News

Charlotte man arrested in fatal scooter hit-and-run

Charlotte man arrested in fatal scooter hit-and-run

Editorial Staff Oct 5, 2026 1 min read

BLACKMAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Jordan Morey, 35, of Charlotte has been arrested in a hit-and-run crash that killed a man riding an electric scooter on Rosehill Road, authorities said. Eric Estey, 58, of Jackson was riding west near Videto Lane…

September construction wrap-up: Albion streets show progress

September construction wrap-up: Albion streets show progress

Editorial Staff Oct 5, 2026 4 min read

By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer September ended with some of Albion’s heavily traveled construction areas beginning to look more like roads again, although plenty of work remains. At Austin Avenue and North Eaton Street, much of North Eaton is now…

Jackson County traffic crashes produced fewer fatalities in 2025

Jackson County traffic crashes produced fewer fatalities in 2025

Editorial Staff Oct 5, 2026 5 min read

By Ken Wyatt Jackson County’s 2025 traffic crash statistics are out, and they offer both good and not-so-good news. If you value life and limb, here’s the best news from a complex assortment of statistics: There were 15 traffic fatalities…

‘Basically wide open’: Big Albion Plan work exposes 1860s block

‘Basically wide open’: Big Albion Plan work exposes 1860s block

Editorial Staff Oct 5, 2026 4 min read

By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer A familiar stretch of downtown between the Bohm Theatre and Albion’s Coca-Cola mural is changing almost daily. Construction fencing lines the Superior Street sidewalk, while large specialized demolition equipment works behind buildings that date to…

Following release of commission probe, Sturgis mayor Perez expresses apology, affirms commitment

Following release of commission probe, Sturgis mayor Perez expresses apology, affirms commitment

Dennis Volkert Oct 2, 2026 3 min read

A week after release of the findings of an independent investigation of Sturgis City Commission, mayor Frank Perez expressed an apology regarding his actions and affirmed commitment to recommendations made in the report. On Sept. 23, the city commission agreed…

Bid process will have to be undertaken by Eau Claire Public Schools

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 7 min read

First Church of God offers to purchase Student Activity Center By Debra Haight J-E Correspondent Eau Claire Board of Education members are looking at the future of the district’s Student Activity Center (SAC). The district has not been regularly using…

Zick’s Specialty Meats plans to expand its operations in Berrien Springs

Zick’s Specialty Meats plans to expand its operations in Berrien Springs

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 11 min read

 —Four generations of the family work at producing 130 products— Pat Veine, left, and Garry Zick, president of the company, display a section of their retail shop. Veine works in retail and sales, and is also working on route expansion…

Controlled deer hunt set at Love Creek in Berrien Twp.

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 2 min read

Love Creek County Park on Huckleberry Road in Berrien Township will allow a limited number of deer hunters to participate in a controlled hunt this year to help manage the park’s deer population, Director Derek Pelc reported. “The hunt is…

Sturgis City Commission agrees to release results of independent investigation

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 6 min read

Sturgis City Commission on Sept. 23 agreed to release findings of an independent probe, prompted by a resolution for “investigation of wrongdoing,” presented to the board in a resolution at the May 27 meeting of the commission. According to a redacted…

City seeks prospects to revive health care services in Sturgis

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 4 min read

By Dennis Volkert The city of Sturgis is pursuing options to restart some health care services for the community, in an attempt to fill a void left by the June 19, 2026, closure of Sturgis Hospital. At the public comment segment…

‘Strong’ turnout for 175th county fair despite early weather, sparse concert crowd

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — The 175th anniversary of the St. Joseph County Grange Fair is in the books, and for new fair manager Regina Schinker, she said the milestone anniversary fair was an overall successful one.“It was so…

Fred’s Pharmacy suddenly closes its doors in TR, Vicksburg

Fred’s Pharmacy suddenly closes its doors in TR, Vicksburg

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 3 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A longtime pharmacy in the Three Rivers and Vicksburg area closed its doors for good this week without much, if any, warning to its customers. On Tuesday, both locations of Fred’s Pharmacy in…

Road Commission shows off new building

Road Commission shows off new building

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 3 min read

By Genine Hopkins The house was packed for the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting on the new Clare County Road Commission building on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Representatives from road commissions across Michigan came by to celebrate with their Clare County counterparts,…

Folks celebrate Clare County history to close museum season

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 3 min read

By David Hutchinson The Clare County Historical Society concluded its summer season on September 26, hosting its annual Old Fashion Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.The event, held at the museum grounds located at 7050 S. Eberhart Ave.,…

Saugatuck Township plans cemetery improvements

Saugatuck Township plans cemetery improvements

Editorial Staff Sep 30, 2026 4 min read

By Wendy Colsen “It’s a dead man’s party, who could ask for more? Everybody’s comin’, leave your body at the door.” – Oingo BoingoAs a part of its master plan, Saugatuck Township is working toward improvements to both Riverside Cemetery…

South Haven Returning to Normal after Huge Fire at Plastics Factory

South Haven Returning to Normal after Huge Fire at Plastics Factory

Editorial Staff Sep 30, 2026 4 min read

By James Windell At about 4:00 pm on Friday, September 25, 2026, much of South Haven was rocked by a series of explosions.Within minutes, billowing black smoke rose above the city drifting toward Lake Michigan.The South Haven Area Emergency Services…

Public Safety finds no credible threat following Plainwell High School report

Public Safety finds no credible threat following Plainwell High School report

Editorial Staff Sep 30, 2026 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Plainwell Public Safety found no credible threat to Plainwell High School following an investigation into statements allegedly made by a student about bringing a firearm to school.Plainwell Community Schools received information through the OK2SAY reporting system…

Dix Street students return to class at temporary Allegan home

Editorial Staff Sep 30, 2026 8 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Nine days after a fire forced the closure of Otsego’s Dix Street Elementary, students were scheduled to return to the classroom Wednesday, Sept. 30.It just wasn’t at Dix Street.Otsego Public Schools is temporarily relocating the entire…

Hoot-n-Howl set for this weekend

Hoot-n-Howl set for this weekend

Editorial Staff Sep 30, 2026 5 min read

By Gari Voss October 2026 will be off to a chilling beginning in Downtown Allegan when the city rolls out the carpet for a Halloween Hoot-n-Howl. The festivities begin on Friday, October 2nd at 5pm when downtown businesses offer enchanted…