Columns

I listened intently as Pope Francis’s interview with Nora O’Donnell aired on CBS on May 20, 2024. I was glad to hear that the Pope and Ms. O’Donnell discussed many questions about how we ought to live our lives on…

From 1951 until 1982, Marion’s fire siren blew to let us know that the noon hour had arrived. It was a welcome noise to many, from Main Street to the school yard. When it sounded at any other time, it…

By Scott SullivanEditorRisk ReductionI haven’t written this story yet but may soon. It’s about the Saugatuck Township gun range.The gun range is in the township, not owned by it. But it may need one in self-defense. With prime land —…

      For the past few summers, a small group of fellow journalists, all writers for the British magazine The Chap,  have banded together, along with some other friends, wives and sweet-hearts for their Annual Grand Flaneur. Last year there were some sixty “Chaps”…

Here I go again. One of my favorite rants is “Why do we send so much money and weapons to Ukraine to further a war they will never win?As a country we are nearly $34 trillion in debt and have…

by Jim Whitehouse “I’m about to turn off my light,” I say to my beloved wife Marsha, as I put my book down on the nightstand next to the bed. “Already?” she says, turning a page in her own book.…

Each year at this time I like to feature one of Albion’s Civil War soldiers. Benjamin Barnes Ford (1837-1861) was one of the Albion area’s first casualties of the War. Benjamin came to Michigan in 1844 from New York state…

Next Wednesday, May 29, Chef Brigitte Romanelli will offer a cooking class at the Immaculate Conception Church, 645 S. Douglas St., in Three Rivers. This “Cook for a Cause” will feature preparing Homemade Pasta and Meatballs. The cost is $55.…

Decoration Day, as Memorial Day was originally known, was established in May 1868. It was designated as the day to decorate graves and honor the memory of soldiers killed during the then very recent American Civil War. Today, we honor…

I can’t remember a time when I did not have a garden of some kind. The early part of my life in northern Gratiot County was accentuated by gardens. Not only were there the gardens where we planted, weeded, and…

By Scott SullivanEditorFish StoryA leading suspect has emerged in the case of the spinning smalltooth sawfish: algae.For months ichthyologists have puzzled over what’s ailing and killing dozens of fish species off the Florida Keys. In what NBC News calls “a…

   When I was growing up, some of The Olds still called it Decoration Day.  They were participating in a tradition that dated back to the 1860s, just after the Civil War.  Late each May they went to the local cemetery to clean…

Our newspapers, for the most part, are filled with photos of high school graduates and some college graduates. It is indeed a milestone to graduate, and it will be a feat you, your parents and grandparents will remember for years…

“Success is a journey, not a destination.” –Arthur Ashe A few rules to remember, when out riding bicycles: The St. Joseph County Conservation & Sportsman Club, located at 23640 Featherstone Road, Sturgis, has activities available for every member of the…

  “Cream Puff is back!” I holler to my beloved wife Marsha. She walks quickly into the kitchen to stand next to me to look out the window at the bird feeder. There, underneath, is a very large and fluffy…

We’re not dedicated mushroom hunters.I have never really understood the compulsion to go mushroom hunting, the mushroom festivals and the unlimited wandering around the woods looking for them.In the first place I always have a hard time just spotting them.…

Clare County Historical friend, Andy, is very much interested in the history of any and all small “country school” districts in our county. I’m happy to answer his questions whenever I can and equally happy to share information. Luckily, the…

Wow! It is that time of year again when the Rosebush Ecumenical Assistance Program (REAP) Food Pantry teams up with Meijer of Mt. Pleasant for the Simply Give Fundraiser. Donating could not be simpler. Just pick up a barcoded card…

By Scott SullivanEditorWorld Donkey DayJust when I needed a shot of self-esteem came World Donkey Day. Desert animal scientist Ark Raziq founded it to recognize how asses enhance human lives.“Without donkeys’ help,” says Raziq, “it is hard to imagine the…

    If you don’t mind me saying so, I think the world is getting a bit too spooky.  This war in Israel has been going on for months and tempers are getting short about the number of civilian casualties – and rightfully…