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

Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners

Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey was honored by his fellow commissioners, Tuesday Dec. 10, for his lifelong commitment to education, community service, and leadership.Godfrey, who did not seek reelection to another term…

Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents

Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, through the support of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lawton, Lawton Community Schools, New Community Church, Lawton, Lawton area businesses, family and friends, the groups were able to provide for 67 families and 148 Angels. In…

Mattawan Consolidated School receives grant money through Filter First program

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Consolidated Scholl District has been awarded approximate-ly $180,000 in grant monies through the Filter First program. The FFP in Michigan is designed to ensure clean and safe drinking water for children in schools and childcare centers.…

Lawrence defeats Michigan Lutheran

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent LAWRENCE — The Lawrence Tigers defeated Michigan Lutheran 46-19 The Lawrence Tigers picked up a big victory over Michigan Lutheran, securing a 46-19 win, their first against Michigan Lutheran since 2016.Carolina Mancera led the Tigers with 18…

Obituary: Janet Louise Hamay

Obituary: Janet Louise Hamay

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20242 min read

Janet Louise Hamay, 80, of Paw Paw, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at Maple Lake Assisted Living, Paw Paw. She was born April 6, 1944, in Coloma, MI, the daughter of Carl and Emma (Behnke) Skibbe.Janet retired from the…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20244 min read

Lately, we have seen the phrase Deus vult — Latin for “God wills it” — in the news.It first used by Pope Urban II in 1095, when he launched the first Crusade. He wanted to convince kings and sub-jects to…

Mike’s Musings: Penny should have not been brought to trial

Mike’s Musings: Penny should have not been brought to trial

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20243 min read

A 26-year-old former marine has had his life turned upside down after trying to subdue a stranger on a subway in New York City. Daniel Penny jumped in to stop the stranger who was threatening to kill other passengers. For…

Casco fire destroys barn, farm implements

Casco fire destroys barn, farm implements

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

Fire destroyed a barn on a Casco Township (Allegan County) property on Sunday night.South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) responded at 10:15 p.m. to 68th Street near 103rd Avenue when a neighbor reported seeing a barn on fire.The barn was…

South Haven hires a new police chief

South Haven hires a new police chief

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20243 min read

By James Windell The City of South Haven announced on Monday, December 9, 2024, that a new police chief has been hired.South Haven City Manager Kate Hosier, in a press release, said that the city was hiring Kevin Swope to…

City Council approves short term rental moratorium

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20243 min read

By James Windell Amidst an inability to pass a revised short term rental ordinance, something that has been in discussion for at least two years, the South Haven City Council approved a six-month morato-rium on the issue.Both residents speaking at…

Paw Paw kicked off holiday season with tree lighting and children’s parade

Paw Paw kicked off holiday season with tree lighting and children’s parade

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

The Paw Paw Children’s Christmas Parade saw a wide variety of participation, from the Paw Paw High School Marching band, to costumed characters, The Island of Misfit Toys draped over a school bus, a horse drawn sleigh and wagon, members…

Casey Davis appointed as Van Buren County Undersheriff

Casey Davis appointed as Van Buren County Undersheriff

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20243 min read

PAW PAW – The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that Lt. Casey Davis has been appointed as undersheriff at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.Undersheriff Casey Davis brings a wealth of experience to this position,…

Area communities usher in holiday season

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20243 min read

Lawton to hold “Christmas in the Village” Friday, Dec. 13LAWTON – The Lawton Lions Club will hold a “Christmas in the Village” Parade, Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m., followed by Buster’s Hayrides. The Lions Club will use the Lawton…

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…