Sub-zero temps create emergencies for public works
The recent sub-zero temperatures that have swept the area have proven to be a challenge in many ways, including burst water pipes. Public works employees have the unenviable task of responding to those types of emergencies as pictured here on…
South Haven Speakers Series announces its 12th season speaker lineup
By James Windell The South Haven Speakers Series just announced its lineup for the 2026 season – its 12th year of bringing topnotch speakers and compelling topics to South Haven.The four programs this year address major issues that shape our…
South Haven School Board unanimously approves teachers salary agreement
By James Windell The South Haven School Board unanimously approved the salary agreement for teachers at the regular School Board meeting on January 21, 2026.The teacher’s union had already ratified the agreement on January 13, 2026 after the School District…
Upgrades made at Lawrence Township Emergency Services
Lawrence Township Emergency Services has upgraded the capabilities of one of its vehicles. Utility truck 1780 was equipped with a plow to help not only maintain the township’s emergency services facility, but also to ensure if inclement weather occurs, township…
Van Buren County Dispatch Director to retire
The Van Buren Chief’s of Police Association presented soon to be retired Van Buren Dispatch Director Tim McGee with a plaque recognizing his dedicated years of service to Van Buren County. McGee began his career in law enforcement as an…
Mike’s Musings: Greenland Matters to U.S. Security — But Its People Should Choose Its Future
My son and I have always toyed with the idea of living in Greenland. I being drawn to the heat, couldn’t survive 50 degrees below zero. My son on the other hand is drawn towards the cold and has fancied…
Life as Performance Art
1-22 Stoppel-cr By G.C. StoppelTwice, in less than 12 hours and from two different sources, I heard basically the same message on how to deal with the swirling chaos in much of the news.The first was when I watched the…
Mike’s Musings: The roadblocks to a cancer cure are frustrating
Every few years, the same frustrated question resurfaces: With all the money, technology and brainpower in the world, why haven’t we cured cancer yet? It’s a fair question. We’ve put men on the moon, decoded the human genome and carry…
Lawrence girls top White Pigeon
By John RaffelCorrespondent LAWRENCE — Lawrence defeated White Pigeon 31-29 in girls basketball action on Jan. 16.Carolina Mancera and Colleen MCcaw had 10 points apiece for Lawrence.Kaylin Leyva had nine points.The Lawrence girls won 42-26 over Hartford on Jan; 13…
South Haven’s lighthouse shrouded in ice
South Haven’s lighthouse shrouded in ice on Monday.Old Man Winter hit South Haven and surrounding areas hard on Monday and Tuesday. Lots of snow and ice and freezing temperatures provided a picturesque scene looking out at the iconic lighthouse.Photo by…
South Haven teachers ratify new salary agreement
By James Windell South Haven teachers voted on January 13, 2026 to ratify a new salary agreement. And Jessica Fiedorowicz, President of the South Haven Education Association, is pleased with the agreement.“This is a step in the right direction toward…
Kirby honored with lifesaving award
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch recently recognized Dispatch Supervisor Chad Kirby with a Life Saving Award for his outstanding actions while on duty. On Oct. 15, 2025, Supervisor Kirby was working at the Van Buren County…
Chapman honored with Stork award
The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch recently recognized Dispatcher Deb Chapman with a Stork Award for her outstanding professionalism and calm response during a critical emergency call. On Dec. 9, 2025, at approximately 6:36 a.m., Dispatcher Chapman…
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…
