Community Corner

🌱 Which national leaders are coming to Benton Harbor’s Michigan Black Summit?

Spotted on the Benton Harbor calendar: Vineyard 2121 Book Club

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Thursday December 11th Patch AM
Thursday December 11th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good day Benton Harbor! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which national leaders are coming to Benton Harbor’s Michigan Black Summit?
  • How will Benton Harbor dispensaries handle Michigan’s new 24% cannabis tax?
  • Planning to attend 2026 Horticultural Days? Note this Benton Harbor connection.

Also on today's calendar: Mike Struwin Band at The Livery and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Benton Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
Today's Benton Harbor Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T-Mobile and UScellular have joined forces to connect people from big cities to small towns and everywhere in between. UScellular is now a part of T-Mobile. Find out more at T-Mobile.com/Better-Together.
Find a T-Mobile store near Benton Harbor.AdvertisementAdvertisement

Find out what's happening in Benton Harborfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Some snow in the morning, with a high of 28 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy, flurries; chilly, temps: high: 31, low: 14. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Frigid with a little snow, with a high of 17 and low of 14 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Lineup coming together for next Michigan Black Summit in Benton Harbor (wsjm.com) — Benton Harbor will host the 2026 Michigan Black Summit at Lake Michigan College on February 6–7, bringing statewide and national Black leaders to town. Mayor Marcus Muhammad will serve as ceremonial host, while keynote speaker Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and other guests lead workshops aimed at empowering attendees to drive change across Michigan.
   

2. Judge lets 24% wholesale cannabis tax move forward; law stays on track for Jan. 1 rollout (moodyonthemarket.com) — Benton Harbor cannabis shoppers and dispensaries should prepare for higher prices as a new 24% wholesale marijuana tax is set to take effect statewide on Jan. 1, 2026, after a judge declined to pause it. Local shops from Benton Harbor to New Buffalo may pass most of the added cost to consumers, and smaller independent retailers worry about squeezed margins and competition from illicit sellers.
   

3. Michigan grape grower meeting February 2026- Fruit Growers News (fruitgrowersnews.com) — Fruit growers around Benton Harbor should know that Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days return Feb. 4–5, 2026, with sessions on grapes, berries, and tree fruit. Organized by MSU Extension and the Michigan Grape Society, the event includes a wine showcase and allows registration by mail through the Benton Harbor-based SWMREC office.
   

4. Berrien County Treasurer to talk payment plans in 11 communities as tax deadline nears (wsjm.com) — If you’re behind on property taxes in Benton Harbor, the Berrien County treasurer will be coming to town between January and March to help set up payment plans and avoid foreclosure. She’ll hold one-on-one meetings in eleven communities, including Benton Harbor, to create affordable arrangements and keep residents in their homes as the March 31 deadline approaches.
   

5. Lincoln Township Fire Chief proposes transition to full-time firefighter model (wsjm.com) — Lincoln Township is considering shifting its fire department from paid-on-call to a full-time model, which leaders say could cut response times in half and improve insurance ratings. Officials note the township is now larger than St. Joseph or Benton Harbor, and may seek a millage increase in 2026 to fund more robust 24/7 coverage.
   

📸 Around Benton Harbor

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Benton Harbor

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Benton Harbor Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Rain and snow mix throughout the day;
    temperatures expected to fall into the low 30s with lake-effect snow later in the evening. MDOT crews are plowing and treating roads, including I-196… (Nextdoor )
  • During low, frigid temperatures, don’t let dry-looking roadways give you a false sense of security.
    Black ice is a thin, often invisible layer of ice. Continue to use caution: reduce speed, increase following distance, brake gently, and allow extra… (Nextdoor )
  • IDEX Corporation posted a job opening for Value Stream Supervisor in Benton Harbor. Apply here.
  • The Wood Companies posted a job opening for Invoicing Clerk - $16/Hr - 1st Shift in Benton Harbor. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Benton Harbor here.

Ok Benton Harbor! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Benton Harbor