Mattawan lacrosse standout off to college
By John RaffelCorrespondent MATTAWAN — Vince Vale had a memorable sports season at Mattawan when it came to lacrosse.Last season, Mattawan advanced the state semifinals and lost to Detroit Catholic Central, the same team which ousted the Wildcats in the…
National Blueberry Festival a smashing success
By James Windell By all measures, South Haven’s 62nd National Blueberry Festival was a resounding success.This year’s festival, running from Thursday, August 6 through Sunday, August 9, 2026, featured a parade, live music performances, a craft show, a classic car…
Paw Paw Village Council approves site plan review for Lakeview Hospital’s expansion
By Paul GarrodStaff writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Village Council Monday night, July 13, approved a site plan review for Bronson Lakeview Hospital for expansion and improvements to relocate its emergency department.Bronson Lakeview is seeking a 10,675 square…
PPPS announces new assistant principal at high school
PAW PAW – Paw Paw Public Schools has announced the appointment of Troy Schultz as the new assistant principal of Paw Paw High School. The Board of Education approved the appointment at its regular July meeting. Schultz succeeds Tracy Derhammer,…
Paw Paw District Library millage renewal is passed
By Paul GarrodStaff writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Voters in the Paw Paw District Library said “yes” to the library millage renewal on Tuesday, Aug. 4.“The Library Board and staff are deeply grateful to Paw Paw voters for passing our millage…
Van Buren foster families prepare for start of school
It’s that time of year again: parents everywhere are clipping or downloading coupons to get the best prices for school supplies and preparing their kids for the first day of school.For Van Buren County’s foster parents, this means gathering with…
As early voting rises, withdrawals pose challenges
By Sylvia Benavidez Michigan voters had multiple ways to cast ballots before the state’s Aug. 4 election. Early in-person voting began July 25 and ran for nine days, while absentee ballots were available 40 days before the election. But when…
Four townships score a passage on fire millage issues
By KEN WYATT Contributing Writer Four townships in Jackson County had fire millage issues on the primary ballot this week – and in each case, proponents enjoyed a victory. In a small turnout and with a slim margin, Pulaski Township…
Dobies, Wilson advance in Jackson mayoral race
JACKSON, Mich. — Derek Dobies and John Wilson will advance to the November election for Jackson mayor after finishing first and second in Tuesday’s primary, according to unofficial results. Dobies led the five-candidate field with 1,817 votes, followed by Wilson…
Community partnerships, infrastructure projects highlight Albion council meeting
By Maggie LaNoue Contributing Writer Albion City Council chambers were filled Monday evening as French visitors from Albion’s sister city of Noisy-le-Roi, Albion College students, local host families and community volunteers joined residents for presentations celebrating international friendships, public transportation…
Out and About: ‘The Tribe,’ breakfast, and cancer
“There is nothing impossible for him who tries.” -Alexander the GreatThere is a tribe in St. Joe County that is not Native American. This tribe is made up seven women. There are two men and me who are “Tribe Associates.”…
TR commissioners approve regular maintenance funds for sports complex
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Following some discussion about the role the city plays in helping fund maintenance for the Armstrong Park Sports Complex, the Three Rivers City Commission approved a regular disbursement of $16,457.02 to the River…
Clare County Fair heads into final two days with auctions, rodeos and midway fun
The 143rd Clare County Fair will head into its final two days Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7–8, with livestock auctions, midway attractions, free entertainment and two nights of rodeo action.The fair, held at the Clare County Fairgrounds at 418 Fairlane…
May I Walk with You? DID YOU KNOW?
Next month, September 19th, Bishop Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw will be having Catholics at mass, at the White Barn on Leaton Rd. at 11:00 am. How strange to be celebrating mass at a wedding venue in the countryside?…
Turn out high for Michigan Primary
By Genine Hopkins Turn out for the Michigan Mid Term Primary broke a new record for August primaries, with approximately 2.5 million ballots cast. Indeed the local, Clare County precincts were also busier than usual for an August Primary, keeping…
Harrison school operating millage rejected by voters- only issue in Clare County to be voted down
Voters in the Harrison Community Schools district rejected the renewal of the district’s non-homestead operating millage during Tuesday’s primary election, placing a substantial portion of the district’s future operating revenue in question.According to unofficial election-night totals, 1,524 voters opposed the…
Clare golfer enjoys state qualification
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE —Bryce Wieferich has been focusing on his summer on getting ready as a golfing senior for Clare.Wieferich is coming off an impressive junior season when he qualified for the state finals.He has played the sport 12…
Preparation is the key success: Saugatuck football camp focuses on fundamentals
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The first official practice of the 2026 football season might still be ahead, but for Saugatuck coach Bill Dunn and his players, the preparation for that season is already well underway.Players in grades 7-12 recently took…
Quick action by local employees prevents dock fire in Saugatuck
The Saugatuck Township Fire District responded Thursday afternoon to reports of a fire near the Mount Baldhead area and the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office dock after multiple callers reported hearing a loud pop followed by smoke and flames.At approximately 4:34…
A New Fiscal Year Brings a Full Plate for Saugatuck’s City Manager
By Art Nicholas Michigan’s fiscal year for local governments runs July 1 to June 30, not the calendar year. As Saugatuck settles into its 2026–2027 fiscal year, City Manager Ryan Cummins talked with the Commercial Record about his path to…
