News
Local production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ does not disappoint
A Review By Aaron Riddle Special to the Morning Star Attending Jesus Christ Superstar was my first experience with the recently renovated Michigan Theater of Jackson. It did not disappoint. This historic structure once again shines as the beacon of…
Public helps ID hit and run suspect; Albion man arraigned on felony charges
By KARA DECHALK Contributing Writer Chad Blair, a 39-year-old Albion man has been arraigned on one count of failure to stop at a scene of a serious personal injury accident and one count of lying to a peace officer. Both…
Albion development project funded through state program
LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced in a press release two redevelopment projects have received support from the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, which will see the rehabilitation of vacant buildings in Albion and Hillsdale to create…
Norton Elementary slated to lose 4th, 5th grade as part of TR schools ‘restructure’
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Fourth and fifth grade classes at Norton Elementary are slated to be eliminated and moved to a different school as part of a “restructure” of Three Rivers Community Schools’ elementary placements that were…
Tornado confirmed near Sturgis during March 30 storm
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director STURGIS — The National Weather Service last week confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down near Sturgis during the severe storms that occurred on Sunday, March 30.The tornado, according to NWS data, had estimated peak winds…
Contingency OK’d for Franks Avenue project
At its meeting March 26, Sturgis City Commission approved a supplemental contingency bridge of $20,00 for the North Franks Avenue reconstruction project.Commissioner Marvin Smith cast the lone “no” vote.During approval of the N. Franks Avenue Reconstruction project on Feb. 14,…
New budget for courthouse renovation approved in close vote
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — A new budget for the renovation of the St. Joseph County courts building in Centreville was narrowly approved 4-3 by county commissioners Tuesday.The new budget, referred to as the design development budget for the…
Surrey fire truck t-boned by vehicle, one severely injured
On Sunday, April 13th, a Surrey Township Fire Truck, with two firemen on board, was involved in an accident on 115 while looking for a reported grass fire. As the truck was turning into a driveway, they were t-boned by…
Harrison man arrested, held rifle to girl’s head
On Friday, April 11, 2025 at 8:24 p.m., Deputies with the Clare County Sheriff Office were dispatched to an address on North Athey Rd in Hamilton Township, Clare County for an assault involving a firearm that had occurred. During the…
By Christopher Johnson
One of Clare’s latest metalworks, “Joe Galaxy” by Roger King (Midland)As the temperature heats up finally, the city of Clare is poised for a busy and exciting month ahead. With high school and college graduations on the calendar, as well…
Hydrant flushing starts next week
It’s spring hydrant flushing time for Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority customers. Work will start Monday, April 21 and continue weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. till complete. Additional flushing may take place the week of April 28 if…
Work brings more water to Riverside
By Scott Sullivan Editor Bringing water to Saugatuck Township’s Riverside Drive isn’t like taking coals to Newcastle. Homes along it and connecting Dugout Road have relied for nearly 100 years on a 2-inch water line patched together out of galvanized…
Old airport land has new name
By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck’s old airport land has a new name: Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve. City council Monday agreed to its Parks & Public Works Committee top recommendation, chosen from recommendations made by 98 respondents to a March 11-25…
Douglas Easter festivities return Satuday
By Scott Sullivan Editor Traditional Easter festivities will return to Douglas this Saturday, April 19. Fun will include a bonnet contest, parade and egg hunt in the downtown area. The combined events will be held from 1 to 3 p.m.…
Missing woman found dead in river
By Scott Sullivan Editor A Saugatuck Township woman was found dead in the Kalamazoo River Friday morning after being reported missing the day before near her home. Nancy Eichler-O’Connell, 67, was last seen living Thursday afternoon at her secluded home…
Gas outage leaves thousands in the cold
By Scott SullivanEditorThe heat is on again for some 5,200 local homes and businesses after a natural gas line was ruptured April 9 southeast of Fennville.Michigan Gas Utilities, which owns the line, and TC Energy, which operates it, were joined…
Firefighters rescue woman from house fire in Otsego
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 8, the Otsego Fire Department and other local agencies responded to a fire at a home in the 200 block of S. Grant St. in Otsego.According to Otsego Director of…
Plainwell plans third annual Spring Soiree on April 26
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Spring is officially here.And in the City of Plainwell, that means it’s time once again for the Spring Soiree.Now in its third year, the Spring Soiree will take place in downtown Plainwell beginning at 10 a.m.…
Construction project begins on M-89 between Plainwell and Martin
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Motorists travelling on US-131 between Plainwell and Martin should plan for backups and delays for the next several weeks.On Monday, April 14, the Michigan Department of Transportation began a $1.4-million construction project on the four-mile stretch…
Hart to be honored during Arbor Day Celebration at Ransom Library
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor On Friday, April 25, Ransom District Library, in partnership with the City of Plainwell, will celebrate “the beauty and importance of trees” with an Arbor Day ceremony beginning at 3 p.m.In addition to the City handing…
