Van Buren County Poorhouse Museum reopens following June 2022 storm that damaged building
By Paul GarrodStaff Writer HARTFORD – Following a June 2022 wind and rainstorm that damaged the Van Buren County Poorhouse Museum, a grand re-opening of the museum, the 140th anniversary of the poorhouse building and the 50th anniversary of the…
Mike’s Musings: Lawmakers misbehavior goes unpunished
Nobody knows who, nobody knows why, but $17 million of our money (taxpayers) has been paid out to federal lawmakers accused of sexual (as well as other types of discrimination) misdeeds from 1997 to 2017.Personally, I think this is despicable.…
Obituary: Norma Jean Whiteman
Norma Jean Whiteman, 91, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully surrounded by family during the morning hours of June 3, 2024. She was born Sept. 20, 1932, the daughter of Sherman Austin and Lula (Knapp) Austin.Norma will be remembered for being…
Obituary: Ruth Wilkinson
Ruth Wilkinson, 91, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at her home in Paw Paw. She was born June 30, 1932, in Chicago, the daughter of Leroy Renwick and Nelle (Lutz) Renwick. Ruth graduated…
Obituary: Philip Lee Preston
Philip Lee Preston, 88, of St. Joseph, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Mattawan, MI. He was born June 26, 1935 in Coshocton, Ohio to Sylvia and William Preston.Philip and his family…
Life as Performance Art
“Maybe it’s in the closet,” Molly would say. “I’ll check.”We all knew what was coming: Fibber would shout to her, “Don’t touch that closet!” too late, and the sound effects man would pour his props into a metal container, much to the…
Mike’s Musings: Make peace with Russia, align against China
Don’t condemn me before I lay out my logic. Don’t call me a Putin lover or a Russian agent, I’m neither, but do have an opinion that differs from many in power these days.I’m not concerned with Russia. I don’t…
Mattawan golfers have bright future
By John RaffelCorrespondent For Mattawan golfers and coach Troy Pelak, the future looks very bright.Key returners next year.Griffin McClish – Pelak: “Was a freshman this year and had a tremendous season once he got comfortable playing with upper classmen. Griffin…
Nearly 1,700 MEC Customers still without power from Sunday night’s storm
Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) reports that about 1,672 customers are still out of power late Monday afternoon, June 17, following Sunday night’s storm in southwest Michigan. The largest outages are currently in the townships of Porter (Van Buren County),…
Judge denies injunction request from Arlington Township
ARLINGTON TWP. – On Wednesday, June 12, a show cause hearing in Courtroom 3 at the Van Buren County Courthouse, before Judge Susan Metzger, saw Arlington Township ask the court to issue an injunction stopping Stoneco from engaging in gravel…
Alumnus receives Silver Star medal nearly six decades after Vietnam War
A 1963 graduate of Paw Paw High School was recently honored for his gallantry in action while serving in the United States Marine Corps during the first offensive battle during the Vietnam War in 1965.On May 29, Lance Cpl. Milo…
Lawton track athletes shine at state meet
By John RaffelCorrespondent LAWTON – At the recent Division 3 state finals 12 of our Lawton’s athletes competed very well in several events. Here is a summary of their efforts:Mason Mayne 1st in discus with 166-9; 2nd in shot with…
Mike’s Musings: My Father, MY Hero
(I wrote this a year ago but wanted share it again. Heck I might share this column over and over for years to come. The man meant so much to me) This week I give pause to reflect on my…
Life as performance Art
About a week ago, on a hot and humid afternoon, I was doing some work on the lawn and gardens. I was close to the sidewalk when a couple of visitors to town paused and commented on the amount of…
Paw Paw Alumni issued 9 scholarships worth $27k
The 2024 Paw Paw Alumni Scholarship winners this year are: From left to right: William Webster $6,000 PPAC Platinum Scholarship, Ian McDonald $5,000 PPAC Gold Scholarship, Addison Roy $3,000 PPAC Silver Scholarship, Emma Kenyon $2,000 PPAC Bronze Scholarship, Chloe Kooi…
County Museum to hold grand reopening, Sunday, June 23
By Paul GarrodStaff Writer HARTFORD – Following two years of repairs to the roof and structure of the Van Buren County Historical Museum in June of 2022, following a high wind and rainstorm that damaged the roof, the museum will…
Area News Briefs
Watervliet man arrested following high-speed chaseBy Paul GarrodStaff Writer BANGOR TOWNSHIP – A 43-year-old Watervliet man faces several charges after he led authorities on a high-speed chase, Thursday afternoon, June 6, through two townships in a stolen vehicle, according to…
Graduation ceremony sends off Class of 2024
By Michael Reo On June 2, Ratcliffe Field was filled with families, friends and a flurry of caps and gowns. Around 100 degrees were set to be conferred that afternoon, and as the stands filled up, the graduates took their…
South Haven top graduates look to the future
By Michael Reo With their time in school behind them, the top students in South Haven High School’s graduating class are excited for the new opportunities their futures will bring.Topping the class this year were Kayley Gorham and Kelsey Hodgman,…
City Council furthers zoning ordinance, establishes moratorium
By Michael Reo At the first South Haven City Council meeting of June, the council handled a number of matters, new and old. They furthered the zoning ordinance regarding short-term rentals, pushing it along to the city’s Planning Commission, in…
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