Mike’s Musings: Airing the Grievances: The Worst of Washington’s Waste
Every December, Sen. Rand Paul releases his annual Festivus Report, a nod to the fictional holiday made famous by Seinfeld. The tradition includes an “airing of grievances,” and for taxpayers, there is no shortage of them.I just got the opportunity…
Life as Performance Art
When the holiday season began to wind down I checked the little recipe box that contained the names and addresses of people on our Christmas card list. Every year a few new names are added. Every year a few more names get…
Mattawan girls off to 2-2 basketball start
By John Raffel MATTAWAN — Rob Kuhtz’s girls basketball team is off to a 2-2 start as Mattawan gets ready to come out of the holiday break.“We are much improved from a year ago and we’ve had opportunities to win…
South Haven responds to Carlotto’s lawsuit
By James Windell The City of South Haven responded to Pat Carlotto’s employment lawsuit alleging discrimination. The lawsuit was filed in late November 2025 in Federal District Court.The formal answer to the initial suit was filed with the Court on…
Area fire department honor guards pay tribute to fallen fire chief
The Paw Paw Fire Department Honor Guard, shown above, and the Lawton Fire Department Honor Guard, both assisted with the visitation and funeral service for Hamiliton Fire Department Chief David Haverdink on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 5 and 6. The…
PPFD brings dogs to safety after falling thru ice
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Two dogs that ventured out on Ackley Lake, Paw Paw, on New Year’s Day and fell through the ice, were both successfully rescued by the Paw Paw Fire Department.Paw Paw Fire Chief Kyle…
PPHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held January 16
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – This year’s Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Jan. 16, between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games, approximately 7 p.m. at Paw Paw High School.A reception…
South Haven sophomore has bright future
By John RaffelCorrespondent SOUTH HAVEN — Lyne Badenhorst enjoyed a strong sophomore season for South Haven golf and is looking forward to two more years with the Rams.She shot a 107 in the regionals for 35th place, This was her…
Storms deliver a one-two punch to Van Buren County
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com With Mother Nature delivering a one-two knockout punch of rain, ice and snow late Sunday night and Monday morning, Van Buren County Road Commission (VBCRC) crews began an early start Monday to their work week. The…
All female road patrol first for county
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office recently experienced an historic milestone, its first all-female general road patrol shift. Though other deputies are assigned to township-specific cars, this shift handles the countywide general road patrol Shown in photo from left, Deputy…
PP Fire Department escorts Santa through the community
The Paw Paw Fire Department served as Santa’s personal escort as the Jolly Old Elf made his way on a fire truck through the community on Wednesday, Dec. 24. The fire department has served as Santa’s escort for several years,…
Life as Performance Art
In the 1950 movie “Harvey” Jimmy Stewart plays Elwood P. Dowd, a certifiable eccentric befriended by 6-foot invisible rabbit named Harvey.It’s a light comedy, but at one point Dowd says something meaningful: that in order to be liked, one had…
Mike’s Musings: When Silence Walks Louder Than Shouting
In a world addicted to outrage, the most radical protest I’ve seen lately involved no slogans, no megaphones, and no demands shouted into the air. It was a line of Buddhist monks walking.I first noticed this on Facebook. The monks…
Life as Performance Art
Since the Great Covid Shut Down, Christmas has become very “the past.” I don’t blame it on the virus nor closures used to slow its progress.Some has come from our penchant for online shopping, ordering food and delivery services, plus…
Mattawan girls defeat Paw Paw
By John Raffel MATTAWAN — Mattawan tipped off the 2025-26 girls basketball campaign at home with a 61-44 win over Paw Paw on Dec. 8.Mattawan jumped out to a 20-9 first quarter lead led by Caitlin Ryan’s six points.Stella Shaefer…
Mike’s Musings: We Need The Good News of Christmas
I was searching for words that would express an uplifting spirit this Christmas season. Too many of us, my self-included, consider the holiday season to be a distraction rather than a time to rejoice. Well my friend, Glenn Mollette happened…
Carlotto lawsuit against city said to expose other problems
By James Windell Why did Sgt. Pat Carlotto file a lawsuit against the City of South Haven?Was it just sour grapes because he was passed over for the position of Chief of the South Haven Police Department? Is he looking…
Tallship MJ is holding lonely vigil in Northside Marina
By James Windell Gently rocking in the calm water in Black River on a mild wintery day, the Tallship MJ is holding vigil in boat Slip 22 near South Haven’s Northside Marina.MJ is covered with white canvas except for its…
SHAWSA holds meeting to explain water and sewer rates
By James Windell Dana Burd, Public Works Director, thought South Haven area residents just might have questions about their water and sewer rates. So, he held a public meeting at South Haven High School on Monday December 8, 2025.Not only…
