Obituary: Christina Chappell Baker
In Loving Memory of Christina Chappell BakerChristina Chappell Baker “Tina”, a resident of Lafayette Alabama, peacefully departed this world on Monday, December 9th, 2024, at the age of 47. She was born December 29th 1976 in Lagrange, Georgia to Bobby…
Greater valley communities enjoy 109-float Christmas parade
The Greater Valley Annual Christmas Parade weaved its way through West Point, Lanett and Valley last Thursday. A total of 109 floats, as well as many first responder vehicles, high school bands, etc, were watched by hundreds who lined the…
Valley Haven school bus crash victim mourned by community
By John BriceCorrespondent News of two fatalities and several injured passengers resulting from a traffic accident this past week involving multiple vehicles which included a Valley Haven school bus caused shock and grief in the local community. In the aftermath…
Council puts off discussion on 2nd St bridge, provides workers premium pay
By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, December 16th of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman David…
Obituary: George D. Bolton
George D. Bolton, 99, of Lawton, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, Dec. 8,2024. He was a beloved father, devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, and cherished uncle. His presence and long life were a gift that we will carry with us…
Obituary: Maria Elizabeth DiPrima
Maria Elizabeth DiPrima, 74, of Lawrence, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born March 30, 1950, in San Francisco, California, the daughter of John Modica and Anne (Sovish) Modica.Maria had many talents and…
Mike’s Musings: Businesses, citizens come to the aid of disadvantaged families
People say times are tough, and if you sat down next to me while we were reading about all the horrible situations families had endured this past year, you could do nothing but agree.Our annual Christmas Wish Program was conducted…
Life as Performance Art
I thought my father was a bubble or two off center because he was obsessed about never being late. He believed the only way to be on time was to arrive somewhere 10 minutes early. The bank opens at 9 a.m.,…
Paw Paw defeats Plainwell
By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW — It was Paw Paw 51, Plainwell 41 in boys basketball action last week. Paw Paw had quarter leads of 19-12 32-16 and 45-29.“The Red Wolves came out fast in the first quarter,” coach Aaron…
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director sums up the year
James Windell If you ask Kathy Wagaman about the business climate in South Haven, be prepared for an enthusiastic and ebullient assessment of the health of the area.“We saw excellent growth in the number of businesses,” Wagaman, Executive Director of…
Free holiday concert set for Dec. 22
James Windell Vox GR, a nationally recognized choral ensemble, will perform a Christmas concert at Peace Lutheran Church in South Haven on Sunday December 22, 2024.Presented by the South Haven Performance Series, the free concert will bring together an award-winning…
Kevin Schooley honored with proclamation
James Windell Kevin Schooley, who will soon retire as South Haven School Superintendent, was hon-ored with a Proclamation at the December 11, 2024, Board of Education Meeting.The Proclamation from the Michigan Legislature was signed by Aric Nesbitt, who repre-sents Michigan’s…
Paw Paw Rotary’s Santa Run attracts more than 175
More than 175 runners took part in the Santa Run held Saturday morning, Dec. 14 in Paw Paw. The untimed race began at Freshwater Community Church and made its way through downtown Paw Paw, before returning to the church. The…
Fleenor receives positive marks from Mattawan BOE
MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Board of Education conducted its annual evaluation of Super-intendent Randy Fleenor during its December meeting and issued a rating of “effective”. The board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Fleenor for his dedication to the staff,…
Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey was honored by his fellow commissioners, Tuesday Dec. 10, for his lifelong commitment to education, community service, and leadership.Godfrey, who did not seek reelection to another term…
Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, through the support of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lawton, Lawton Community Schools, New Community Church, Lawton, Lawton area businesses, family and friends, the groups were able to provide for 67 families and 148 Angels. In…
Mattawan Consolidated School receives grant money through Filter First program
MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Consolidated Scholl District has been awarded approximate-ly $180,000 in grant monies through the Filter First program. The FFP in Michigan is designed to ensure clean and safe drinking water for children in schools and childcare centers.…
Boys’ Basketball Roundup Three Rivers drops games to Edwardsburg, Plainwell
THREE RIVERS — Three Rivers’ boys’ basketball team brought its record below .500 at 2-3 with a 61-44 loss to Edwardsburg on Friday, Dec. 6 and a 41-31 loss to Plainwell Tuesday.Against Edwardsburg, Three Rivers trailed by just two at…
Holiday celebrations held in Constantine, Centreville
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — The holiday season was in full swing last weekend in two local communities, with a pair of celebrations taking place on the same evening.Constantine and Centreville held their annual holiday celebrations on the evening…
“Out and About”: Postponed surgery, the stages of life, and learning new things
I was supposed to have Heart By-Pass surgery on December 4, but due to insurance complications, my surgery has been postponed until the issue can be resolved. Please enjoy the prepared columns for the rest of the year. I want…
