News

Chicken-keeping permits available beginning Jan. 13

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20251 min read

The city of Sturgis is accepting permit applications for the keeping of chickens on residential property. Applications are available at city hall, 130 N. Nottawa St., in the community development department. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. Each property must meet…

Music performer guide for ‘Winter Blues’

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20251 min read

“Winter Blues” takes place 5:30-9 p.m. today in downtown Sturgis. The event opens the 2025 festival season. The series is presented by Downtown Development Authority. Tentative lineup of music performers, listed alphabetically by host business:Ascend Computer: Rhonda HarperB&D Travel: Mike & BobDesigns…

Charges dismissed for 2023 Republican fight at Doherty

Charges dismissed for 2023 Republican fight at Doherty

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20253 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Charges against Republican Activist James Chapman of Wayne County, for allegedly kicking Republican Party Chair Mark DeYoung in the groin during an altercation at a State GOP meeting in the Doherty Hotel in July of 2023, have…

Lake couple sentenced for loan fraud scheme over $5 million

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A husband-and-wife team – Gregory Hite and Bridget Bureau, of Lake – were recently sentenced to federal prison for defrauding almost 40 victims of more than $5 million dollars over a four-year period from 2016 to 2020.They…

12-year-old caught in Clare County with dad’s Blazer

Editorial StaffJan 17, 20252 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Charges are pending against a 12-year-old Grant Traverse County youngster, who “took” his father’s mid-sized Blazer, and was apprehended with a gun, ammo and some marijuana early Sunday, July 12th.According to a release from Clare County Sheriff’s…

Suspect arrested in Three Rivers hit-and-run

Robert TomlinsonJan 15, 20251 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Police arrested a person suspected of committing a hit-and-run Wednesday afternoon in Three Rivers. According to the Three Rivers Police Department, police were called at 4:35 p.m. to the intersection of West Michigan…

Coach notches 200 wins and counting

Coach notches 200 wins and counting

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20251 min read

Saugatuck High School recognized girls varsity basketball coach Kevin Tringali, shown flanked by assistants Marlene Capotosto and Brian Graves, for reaching 200 wins in his 14 seasons here Friday, Jan. 10. His Trailblazers raised their record to 7-1 this season…

City walks on eggshells re: chicken ask

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorIf Douglas allows backyard chickens, why not Saugatuck? Resident Sevryn Nowicki is lobbying city council to create a new ordinance to do just that.Keeping a small flock of yardbirds offers benefits, said Nowicki, including:

SPS thespians slate sweet treats

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20251 min read

The Saugatuck Middle School/High School Drama Club will present “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in the school auditorium Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 2 at 5 p.m.Tickets may be bought for…

Church hires pastoral pair

Church hires pastoral pair

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

Douglas Congregational United Church of Christ has offered interim pastors Rev. Jody Betten and Rev. Daniel Plasman joint fulltime pastor duties. Betten has served DUCC since April 2024, taking the congregation through exercises of historic research, present circumstances and future planning…

OPS asks for input in search for new superintendent

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Otsego Public Schools superintendent Jeff Haase recently announced his plans to retire following the conclusion of the current school year, thereby bringing to an end his 11-year tenure with the district.And while Haase will remain on…

Plainwell Community Schools opens new field house

Plainwell Community Schools opens new field house

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20253 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor It was an event that was more than five years in the making.After voters passed a bond in 2019 for its funding, Plainwell Community Schools’ new athletic field house made its debut on Friday, Jan. 10.Featuring…

Otsego High School hosts Winter Guard Field Day

Otsego High School hosts Winter Guard Field Day

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20253 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor For one day, Otsego will be the color guard capital of Michigan.Winter Guard Field Day—featuring 15 color guard teams from throughout the state—will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Otsego High School.The event starts at…

Beyond Bones closes its Allegan store

Beyond Bones closes its Allegan store

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20255 min read

By Gari Voss The Arc of Allegan County Board has announced that its all-natural dog treat business and the storefront known as Beyond Bones will close by February 28, 2025. The business was created in July 2021 to provide employment…

Tech Center celebrates new auto tech building with ribbon cutting ceremony

Tech Center celebrates new auto tech building with ribbon cutting ceremony

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20253 min read

Faculty, students, and the community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the new Allegan Area ESA Tech Center Auto Tech Building on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a $7 million state-of-the-art facility designed…

South Haven Board of Education selects new officers

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

By James Windell With the resignation of long-time School Board President Laura Bos, the South Haven Board of Education selected Shawn Olney as their new President.Other officers chosen by the Board were Claire Bodtke as Vice-President, Doug Ransom as Treasurer…

Lakefront Roofing to buy property from the City

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

By James Windell The South Haven City Council on January 6, 2025 approved Resolution 2025-04 authorizing a purchase development agreement with Lakefront Roofing, LLC.Lakefront Roofing company, now located in Covert, will buy three acres of land from the city in…

Sheriff’s Office investigates series of scams

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that a series of scams are still being at-tempted and occurring in Van Buren County. On Friday, Jan. 10, a victim was contacted at approx-imately 1:48 p.m. by an…

Sheriff’s Office investigates series of scams

Editorial StaffJan 15, 20252 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that a series of scams are still being at-tempted and occurring in Van Buren County. On Friday, Jan. 10, a victim was contacted at approximately 1:48 p.m. by an…