Paw Paw Schools bans cellphones in classrooms

Editorial Staff Sep 3, 2025 2 min read

PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Public Schools’ “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative was launched at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year in response to the Surgeon General’s report that warned of the dangers of social media.Concerned about the negative…

Weapon found in vehicle during routine sweep of parking lot at VB Tech

Editorial Staff Sep 3, 2025 2 min read

LAWRENCE – A weapon was found Thursday, August 28, in a vehicle during a routine sweep of the parking lot at the Van Buren Tech, Lawrence, according to Van Buren Intermediate School District Superintendent David Manson.In a release to Van…

Mike’s Musings: Michigan’s School Funding Stalemate Is a Disservice to Every Student

Mike’s Musings: Michigan’s School Funding Stalemate Is a Disservice to Every Student

Editorial Staff Sep 3, 2025 4 min read

Here we go again. Another budget cycle, another bitter fight in Lansing over how to fund our schools. This year’s stalemate feels particularly sharp, with both sides dug in and unwilling to budge. Meanwhile, the people who bear the brunt…

Gobles football has outstanding opening-game win

Editorial Staff Sep 3, 2025 2 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent Gobles opened with a tough week one matchup vs. Climax-Scotts for the Tiger Tribute game and Gobles won 54-32.This was only the second time in program history that the two teams have met, with the first time…

Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt

Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt

Editorial Staff Sep 2, 2025 3 min read

BY JASON WESSELDYKSPORTS EDITOR OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at…

Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL

Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer Things could have gone south for Vandercook Lake High School athlete Dallas Swaenepoel. At three years old, his parents lost custody of him, and his grandparents were deemed too old by a Florida judge. Vandercook…

Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12

Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Albion resident Dymond Stokes represented Calhoun County in the Miss Michigan USA pageant recently in Port Huron. The winner was Norton Shores native Michele Lewandoski. Stokes finished in the top 12 contestants. She was disappointed…

A day of extraordinary performances

A day of extraordinary performances

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

The Nuance wins Walk the Beat Albion 2025; The War and Treaty claim victory over a downpour at WTB After party By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZContributing Writer The Nunance, an energetic rock band, won Walk the Beat Albion 2025. They along with…

Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster

Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 39th annual Civil War Muster, returned to Jackson on Aug. 23-24, at Cascades Park and surrounding areas. This year’s muster also marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, according to…

The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion

The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 6 min read

By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer The War and Treaty endured a downpour at Walk the Beat Albion after party, Aug. 23, and yet nothing could dampen their spirits. Their homecoming was an expression of their love for the people of…

HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK

HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By Frank Passic As we approach the upcoming Labor Day holiday on September 1, we are reminded of the contributions union labor has made here in Albion through the years. During World War II, our local factory unions banded together…

Mendon sweeps their way to St. Joseph County volleyball title

Mendon sweeps their way to St. Joseph County volleyball title

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 7 min read

STURGIS — The Mendon Hornets played as well as one could hope, winning the St. Joseph County volleyball tournament held in Sturgis on Monday.The Lady Hor nets played to a perfect 5-0 record, and did not drop a single set.…

Volleyball Roundup Three Rivers 1-3 at Gull Lake Invite, Southland reaches 3k assists

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 8 min read

GULL LAKE — Three Rivers’ volleyball team played to a 1-3 record Friday, Aug. 22 at the Gull Lake Invitational.The team lost to Battle Creek Lakeview 25-15, 22-25, 10-15, lost to Niles 25-15, 22-25, 13-15, defeated host Gull Lake 25-23,…

Out and About: Rehab, safe exercising, and a break from the heat

Out and About: Rehab, safe exercising, and a break from the heat

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

“One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~ Hans Christian AndersonThis is the last week of my second session of “Heart Healthy” at the Beacon Wellness Pavilion. We will have the week of Labor Day off before we…

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…

TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 2 min read

On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…

Rate plan approved for city utilities

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include: