Columns

By Scott SullivanEditorCut-UpsJennifer Hayes, 30, of Clinton Township faces up to life in prison after a jury six days before Thanksgiving convicted her of stabbing her boyfriend 14 times.That might seem like overkill, except that her now-ex beau survived. Hayes…

The other day I ran into a longtime friend I haven’t seen for the better part of the year, even though we live less than a mile apart.We quickly caught up, exchanged news and realized we are both appalled by…

The debate over America’s border policies often gets tangled in national politics, angry cable-news segments, and social-media shouting. But beneath all that noise, the issue comes down to something our readers in Allegan, Clare, Van Buren, St. Joseph, Calhoun, Jackson…

“National pride is to countries what self-respect is to individuals: a necessary condition for self-improvement.” -Richard RortyChewing gun, while peeling onions, will keep you from crying.The Golden Rule has been around for many years and is interpreted in many languages,…

Ever been asked why someone might worship God? Why would anyone want to worship Jesus? St. Paul in his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 1:12-20) offers some reasons. Here goes. God created the universe, everything visible and invisible. His son…

By Scott SullivanEditor‘Tis the season when many Michiganians flee to Florida. Who can blame us? Ice and snow vs. sunshine and warmth? No brainer.One problem: Floridians live in Florida. Lately they’ve been restless. In this last month:

Even those closest to me don’ know that I am a time traveler and world adventurer. I don’t talk much about it because some of them would never understand.It began the Saturday afternoon Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel Mary…

Every year, the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate release their official calendars, and every year the same disbelief follows: this is how many days our elected lawmakers plan to work?I saw the House of Representatives schedule for next…

“Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet.” -Sarah Louise DelaneyThe Animal Rescue Fund (ARF), would like to invite all pet owners to their Annual “Pet Pictures with Santa” fundraiser this coming Saturday, Nov. 22.…

Finally, after thirty years of teaching and twenty-five years in counseling, I am retiring. My family and I have been very blessed, beyond my wildest imagination. It is true that “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard what God has…

By Scott SullivanEditorBrain DustMoon Juice has released Brain Dust, “an enlightening blend of adaptogenic superherbs and supermushrooms that help combat the effects of stress to align you with the cosmic flow for great achievement.”I could use that. Between trying to…

Thanksgiving has a way of arriving right when we need it most. After another year filled with the usual mix of noise—politics, inflation, crises abroad, and the ever-present rush of everyday life—this holiday stands as a rare invitation to stop,…

Mother had a copy of a painting she kept in her Thanksgiving dinner file folder. Right after Halloween she took down our elementary school finger-painted masterpieces and used four magnets to hold the print on the refrigerator door. With it…

By Frank Passic             There has been realtor activity at several abandoned old businesses along Austin Avenue recently, in what used to be known as “Hunkytown” in the early 20th century. There were various merchants from Europe who operated businesses…

“Birds wing after a storm, why shouldn’t people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?” ~ Rose Fitzgerald KennedyThis week we celebrate Veterans Day. It’s the time to honor all veterans of our Armed Forces and…

Recently I was talking with a lady who had been caring for her handicapped child for many years. While she obviously loves her daughter, she has begun showing symptoms of anxiety and depression. She is finding herself not sleeping well,…

By Scott SullivanEditorEmotional IntelligenceEmpathy can be bad for you, say experts. Whoever they are. Tuning into and sharing other people’s emotions from their perspective can bring us together in a healing process, says Robin Stern, associate director of the Yale…

For someone who is not a certified member of the Handyman’s Union and a complete all-thumbs fiasco in most do-it-yourself projects, I find myself having to make a stop at a hardware store a couple times a week. Especially in…

As the Christmas season approaches, the lights, music, and festive cheer remind us of joy, family, and tradition. But amid the celebration, it’s also a time to remember what this season truly represents — compassion, generosity, and community. For many…

It’s time to “Stuff-A-Truck” for those in need. The Three Rivers Lions Club needs everyone’s help to do just that for this upcoming Thanksgiving. Everyone is invited to come on down to Harding’s Market, 808 West Michigan Avenue in Three…