News
A second Strategic Economic Development listening session held
By James Windell The second Strategic Economic Development listening session was held in the South Haven City Hall on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.The goal of the second session, according to economic development consultant Jim Hettinger, was to hear more from…
Zoning Board of Appeals elects new officers, approves zoning
By James Windell When the South Haven Zoning Board of Appeals met on Monday, August 25, 2025, there were three new members present.Newly appointed members included Don Bemis, Amy Nichols, Brandi Coulombe, and alternate Lisa Krupiarz.With regular meetings in the…
Wine & Harvest Festival features grape stomping, arts and crafts, free music and more
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival’s three-day event, Friday, Sept. 5, through Sunday, Sept. 7, offers something for everyone, from grape stomping to arts and crafts, free music and more. Friday, Sept. 59…
Paw Paw Schools bans cellphones in classrooms
PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Public Schools’ “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative was launched at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year in response to the Surgeon General’s report that warned of the dangers of social media.Concerned about the negative…
Weapon found in vehicle during routine sweep of parking lot at VB Tech
LAWRENCE – A weapon was found Thursday, August 28, in a vehicle during a routine sweep of the parking lot at the Van Buren Tech, Lawrence, according to Van Buren Intermediate School District Superintendent David Manson.In a release to Van…
Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt
BY JASON WESSELDYKSPORTS EDITOR OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at…
Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified
Sturgis City Commission held a closed session Aug. 27 to discuss union negotiations in connection with the city’s fire department. Commissioners ratified the contract as presented. City manager Andrew Kuk said the agreement is “fair and mutually beneficial.” “We were…
Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Music, food and fun will be on the docket this coming weekend, as HarmonyFest will return to downtown Three Rivers Sunday, Aug. 31. The annual all-day music festival in downtown Three Rivers features…
Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL
By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer Things could have gone south for Vandercook Lake High School athlete Dallas Swaenepoel. At three years old, his parents lost custody of him, and his grandparents were deemed too old by a Florida judge. Vandercook…
Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Albion resident Dymond Stokes represented Calhoun County in the Miss Michigan USA pageant recently in Port Huron. The winner was Norton Shores native Michele Lewandoski. Stokes finished in the top 12 contestants. She was disappointed…
A day of extraordinary performances
The Nuance wins Walk the Beat Albion 2025; The War and Treaty claim victory over a downpour at WTB After party By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZContributing Writer The Nunance, an energetic rock band, won Walk the Beat Albion 2025. They along with…
Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 39th annual Civil War Muster, returned to Jackson on Aug. 23-24, at Cascades Park and surrounding areas. This year’s muster also marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, according to…
The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer The War and Treaty endured a downpour at Walk the Beat Albion after party, Aug. 23, and yet nothing could dampen their spirits. Their homecoming was an expression of their love for the people of…
Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…
TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…
Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project
On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…
Rate plan approved for city utilities
Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…
Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include:
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park. AUGUSTAug. 29No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend). SEPTEMBERSept. 1No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend).Sturgis Township Board of Trustees…
