News

Developer to potentially buy 15 acres in Clare Industrial Park No. 3

Editorial StaffDec 20, 20244 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Clare is growing again. Thanks to the generosity a couple of years ago from Steve Letherer of Letherer Truss.At Monday’s meeting the City Commissioners voted to approve a Purchase and Sales Agreement with Scannell Properties, a real…

Sand slide

Sand slide

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

Looked like a green Christmas for Saugatuck’s Oval Beach and surrounding environs last week, but weather forecasters were anything but unanimous. Whatever the elements bring, here’s a wish days and nights will be bright for us all. (Photo by Scott…

Douglas OKs $285K start of Ferry fix

Douglas OKs $285K start of Ferry fix

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorDouglas City Council Monday approved spending $285,337 for water main, sewer and surface restoration on now-closed Ferry Street.That will cover Douglas’s sole responsibility in the two-pronged project to reopen the key north-south link to homes and tourist attraction…

Lucas receives Plainwell Educator of the Year Award

Lucas receives Plainwell Educator of the Year Award

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20245 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor When Linnea Lucas took an introduction to psychology class as part of her general education requirements during her first semester of college, something clicked.“I loved tapping into the minds and hearts of people to help bring…

OPS superintendent Haase announces plan to retire

OPS superintendent Haase announces plan to retire

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20246 min read

Jeffery Haase’s tenure as Otsego Public Schools superintendent will come to an end at the conclusion of the current school year.Haase, who came to OPS in July 2014, recently announced his plan to retire. His final day on the job…

Help L.E. Whitebring “Pawsitive Change” with a facility dog

Help L.E. Whitebring “Pawsitive Change” with a facility dog

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20243 min read

By Laura Feffer& Gari Voss The Student Council and students are asking the Allegan Community for their assistance in bringing about a “Pawsitive Change” to L.E. White Middle School. The change will begin with bringing a support dog from Paws…

Dorr man who injured deputy sentenced to 19 to 40 years

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

 A man who seriously injured an Allegan County deputy who was trying to arrest him will spend years in prison.Christopher Gerou, 37, of Dorr, was sentenced last Tuesday to 19 to 40 years in prison, with credit for some 400…

Snow, or no snow, holiday break offers opportunities

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20245 min read

By Gari Voss Christmas is just around the corner. Even before the gifts are opened and parents are trying to get the last minute tasks completed, and definitely after the gifts are opened, the Christmas meals are consumed, and the…

Greater valley communities enjoy 109-float Christmas parade

Greater valley communities enjoy 109-float Christmas parade

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

The Greater Valley Annual Christmas Parade weaved its way through West Point, Lanett and Valley last Thursday. A total of 109 floats, as well as many first responder vehicles, high school bands, etc, were watched by hundreds who lined the…

Valley Haven school bus crash victim mourned by community

Valley Haven school bus crash victim mourned by community

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent News of two fatalities and several injured passengers resulting from a traffic accident this past week involving multiple vehicles which included a Valley Haven school bus caused shock and grief in the local community. In the aftermath…

Council puts off discussion on 2nd St bridge, provides workers premium pay

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, December 16th of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman David…

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director sums up the year

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director sums up the year

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20244 min read

James Windell If you ask Kathy Wagaman about the business climate in South Haven, be prepared for an enthusiastic and ebullient assessment of the health of the area.“We saw excellent growth in the number of businesses,” Wagaman, Executive Director of…

Free holiday concert set for Dec. 22

Free holiday concert set for Dec. 22

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20243 min read

James Windell Vox GR, a nationally recognized choral ensemble, will perform a Christmas concert at Peace Lutheran Church in South Haven on Sunday December 22, 2024.Presented by the South Haven Performance Series, the free concert will bring together an award-winning…

Kevin Schooley honored with proclamation

Kevin Schooley honored with proclamation

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20243 min read

James Windell Kevin Schooley, who will soon retire as South Haven School Superintendent, was hon-ored with a Proclamation at the December 11, 2024, Board of Education Meeting.The Proclamation from the Michigan Legislature was signed by Aric Nesbitt, who repre-sents Michigan’s…

Paw Paw Rotary’s Santa Run attracts more than 175

Paw Paw Rotary’s Santa Run attracts more than 175

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

More than 175 runners took part in the Santa Run held Saturday morning, Dec. 14 in Paw Paw. The untimed race began at Freshwater Community Church and made its way through downtown Paw Paw, before returning to the church. The…

Fleenor receives positive marks from Mattawan BOE

Fleenor receives positive marks from Mattawan BOE

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Board of Education conducted its annual evaluation of Super-intendent Randy Fleenor during its December meeting and issued a rating of “effective”. The board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Fleenor for his dedication to the staff,…

Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners

Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey was honored by his fellow commissioners, Tuesday Dec. 10, for his lifelong commitment to education, community service, and leadership.Godfrey, who did not seek reelection to another term…

Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents

Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, through the support of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lawton, Lawton Community Schools, New Community Church, Lawton, Lawton area businesses, family and friends, the groups were able to provide for 67 families and 148 Angels. In…

Mattawan Consolidated School receives grant money through Filter First program

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Consolidated Scholl District has been awarded approximate-ly $180,000 in grant monies through the Filter First program. The FFP in Michigan is designed to ensure clean and safe drinking water for children in schools and childcare centers.…

Holiday celebrations held in Constantine, Centreville

Holiday celebrations held in Constantine, Centreville

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20244 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — The holiday season was in full swing last weekend in two local communities, with a pair of celebrations taking place on the same evening.Constantine and Centreville held their annual holiday celebrations on the evening…