Life as Performance Art
I have been engaged in a considerable amount of disdain inspired eyerolling and amusement whenever I see yet another article about our President attempt to re-write American history to match his doctrinal image of our past. I realize he…
Mike’s Musings: The Dolly Parton Example: A Life That Brought People Together
The death of Dolly Parton on Aug. 25 brought something increasingly rare to America: a moment of genuine national unity.For a few days, political divisions faded into the background. Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, country fans and rock stars…
Lawrence runners show progress
By John RaffelCorrespondent LAWRENCE — Lawrence runners showed solid progress out at Warner Camp last week at the Southwest Michigan XC Rustbuster, with several athletes dropping season bests and personal bests across the board.‘These meets are early in the season,…
Plenty to do in South Haven this weekend
By James Windell It’s the last holiday weekend of the summer. So, what is there to do in South Haven?As it turns out, there is plenty to do over the four-day Labor Day weekend.Of course, if the weather is warm…
Gruber honored by Rotary Club
By James Windell In The 70-year history of the Rotary Club of South Haven, only 8 previous members have achieved the Paul Harris Level 8.Now, there is another name added to that list – Jerry Gruber.Gruber, who recently turned 90,…
Lead water lines continue to be replaced
By James Windell It’s no secret that lead in drinking water poses serious health hazards – particularly for children.It is also common knowledge that lead pipes were no longer being installed in U.S. homes after 1986 when federal law banned…
Schools to implement strategic plan
By James Windell South Haven Public Schools begin a new academic year this week – and they do so with great teachers, a supporting staff and the guidance of a new strategic plan.It’s common for school districts in Michigan to…
New butterfly mural takes flight in downtown Paw Paw
PAW PAW – Destination Paw Paw and the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority (DDA) invited the community to celebrate the completion of a new butterfly mural with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Paw Paw Village Hall, 111…
Lawrence Ox Roast & Homecoming festival set for Labor Day Weekend
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWRENCE – The Lawrence Ox Roast & Homecoming festival on Labor Day weekend, Friday, Sept 4, through Monday, Labor Day, Sept. 7, will see fireworks, a parade, more, arts and crafts and more to celebrate a…
Bloomingdale Public welcomes students to improved facilities
By Gari Voss When Bloomingdale Public Schools students returned to school for the 2026-27 school year, they entered their buildings through new portals. The entryways open into a safety foyer that permits entry into an office. These new entries are…
Life as Performance Art
The other night I “returned to those thrilling days of yesteryear” as I wasted a few hours watching some truly campy black and white westerns. I confess, I went straight for the B- grade programs: Bat Masterson, Tombstone Territory,…
Paw Paw volleyball looking strong
By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW — Danielle Rachac is upbeat with prospects for her 2026 volleyball squad at Paw Paw.Key player to watch for Paw Paw is Lydia Killam, a middle hitter. “She has a strong presence at the net…
Affordable housing coming to South Haven Township
By James Windelll Ross Stein and the South Haven Charter Township Board scored a major triumph this past week.It was announced on August 19, 2026, that Lighthouse Ridge, a 52-unit affordable housing development, will be built on 13 acres of…
New flower gardens dedicated at Elkenburg Park
By James Windell The South Haven Garden Club set out more than a year ago to beautify South Haven’s Elkenburg Park. That effort was on display on Friday, August 21, 2026, when city officials, along with Garden Club members and…
Zoning Board of Appeals considers 1309 Monroe Blvd.
By James Windell There was only one item of new business on the agenda when the Zoning Board of Appeals met for their regular monthly meeting. But that one item would, as it turned out, cause ZBA members considerable anguish.The…
City Council agrees to consider rezoning 120 Baseline
By James Windell The most significant issue on the South Haven City Council’s Regular Meeting Agenda for Monday, August 17, 2026, was the introduction of an ordinance to conditionally rezone the parcel commonly known as 120 Baseline Road from RM-1…
Mattawan breaks ground for middle school renovation and addition
MATTAWAN – On Monday, Aug. 17, Mattawan Consolidated School held a groundbreaking for a $9.5 million renovation and addition to the Mattawan Middle School.Mattawan Consolidated School District Superintendent Randy Fleenor said, “Today we celebrated the groundbreaking for an exciting $9.5 million…
Driver faces charge of operating while intoxicated by drugs
LAWRENCE TWP. – A personal injury crash on Interstate 94 in Lawrence Township on Aug. 19, resulted in the driver facing a charge of operating while intoxicated by drugs, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s…
Paw Paw Senior Center opening delayed one week
The Paw Paw Senior Center, which was scheduled to open today, (Thursday, Aug. 27), at 555 Cedar St., has been delayed a week. In a text sent out late Monday afternoon, it read, “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be…
