News

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor  The annual Winter Concert Series at Ransom Library has become a favorite for library staff members and patrons alike.This year’s event kicks off on Sunday, Feb. 16, with the band The Rebel Eves. MexiCuba and Kanola…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor February is synonymous with Valentine’s Day, and Valentine’s Day is synonymous with chocolate.That’s what makes the Chocolate Stroll in downtown Plainwell such a fitting event.Scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the…

By Gari Voss The air was crisp, and the precipitation magically stopped for the 8pm opening of New Year’s Eve 2025. Revelers began arriving early in anticipation of good food, music, and ice skating. Yup, the ice skating rink had…

By Sgt. Blair Kacos & G. Voss The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office announced the donation of body armor for two of Allegan County’s finest – K9s Zadok and Kyro.“Kyro and Zadok will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to…

By John BriceCorrespondent Multiple Facebook posts this past week from employees at Piggly Wiggly in Lanett reporting that the supermarket will be closing at the end of January caused an outpouring of grief and frustration among local residents.One employee at…

Sixty arrested on 145 chargesFrom 10/1/2024 – 12/31/2024 Agents of the Chambers County Drug Task Force/ Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, Chambers County Multi-Jurisdictional SWAT Team, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, Valley Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, and the Lanett Police…

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PORTER TWP. – A 64-year-old Lawton man, involved in a traffic crash Friday night, Jan. 3, in Porter Township, left the scene of the crash on foot, sought out help, then became lost while walking in…

On Dec. 30, shortly before noon, the Paw Paw Fire Department responded to a structure fire in Almena Township on County Road 653. Paw Paw Fire Chief Kyle Richardson said the fire began in the attached garage, then quickly began…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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.”…

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…

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…

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…