News

Threats against Lanett Schools debunked as false alarm

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent In the wake of a terrifying school shooting that occurred in Winder, Georgia earlier this month there has been serious concern and anxiety amongst students, families, faculty, school administrators and the community at large across the nation…

PPPS Superintendent accepts a position with nearby district

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20242 min read

PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Public Schools Board of Education announced Monday, Sept. 16, that Superintendent Rick Reo has accepted another position as superintendent of Bloomingdale Public Schools.“We are grateful to Rick for his leadership and the contributions he…

First responders, students remember Patriot Day

First responders, students remember Patriot Day

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20241 min read

To commemorate Patriot Day and honor the lives of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, a tribute was held at the Paw Paw Elementary Campus flagpole Wednesday morning, Sept. 11. Principals Jeremy Davison and Leah Barnes led the ceremony and…

Man faces assault with intent to murder charge

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer BLOOMINGDALE TWP. A 49-year-old Gobles/Bloomingdale area man faces a charge of assault with intent to murder, following a domestic violence incident with his wife, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.Van…

Four campers go up in smoke in Mattawan

Four campers go up in smoke in Mattawan

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20241 min read

The Mattawan Fire District responded to an early Sunday morning, Sept. 15, call to County Road 652, in Antwerp Township. Responding to the scene at approximately 5:28 a.m., firefighters found four camper trailers and a box truck engulfed in flames.…

On the road again

On the road again

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20241 min read

Saturday’s 13th annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride proved tasty for close to 600 bicyclists taking backroads between Saugatuck-Douglas and South Haven. It did too for Friends of the Blue Star Trail, who raised close to $40,000 for their cause See inside.

Getting there’s half the fun

Getting there’s half the fun

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20241 min read

… and on the lakeshore, we take outdoor trails to do so. This week, let’s take a harvest peek. (Photos by Scott Sullivan)

OHS students improve leadership skills at Rotary camp

OHS students improve leadership skills at Rotary camp

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20242 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Relaxing. Hanging out with friends. Working to make some money.These are among the activities in which high school students traditionally engage during the summer months.For a group of four Otsego High School upperclassmen, part of this…

Elementary XC City Championship

Elementary XC City Championship

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor When Otsego High School cross country coach Steve Long began the elementary cross country program in the district two years ago, he did so with a certain goal in mind.“I think initially starting this program was…

OPS, PCS comment on safety concerns at schools

OPS, PCS comment on safety concerns at schools

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor During the past week, officials from Otsego Public Schools and Plainwell Community Schools emailed a letter to parents/guardians of students in their respective districts.Both revolved around issues involving school safety.The letter from Plainwell officials went out…

Scouts remember 9-11 at Veterans Memorial

Scouts remember 9-11 at Veterans Memorial

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20241 min read

Allegan Cub Scout Pack 3026 hosted a Scout Salute in memory of those lost on 9-11-2001. Members of Pack 3026, Scouts BSA Troop 91 and Troop 191, and Girl Scout Troop 80024 participated in the event at the Allegan Veterans…

Judge: Lubbers’ Name Ok to Appear on November 5 Ballot

Judge: Lubbers’ Name Ok to Appear on November 5 Ballot

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20242 min read

By Rita Williams A Kent County Judge has denied a challenger’s attempt to keep an Allegan County Board of Commissioner Candidate from appearing on the ballot.On September 13, 2024, Judge George Quist denied Democratic Challenger Christi Allen’s request to prevent…

Substitute teacher violently threatened students, triggered shelter in place

Editorial StaffSep 18, 20242 min read

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher A shelter in place order was issued at South Haven’s Baseline Middle School on Tuesday, September 10th, following unsettling comments made by a substitute teacher.According to the mother of one of the students in class that…

TR school board president addresses school threats, district response

TR school board president addresses school threats, district response

Robert TomlinsonSep 17, 20247 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Following two days last week where classes were cancelled due to anonymous threats against schools in Three Rivers, the district’s school board president Monday praised the work done by administrators and police to…

Exchange Club mum sale continues in Sturgis

Exchange Club mum sale continues in Sturgis

Dennis VolkertSep 13, 20241 min read

The fall mum sale, presented by Exchange Club of Sturgis, continues through 6 p.m. Sept. 13 and 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 14, or until supply is depleted.  All proceeds benefit local community services.  Site is 306 W. Chicago Road, at southeast…

TR schools close again Friday due to second online threat

Robert TomlinsonSep 13, 20242 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — For the second straight day this week, Three Rivers Community Schools was closed due to anonymous online threats against the district. On Thursday night, just one day after a threat over Snapchat closed…

9/11 Memorial at Cascades Falls

9/11 Memorial at Cascades Falls

Editorial StaffSep 13, 20243 min read

On the evening of Sept. 11, Cascade Falls in Jackson, Michigan, provided a solemn backdrop for a memorial honoring the victims and first responders of the 9/11 attacks. Organized by the Jackson, MI Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the event brought…

County Fair begins this weekend in Centreville

County Fair begins this weekend in Centreville

Editorial StaffSep 13, 20246 min read

CENTREVILLE — The biggest event in St. Joseph County in 2024 will be getting underway this weekend.The 2024 St. Joseph County Grange Fair will take place from Sept. 15-22 this year, one of the first times ever the fair will…

Progress continues for downtown lighting project

Progress continues for downtown lighting project

Editorial StaffSep 13, 20242 min read

By Dennis Volkert Work continued this week for the downtown Sturgis lighting project and related elements. Placement of lights on buildings began shortly after Labor Day, with workers using two lifts, making their way along U.S. 12. Additional features connected…