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The Harbor Current, 2055 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI (2026)

07/30/2026

Go “Behind The Glass” Aug. 7
At Water Street Glassworks

BENTON HARBOR – Whether you're an art lover, curious about glassmaking, or just looking for a unique night out, “Behind The Glass: From Sand to Art” offers a rare chance to experience the whole story.

West Michigan artist Jeff Blandford will give a talk about his craft at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug,. 7, at Water Street Glassworks, 140 Water St., Benton Harbor. The event is free, and includes a live glassblowing demonstration in the Hot Shop, as well as a special exhibition – showcasing an extensive collection of artwork, created by Water Street Glassworks artists, using Blandford's Michigan-made glass.

“This collaboration is many things,” Blandford said. “I remind you all that this hasn't been done before – glassblowers from the Midwest, blowing our local earth into glass. We usually blow glass made by factories, and sold by the ton. This team will be able to do things that I cannot do as a solo blower. This is a true glass community grass roots moment.”

Learn how an everyday natural resource is transformed through heat, science, and artistry into stunning works of glass, and experience how Water Street's artists have interpreted the character and color of this locally produced material, via a wide variety of techniques and styles. Meet the artists, ask questions, enjoy light refreshments, and discover the inspiration behind the work.

“Working with this primitive glass gave me a deeper understanding of the medium,” WSG instructor and production designer Eli Zilke said. “The glass Jeff created from Saugatuck sand has incredible character, and its unique qualities challenged me to draw inspiration from historical glassmaking traditions. I'm proud of the work that came from this collaboration, and excited to continue exploring its possibilities.”

Blandford has been making art in the area for 20 years. Working mainly as a potter, he also blows glass, and works with various other materials of interest. He grew up in Holland, and graduated in 2007 from Michigan State University.

“Much of my work is centered around my interests in color, design, an appreciation for mid-century modernism, and science,” Blandford said. “The pottery wheel is my main tool, a spinning flat surface that I use to shape clay with my hands. I create all of my work on my family’s five-acre farm, just south of Saugatuck, using primitive barn settings as my laboratory for creating art.”

Blandford's visit is made possible through the Visiting Artist Program, which brings notable artists like him to the studio to share his expertise, introduce new techniques, and engage with students, as well as the broader community.

The program is structured around a series of monthly “Community Nights” of visiting artists in action, offering live demonstrations across a range of techniques, including glassblowing, flameworking, glass casting, fusing, and more. It’s a chance to see the process up close, ask questions, and connect with the people behind the work.

WSG is currently seeking sponsors and community partners to support the Visiting Artist Program and Community Nights. These initiatives offer a unique opportunity to align with dynamic, community-driven arts programming. To learn more, attend an event, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: waterstreetglassworks.org.

About Water Street Glassworks
Water Street Glassworks (WSG) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) school and public access studio in the Benton Harbor Arts District. Since opening in January 2004, WSG has offered transformative classes in the glass and metal art.

07/24/2026

Take These Steps To Reduce Risk
Amid Statewide Cyclosporiasis Outbreak

By Harbor Current Staff

As cases of cyclosporiasis continue to increase across the state, the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) remind residents of ways reduce your risk of this intestinal illness:

BCHD: General Advice
People usually become infected with the parasite that causes cyclosporiasis by eating contaminated fresh produce or drinking contaminated water. Cyclosporiasis typically isn’t spread directly from person to person.

Symptoms generally begin two to 14 days after exposure. The most comom symptoms are frequent bouts of watery diarrhea, as well as cramping, bloating and/or increased gas; fatigue, and low-grade fever; loss of appetite and weight; and nausea (though vomiting is less common).

Total case counts in Michigan stand at 6,571, department figures show. As of July 16, 2026, 102 reported cases indicated they had been hospitalized. Within Southwest Michigan, nine cases have been reported in Berrien County; seven, for Cass County; and 24 in Van Buren County, MDHHS figures show.

To reduce your risk of exposure, the Berrien County Health Department recommends taking the following steps:

• Avoid preparing food for others while experiencing diarrhea or other gastrointestinal illness.

• Cook produce when possible.

• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water before eating, cutting or cooking.

• Scrub firm produce, such as melons, with a clean produce brush.

• Wash hands before preparing or eating food.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, reach out to your health care provider for evaluation and testing. For more information, visit cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html.

MDHHS Offers Guidelines
To Prevent Foodborne Illness

As cyclosporiasis cases continue to rise, with the largest increase occurring in Southeast Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing recommendations to help prevent foodborne illness related to fresh produce.

As of July 5, no specific produce grower/supplier, or specific produce type has been identified as the source of the outbreak.

MDHHS recommends that entities in Southeast Michigan who are preparing, processing, or serving raw produce, including restaurants and other commercial kitchens, take the following steps to reduce risks of exposure:

Lettuce/leafy greens: Buy whole heads of lettuce (rather than prewashed, bagged lettuce or salad mixes), throw away the outer two–three layers of leaves, and wash the inner leaves under running water. For leafy greens that can be cooked, cooking is the safest option.

Cilantro, basil: Wash thoroughly under running water, separating the leaves. Safest when cooked
Gren onions: Trim the root end and remove the outer layer, wash thoroughly under running water. Safest when cooked.

Raspberries: Their bumpy surface makes them especially hard to clean; the parasite can hide in the tiny crevices. Safest when cooked (pies, jams etc.). Consider frozen raspberries as an alternative. Freezing may reduce but does not guarantee elimination of the parasite.

Snow peas: Wash under running water and rub the surface. Safest when cooked.

For the latest information and updates related to the Cyclosporiasis outbreak, visit the MDHHS\s Infectious Diseases page at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/infectious-diseases/infectious-disease-outbreaks.

07/24/2026

Stay Safe As Harbor Dredging Resumes
By Harbor Current Staff

ST. JOSEPH – Now that dredging work has resumed in St. Joseph Outer Harbor, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is reminding residents of ways to keep safe during the project.

Viking Marine Construction LLC, of Holland, started the work early this month, which will run through August, according to the Corps' Detroit District Office. The purpose is to remove 83,000 cubic yards of sediment from the navigation channel.

Historically, dredging has been done to protect shorelines from erosion. Dredged material will be pumped a half-mile south of the harbor via submerged pipeline, with one major difference from past practice, the Corps states.

Unlike in past years, where material is placed along and parallel to the shore, this year, material will be placed perpendicular to the shore, “to form a peninsula within State-permitted limits,” states the Corps, in its announcement.

“The USACE Engineer Research and Development Center will conduct various measurements of the unique placement, including turbidity monitoring, via buoys and UAV, nearshore surveys, sediment sampling, and drone- and land-based filming,” Detroit District public affairs specialist Brandon Hubbard said. “We appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain the channel and restore shoreline!”

Residents in or around the project area should keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Do NOT approach the dredge, pipe vessels, equipment, or active work areas. The dredged material is permitted for beach placement, based on sampling and testing.

• Water depths and flows vary dramatically near the outfall, due to shifting sands, and can create quicksand-like conditions.

• Work zones are clearly marked, with warning signs, and white and orange buoys. Please respect all signage and barriers, for your own safety. Safe beach access will remain available outside demarcated work zones.

For further information, contact the Detroit District Office, at (313) 500-3251.

07/24/2026

Whitmer Calls On Data Center Developers
To Support Proposed Guardrail Plan

By Harbor Current Staff

LANSING – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling on data center companies and developers to pay the full costs of their construction and operation, as part of her proposed Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan that she rolled out last week.

“It’s simple: any data center company that wants to invest in Michigan must ensure working families do not pay a single penny for data center development or operations, protect our natural resources, and create local, good-paying jobs,” Whitmer said. “On my watch, Michiganders have been protected from any rate increases due to data center development and we adopted some of the strongest protections for people and communities, but we need to do more.”

The centerpiece of Whitmer's plan is the Michigan Affordability and Responsible Growth Pledge, which outlines state laws and Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) orders that data center companies must follow, to protect consumers from higher energy bills, safeguard the environment, be transparent, and create good-paying local jobs.

“I’m calling on all data center companies to sign the pledge, and on the Michigan legislature to codify every single one of our guardrails in Michigan law. Let’s keep working together to grow our economy responsibly and build a Michigan where every family can afford to thrive,” she said.

The plan also calls on the legislature to adopt similar guardrails for data centers to protect ratepayers, including codifying the protections that the MPSC put into place to further ensure data centers pay the full costs they are putting on the system.

The protections include contract termination fees; credit and collateral requirements; minimum billing requirements; and minimum contract terms, to ensure that data centers are paying the full costs they're putting on the system, said Whitmer, in a news release posted on the state's website.

Whitmer's announcement coincides with a package of data center guardrail bills that Democrats – led by State Rep. Joey Andrews, of St. Joseph – are trying to pass.

“House Bills 6135-6142, would codify the Governor's Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan in statute alongside additional requirements on decommissioning, sound studies, and stringent reporting requirements,” Andrews said, in a brief statement posted on Facebook. “The House Republicans refuse to give these bills a hearing or vote.”

The package aims to make data centers responsible for the infrastructure costs of building them, and related costs, including electric use. Measures include requiring data centers to set aside funds for decommissioning them, as well as control noise pollution, and prohibit them from tapping surface and groundwater to serve their needs.

For more information on the package, visit: https://housedems.com/andrews-fellow-democrats-introduce-comprehensive-legislative-package-putting-guardrails-on-data-centers/.

Andrews remains hopeful that the bills will eventually pass, despite the difficulties, noting that guardrail and transparency protections on data centers enjoy broad public support. Democrats revealed details of their proposals at a press conference last month.

For further specifics on the Whitmer plan, visit: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/07/15/gov-whitmer-data.

07/21/2026

Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education Approves Contract for Interim Superintendent Keith Sanders
By Harbor Current Staff

Benton Harbor— The Benton Harbor Area Schools Board of Education on Tuesday approved an addendum to Keith Sanders' employment agreement following his appointment as Interim Superintendent on July 2. Sanders, who currently serves as principal of Benton Harbor High School, will officially begin serving in his new role on July 25, 2026.

A member of Benton Harbor High School's Class of 1990, Sanders has dedicated his career to working with schools and creating opportunities for students. With more than 30 years of experience, his background includes serving as a teacher, principal, and Chief Officer of School Turnaround for the Delaware Department of Education. He also co-founded Louisiana's first all-boys public charter school post-Hurricane Katrina and has been featured in the acclaimed documentary Waiting for Superman, as well as Paul Bambrick-Santoyo’s Driven by Data, recognized by The New York Times.

"Keith Sanders is an accomplished leader with a proven ability to build strong school communities," said Board President Dashuna Robinson. "As the current principal of Benton Harbor High School and a proud alumnus of our district, Keith understands our students, staff, and community. We are confident he will provide the steady leadership our district needs during this transition and look forward to working with him."

Sanders expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the district in this new capacity. "I am honored to accept the position of Interim Superintendent," he said. "I look forward to working collaboratively with our staff, families, students, and community members to strengthen educational opportunities and support the academic success of our students. Together, we will create an inclusive, innovative educational experience that meets the diverse needs of our community."

Benton Harbor Area Schools looks forward to Mr. Sanders' leadership as Interim Superintendent as the district continues its commitment to providing every student with a high-quality education and preparing them for future success.
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07/21/2026

Grounded Inc. to Host Free Youth Self-Care Fun Day Friday in Benton Harbor

By Harbor Current Staff

BENTON HARBOR— A free youth self-care event will take place Friday, July 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bethel Christian Restoration Center, 246 Pipestone St., in Benton Harbor.

Self-Care Fun Day, organized by Cori Burton and Jada Willis through Grounded Inc., is open to youth ages 4 to 17. The event will combine health education, wellness activities and creative experiences designed to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of local youth.

Activities will include Pilates, DIY face mask making, a smoothie bar and “The Splatter Zone,” an open-ended art space. Complimentary haircuts and natural hair styling will also be available from on-site barbers and stylists. Giveaways are planned throughout the event.

Admission is free. Families are encouraged to register in advance to help organizers prepare enough supplies for participants.

“Self-care is far more than a trend; it is a fundamental life skill that equips our youth to navigate the world with confidence, grace, and resilience,” said Burton. “By transforming essential health habits into an unforgettable, joyous experience, we are not only nurturing happier, healthier kids today, but we are also investing in a stronger, more connected community for years to come.”

The event is intended to provide youth with practical tools for building healthy habits in a safe and inclusive environment.

Those interested in attending can register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfx6k6_-0I2NnenySc4_LhZIi0fm2MBg0JV9TivfiaMvAsxMg/viewform

07/21/2026

Benton Harbor Residents Invited to Connect on the Water Tomorrow Through Activate BH

By Harbor Current Staff

BENTON HARBOR — Benton Harbor residents will have the opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective tomorrow as Present Pillars launches Activate BH, a new outdoor experience initiative designed to encourage community engagement and connection.

The first of two community kayaking adventures will take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, at the Charles L. Yarbrough Boat Launch, 800 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor. A second kayaking event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29.

No prior kayaking experience is necessary. Kayaks, paddles, life vests and other necessary equipment will be provided. Space is limited, and residents are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance.

“Activate Benton Harbor is about getting people moving, whether that's socially, health-wise, politically, civically – motivating people to just get involved," Executive Director James Gunter. "This will be the first iteration – we have a lot more to come. This is only the beginning."

Registration is available at: https://tinyurl.com/activateBH.

In addition to Activate BH, Present Pillars has several other upcoming events planned for the community.

Dads in the Park will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Union Park, 1250 Union St., Benton Harbor.

“This is the fourth annual (event) – it's just about gathering dads, and honoring their service and commitment to their families, and community, and having a good time," Gunter said.

The organization will also host an AEP Info Session from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Pillar Center, 315 E. Main St., Benton Harbor.

07/21/2026

Health Officials Encourage Conversations About Ma*****na With Young People

By Harbor Current Staff

BENTON HARBOR – The Berrien County Health Department again is partnering with Voice.Change.Hope. Alliance to increase community awareness of the risks associated with ma*****na use among teens and young people. The initiative addresses the growing popularity of the drug, and shares helpful tools and resources with parents and caregivers.

“Ma*****na poses significant health risks for young people, particularly because their brains are still developing,” said Hannah Darr, BCHD’s Health Promotion and Prevention Supervisor. “We also know ma*****na use among teens has been linked to a range of mental health challenges, such as depression, social anxiety, psychosis and long-lasting disorders, including schizophrenia.

“We highly recommend parents and caregivers talk to their teens about the risk of underage ma*****na use, especially given the drug’s widespread popularity.”

Ma*****na is the second most commonly misused drug among teens, according to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than a third of Michigan high school students report having used ma*****na.

Around 1 in 6 people who use ma*****na before age 18 will become addicted, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Research also shows people who use ma*****na are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement and reduced life satisfaction.

Parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk for young people in their life by talking to them about ma*****na and other substances. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration has resources available to help get the conversation started.

For more information about preventing underage ma*****na use, visit berriencounty.org/1580/Get-the-Dirt-on-Weed.

06/26/2026

Local Business Draws Criticism After Social Media Post About Gus Macker Traffic

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — A social media post made Friday by Babe’s Riverfront Bar & Grill criticizing traffic and road access during the Gus Macker tournament has sparked backlash from some community members, with several calling the message inappropriate and unprofessional.

The business posted on Facebook around 11 a.m.:

“Apologies for those trying to get us businesses d the city has once again F… us all with this Gus Macker BS… were all open you just have to try and navigate the BS… the highest tax base in the city and this is the disgusting treatment we get… remember this when it comes time to vote… AGAIN please call us all or call local Fire or PD not 911 just local… to vent your disgust for this lack of respect. We are currently parking lot turn arounds for everybody. Plz spread the word, were trying to survive…. Mayor WHERE ARE YOU ?????”

The post appeared to express frustration over traffic patterns and business access during the annual basketball tournament, while also encouraging residents to contact local officials and referencing upcoming elections.

As of Friday afternoon, the post appeared to have been deleted or removed from the business’s page.

The message quickly drew reactions online.

One community member commented, “This is very unprofessional for a business though.”

Another social media post sharing a screenshot of the message questioned the timing of the criticism, stating, “Something positive is happening in our community with Gus Macker, yet this is what a business posts. Do we still have a boycott going on?”

While some residents criticized the tone of the post, others expressed sympathy for businesses that may be experiencing reduced customer access because of road closures associated with the tournament.

Gus Macker is expected to bring hundreds of players and visitors to downtown Benton Harbor throughout the weekend, providing an economic boost for many local businesses despite temporary traffic disruptions.

It is unclear whether Babe’s Riverfront Bar & Grill plans to issue a statement regarding the deleted post.

The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety publicly did share a social media post sharing the road closures and map in advance.

06/24/2026

Pathways to Peace Event Focuses on Youth, Safety, and Community
By Harbor Current Staff

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The Community Leadership Academy will host the Pathways to Peace Youth Gun Violence Summit on Friday, June 26, bringing together youth, families, educators, community leaders, and local organizations for a day focused on violence prevention, education, and community engagement.

The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Joel E. Smilow Teen Center, 190 W. Empire Ave., Benton Harbor. Following the summit, attendees are invited to continue the experience at a Community Celebration from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Broadway Park, 980 Broadway.

Pathways to Peace was created to address the impact of gun violence through education, dialogue, and community partnership. Participants will engage in workshops and discussions focused on conflict resolution, de-escalation, gun safety, personal responsibility, and practical strategies for promoting safer communities.

The summit is grounded in the belief that violence prevention requires collective action. By connecting young people with community leaders, mentors, organizations, and local resources, organizers hope to strengthen relationships, increase awareness, and encourage positive alternatives to violence.

“Pathways to Peace is about building genuine relationships with our youth, connecting them to resources and positive influences, and creating opportunities for honest conversations that can help prevent violence before it starts. When our youth are equipped to make informed decisions, it contributes to a safer future for themselves and those around them,” said Cori Burton.

Gun violence affects individuals, families, schools, and neighborhoods throughout communities across the country. Organizers believe meaningful prevention begins with education, engagement, and strong community partnerships.

In addition to the summit, the Community Celebration at Broadway Park will feature music, entertainment, community vendors, local resources, family-friendly activities, and opportunities for residents to connect with one another and learn about programs and services available throughout the area.

Admission is free, and advance registration is encouraged.

To register, scan the QR code on event materials or visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pathways-to-peace-youth-gun-violence-summit-tickets-1988518208491

For additional information, vendor participation, sponsorship inquiries, or media requests, contact: [email protected].

To volunteer at this event, visit the United Way of Southwest Michigan Volunteer Portal and select BHCDC under Agencies: https://volunteer.uwsm.org/

Community partners supporting the event include the Benton Harbor Community Leadership Academy, Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, Be Healthy Berrien, Corewell Health, and numerous local organizations, volunteers, advocates, and community stakeholders committed to creating safer communities and brighter futures for young people.
_____________________
Be Healthy Berrien
Corewell Health
Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation

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