SW Michigan

Michigan farmers are in the fight of their lives. They're aggressively preparing their orchards for a robust harvest, lobbying lawmakers to pass policies that will help protect them - and some are diversifying their revenue streams with related businesses that attract tourists, such as cider mills and wineries, to help insulate them from the hard times.

The candidates vying to replace retiring Kalamazoo City Manager Kenneth Collard all have current or former city manager experience and include current Michigan city managers, a state-appointed deputy treasurer, and economic development directors. City commissioners will start hour-long interviews with each candidate at noon Tuesday, May 21, in the commission chambers at Kalamazoo City Hall

Harrison Township - Greg Murray was busy Friday at Belle Maer Harbor, getting his 1990 Sea Ray Amberjack ready for a season on the water. "You go through a checklist, make sure you have an inspection, your safety equipment is working, you know, making sure it floats," said Murray, a longtime boater from New Baltimore.

SOUTH HAVEN, MI - Blacksmiths from Michigan and the Midwest will bring their talents to South Haven next month for the first "Hammer-In" at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum. Ted Guimond, the museum's resident blacksmith, is organizing the event.