Blue Star

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorRisk ReductionI haven’t written this story yet but may soon. It’s about the Saugatuck Township gun range.The gun range is in the township, not owned by it. But it may need one in self-defense. With prime land —…

Otsego claims Wolverine Conference championship

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorTHREE RIVERS—Otsego’s Spencer Shearer and Vicksburg’s Luke Malocha finished atop the leader board at the Wolverine Conference Championship at Pine View in Three Rivers on Wednesday, May 22.Shearer and Malocha each carded a three-under-par 69, finishing four…

Obituary: Hermina “Betty” VanDenBrink

Obituary: Hermina “Betty” VanDenBrink

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

Proverbs 31 says of a virtuous woman “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her…

Obituary: Roger J. Rininger

Obituary: Roger J. Rininger

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

Roger J. Rininger was unconventional, a masterful storyteller, and an intrepid traveler. He was a connoisseur of the unique and different. Throughout his life, he wove tales of adventure and wonder, captivating all who had the privilege of listening. Whether recounting his…

Obituary: Donna Hazel (Schanz) Robart

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20241 min read

On the evening of May 21, 2024, Donna Hazel (Schanz) Robart of Plainwell went to be with Jesus in Heaven, at the age of 94. Donna was born July 30, 1929, to William and Ada Schanz of Allegan. Donna and…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20247 min read

      For the past few summers, a small group of fellow journalists, all writers for the British magazine The Chap,  have banded together, along with some other friends, wives and sweet-hearts for their Annual Grand Flaneur. Last year there were some sixty “Chaps”…

Cities, townships observe Memorial Day

Cities, townships observe Memorial Day

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

By Gari Voss Rainy weather across Allegan County may have dampened some spirits, but the remembrances for those who had died fighting for freedom did not disappoint. The Fallenby Duncan Campbell Scott Those we have loved the dearest,The bravest and…

A big dream of tiny houses

A big dream of tiny houses

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20245 min read

By Donald Talonen Pingree Park, formerly the property of Mr. T.M. Russell, is historically significant for being the location of the original courthouse in Allegan. While no official buildings have been present on the property since around 1865, in the…

Mike’s Musings: Ukraine-Russia war must be stopped

Mike’s Musings: Ukraine-Russia war must be stopped

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20243 min read

Here I go again. One of my favorite rants is “Why do we send so much money and weapons to Ukraine to further a war they will never win?As a country we are nearly $34 trillion in debt and have…

CCSD honors Top 3 at LHS, VHS

CCSD honors Top 3 at LHS, VHS

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20241 min read

The Chambers County School District hosted Board Recognition for the District’s Academic “Top 3” at the Chambers County School Board Meeting. LaFayette High School “Top Three” were 1) Danasia Thomas, #2) Ny’aiza Linson, and 3) Deaundra Vines. Valley High School…

Paw Paw baseball sweeps South Haven

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW – The Paw Paw baseball team on May 21 swept a doubleheader from South Haven on senior night. Pitching from Dylan Abnet and Jake Hindenach were dominant.In game No. 1 the Red Wolves won 7-3.…

Obituary: Russell George Heinzen

Obituary: Russell George Heinzen

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

Russell George Heinzen, 85, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully Friday, May 10, 2024, at Rose Arbor, Kalamazoo. Cremation has taken place. He was born July 8, 1938, in Maple Plain, Minnesota, the son of Harvey Heinzen and Florence (Japps)…

Cities, villages honor war dead on Memorial Day

Cities, villages honor war dead on Memorial Day

Editorial StaffMay 29, 20242 min read

The 104th annual Paw Paw Memorial Day Program which followed the Memorial Day Parade, was held Monday, May 27, at Maple City Veterans’ Park. Despite a rain mist in the air and temperatures in the upper 50s, the event was…

Looking Out: The joy of reading a book

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20243 min read

by Jim Whitehouse “I’m about to turn off my light,” I say to my beloved wife Marsha, as I put my book down on the nightstand next to the bed. “Already?” she says, turning a page in her own book.…

MPS Board of Education update

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20248 min read

New cafeteria tables and salad bar approved for Harrington Elementary as well as E-Sports computers for Albion students and Flex Farm Units at the Opportunity High School will produce greens and microgreens for OHS and eventually Harrington By John Hendler…

Redhawks soaring over opponents

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20245 min read

Marshall baseball team has been picking up steam this past week with several decisive wins. Tuesday, May 21 the team traveled to I-8 competitor Hastings and swept the doubleheader. In game one, Lincoln Fuller led off with a double and…

Obituary: John Oscar Saurer

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20243 min read

John Oscar Saurer, 88 of Venice, Florida, passed away into eternal life surrounded by his beloved family, on May 19, 2024 after a brief illness. He was a Christian and lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church. His faith sustained him…

Historical Notebook: BENJAMIN BARNES FORD

Historical Notebook: BENJAMIN BARNES FORD

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20243 min read

Each year at this time I like to feature one of Albion’s Civil War soldiers. Benjamin Barnes Ford (1837-1861) was one of the Albion area’s first casualties of the War. Benjamin came to Michigan in 1844 from New York state…

Groundbreaking held for Dispatch Radio Tower Construction

Groundbreaking held for Dispatch Radio Tower Construction

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20243 min read

 A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 16 to launch the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority’s millage-approved technology upgrade radio tower project, which includes the construction of four new towers and repurposing of two. The ceremony was held at the site…