News
Mishap causes New Year’s ball drop to occur two hours early
By Tom Renner Figuratively speaking, the new year arrived two hours early in South Haven last Tuesday night.A South Haven tradition in recent years has been that at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve 1,000 beach balls that…
Area village and cities have experienced devastating fires only to rise again
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com Several towns in The Courier-Leader coverage area have experienced downtown fires of one type or another during the past nearly 170 years. The fires destroyed or badly damaged businesses, but following the devastation, the communities rallied,…
City Council approves Overton Development
By James Windell The South Haven City Council approved a proposal for redevelopment of the Overton Property at 229 Elkenburg Street, South Haven.Although plans for developing the property have been mired in controversy because of contamination, the City Council on…
Family takes a frigid dip for Recovery Institute
By Tom Renner There’s nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in Lake Michigan.But in January? When the water temp is 41 degrees and the air 23?For Patrick Kaufmann and his three daughters it was well worth it as they…
Water main breaks in TR near water tower, to be fixed by end of week
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A water main break in Three Rivers near the city’s water tower is expected to be fixed by the end of the week. According to Three Rivers Department of Public Services Director Amy…
McDonough ordered to Sobriety Court, has license revoked after pleading guilty to drunk driving
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — John McDonough was ordered to participate in Sobriety Court and had his driver’s license revoked after pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge in a St. Joseph County courtroom Monday. The former St. Joseph…
‘This is about healing for our community’: Spence sworn in as St. Joseph County sheriff
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director STURGIS — A new chapter was written in the history of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department Thursday evening. Chad Spence was sworn in as the new St. Joseph County sheriff during a first-of-its-kind public ceremony…
Marshall Opportunity High School hosts holiday celebration and awards presentation
Marshall Opportunity High School hosted their annual holiday celebration Wednesday, Dec. 18. Students and guests were treated to a soulful holiday meal prepared by MOHS staff. The cafeteria was decorated by members of the MOHS student council who also helped…
There’s NO place like HOME
By Octavia Crawford Turner Special to The Recorder Mary Kurtz is a successful recording artist and an Internet Influencer. In November, Kurtz came from Georgia where she currently resides to Michigan to introduce and drop her new single called “OKAY.”…
Main Street Hanover: ‘Bombshell’ of a book exchange
By Ken Wyatt It isn’t every town that would close down Main Street traffic in mid-day to please local librarians. Count Hanover among that municipal fraternity. For about half an hour on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 18, students of the Hanover-Horton…
Over a half-dozen Albion establishments open for New Year’s Eve celebrations
The number of choices in Albion for New Year’s Eve celebrations shows that businesses are ready to grow with the city. There were over a half dozen places open to greet the new year. Many business owners and guests shared…
2024 Year in Review: The most notable stories of 2024 in St. Joseph County
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — 2024, like any other year, had its highs and its lows when it came to the top news stories of the year.As we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we take…
Coin dealer Burton’s trial set for February 10 for gambling away customer’s money
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Matthew Joseph Burton, 52, a coin dealer and business owner in Isabella, Clare and Bay Coun-ties, is facing a “settlement conference” January 24 and a trial beginning February 10 in Isabella County for “false pretenses.”The owner of…
2024 – The Year in ‘Review’
Another year is behind us. They seem to go by so fast and we are now beginning 2025. Time for a look back at the year just past. Here are some highlights from the front pages of the Clare County…
Guitar workshop offered at Ransom Library
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Is learning how to play a musical instrument on your list of New Year’s resolutions?If so, then the Ransom District Library just might be the place for you on Mondays beginning Jan. 6.Library director and former…
Goodbye 2024… Hello 2025!
By Cindy Sasser When I think about moving forward into 2025, that old 1968 song by Tommy James & The Shondells plays in my mind…“Look over yonder… what do you seeThe sun is a risin’… most definitelyA new day is comin’……
Man who robbed Plainwell bank pleads guilty
A man who threatened to blow up an Allegan County bank pleaded guilty to armed robbery las week.Police said Paul Donnelly robbed the Plainwell PNC Bank in June by claiming to have a bomb in his bag.The response caused several…
Otsego Library hosts ‘Garfield Glow Games’ event
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Since being created by Jim Davis in the mid-1970s, Garfield the cat has become a household name.Not only did the comic strip that bore his name become the most syndicated strip in the world, but the…
LaFayette police coordinate toy drive to provide gifts for families
By Pamela WhitlowLaFayette Police Department Sergeant Jacob Williams tells a magical Christmas story of how a Christmas Miracle came to LaFayette to serve and bless many kids in the community.One of the many goals of the LaFayette Police Department since…
Bakery that served South Haven for 86 years closes
After 86 years of serving Southwest Michigan, the Golden Brown Bakery turned off its ovens and served the last customers on Saturday, Dec. 28.It marked the end of an era that made the bakery a landmark staple in downtown South…
