Life as Performance Art
Since the Great Covid Shut Down, Christmas has become very “the past.” I don’t blame it on the virus nor closures used to slow its progress.Some has come from our penchant for online shopping, ordering food and delivery services, plus…
Educators’ legacy lives on with$2.2 million gift to Fennville Public Schools
A generous planned gift from the estate of longtime educators James and Grace Walz will benefit Fennville Public Schools’ students and educators for generations to come. James and Grace dedicated decades to Fennville Public Schools. Grace taught U.S. History, World History, Michigan History, and Government for…
Oakwood Cemetery remembers veterans during Wreaths Across America
By Gari Voss The temperature was below nippy, but the crowd that gathered reached about 100. Some came in uniform, others had worn uniforms, and most had been associated with someone who had served. Wreaths Across America was observed for…
Rossman Park neighborhood, some downtown areas on tap for 2026 improvements
By Gari Voss As of mid-December 2026, about 90% of the engineering plans for the 2026 Phase of the Allegan Street Project are complete, but by listening to residents and their questions, the Abonmarche engineers and Allegan City Hall can…
Mattawan girls defeat Paw Paw
By John Raffel MATTAWAN — Mattawan tipped off the 2025-26 girls basketball campaign at home with a 61-44 win over Paw Paw on Dec. 8.Mattawan jumped out to a 20-9 first quarter lead led by Caitlin Ryan’s six points.Stella Shaefer…
Mike’s Musings: We Need The Good News of Christmas
I was searching for words that would express an uplifting spirit this Christmas season. Too many of us, my self-included, consider the holiday season to be a distraction rather than a time to rejoice. Well my friend, Glenn Mollette happened…
Carlotto lawsuit against city said to expose other problems
By James Windell Why did Sgt. Pat Carlotto file a lawsuit against the City of South Haven?Was it just sour grapes because he was passed over for the position of Chief of the South Haven Police Department? Is he looking…
Tallship MJ is holding lonely vigil in Northside Marina
By James Windell Gently rocking in the calm water in Black River on a mild wintery day, the Tallship MJ is holding vigil in boat Slip 22 near South Haven’s Northside Marina.MJ is covered with white canvas except for its…
SHAWSA holds meeting to explain water and sewer rates
By James Windell Dana Burd, Public Works Director, thought South Haven area residents just might have questions about their water and sewer rates. So, he held a public meeting at South Haven High School on Monday December 8, 2025.Not only…
SAPS presentation highlights local leadership and lifesaving prevention work
By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer Substance Abuse Prevention Services (SAPS) delivered an uplifting and personal presentation at the Dec. 1 Albion City Council meeting, offering a clear look at how youth leadership and prevention programs are growing in Albion and…
SAPS presentation highlights local leadership; lifesaving prevention work
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Substance Abuse Prevention Services delivered an uplifting and personal presentation at the Dec. 1 Albion City Council meeting, offering a clear look at how youth leadership and prevention programs are growing in Albion and across…
Poleski reports on jury duty and jail funding
By KEN WYATT Contributing Writer JacksonCounty Commissioner Earl Poleski had two items for his monthly report on county news of interest to the townships in his area. There has been some improvement in the percentage of citizens showing up for…
Jackson councilmember responds to parking concerns
By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer Parking laws in Downtown Jackson changed beginning Dec. 1 and there has been flurry of negative comments and confusion. In an attempt to clarify things, Jackson City Councilman Will Forgrave put the following information on…
Concord, Parma and Pulaski to partner on early voting
By KEN WYATT Contributing Writer Since the 2024 presidential election, Michigan voters have been allowed to cast their votes early. From a state website: “The early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the…
Road repairs, revenue shifts, and tight margins shape Albion’s 2026 budget talks
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion’s 2026 budget review began Dec. 1 with a study session. Council members worked through an 80-page draft budget and raised questions about changing revenue patterns, rising infrastructure costs, and the strain of road and…
Smiles and connections light up 2025 Albion Aglow Parade
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Bundled up parade watchers braved 20 degrees F, while watching the children from Harrington Elementary School lead of this year’s Albion Aglow parade themed The North Pole. The bright lights of the floats revealed plenty…
Boys’ Basketball Roundup Three Rivers downed by Niles, Gull Lake; loses close to Hopkins
NILES — Three Rivers’ boys’ basketball team lost three in a row in the last week, losing to Niles 76-47 Friday, Dec. 5, losing to Gull Lake on the road 62-24 Monday, and losing a close 51-45 decision at home…
Out and About: Winter, holidays, and Christmas trees
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” ~ Will RogersHopefully this finds everyone doing what you can to stay warm and upright. With the recent snow storm, we are officially into the winter season. Flies and mosquitoes are…
Family Court to receive state grant for new Abuse and Neglect Court in county
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — A new court in St. Joseph County coming next year is looking to tackle abuse and neglect cases in the county that have to do with substance use.On Tuesday, the Executive Committee of the…
