News

SUV and Amish buggy crash claims life of young girl

Editorial StaffApr 2, 20252 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWRENCE – An eight-year-old girl was killed early Wednesday morning, March 26, in Lawrence Township when the Amish horse and buggy she was a passenger in, was rear-ended by a vehicle, according to a press release…

Suspect in custody in Hartford shooting

Editorial StaffApr 2, 20253 min read

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Response and detectives from the CID Unit handled a shooting/homicide in the City of Hartford. “I cannot go into details being it’s an open pending case with the suspect in custody. I can disclose an…

Demonstration held in Sturgis to protest government policies

Demonstration held in Sturgis to protest government policies

Dennis VolkertApr 2, 20252 min read

A demonstration was held March 28 near the intersection of U.S. 12 and Centerville Road in Sturgis, protesting some policies that are unfolding during the early phase of Donald Trump’s second administration.  An estimated 80 people took part, organizers said. …

Resolution of most Sturgis power outages expected by end of day

Resolution of most Sturgis power outages expected by end of day

Dennis VolkertApr 1, 20251 min read

Electric crews in Sturgis have power outages down to fewer than 100 customers, as they continue to work to restore service in the aftermath of the March 30 storm. The majority of the remaining outages are small clusters of a…

Brush collection begins April 2 in Sturgis

Dennis VolkertMar 31, 20252 min read

In aftermath of the March 30 storm, the city of Sturgis will begin brush pickup on April 2, instead of the scheduled April 7 start.  Crews from Department of Public Works will begin on the north side of the city…

Sunday storm damages homes, businesses in St. Joseph County

Sunday storm damages homes, businesses in St. Joseph County

Robert TomlinsonMar 31, 20256 min read

Updated 4:01 p.m. March 31, 2025 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — A powerful thunderstorm rolled through St. Joseph County Sunday evening, causing numerous power outages, downed trees, and property damage in spots around the county. According to…

Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers

Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers

Dennis VolkertMar 31, 20252 min read

City of Sturgis electric crews, aided by workers from other communities, continue to work to restore power in the aftermath of the March 30 storm, officials said.   Much of the work is within neighborhoods, involves replacing broken poles or is…

Breen named new superintendent at Constantine schools

Breen named new superintendent at Constantine schools

Robert TomlinsonMar 28, 20252 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Public Schools has a new superintendent at the helm, and it’s one that’s very familiar with the district already. In a press release Thursday, the district announced that current Interim Superintendent Patrick Breen…

TR DDA breaks ground on new downtown amphitheater

TR DDA breaks ground on new downtown amphitheater

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20255 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Shovels were dug into the ground for the first time this week on a new project in downtown Three Rivers.An official groundbreaking event for a new amphitheater in downtown Three Rivers was held…

Out and About: A generation gone by, pancakes, and things to make you smile

Out and About: A generation gone by, pancakes, and things to make you smile

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20253 min read

It’s funny how fast life goes! I was born in 1944 and when I was growing up, hearing stories of people who were born in the 20s and 30s seemed so foreign and old to me. Now, when younger people…

Sturgis commission approves purchase of weather siren, to replace failed unit

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20253 min read

By Dennis Volkert After extensive discussion on Wednesday, Sturgis City Commission narrowly approved approved a request from the Department of Public Safety for a bid waiver for purchase of a new weather-alert siren, in the amount of $29,200.Andy Strudwick, deputy…

‘A new chapter in the storied history of Glen Oaks’ Newton inaugurated as ninth GOCC president

‘A new chapter in the storied history of Glen Oaks’ Newton inaugurated as ninth GOCC president

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20256 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — After just less than a year on the job, the newest president of Glen Oaks Community College was officially inaugurated into the position.On Friday, March 21, an inauguration ceremony was held for Dr. Bryan…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20253 min read

RECURRING Children’s story time, 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Friday, Sturgis District Library. Additional events at library available at www.sturgis-library.org/events.Sturgis Area Model Railroaders winter hours at Sturgis Historical Museum, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Online: sturgismuseum.org. MARCHMarch 28-29“Little Women,”…

Resident taken to hospital, dog dies in house fire

Resident taken to hospital, dog dies in house fire

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20251 min read

The Surrey Township Fire Department was called out to Half Moon Train in Lake at 5:30 Tuesday morning for a structure fire. On arrival the structure was found to be fully involved. Fire crews made a quick and aggressive interior…

County spends $109k to defend against Ambrozaitis lawsuit

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20255 min read

Clare County officials are committed to transparency and accountability in the management of taxpayer funds. As part of ongoing efforts to provide clarity on the costs associated with the recent “Prosecutor vs. Clare County” lawsuit, filed by then Prosecutor Michelle…

Kunse, Hauck take questions from concerned citizens

Kunse, Hauck take questions from concerned citizens

Editorial StaffMar 28, 20256 min read

By David Hutchinson State Representative Tom Kunse and State Senator Roger Hauck held an “office hour” meeting with the public at Cops & Doughnuts bakery in Clare on March 24. The two statesmen addressed a variety of residents’ questions and…

Ferry drain rebuild is Progressing

Editorial StaffMar 26, 20252 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Douglas efforts to reopen north-south Ferry Street between West Shore Drive and Campbell Road continued apace last week, city manager Lisa Nocerini said. The city hopes to reopen the stretch by Memorial Day weekend if everything…

Palisades specter looms over Series talk

Editorial StaffMar 26, 20254 min read

The 11th annual South Haven Speakers Series will kick off Thursday, April 10, with Max Vanatta discussing “Nuclear Power: Risks and Rewards” on Lake Michigan College’s South Haven Campus starting at 7 p.m. Small modular reactors, says Vanatta, a doctoral…

Douglas eyes timely Ferry reconnect

Editorial StaffMar 26, 20252 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorDouglas efforts to reopen north-south Ferry Street between West Shore Drive and Campbell Road continued apace last week, city manager Lisa Nocerini said.The city hopes to reopen the stretch by Memorial Day weekend if everything goes to plan.Douglas…

Cow Hill Bowl-A-Thon scores $6K for charity

Editorial StaffMar 26, 20251 min read

Cow Hill Yacht Club’s third annual Bowl-A-Thon Feb. 16 at Alley’s in Douglas raised close to $6,000 for 501c3 nonprofit to distribute to area people in need of help for heating and electrical bills, gas money, car repairs, funeral costs,…