gun violence is set for this Thursday in Benton Township.  Not everyone's uncomfortable in the extreme heat we're experiencing this week. MSU Extension grape specialist Mike Reinke tells us crops actually do pretty well when it gets hot. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Southwest Michigan is expected to be hit with a heatwave this weekend and into next week with temperatures in the upper 80s, and everyone's reminded to take steps to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.  South Haven Area Emergency Services is asking the municipalities it serves to prepare for increased contributions as it seeks to hire more staff to address increasing call volumes.  Coming up this Saturday will be a presentation at the Hartford Public Library on the history of the Pottawatomi People in Van Buren County. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Five deputies with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department have been commended for their actions to save a woman's life this year.  Benton Township is seeking to develop a new senior housing complex.  The Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven is offering a rare chance to step into the role of a Great Lakes scientist with some expedition cruises coming up this month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: The city of Benton Harbor is seeking some improvements at the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Coming up on July 12 will be the fourth annual Lake Breeze Music at Sunset Festical in St. Joseph.  The city of New Buffalo has put a pause on plans to implement a paid parking system downtown this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news: Benton Harbor City Commissioners are excited to welcome the Jim DeLapa Collegiate Golf Tournament to the community this September.  The city of South Haven will be working with a project management firm to implement a lifeguard program following action by the city council on Monday.  An improvement project several years in the making is about finished at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain in St. Joseph. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.