News

CA Dance Team on the move

CA Dance Team on the move

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20241 min read

The Chambers Academy Dance Team has had some exciting things happening this summer. The team has a new home studio to practice in with mirrors and a ballet bar and has been visiting with local dance studios to expand their…

LaFayette Main Street holds inaugural youth pageant

LaFayette Main Street holds inaugural youth pageant

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20244 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Contestants, event staff, families and members of the media gathered in the auditorium of LaFayette High School for the first Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant during the afternoon hours of Saturday, July 13th of 2024.Chambers County Probate…

Memorial Gazebo dedicated at Handy Cemetery

Memorial Gazebo dedicated at Handy Cemetery

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Community leaders and local residents gathered for a dedication of the memorial gazebo and brick walkway of remembrance at Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery on B Street in LaFayette during the afternoon hours of Thursday, July 11th…

Two Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers honored

Two Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers honored

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20242 min read

PAW PAW – On Wednesday, July 10, the 911 Advisory Board recognized two Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers with awards.Dispatcher Alison Dean was recognized with a Commendation/Life Saving Award for her handling of a fire call on May 7,…

Lawrence Public Schools announces new superintendent

Lawrence Public Schools announces new superintendent

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20242 min read

LAWRENCE -The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education has announced the appointment of Ryan Williamson as the new superintendent of schools, effective Aug. 1, 2024.Williamson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of educational leadership to the…

Paw Paw Days 2024 – The Fabulous 50s set for July 26-28

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20243 min read

PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce is putting the finishing touches on Paw Paw Days 2024 – The Fabulous 50s, set for the weekend of July 26-28. The traditional Classic Car & Truck Show and Marketplace…

Lawrence names new director of athletics and dean of students

Lawrence names new director of athletics and dean of students

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20241 min read

LAWRENCE – Lawrence Public Schools has named Noah Wiswary as the district’s new director of athletics and dean of students, according to a press release from the school district.A graduate of Olivet College, Wiswary achieved a bachelor’s degree in criminal…

Contributions accepted at Patronicity for Sturgis downtown lighting project

Contributions accepted at Patronicity for Sturgis downtown lighting project

Dennis VolkertJul 15, 20241 min read

Sturgis “Electric City” lighting project is live at crowdfunding site Patronicity.  Each dollar donated is matched by the state, up to $50,000. The contribution period closes Aug. 12. DDA received approval to use grant funding from Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s…

Disaster assistance now available for those impacted by May tornado, storm

Disaster assistance now available for those impacted by May tornado, storm

Robert TomlinsonJul 14, 20243 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Residents and businesses impacted by the tornado and severe storm event that occurred in early May in St. Joseph County now have federal resources available to them. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA)…

Police investigating death of person at Three Rivers residence

Police investigating death of person at Three Rivers residence

Robert TomlinsonJul 12, 20242 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A person was found deceased behind a residence in Three Rivers Friday. According to the Three Rivers Police Department, officers were called to the 200 block of Middle St. at the intersection of…

Lockport Twp., TR Public Library in process of negotiating library services contract

Lockport Twp., TR Public Library in process of negotiating library services contract

Robert TomlinsonJul 12, 20249 min read

Could showdown be coming between township and library? By Robert TomlinsonNews Director LOCKPORT TWP. — Three years after Park Township ended contract negotiations and declined to send township funds to the Three Rivers Public Library (TRPL), another township is gearing…

Constantine: Sewer spills at force mainoccurred in mid-June; 65k gallons spilled

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

CONSTANTINE — A sewer spill from the force main that send effluent from Constantine to Three Rivers experienced two failures in mid-June, according to the Village of Constantine.The village announced in a release Wednesday that on June 18, the pipeline…

Eishen honored with proclamation fromSturgis City Commission

Eishen honored with proclamation fromSturgis City Commission

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday presented a proclamation to Eric Eishen, in honor of his accomplishments, both professionally and within the community. In part, the proclamation gives an extensive overview of Eishen’s contributions, and states the commission thanks…

Resurfacing project begins at Augspurger CourtsSturgis Public Schools receives $34K USTA grant toward cost

Resurfacing project begins at Augspurger CourtsSturgis Public Schools receives $34K USTA grant toward cost

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

Resurfacing of Augspurger Tennis Courts is underway in Sturgis.The resurfacing process started this week, with preparation that included pressure-washing. Next phase is acrylic, paint and lining. After that, about 48 hours are required to dry and cure before the surface…

“MI Art Fest” takes place today in downtown Sturgis. 

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20241 min read

A variety of attractions are featured at various locations.  Here’s a roundup of a few of the highlights. 

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

Coming events Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area. Through July 26“Youth Community Art Show,” Open Door Gallery. Submission deadline July 9.Through July 29Adult summer reading, Sturgis District Library.Through July 31“Meet Up and Eat Up,” Sturgis District Library book give-away,…

Tornado does much damage in Lake George area

Tornado does much damage in Lake George area

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins A confirmed EF1 tornado (winds up to 95 mph) struck Clare County near Lake George, cutting a 10 mile path down Mannsiding and Old State Roads from the Lake George area to Townline Lake area just before…

Some tornado sirens fail, here’s why

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins The EF1 tornado that struck just southeast of Lake George this past Friday somehow took the path of least resistance and missed almost all man-made structures. This could have been far worse, as its path just a…

Falmouth’s annual fireworks spectacular dazzles

Falmouth’s annual fireworks spectacular dazzles

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins The community of Falmouth might be easy to dismiss as it is small in area and without any stoplights, but its heart is as big as New York as the community comes together on July 4 to…

Middle Branch approves tree removal at both cemeteries

Middle Branch approves tree removal at both cemeteries

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins At the recommendation of Eric Abbey, the Sexton (Manager) of the Middle Branch Township Cemeteries, the Board of Trustees approved to have several large, dead trees culled before they cause damage to the headstones/markers or to a…