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

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…

Lawton football finishes at 8-3

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent LAWTON — Lawton football coach AJ High was in his sixth year of coach and second as head coach. It was his first full season. The team was 8-3 overall and 4-1 in the league.“We always expect…

Mike’s Musings: Thanksgiving a time for family, not politics

Mike’s Musings: Thanksgiving a time for family, not politics

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20243 min read

As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season I would like to make a few observations.First, I don’t think we need to get upset over politics. I’ve read on social media, where if you voted for Trump you will not…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20245 min read

Many of us are making plans for Thanksgiving Day Nov. 28 this year. We might be traveling or others traveling to see us. Maybe the great feast will be at home or somewhere else. Turkey and all the trimmings could…

Paw Paw driver arrested after vehicle crashes into house

Paw Paw driver arrested after vehicle crashes into house

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20242 min read

LAWRENCE TWP. – A 21-year-old Paw Paw woman faces a charge of operating while intoxicated, (OWI) after she allegedly crashed her SUV into a portion of a Lawrence Township residence, Thursday, Nov. 14, according to a press release from the…

New bald eagle monument placed at Veterans Park

New bald eagle monument placed at Veterans Park

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20241 min read

Following its arrival on May 20, a bald eagle monument was permanently placed Monday morning, Nov. 18, at Maple City Veteran’s Memorial Park in Paw Paw. Placement of the monument was performed by Lounsbury Excavating, Inc., Paw Paw, who volunteered…

40th Paw Paw Community Thanksgiving Dinner to be held

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – The 40th annual Paw Paw Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at Freshwater Community Church, 600 E. Michigan Ave., Thursday, Nov. 28. The free meal will be available in two different options –…

Two men face charges in death of Lawton man

Editorial StaffNov 20, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWTON – A 20-year-old Lawton man and a 19-year-old Paw Paw man face charges in the death of another Lawton man, according to a press release from the Lawton Police Department.On Nov. 12, at approximately 6:50pm,…