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:

• More than 500 marijuana plants found in illegal grow operation in Baroda
• Paid parking starts in downtown St. Joseph on May 15
• South Haven votes to find out more about a proposed lifeguard program
• and more!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

The Southwest Enforcement Team has seized more than 550 marijuana plants from an unlicensed growth operation in Baroda Township.

State Representative Joey Andrews will welcome Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to Benton Harbor this week for a town hall. 

The Friends of Berrien County Trails are reflecting a major milestone in the group's history as a ribbon cutting approaches for part of the Marquette Greenway. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

• Traffic detour: Westbound I-94 ramp onto Napier Avenue is closed till mid-July
• National protest against President Trump reflected in a large way in St. Joseph
• Area officials warn about high river levels and discourage water recreation
• and more!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've got a sweetheart named Nike here, a 6-year-old, mellow buddy with a beautiful fawn-colored coat. He's a total lovebug, just wants to be near you, and loves a good tug-o-war or just having a toy in his mouth! Now, Nike's got heartworm, but don't let that scare you! Friends of BCAS are covering his treatment. He's a "Velcro dog," meaning he's all about affection, not just playtime. He's a volunteer favorite, but he's having a hard time living at the shelter, and frankly, we're worried about him. He's good with other dogs, but we're just not sure about cats. If you're looking for a gentle companion, come meet Nike! He's waiting for you at Berrien County Animal Services at 1400 South Euclid Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. No appointment necessary to come meet him. His adoption fee, like several of our longer term dogs, is sponsored. Check them all out on m0564.petfinder.com.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

The deadline to file to run for St. Joseph City Commission this year is coming up at the end of the month. 

Friends of Berrien County Trails are planning to celebrate a new milestone in the construction of the Marquette Greenway, a 60-mile trail planned between Chicago and New Buffalo. 

Coming back to the city of St. Joseph this summer will be Movies in the Park. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

• Free downtown parking opened up for St. Joseph residents
• Illinois man's body recovered from Paw Paw River near Lawrence
• Beacon Health System acquires Ascension Healthcare in SW Michigan
• and more!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department has recovered the body of an Illinois man who drowned in the Paw Paw River Thursday.

The Coloma Road bridge over the Paw Paw River could reopen next week after the Berrien County Road Department closed it for some unscheduled repairs last month. 

The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is conducting extra patrols this month to look for distracted drivers. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

• Uncancelled! $20 million grant to Benton Harbor is back on again
• National Guard members from SW Mich called to help with ice storm recovery
• Westbound Napier Ave ramp at I-94 closed next week
• and more!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's news:

The $20 million EPA grant to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for resiliency projects around the city of Benton Harbor that was announced last year by the Biden administration and then canceled by the Trump administration last week is now being reinstated.

Benton Township is getting its second marijuana-related business, just weeks after the board of trustees approved a permit for a marijuana retailer on Pipestone Road. 

The results are in from last week's statewide crackdown on dangerous driving on I-94. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.