Courier-Leader, Paw Paw Flashes, & South Haven Beacon

Saugatuck drops opener to Tri-Unity

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20242 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorThe first quarter of the Saugatuck boys basketball team’s season-opening game against Tri-Unity Christian on Tuesday, Nov. 26, showcased a strong defensive effort from the Trailblazers.How good was the Trailblazers’ defense in the opening stanza? Well, Tri-Unity…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20245 min read

 When it started getting cold this year and snow was in the air, someone spotted me walking and wanted to know why my coat was unbuttoned. “Don’t you know it’s cold?” she asked. If I don’t happen to have on my…

Mike’s Musings: Words to live by

Mike’s Musings: Words to live by

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20243 min read

I found this post on Facebook. I unfortunately don’t know who the author is, but I haven’t read anything lately, that expresses best, how to live our life. Follow these basic tenets and you will be a great person. Personally,…

Firefighters from six departments battle apartment fire

Firefighters from six departments battle apartment fire

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20241 min read

Firefighters from six departments responded to a blaze in a two-story residential structure at the Picture Lake Apartments, 62nd Street south of County Road 388, Geneva Township at 6:05 p.m. Monday.The occupants safely evacuated the building. The fire was reported…

Executive Director of Chamber announces her retirement

Executive Director of Chamber announces her retirement

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20243 min read

James Windell Kathy Wagaman, who has been Executive Director of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce since 2011, announced her plans to retire on February 28, 2025.“I am proud of the consistent growth that we have enjoyed as a…

Area Communities to usher in holiday season this weekend

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20243 min read

PAW PAW – Downtown Paw Paw’s “Christmas in the Village begins Dec. 6.Community Tree Lighting – Festivities begin at 6 p.m. in front of the Carnegie Center, 129 S. Kalamazoo St. Come together for cookies, hot cocoa, entertainment and caroling…

Major pileup closes I-94 on Monday

Major pileup closes I-94 on Monday

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20241 min read

I-94 was shut down at Mile Marker 46 near Hartford in both directions Monday afternoon, due to a multi-vehicle crash. State Police said one person was injured. Drivers were asked to seek an alternate route until the crash scene was…

80-year-old admits to trafficking drugs

80-year-old admits to trafficking drugs

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmailcom ALMENA – Charges are pending for an 80-year-old Paw Paw man who was allegedly trafficking narcotics from his Almena Township residence, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. Van Buren County…

Mattawan girls have new coach

Editorial StaffDec 4, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MATTAWAN — Rob Kuhtz ready to have a strong season with Mattawan’s girls basketball team as the new coach.Last year the team was 11-10, 3rd in SMAC West. The season featured the retirement of varsity coach Chad…

Gobles ends strong volleyball season

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent GOBLES — The Gobles Varsity Volleyball team ended their season play just short of winning districts, hosted at Bloomingdale High School.The Lady Tigers played on Monday Nov. 4., beating Bloomingdale in the first round (25-21, 25-20, 25-21)…

Delaney Riddle named Miss Mattawan 2024

Delaney Riddle named Miss Mattawan 2024

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20243 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com MATTAWAN – The 2024 Miss Mattawan Scholarship Pageant held recently saw Delaney Riddle named Miss Mattawan 2024.Her court includes: First Runner-up and Miss Entrepreneur McKenzie Schoonbeck, Second Runner-up Jessica Jasensky, and Miss Congeniality Nariah Walsh.The new…

Obituary: Yvonne Elaine Becker

Obituary: Yvonne Elaine Becker

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20242 min read

Yvonne Elaine Becker, 83, of Lawrence, passed away Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at her home.She was born Sept. 29, 1941, in Otsego, the daughter of the late Clifford Parsons Bennett and Lillie Rose (Harvey) Bennett.Family was most near and dear…

Volunteers pack Thanksgiving food bags for area veterans

Volunteers pack Thanksgiving food bags for area veterans

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20241 min read

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Van Buren County Veterans Services and other volunteers packed Thanksgiving food bags that were then picked up by area veterans. It marked the second year for the Thanksgiving food bag distribution.Photos courtesy/Paul DeYoung

Paw Paw man faces multiple charges after he led authorities on slow speed pursuit

Paw Paw man faces multiple charges after he led authorities on slow speed pursuit

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – A 60-year-old Paw Paw man faces multiple charges, including flee and elude, and outstanding warrants, after he led authorities on a slow speed pursuit that began in the Village of Paw Paw.Van Buren…

12-year-old faces charges for making phone call threats to area school districts

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com A 12-year-old faces charges for making phone call threats to the Paw Paw and Mattawan school districts, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott said that…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20246 min read

    There is nothing new about the retail sector’s Black Friday except that it seems to start earlier this year.  The name comes from the hope that customers will do sufficient holiday shopping that they will convert eleven months or…

Mike’s Musings: Stop with excuses, buy local first

Mike’s Musings: Stop with excuses, buy local first

Editorial StaffNov 27, 20243 min read

It’s small business Saturday this weekend, and that gives me an excuse as to why you should shop with your small retailers and stay away from the big chains and online buying.Our small towns are treasures. People love to visit…

Obituary: Lois Ann McLemore

Obituary: Lois Ann McLemore

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20241 min read

Lois Ann McLemore, 64, passed away Nov. 9, 2024, in Lawton, Michigan. Born May 13, 1960, Lois was a lifelong resident of Lawton and a cherished figure in her community.Lois dedicated many years to nurturing young minds as an aide…