News
Community reacts to shootings in Valley leading to six arrests
By John BriceCorrespondent Arrests made by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office of six suspects involved in drive-by shootings across Chambers and Lee counties were announced in a press release on Monday, June 17th of 2024. In a post to the…
Juneteenth celebrated with block party in LaFayette
LaFayette hosted its 1st annual Juneteenth block party celebration. The celebration was hosted on the National Holiday Juneteenth Day on Wednesday June 19th. The day started out in downtown LaFayette behind Krave Korner restaurant. The DJ was on the ones…
Sturgis superintendent Ebert receives contract extension
The contract for Art Ebert, superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools, has been extended through June 30, 2028. The board of education approved the measure June 24. According to documents provided to the board, Ebert’s compensation for 2024-25 is $178,500. For…
Road Comm. in progress of developing Safety Action Plan for roads; public input requested
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — The St. Joseph County Road Commission is looking to make streets in the county safer for the future. The agency is currently working on what is called a Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan (CTSAP),…
City shoots down Brownfield redevelopment plan for Coolidge housing development
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A proposed housing development that was controversial among those who lived near the area it would go in seemingly hit a dead-end Tuesday. In a 3-2 vote, the Three Rivers City Commission voted…
‘Another successful year’ for Water Festival in 2024
New events, high participation highlight festival; parade postponement, wrestling show cancellation explained By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Another Water Festival is in the books in Three Rivers, and another one that was deemed by organizers to be a…
Schultz, VanMeter honored as Citizens of the YearKeynote speaker Tremblay gives overview of the life and career of Walt Disney
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Fest kick-off dinner was held Tuesday at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.Mary Kay Schultz and Doug VanMeter received their plaque and statuette as 2024 Citizens of the Year. Each gave a brief thank-you speech. State Sen.…
Family Night a huge success at Sturgis Fest
Story and photos byDennis Volkert Scenes from “Family Night” at Sturgis Fest, held Wednesday at Sturgis High School.The popular annual attraction featured carnival rides, train rides, tricycle races, bounce-house and water games.A signature feature is the vintage baseball game, Sturgis…
Grant Township Hall and parking lot projects are completed
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent At the regular meeting June 11, the Grant Township Board approved the close out payment of $192,783.44 to MDL Construction of Bay City for the parking lot project at the township hall. The total parking lot project…
Windover Lake vacationers donate AED for emergencies
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A family from Salt Lake City, Utah that has vacationed at a family cabin on Windover Lake for many generations, are giving back to others around the lake.The Rob Benda family has donated an AED (Automatic External…
Another successful year for Marion Fair
Story and Photosby Steve Landon All the key elements needed to have a perfect hometown fair, great weather, a nice midway, grandstand entertainment and the all important livestock shows and competitions came together last week for the 2024 edition of…
Sturgis superintendent Ebert rated ‘highly effective’
Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on Monday presented superintendent Art Ebert with a “highly effective” rating on his year-end performance appraisal, during a closed session. The board used School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System, a research-based tool that measures 31…
Township eyes phased-in campground plan
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR California-based Autocamp has scaled back plans from 112 total to 76 phase-one campsites on 29.24 acres 34.61 Blue Star Hwy. because “stuff” happens — specifically, need to dispose of sewage. The Saugatuck Township Board June 12…
Township hires Viridis for park design
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The Saugatuck Township Board June 12 hired Viridis Design Group for $10,500 to prepare a final landscape design for now-undeveloped 7.5-acre Amalanchier Park next to Riverside Cemetery at 3461 Clearbrook Drive. It will be incorporated into…
SHS junior is swift photo Study
Saugatuck High School junior Leilani Schoonmaker’s journey through a lens crescendoed — so far, at least — with National Scholastic Art Awards Gold Medal recognition. Her black-and-white photo of the 2023 Portage Cross Country Invitational start made Schoonmaker SHS art…
Douglas hires Tien as Treasurer
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Douglas has hired former Allegan County elections coordinator and Plainwell city payroll administrator Jennifer Tien new city treasurer for $74,000 a year plus benefits. City council approved the move at its Monday meeting. Tien will start…
Brandess marks 30 years Saturday
Artist James Brandess will celebrate 30 years in his James Brandess Studios & Gallery, 238 Butler St., downtown Saugatuck, this Saturday, June 22, from noon until 5 p.m. On view in his shop — a historic, tin-ceilinged former post office…
Space for ‘stuff’ squeezes campground plan
By Scott SullivanEditorCalifornia-based Autocamp has scaled back plans from 112 total to 76 phase-one campsites on 29.24 acres 34.61 Blue Star Hwy. because “stuff” happens — specifically, need to dispose of sewage.The Saugatuck Township Board June 12 weighed a proposed…
SHS shooter makes swift study
Saugatuck High School junior Leilani Schoonmaker’s journey through a lens crescendoed — so far — with a National Scholastic Art Awards Gold Medal.Her black-and-white photo of the 2023 Portage Cross Country Invitational start (below) made Schoonmaker SHS art teacher Daniel…
Otsego hosts family-friendly summer programs
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Fun, family-friendly summer activities are back in Otsego.Summer Fun Nights will take place each Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the TOP Pavilion through July 30, while Summer Events at Northside Park will take place each…
