Bridgefest set for this weekend
Summer in Allegan, MI really begins when Bridgefest hits Riverfront Park and the surrounding streets. All are invited to enjoy time with family and friends while exploring the community tents along Locust and Hubbard Streets, dropping into the many shops…
Confirmed case of measles identified in Allegan County
Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) has confirmed a measles case in Allegan County. ACHD is working closely with the Kent County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to investigate the situation in an effort…
Governor declares state of emergency for Allegan County
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency in Allegan County after storms and two tornadoes whipped through the area on May 15.The declaration frees up state resources for the county to help local response and recovery efforts. It may…
HarborFest set for this weekend
HarborFest, South Haven’s first big festival of the summer season, is this coming weekend (June 13-14). A highlight is the Saturday morning Dragon Boat races on the Black River near the Southside marina. One of the Dragon Boat teams is pictured…
South Haven City Council makes more appointments
By James Windell After an initial round of appointments to various boards and commissions on May 19, 2025, the South Haven City Council voted on additional nominations on June 2, 2025.Mayor Annie Brown nominates people for board and commission vacancies…
City Council approves zoning amendments regarding non-permanent signs
James Windell After considerable debate and some acrimony, the South Haven City Council approved an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that pertains to signs in the yards of residences.Community residents frequently over the past few months expressed concern about the…
Father Bob honored for 50-year career as a priest
James Windell When Father Bob Flickinger saw St. Basil Church overlooking Lake Michigan, he knew he had found his dream parish. He lived that dream for 10 years as pastor of St. Basil.Recently, Fr. Bob was recognized by South Haven…
Graham receives state medal for life-saving effort
Each year, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office submits several incidents to the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) for consideration by the voting committee. This year, at the recently held MSA Conference, Sergeant Paul Graham, far left, was awarded the MSA…
Belgium newspaper staff visit county museum, Lawton and Mattawan for upcoming story
Patrick Vincent, a reporter, and Robin Fasseur, a photographer, both employed by the Gazet van Antwerpen, the newspaper of the city and province of Antwerpen, Belgium, traveled to Van Buren County on Sunday and Monday where they visited and took…
Mattawan Man had five uncles serve in World War II
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com MATTAWAN – Longtime Mattawan resident Dave Ballinger knows firsthand the meaning of service to your country as he had five uncles who served during World War II.It was Ballinger’s maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Koole,…
Gobles softball ends with 23-7 record
By John RaffelCorrespondent GOBLES — Gobles softball season came to a close with a 23-7 record with a 13-2 loss to Mendon in the district finals.Erica Barber took the loss for Gobles in the pitcher’s circle, with 10 hits. Riley…
Ribbon cutting held for new housing in Albion
Photo by albionmich.net A ribbon cutting was held Thursday morning at 312 Fitch Street in Albion to celebrate the completion of a new modular home built through a partnership between the City of Albion, MSHDA, and Norfolk Homes. About 20…
Teenager in critical condition after gunshot wound to the head
A 16-year-old male is in critical condition after a gunshot wound to the head early Wednesday morning. According to a press release from the Blackman-Leoni Department of Public Safety, officers were dispatched at approximately 1:28 a.m. June 4 to the…
Marshall High School Commencement ceremonies introduce 177 graduates and new principal
By Sylvia Benavidez The huge 2025 sign hung on Marshal High School’s Athletic Field, Thursday, May 29, as students lined up for their last moments as high school seniors. The crowds filled with parents, neighbors, and friends cheering on the…
Jackson police officer safes choking child
Officer Warren Johnson, the Jackson Police Department liaison officer for the Middle School at Parkside was acknowledged last week for saving a child’s life. “I can not thank this man enough for his service! Officer Johnson has done it again!…
Albion street construction continues
According to the city’s official outreach brochure, the goals of the project include: Replacing undersized and aging water mains, Upgrading lead water services, Improving fire flow capacity, installing a new 1-million-gallon elevated water storage tank, and performing bridge preventative maintenance…
Owner of The Parlour ice cream shop reacts to recent events
By Elizabeth Ferszt Contributing Writer On Sunday May 25, Scott Pienta, owner of The Parlour of Jackson, made a gruesome discovery in the back storage area of the ice cream and specialty shop: a macabre collection of dead and frozen…
Traffic hazard in Clark Lake leads to OWI, drug charges
Two Jackson men were arrested Saturday, June 1 on alcohol and drug charges near Clark Lake after leaving a pontoon and trailer in the road. According to a press release from Columbia Charter Township Police Department officers were dispatched at…
Two Sheriff’s recruits graduate from Police Academy
Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette recently announced the graduation of recruit deputies Riley Jones and Lauren Meyer from the 115th Police Academy at Lansing Community College. Both Jones and Meyer began their journey in the Jackson County Office of the…
