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Food service, cell phone policy among changes at Sturgis Public Schools

Food service, cell phone policy among changes at Sturgis Public Schools

Editorial StaffAug 16, 20244 min read

By Dennis Volkert The 2024-25 academic year official begins Aug. 19 at Sturgis Public Schools.Superintendent Art Ebert recently provided an overview of changes, enhancements and programs the district will install in 2024-25.School meals partnershipSPS entered a partnership with Taher to…

Burr Oak delays start of school year by two weeks

Editorial StaffAug 16, 20241 min read

Due to delays in construction and the safety concerns for students, the Burr Oak Board of Education announced they have chosen to delay the start of the 2024/25 school year.Classes which were scheduled to begin on Monday, August 19th, are…

Multiple kids, adults hospitalized in Nottawa Twp. crash

Editorial StaffAug 16, 20241 min read

NOTTAWA TWP. — Multiple people were hospitalized following a crash that occurred in Nottawa Township late Saturday.According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred at the intersection of Nottawa Road and Wasepi Road Saturday night. Police say…

Old 27 Motor Tour comes to Clare, Harrison Street Fair next week

Old 27 Motor Tour comes to Clare, Harrison Street Fair next week

Editorial StaffAug 16, 20243 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent This year’s 18th annual Old U.S. 27 Motor Tour arrives in Clare County August 22nd for an evening visit in the City until they leave on the morning of the 23rd to head for an afternoon visit…

“Lake Shamrock Dredging going well,” Howard says

“Lake Shamrock Dredging going well,” Howard says

Editorial StaffAug 16, 20244 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent “Dredging (on Lake Shamrock) is continuing with good progress,” Clare City Manager Jeremy Howard told the Commission at the August 5th City meeting.He said, “Our mechanical dredge has ben undergoing some repairs from normal wear and tear…

Zebra Mussels confirmed in Budd Lake

Editorial StaffAug 16, 20243 min read

By Genine Hopkins Unfortunately, zebra mussels were confirmed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and reported to local authorities regarding their appearance on Budd Lake. The invasive species has made its way throughout Michigan’s beautiful lakes and rivers since…

Toast raises $100K+ for Blue Star Trail

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20242 min read

Nearly 150 local supporters of Friends of the Blue Star Trail gathered Aug. 5 at Modales Wines in Fennville to raise more than $100,000 at their annual “Toast to the Blue Star Trail.”   A variety of Modales offerings grown in…

New Wade’s docks in, red ring to go

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20241 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Wade’s Bayou has two new floating but soon will lose its third-year giant red ring. Douglas City Council Aug. 5 thanked the new rowing docks’ unnamed donor for helping replace the downtown waterfront park’s aging old…

Saugatuck looks to hook with stars-cr

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20243 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck may have a new way to connect Oval Beach with emergency and more hard-to-reach services: via satellite. City manager Ryan Cummins apprised council at its Wednesday, Aug. 7 workshop that, with AT&T plans to place…

Eagle hopefuls pitch city project plans

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20243 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor To be an Eagle, observe, then serve. Local Boy Scouts Brooks Massing and Anthony Carlotto pitched volunteer projects to Saugatuck City Council at its Wednesday, Aug. 7 workshop to earn them and friends Scouting’s highest honor.…

Jazz tribute to swing here Sept. 1

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20242 min read

The Saugatuck Woman’s Club and JimCo Productions, aka Douglas vibes veteran Jim Cooper will present a “Celebrating the Masters of Jazz” concert Sunday, Sept. 1, in the SWC clubhouse performance space, corner of Butler and Hoffman streets, starting at 7:30…

New Wades’ docks in, Red Flame to go

New Wades’ docks in, Red Flame to go

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20241 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorWade’s Bayou has two new floating but soon will lose its third-year giant red ring.Douglas City Council Aug. 5 thanked the new rowing docks’ unnamed donor for helping replace the downtown waterfront park’s aging old one, noting too…

Gregory named new principal at Gilkey

Gregory named new principal at Gilkey

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor During his first nine years at Plainwell Community Schools, Cody Gregory has served as a third-grade teacher and a behavior support specialist.Now, he’s adding a third job title to that list: principal.Gregory was recently named the…

The primary voters have spoken

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20245 min read

By Gari Voss The August 6, 2024, Primary Election promised to unveil winners, and in a number of instances those winners have no Republican or Democrat opponent on the November 5, 2024, election ballot. Included on the Primary Election ballots…

LaFayette festival features food trucks, huge crowds

LaFayette festival features food trucks, huge crowds

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20242 min read

The LaFayette Main Street hosted its Largest Friday Food Truck Festival in downtown LaFayette yet.There were over 28 food trucks and vendors with all types of foods and sweets and drinks.You had a different variety to choose from, from catfish,…

Attempted fraud thwarted at Renfroe’s Market

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20244 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Local residents were shocked to learn that an electronic “skimmer” device had been installed by criminals to steal credit/debit card information this past week at Renfroe’s Market in LaFayette. In a press release posted to the official…

Three sister musical group to appear at Michigan State Fair

Three sister musical group to appear at Michigan State Fair

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20244 min read

LAWRENCE – A Lawrence-based, three sister musical group, Vineyard Chicks, will be one of 10 bands from throughout the state who will compete in the Michigan State Fair Superstar contest Labor Day weekend. The top winner will win an artistic…

County-wide road millage renewal successful

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20244 min read

LAWRENCE – The county-wide Road Millage renewal was successfully passed by voters in Van Buren County at Tuesday’s Aug. 6 Primary Election. The vote represented a renewal of a previous millage, not a request for additional revenue. The renewal will…

25% vote in county primary election

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20241 min read

PAW PAW – Just over 25 percent of the registered voters in Van Buren County went to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 6, to cast their ballots on many local millage renewals as well as candidates seeking political offices.With unofficial results,…

MDARD confirms first case of EEE in state, in county horse

Editorial StaffAug 14, 20242 min read

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting Michigan’s first case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a domestic animal for 2024. The disease was detected in a Standardbred filly from Van Buren County; the horse was…