News

By Scott SullivanEditorIs chalk art in public places free speech or vandalism? Douglas City Council Monday weighed a measure banning it on heels of neighbor Saugatuck removing a sidewalk message many found offensive.Saugatuck City Council was slated to discuss its…

The Otsego District Public Library saw significant improvements to its outdoor spaces thanks to the leadership and service of Eagle Scout candidate Amelia Helen Tuttle of Troop 191, Lakeshore District, Michigan Crossroads Council.Amelia’s project, titled Library Landscaping, focused on enhancing both the safety…

Plainwell Community Schools held its annual homecoming festivities the week of Monday, Sept. 29. And as always, the week culminated with the crowning of this year’s royalty.Alyssa Weldon (left) was named this year’s queen, while Andrew Hampton was named this…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Battle of the Books has become an annual tradition for area elementary school students.A quiz-bowl-style competition designed for students in grades three through five, Battle of the Books features three rounds of seven questions based on…

By Gari Voss The hotel in Fennville, MI that has stood next to the railroad tracks for almost a century is in the midst of having a facelift. The DuPree family from Holland, MI purchased the grand structure four years…

By Elizabeth FersztContributing Writer In a shocking discovery, 36 fighting birds — roosters, were found dead in a Hopkins Twp. property on Oct. 3.Local law enforcement received tips about a cockfighting and betting ring from an animal rights organization called…

By Elizabeth FersztContributing Writer Mya Nicole Barron, the 15-year-old former AHS student who is facing weapons charges after allegedly threatening to attack Allegan High School in September, was in 57th District Court today for a PCC.Judge Christopher Burnett conducted the…

By James Windell When Ryan Dorow was a senior at South Haven High School and played three sports, there was only one thought in his mind: Play, play, play!Playing baseball and other sports was all he could think about. He…

A very familiar scene along the South Haven coastline during the summer months, the Michigan Maritime Museum’s Friends Good Will, was put to rest for the winter months this past weekend.During the downrigging process, volunteers dropped her lines, spars and…

By James Windell The City Hall Council Chambers was just not spacious enough to accommodate all of the Short-Term Rental owners who showed up for an STR Informational meeting.Billed on the City of South Haven’s website as an opportunity to…

By James Windell South Haven High School started the year without a principal. A search for a replacement for Joe Allen, the 2024-2025 high school principal, has been going on since he resigned this past summer to accept the position…

PAW PAW – Paw Paw High School Principal Tammy Southworth recently announced that Leah Graves has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation…

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – A rally, what would have been the 32nd birthday of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Maple Lake Amphitheatre, Paw…

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com DECATUR – A 33-year-old Hartford area man faces a variety of charges, including flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine, following his recent arrest, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.The man,…

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Fire Department’s Annual Appreciation Dinner was held Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Paw Paw Fire Department.Following the dinner, the introduction of officers and awards were presented.Department member Brandon Hall, who…

CONSTANTINE TWP. — A 34-year-old Three Rivers man was killed in a crash that occurred in the early morning hours Sunday on U.S. 131 in Constantine Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred just before…

By Elizabeth Ferszt Contributing Writer Defendant Roe Dedeaux was in 12th District Court Sept. 26 via video link in front of Hon. Robert Gaecke to discuss bond modification. At his previous hearing, his attorney George Lyons motioned the court to…

By Elizabeth Ferszt Contributing Writer Judge Thomas Wilson received an extension to respond to a complaint issued against him by the Judicial Tenure Commission of the State of Michigan. He originally had until Sept. 25 to file an answer. The…

Last week the Jackson musical community came together twice for one of their own. First to honor Craig Playford with a musical tribute on Sunday, Sept. 21 at the Michigan Theatre of Jackson. Then, to remember him at his funeral…

 By Sylvia Benavidez                                         Calhoun County suicide rates continue to be higher than both the Michigan and U.S. averages according to the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Calhoun County. Local groups raised suicide awareness through education and personal contact in downtown Marshall…