News

Contractor error at lift station causes sewage spill at TR lift station

Robert TomlinsonNov 2, 20242 min read

10k gallons leaked into storm sewer, no sewage leak into river By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A sewage spill occurred at a Three Rivers lift station Friday, this time due to an error by a contractor. According to…

Lawsuit filed against Ox Paperboard for alleged PFAS contamination in White Pigeon [UPDATED]

Lawsuit filed against Ox Paperboard for alleged PFAS contamination in White Pigeon [UPDATED]

Robert TomlinsonNov 1, 20247 min read

Updated 9:21 a.m. Nov. 4, 2024 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director WHITE PIGEON — A local paper mill has been sued by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for allegedly discharging PFAS-contaminated wastewater into the White Pigeon River. The lawsuit, filed Friday…

What is on the ballot in St. Joseph County in the November election?

What is on the ballot in St. Joseph County in the November election?

Robert TomlinsonNov 1, 202423 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director This article has been updated with the new voting location for Constantine Township. The Commercial-News apologizes for the error. ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — The November election in St. Joseph County is coming up in just a…

Group stages protest in Brittany Shank case

Group stages protest in Brittany Shank case

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20243 min read

By Rick CordesC-N correspondent CENTREVILLE — Supporters of a proposal to have the Michigan State Police take over the investigation into the 2018 disappearance of Brittany Wallace Shank gathered in Centreville Saturday afternoon, Oct. 26 to voice their concerns about…

Constantine schools operating millage, White Pigeon school bond on November ballot

Constantine schools operating millage, White Pigeon school bond on November ballot

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20248 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Two local school districts will be seeking funding proposals that look to have minimal impacts on residents’ taxes on the Nov. 5 ballot.White Pigeon Community Schools will be seeking a bond proposal…

DAR and LOPA donate to veteran’s relief

DAR and LOPA donate to veteran’s relief

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20242 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Clare County Veteran’s Services were recently the recipients of $1,650 donated by members of the Michilimacinac Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and with the “very generous support” of the Lake of The Pines…

Last chance to vote Tuesday!

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20244 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent After months of political wrangling on TV with commercials beyond count and signs and banners everywhere, all between candidates on the ballot November 5th, the big day is nearly here – only four days away in case…

South Haven Writer Experiences a Renaissance

South Haven Writer Experiences a Renaissance

Editorial StaffOct 31, 20244 min read

By James Windell Johanna Nauraine is enjoying her writing success lately. “This period of my life is my personal renaissance,” she commented recently during an interview in her South Haven apartment. “I was just notified that my short fiction horror…

Neidlinger is SPS super- pick

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Mark Neidlinger will succeed Tim Travis seven years ago stepping from Middle/High School principal to superintendent of Saugatuck Public Schools. The school board picked Neidlinger Oct. 22, on heels of a public interview, to succeed Travis,…

Bond ask won’t mean new taxes, mayor says

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20244 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Douglas Mayor Cathy North issued a statement Oct. 24 emphasizing city council’s proposed $4-million bond request to renovate 415 Wiley Road into a city hall/police station will not require new taxes for residents and businesses. The…

Bulldogs treated to new locker room

Bulldogs treated to new locker room

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

The LaFayette Bulldogs were treated to a surprise a few weeks ago.The players were brought out to the fieldhouse with their eyes closed and Head Coach Juan Williams revealed a totally new renovated locker room with flashing lights and music…

Plans for new quarry in Cusseta spark outrage

Plans for new quarry in Cusseta spark outrage

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondentNews of plans to construct a new rock quarry in the portion of Cusseta located in Chambers County spread on social media this past week, leaving many local residents shocked and upset. According to the description on a…

LaFayette City Council approves smoke alarm program, other contracts

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20245 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, October 28th of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman David…

Face of America

Face of America

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

… as seen in Rado Kirov’s reflective sculpture “Pyramid” outside the Douglas Police Station on Center Street. The predominant yellow of fall leaves and silver of the sculpture surface have been color-inverted here. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)

Transformed

Transformed

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

Downtown Douglas’s Center Street was transformed Sautrday night for Hystopolis Productions’s annual Adult Walking Halloween Parade. The event yearly draws more than 10,000 viewers and costumed participants, and follows afternoon fun including a downtown Saugatuck Family Parade. This photo is…

City council races are highlights here

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20245 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorSaugatuck and Douglas voters have choices for city councils Tuesday, Nov. 5.In Saugatuck, incumbents Helen Baldwin, Scott Dean, Gregory Muncey and Lauren Stanton face challenges from Joe Leonatti, Chris Peterson and Sherry Tedaldi for four open two-year seatsIn…

Regional Champions!

Regional Champions!

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

The Otsego girls cross country team has established itself as one of the premier programs in the state of Michigan, as evidenced by the Division 2 state championships the Bulldogs earned in 2015, 2016 and 2022.This year has been no…

Plainwell marching band heads to MCBA State Finals

Plainwell marching band heads to MCBA State Finals

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Michigan Competing Band Association will host its State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit.And for the fourth straight year, the Plainwell High School marching band will be included in the festivities.PHS…

Hodge named FSU Distinguished Alumnus

Hodge named FSU Distinguished Alumnus

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20242 min read

The Ferris State University Distinguished Alumni Award is bestowed on individuals who demonstrate leadership and service to their profession, community, service organizations and alma mater. One of four chosen for this honor this year is Allegan’s own, Dr. Paul Hodge.Dr.…

Johnson one of ten outstanding Young Americans

Johnson one of ten outstanding Young Americans

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20242 min read

On Sept 14th, at the JCI USA Annual Meeting in Cleveland Ohio, Landria Johnson was the recipient of a Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award. This is a highly prestigious award given to ten individuals between the ages of 18-40 by…