SUV driver dies when vehicle crashes in to semi

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20222 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN – Allegan sheriff deputies report a 20-year-old Grand Rapids man was killed in an accident on early afternoon on Monday.Deputies reported at approximately 1:39 p.m. sheriff’s office deputies responded to a fatal injury crash at the…

Postcard from the Pines: The Good Dr. Youngman

Postcard from the Pines: The Good Dr. Youngman

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20225 min read

I’m thinking that it’s time to retell an updated version of the some of the stories of people and places in Marion’s past, before any more of them vanish from sight or memory. Too many have already. This week’s story…

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Happy April Fool’s Day!

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Happy April Fool’s Day!

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20224 min read

Since today is April 1st, I’ve had a little fun looking up some famous April Fool’s jokes on the Internet.According to Snopes.com, this just for fun holiday began in the 1500s when the Gregorian calendar took over from the Julian.Since…

Faces in the Crowd: Will Gasper

Faces in the Crowd: Will Gasper

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20229 min read

Will Gasper has spent an extraordinary amount of his life giving back to those in need.He’s spent the last six years working as the Grief Support Services Manager for Hospice of Michigan out of Cadillac. Along with his wife, Patti,…

Gas prices hover slightly over $4 a gallon

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20222 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Area gas prices are still above $4 per gallon but have been below the national and state averages.As of March 31, AAA reports the national average is $4.22 per gallon. The state average is $4.09…

Because of snow, area superintendents look to back up last school day

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20222 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Area school superintendents are gearing up for the final two-plus months of the 2021-22 school year.Because of snow days and other cancellations, superintendents have had to examine the number of days they will be required…

Safe Harbor Marinas buys Tower, SYS

Safe Harbor Marinas buys Tower, SYS

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20224 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Tower Marine of Douglas and Saugatuck Yacht Service have been sold after 65 years in the Peterson family to Safe Harbor Marinas. Safe Harbor, the world’s largest owner and operator of marinas, with more than 130…

Green Koi kicks in for Wishbone, Rainbow

Green Koi kicks in for Wishbone, Rainbow

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20223 min read

Douglas’s two-year-old Green Koi cannabis dispensary has launched a Bridging Local and Global Charity initiative benefiting Wishbone Pet Rescue locally and the Rainbow Railroad internationally. Ethan Del Stone said he and Green Koi co-owner David Setzke “have always had an…

Local governments share pot pie

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Municipalities allowing marijuana sales will receive $56,453.44-per-licensed shop in revenues from the state next week, according to just-released Michigan Department of Treasury figures. That means Douglas (with Green Koi and Afficianado dispensaries) will receive $112,906.88, Saugatuck…

Citizens tell Council, LaFayette schools must stay open

Citizens tell Council, LaFayette schools must stay open

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20224 min read

By John West A large group of concerned citizens turned out at the LaFayette City Council meeting on Monday night to voice their concerns over the current school consolidation plan. Local resident Tammy Seroyer spoke on behalf of the group.…

Bangor names Weber new police chief

Bangor names Weber new police chief

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

The City of Bangor has appointed a local police officer to serve as the new Chief of Police. Justin Weber has been appointed to Chief of Police for the Bangor Police Department and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the…

County Commissioners approve purchase of two properties

County Commissioners approve purchase of two properties

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20225 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioners on Tuesday, March 22, approved the purchase of two properties located on Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw.As part of the county’s long term facility plan, commissioners allowed county administration to…

Obituary: Mr. Kenneth “Big Baby” Wright

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20221 min read

Mr. Kenneth “Big Baby” Wright passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL. Public Viewing will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home…

Obituary: The Rev. Warren Elliot Vines

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20224 min read

The Rev. Warren Elliot Vines, Sr., 68, of Carrollton, VA (formerly of Lanett) died Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, VA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist…

Woody named Sun’s LHS Basketball MVP

Woody named Sun’s LHS Basketball MVP

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

By Pamela Whitlow The LaFayette Bulldogs basketball team ended their season in mid-February with a heartbreaking 51-50 lost to the Central Coosa Cougars in the sub regionals. The Bulldogs under new head coach Chase Lewis had somewhat of a rebuilding…

BOE expects to move forward on school consolidation plans

BOE expects to move forward on school consolidation plans

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20223 min read

By Jody Stewart After years of public meetings and much talk the Chambers County School Board of Education made a final decision to move forward with the consolidation and restructuring of the county schools last week. Several consolidation plans have…

Paw Paw, Mattawan robotics teams take honors

Paw Paw, Mattawan robotics teams take honors

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

Two area high school robotics teams were in competition in events held across the state this past weekend. 2PawR (Robotics) 5462 traveled to Saline High School where they competed in First Robotics Competition (FRC), while the Mattawan WiredCats, FRC Team…

Allegan boys track competes at GVSU

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20221 min read

ALLENDALE—The Allegan boys track and field team kicked off their season at the Laker Challenge at GVSU on Wednesday, March 23.Top finishers for the Tigers included the following: Josiah Flora placing 17th in the 200-meter dash; Josh Hansen placing 22nd in…

Saugatuck soccer collects win over Zion Christian

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20221 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor After suffering a loss against South Haven in its opening game of the season, the Saugatuck girls soccer team was hoping to break into the win column when it hosted Zion Christian on Friday, March 25.And…

Otsego Library hosts book event with Terri DeBoer

Otsego Library hosts book event with Terri DeBoer

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20225 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor You’ve seen her on your TV for more than three decades.Now, you can see her in person.Terri DeBoer, the longtime meteorologist at WOOD-TV and founding co-host of the station’s lifestyle show “eightWest,” will be at the…