Revelers usher in 2026 at Allegan riverfront and elsewhere
By Gari Voss The traditional welcoming of 2026 in Allegan was designed to accommodate all ages. The celebrations began at the Allegan District Library as the youth, their caregivers, and young-at-heart gathered for fun activities that culminated at high noon…
Mattawan girls off to 2-2 basketball start
By John Raffel MATTAWAN — Rob Kuhtz’s girls basketball team is off to a 2-2 start as Mattawan gets ready to come out of the holiday break.“We are much improved from a year ago and we’ve had opportunities to win…
South Haven responds to Carlotto’s lawsuit
By James Windell The City of South Haven responded to Pat Carlotto’s employment lawsuit alleging discrimination. The lawsuit was filed in late November 2025 in Federal District Court.The formal answer to the initial suit was filed with the Court on…
Area fire department honor guards pay tribute to fallen fire chief
The Paw Paw Fire Department Honor Guard, shown above, and the Lawton Fire Department Honor Guard, both assisted with the visitation and funeral service for Hamiliton Fire Department Chief David Haverdink on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 5 and 6. The…
PPFD brings dogs to safety after falling thru ice
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Two dogs that ventured out on Ackley Lake, Paw Paw, on New Year’s Day and fell through the ice, were both successfully rescued by the Paw Paw Fire Department.Paw Paw Fire Chief Kyle…
PPHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held January 16
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – This year’s Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Jan. 16, between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games, approximately 7 p.m. at Paw Paw High School.A reception…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK: ALBION WATER WORKS AND CITY JAIL BUILDING
By Frank Passic Happy New Year everyone. It was heartening to learn recently of the establishment of an Albion Arts Center in the old Water Works building at 107 E. Cass St. This historic building has been modernized and…
How a small-town Jackson County farm boy impacted the world
By Ken Wyatt Every small town knows about its forgotten generations. These are the young people small towns raise – but then lose to big cities with jobs and better opportunities. Walter C. “Chris” Heisler was one such small-town product.…
One 12-year-old responds to the work of Friends of Albion’s Animals this holiday season in a big way
By Sylvia Benavidez During the Cookie Walk and Gift Wrapping for the Friends of Albion’s Animals at the Albion District Library, 12-year-old Taylor Weston, Clarence Township, brought $240.00 to the event and handed it over to one of the volunteers.…
Sturgis bowling tops at Coldwater
COLDWATER — The Trojan boys’ and girls’ bowling teams took part in the Coldwater Singles Tournament that was held at Midway Lanes in Coldwater.The Lady Trojans were well represented, as Khara Kimes brought home a first-place finish, while Miley Holden…
Webster first, Eachen third for TR girls’ wrestling at Montague
MONTAGUE — A couple of Three Rivers wrestlers performed well at the Montague girls’ wrestling tournament Sunday.Senior Mackenna Webster took home first place in her weight class, the fourth time she has earned first place in the tournament. Freshman Stella…
Out and About: Health, life rules, and senses
“Great men are rarely isolated mountain peaks; they are the summits of ranges.” -Thomas Wentworth HigginsonI’ve come to the conclusion that in life, you only have two things to worry about, whether you’re healthy, or whether you’re sick. If you’re healthy,…
Board reviews revisions to marijuana business site-transfer provision
At the Dec. 17 Sturgis City Commission meeting, the board OK’d a first review of amendments to the city’s marijuana ordinances. Will Prichard, community development director, outlined proposed revisions. One is for medical cannabis and the other adult-use, to clarify and expand…
Water-main repair
Crew members from Sturgis Department of Public Services on Dec. 30 prepared for repair of a water-main break on Cherry Avenue near Michigan Avenue. MISS DIG provided emergency service for the situation, said Tom Sikorski, director of DPS. Dennis Volkert/Sentinel
Recycling sequence switches to every other week
Curbside recycling in the city of Sturgis will remain on its twice-monthly collection schedule throughout January. Beginning in February, the sequence will switch to every-other-week. City clerk/treasurer Ken Rhodes confirmed the arrangement earlier this week. Service will continue to alternate between properties…
City Commission meeting schedule set for ’26
Typically, the board meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, although some exceptions apply to accommodate “Sturgis Fest” week and some holidays. In addition, special sessions may be announced throughout the year, as situations arise. Meetings begin at…
Historic Strand Theater listed for sale
STURGIS, Mich. — The Strand Theater, a beloved downtown landmark in Sturgis for over six decades under family ownership, has been listed for sale, with its final day of operations set for December 31, 2025.Third-generation owner Eric Saitz announced the…
Road Commission sends reminders for winter safety to residents
The city of Sturgis recently reiterated its snow removal policy. Snowfall of 1-3 inches will be addressed with de-icing and plowing as necessary. In some cases, it may involve plowing of intersections, major streets and local roads. Snowfall of 4 inches or more…
Clare girls wrestlers compete
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Clare’s girls wrestling team had three wrestlers compete in the Chippewa Hills Lady Warrior Invitational on Dec. 21.AnnMarie Green took first place at 235 pounds. She got a first-round bye and then she had three…
State-wide winter storm hits Clare County hard
By Genine Hayden This winter started early and it has given only a small reprieve for Christmas before coming back with a vengeance beginning Friday and hitting hardest Sunday night through Monday. About half of the residents in Clare County…
