2024
Obituary: Dorothy Ann (Opperman) Wilson
Dorothy Ann (Opperman) Wilson passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2024, at the age of 92, in Kalamazoo, Michigan at Rose Arbor, Centrica. Dorothy was born on March 3rd, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Edward and Jennie…
Obituary: Darlene Kay Joostberns
Darlene Kay Joostberns was born on September 7, 1944, in Allegan, Michigan, to Albert Kizer and Coral (Meyer) Kizer. She was the second of three children and the only girl. Darlene grew up in Allegan and attended Allegan Public Schools.Darlene…
Obituary: Maryanne “Mimi” Gabriel
Maryanne “Mimi” Gabriel exited this world like she lived: in her own way and on her own schedule. On April 4th, 2024, Mimi passed beyond the veil after a long battle with lupus and a short fight with cardiac, G.I.,…
Life as Performance Art
Someone figured out a better idea. No more hose drinking or palm lapping. We had to have our water in a sanitary container – a thin, one-time-use bottle – so we would be safe from all those evil germs. We…
What’s the Storey Jim, in or out?
By Donald Talonen Recently, Jim Storey has found himself in the middle of a controversial situation regarding the Allegan County elections. It was reported that Storey might have been disqualified due to unresolved issues with campaign finance report filings from…
Fallen firefighter Gail VanAuken honored firetruck 1511
By Donald Talonen The rain didn’t stop the celebration dedicated to Gail VanAuken. The firehouse was packed with friends, family, and even strangers for the unveiling of fire engine 1511 in honor of the fallen firefighter, just in time for…
Mike’s Musings: Taxes just keep piling up
Like many of us I struggle with having to pay taxes each year. I often wonder why I put aside more and more each year to pay the government yet get lesser and lesser services.For instance, I’m drawing social security.…
Chambers softball and baseball seasons come to end
By Katie McElvy Chambers SoftballThe Lady Rebels entered the AISA AA State Softball Tournament last week. First, the Rebels faced Patrician Academy. After the Saints took an 0-3 lead, Chambers battled back in the second inning when Ansley Carter hit…
Memorial bench dedicated in remembrance of LaFayette resident
By John BriceCorrespondent Local residents gathered for the dedication of a memorial bench in remembrance of dearly departed LaFayette resident Richard Rowland at the corner of Alabama Avenue East and 1st Street Southeast during the morning hours of Monday, May…
Auburn students design plan for LaFayette
The Auburn University Urban Design Class made their way back to LaFayette last Tuesday.The class toured LaFayette downtown in January to decide different ideas for the revitalization for the downtown.The students went back to their drawing boards and came up…
25 retire from CCSD, honored at meeting
The Chambers County School District recognized the 2023-2024 retirees at the Chamber County School District board meeting last week.LaKeyda Davis 10 yearsDeanna Fuller 27 yearsConnie Guice 24 yearsMarshon Harper 25 yearsMitchell Harte 3 yearsLisa Hughes 20 yearsEricka Jenkins 25 yearsBeverly…
Obituary: Betty Turner
Betty Turner, 84, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully, April 28, 2024, at White Oaks Nursing Assisted Living, Lawton. Betty was born in Danville, Alabama, Oct. 3, 1939, to Adell and Arley Weaver.She married Bobby Turner Oct. 10, 1955, in…
Obituary: Mary F. Sutherland
Mary F. Sutherland, 91, of Almena, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at her home. She was born Nov. 18, 1932, in Scotts, Michigan, the first child of Lee Phillip Schau and Gertrude Carrie Brooks.She attended McCain’s Corners Primary School…
Arnold honored by Mattawan Fire Department
Phil Arnold, a member of the Mattawan Fire District since 1983, was recently named as an Honorary Lifetime Mattawan Fire District member.Photos courtesy/Mattawan Fire District
National Day of Prayer observed in Paw Paw
Two Paw Paw schools took part in a local National Day of Prayer service on the steps of the Van Buren County Courthouse here, Thursday, May 2. Trinity Lutheran School and St. Mary Catholic School students took part in the…
Paw Paw ties Edwardsburg
By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW – Paw Paw’s girls soccer team continues to improve.Last week at home the team tied Edwardsburg 2-2Megan Cox and Victoria Lopez scored for Paw Paw.“We played a great possession game with 15 missed shots on…
Storms pass through St. Joseph County with widespread damage; state of emergency declared
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director COLON — Strong storms that were possibly tornadic in nature passed through St. Joseph County Tuesday night. The storms caused widespread damage to businesses and homes in the central and northeast parts of the county, particularly…
Three Rivers man killed in stabbing, suspect arrested
THREE RIVERS — A 46-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested on an open murder charge after allegedly stabbing a 61-year-old Three Rivers man Sunday night. According to the Three Rivers Police Department, police and the St. Joseph County Major Crime…
Historical Notebook: Albion 100 Years Ago May, 1924
We continue with our theme of “Albion—100 Years Ago.” May 1, 1924. “The Sheldon Hospital is Opened Today. Mrs. Ida M. Allen Has the Distinction of Being the First Patient to Be Cared for in the New Institution. She was…
