British TikTok duo visit South Haven, Saugatuck
Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher The United States often fascinates those from other countries. From food, sports, and politics to nearly everything in between, American life can feel markedly different from the typical European experience. One of its greatest marvels is the…
Life as Performance Art
The year that my late wife Pat turned 95, MENSA sent a reporter to interview her about her nine decades as a professional artist and writer.The writer first asked who or what inspired her to become an artist. Pat explained…
Mike’s Musings: It’s 2026. Why Is the IRS Still Stuck in the Past?
Not long ago, I set aside part of my workday to ask the Internal Revenue Service a simple question. This wasn’t a complicated audit issue or a dispute over taxes owed. It was a basic inquiry that should have taken…
Paw Paw wrestlers are fourth
By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW — The Paw Paw wrestling team took to Olivet for the John Burton boys and girls tournament on Saturday. After a grueling 10-hour tournament the boys team ended up taking fourth place out of 20…
City Council tackles new business with revamped membership
By James Windell After three new council members were sworn in, the South Haven City Council got down to business in taking on issues necessary at the first city council meeting of the new year on January 5, 2026.One of…
Airport agrees to stop cutting down trees on private property
By James Windell At a meeting last week between residents whose property abuts the South Haven Regional Airport and Airport authorities, it was agreed that trees that were obstructing the landing at the airport could be trimmed – rather than…
Grain bin temperature evacuates portion of Decatur
Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Life is relatively quiet and peaceful in the small village of Decatur, and it rarely makes any headlines. However, on Saturday, January 10th, it was quite the opposite.The Cargill grain bins are among the village’s most recognizable…
MSP Fire Marshal investigates fatal Paw Paw Twp. structure fire
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW TWP. – Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that on Jan. 8, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies, along with the Paw Paw Fire Department, were dispatched to an active…
Paw Paw Village Council approves Strand Theater’s request to seek final approval with MLCC
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Village Council Monday night, Jan. 12, adopted the Local Government Approval Resolution for the Strand Theater to apply for a Redevelopment Liquor License for the theater.With preliminary approval by the…
Indivisible holds candlelight vigil for ICE shooting victim
PAW PAW – Indivisible Paw Paw joined more than 1,000 demonstrations last weekend as part of the “ICE Out for Good” weekend (Jan. 10-11), that took place across the United States to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and demand…
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…
