2024
Help L.E. Whitebring “Pawsitive Change” with a facility dog
By Laura Feffer& Gari Voss The Student Council and students are asking the Allegan Community for their assistance in bringing about a “Pawsitive Change” to L.E. White Middle School. The change will begin with bringing a support dog from Paws…
Dorr man who injured deputy sentenced to 19 to 40 years
A man who seriously injured an Allegan County deputy who was trying to arrest him will spend years in prison.Christopher Gerou, 37, of Dorr, was sentenced last Tuesday to 19 to 40 years in prison, with credit for some 400…
Snow, or no snow, holiday break offers opportunities
By Gari Voss Christmas is just around the corner. Even before the gifts are opened and parents are trying to get the last minute tasks completed, and definitely after the gifts are opened, the Christmas meals are consumed, and the…
Rebels star in Gatlinburg Bowl
By Katie McElvy Nine Chambers Academy Rebels were chosen to participate in the Gatlinburg All-American Bowl and Rising Stars Game. The games presented by Rocky Top Sports are exposure opportunities for private school athletes. Student-athletes from all over the Southeast…
Obituary: Christina Chappell Baker
In Loving Memory of Christina Chappell BakerChristina Chappell Baker “Tina”, a resident of Lafayette Alabama, peacefully departed this world on Monday, December 9th, 2024, at the age of 47. She was born December 29th 1976 in Lagrange, Georgia to Bobby…
Greater valley communities enjoy 109-float Christmas parade
The Greater Valley Annual Christmas Parade weaved its way through West Point, Lanett and Valley last Thursday. A total of 109 floats, as well as many first responder vehicles, high school bands, etc, were watched by hundreds who lined the…
Valley Haven school bus crash victim mourned by community
By John BriceCorrespondent News of two fatalities and several injured passengers resulting from a traffic accident this past week involving multiple vehicles which included a Valley Haven school bus caused shock and grief in the local community. In the aftermath…
Council puts off discussion on 2nd St bridge, provides workers premium pay
By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, December 16th of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman David…
Obituary: George D. Bolton
George D. Bolton, 99, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, Dec. 8,2024. He was a beloved father, devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, and cherished uncle. His presence and long life were a gift that we will carry with us…
Obituary: Maria Elizabeth DiPrima
Maria Elizabeth DiPrima, 74, of Lawrence, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born March 30, 1950, in San Francisco, California, the daughter of John Modica and Anne (Sovish) Modica.Maria had many talents and…
Mike’s Musings: Businesses, citizens come to the aid of disadvantaged families
People say times are tough, and if you sat down next to me while we were reading about all the horrible situations families had endured this past year, you could do nothing but agree.Our annual Christmas Wish Program was conducted…
Life as Performance Art
I thought my father was a bubble or two off center because he was obsessed about never being late. He believed the only way to be on time was to arrive somewhere 10 minutes early. The bank opens at 9 a.m.,…
Paw Paw defeats Plainwell
By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW — It was Paw Paw 51, Plainwell 41 in boys basketball action last week. Paw Paw had quarter leads of 19-12 32-16 and 45-29.“The Red Wolves came out fast in the first quarter,” coach Aaron…
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director sums up the year
James Windell If you ask Kathy Wagaman about the business climate in South Haven, be prepared for an enthusiastic and ebullient assessment of the health of the area.“We saw excellent growth in the number of businesses,” Wagaman, Executive Director of…
Free holiday concert set for Dec. 22
James Windell Vox GR, a nationally recognized choral ensemble, will perform a Christmas concert at Peace Lutheran Church in South Haven on Sunday December 22, 2024.Presented by the South Haven Performance Series, the free concert will bring together an award-winning…
Kevin Schooley honored with proclamation
James Windell Kevin Schooley, who will soon retire as South Haven School Superintendent, was hon-ored with a Proclamation at the December 11, 2024, Board of Education Meeting.The Proclamation from the Michigan Legislature was signed by Aric Nesbitt, who repre-sents Michigan’s…
Paw Paw Rotary’s Santa Run attracts more than 175
More than 175 runners took part in the Santa Run held Saturday morning, Dec. 14 in Paw Paw. The untimed race began at Freshwater Community Church and made its way through downtown Paw Paw, before returning to the church. The…
Fleenor receives positive marks from Mattawan BOE
MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Board of Education conducted its annual evaluation of Super-intendent Randy Fleenor during its December meeting and issued a rating of “effective”. The board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Fleenor for his dedication to the staff,…
Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey was honored by his fellow commissioners, Tuesday Dec. 10, for his lifelong commitment to education, community service, and leadership.Godfrey, who did not seek reelection to another term…
Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, through the support of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lawton, Lawton Community Schools, New Community Church, Lawton, Lawton area businesses, family and friends, the groups were able to provide for 67 families and 148 Angels. In…
