News

County commission rejects, then later approves, county’s operating millages

County commission rejects, then later approves, county’s operating millages

Robert TomlinsonMay 23, 202510 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — For about an hour Tuesday, St. Joseph County was on track to collect zero property tax revenue this summer for its governmental operations. However, a last-second change of vote saved the county’s operating millage…

Teenage girl shot in alleged home invasion in Jackson

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20252 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writerr Jackson County Sheriff Gary Schuette reported in a press release that on Friday, May 16, at 4:04 p.m., Deputies responded to the area of Page Avenue near Knapp Street for a shooting. This is a…

Man arraigned in shooting death of Emarion Flowers

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20251 min read

By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer Joseph Gabriel O’-Rourke, 22, of Jackson was arrested May 19 in relation to the May 16 shooting death of Emarion Flowers. The arrest occurred at about 6 p.m.  on County Farm Road and Springport Road…

Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office displays survivor artwork in support of sexual assault awareness

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20252 min read

To show support for sexual assault survivors, the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office is displaying a powerful piece of artwork in the Victim’s Unit, thanks to a continued partnership with Bronson Sexual Assault Services (SAS). The display of survivor-created artwork underscores…

Two fatal shootings last weekend in Jackson

Two fatal shootings last weekend in Jackson

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20253 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writerr Two men died of gunshot wounds in Jackson last weekend. Emarion Flowers, 22, was killed Friday afternoon and Anthony Glen Owens Jr., 44, was shot and killed shortly after midnight Saturday morning. According to a…

Memorial Day Events

Memorial Day Events

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20253 min read

Monday, May 26 marks Memorial Day this year. Across the area, veterans, community leaders, and volunteers plan celebrations to honor those from their communities who gave the ultimate to their country – their lives. Here is a list of local…

Plea offer presented in Sturgis sexual assault case Arguments made on bind-over; lawyer claims lower court erred reopening proofs

Plea offer presented in Sturgis sexual assault case Arguments made on bind-over; lawyer claims lower court erred reopening proofs

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20257 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — A possible plea offer is on the table for a man accused of sexually assaulting two girls in Sturgis last year.In a hearing Monday, May 12, Prosecutor Deborah Davis said the offer on the…

Sturgis Memorial Day ceremony set for May 26Marine Corps Sgt. Brad Urick is main speaker

Sturgis Memorial Day ceremony set for May 26Marine Corps Sgt. Brad Urick is main speaker

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20252 min read

By Dennis Volkert A Memorial Day commemoration takes place May 26 in Sturgis. A parade begins at 10:30 a.m., departing from VFW post on Fawn River Road, then proceeding north on Nottawa Street to Oaklawn Park, where the ceremony begins at…

Car show to benefit local veterans

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20251 min read

“Sturgis Veterans Car Show” will take place 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 24 at Sturgis High School.Registration period is 9 a.m.-noon. Fee is $10. Awards are presented at 1:45 p.m. It is dedicated to local veterans in need of transportation assistance.Music is provided…

‘Jam for JB’ set for June 7

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20251 min read

“A Jam for JB” is scheduled for 4-9 p.m. June 7 at Free Church Park in Sturgis, to honor the late John Borgesen, owner and operator of JB’s Guitars for more than 30 years.Borgeson died April 15 at his home. A co-organizer…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20253 min read

ONGOING  Sturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park.  MAY May 23“Bourbon, Bacon & Blues,” 5:30-10:30 p.m., downtown Sturgis.May 24Sturgis veterans third annual car show, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sturgis High School. Registration 9 a.m.-noon. Awards…

Clare athletes qualify for state meet

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20251 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE —Clare’s track teams competed in the Division 2 regional meet on May 16 in Cadillac in a bid to qualify for the state meet at Hamilton on May 31.Petoskey won both divisions. Clare was fourth for…

Local Barrel Racing Champ Still Competing at Age 85

Local Barrel Racing Champ Still Competing at Age 85

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20255 min read

By Genine Hopkins “I’m not so fast anymore,” admits Beaverton resident Janet Whitmer, but honestly, that statement could be easily debated as false! Whitmer, who at 85 years young, has shown horses most of her life from racing Thoroughbreds in…

Here’s how Clare communities will observe Memorial Day

Editorial StaffMay 23, 20252 min read

In observance of Memorial Day, Clare County is all about making sure our veterans have the recognition they deserve. There is a lot taking place in the next couple days so let’s unpack what you can expect.. HarrisonIf you’re local…

Rosies galore fete Armed Forces Day

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20251 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorRed kerchiefs wrapped heads of tribute and real “Rosie the Riveters” at the 13th annual Saugatuck-Douglas Armed Forces Day luncheon Saturday.Sylvia Tanis, 100, of Holland was among women who worked in factories during World War II when U.S.…

Otsego installs new electronic sign at Brookside Park

Otsego installs new electronic sign at Brookside Park

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20253 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The City of Otsego has a new way to disseminate information to its residents.On Monday, May 19, a sign was installed in front of Brookside Park on M-89 that has the ability to display electronic messages…

Two tornadoes touched down in Allegan County

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A strong storm system that ripped through the area on Thursday, May 15, caused extensive damage in Allegan County and left many residents with no power for an extended period of time.In response to the devastation—which…

Crews search for man who went missing in Kalamazoo River

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—A man went missing in the Kalamazoo River in Plainwell on Saturday, May 17.According to Plainwell Department of Public Safety director Kevin Callahan, the Allegan County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 12:49 p.m. reporting…

Allegan County devastated by storms

Allegan County devastated by storms

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20255 min read

By Gari Voss Meteorologists across Michigan forecasted that intense storms would reach Lake Michigan’s shores by Thursday, May 15, 2025. Their words rang true as the skies darkened and the winds increased into Thursday evening and thunderstorm warnings were issued.As…