News
Independence Day celebrations bring patriotism, family fun to local area
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — The 249th birthday celebrations for the United States were very much well-attended in a number of local municipalities.On July 4, three local communities held celebrations for Independence Day that brough crowds from all around…
Sturgis Fest: Chamber director reflects on week, looks ahead to ’26
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Fest 2025 wrapped June 28.It was the festival’s 13th year.As a recap and look-ahead, Kari Hatt, executive director at Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, took part in a Q&A with Sturgis Sentinel, to reflect on this…
Congress School receives recognition on ‘inclusive playgrounds’ list
Congress School in Sturgis was named to Soliant Health’s “10 Best Inclusive School Playgrounds in America.”Congress School is one of six elementary schools in Sturgis to receive an inclusive playground, with help from a community-supported bond passed in 2019.Each playground…
Commission approves special assessment, payment plan for sidewalk repair and replacement
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday held two public hearings in connection with sidewalk projects. The first hearing was to consider a special assessment district to repair sidewalks in conjunction with “small urban street improvement” along Vinewood Avenue and East…
New assistant prosecutor hired by county
CENTREVILLE — St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis announced in a press release Monday the hiring of Angelique Camfield as a new assistant prosecutor with the prosecutor’s office, giving the office near-full staffing levels.Camfield has experience in both private practice…
Multiple illegal drugs, firearm recovered in arrest at TR hotel
THREE RIVERS — A suspect was arrested at a Three Rivers hotel Wednesday, with multiple illegal drugs and a firearm seized.According to Michigan State Police’s Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET), police arrested an individual at the Super 8 Hotel in Three…
Red Cross on site helping fire victims
The American Red Cross is working with local officials and community partners to help meet the immediate needs of 25 people displaced by a fire at the Wagon Wheel Motel on Saturday in Harrison. The shelter at Hayes Township Hall…
Fire at Wagon Wheel motel leaves 26 homeless
By Genine Hopkins A devastating fire at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Hayes Township on July 5, 2025, left 20 people and 6 children homeless but had only one serious injury, the owner, who was burned on their hands and…
Horse Progress Days celebrates another great year at the Yoder farm
By Christopher Johnson If you stuck around town this Fourth of July weekend, you may have noticed Colonville Road had transformed into something of a rural autobahn—buzzing with both motorized traffic and horse-drawn rigs, all headed in the same direction.That’s…
July 4 rain ends in reign of flame
Rain and lightning reigned on the planned Friday, Fourth of July morning parade though Saugatuck, causing its cancelation to the disappointment of Saugatuck-Douglas Area Convention & Visitors Bureau sponsors, volunteers, participants and spectators. Among those showing up were colorfully-dressed Saugatuck-Douglas…
Lyrics on the Lawn returns to Otsego Library in August
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Since making its debut more than a decade ago, the Lyrics on the Lawn concert series has become a summer tradition at Otsego District Public Library.And this year is no different.Lyrics on the Lawn is back…
City of Otsego adds another internet option
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor City of Otsego residents will soon have another option when it comes to internet service.On Monday, July 14, Surf Internet will begin install fiber internet throughout the majority of the City.A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to…
Otsego updates chicken ordinance
By Aaron MitchellOtsego City Manager Since last March, the City of Otsego has been discussing the possibility of allowing residential property owners to own chickens for the provision of eggs.To kick things off, we had a few residents come to…
Mayor and city council candidates will appear at forum
James Windell One thing is certain about South Haven Mayor Annie Brown, who was elected in 2023. She loves her job as mayor.“I love being mayor,” she says. “I love the people. And I like politics – because politics means…
Garden Walk scheduled for July 12
By James Windell The South Haven Garden Club wants to lead you down the garden path. But that’s a good thing.You can walk down the garden path on July 12, 2025 for the 27th Annual Garden Walk. The themed trip…
Wanted fugitive taken into custody after pipe bomb standoff
On Monday, July 7, Morgan Scott Parish, 58, was arraigned in 7th District Court, Paw Paw, before Honorable Judge McKay. Parish was formally charged with 18 criminal counts, including terrorism, multiple counts of assault with intent to murder, explosive-related offenses, and assaulting/resisting…
Lawton’s Summerfest to make return July 12
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWTON – Following a year’s absence due to downtown road construction and improvements, the Lawton Summerfest will return July 12, according to event organizers.Highlights of the day will include a parade and fireworks at dusk.From 2…
70th annual Van Buren Youth Fair set for July 14-19
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com HARTFORD – A free grandstand with paid gate admission returns for a second year at the 70th annual Van Buren Youth Fair, which will get underway July 14-19, for its weeklong run.Nightly grandstand features include:Monday, July…
Boss to face second-degree murder charges
A 56-year-old man is facing multiple felonies, including second-degree murder, after hitting and killing a baby with his truck.Terry Lee Boss was arraigned Thursday on charges of Second-Degree Murder, Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death and Reckless Driving Causing Death in…
Multiple illegal drugs, firearm recovered in arrest at TR hotel
THREE RIVERS — A suspect was arrested at a Three Rivers hotel Wednesday, with multiple illegal drugs and a firearm seized. According to Michigan State Police’s Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET), police arrested an individual at the Super 8 Hotel in…
