News

By Genine Hopkins The new smartphone ban that was signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer this month that will officially take effect in the 2026-2027 school year attempts to address distracted students in classrooms that can diminish the…

On February 23, 2026, the Clare County Central Dispatch received information from the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office reporting that 25-year-old Gladwin man Lane Michael Last had made threats toward family members. It was reported Last was believed to be staying…

Sturgis City Commission on Feb. 25 considered several measures and proposals.  The board approved a master services agreement amendment for Fleis and VandenBrink Engineering, for $121,300, pertaining to reconstruction of South Lakeview Avenue.  That project is scheduled as part of the city’s 2026-27…

Deputies from the Clare County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 25-year-old woman early Sunday morning after locating suspected methamphetamine during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle in Hayes Township.On February 22, 2026, at approximately 2:07 a.m., deputies were dispatched to a…

Sturgis Wind Symphony presents “Play List” at 3 p.m. March 1 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Admission is free.  The theme focuses on musical numbers suggested by ensemble members, director Jim Whitehead said.  “I asked the players to submit pieces they…

By Scott SullivanEditorSaugatuck celebrated Fat Tuesday and the start of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse) in Mardi Gras fashion Feb. 17.Dry, near 50° weather greeted costumed participants in a Second Line Pub Crawl between five downtown…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A pair of new faces will soon be seen around Plainwell Community Schools.Ginny, a K-9 service dog, and her handler Jean Freeman will be at PCS beginning Monday, March 2.Ginny is trained for both therapy and…

Two students connected to the Allegan Tech Center were formally recognized at a recent Allegan Area ESA Board of Education meeting for their heroic, life-saving actions that demonstrate the real-world impact of career and technical education.Christian Nichols and Tessa Dyer,…

By Gari Voss The Drinking Water Warning came from Allegan’s City Hall on Thursday morning, February 19, 2026. The problems began on Wednesday evening at about 8:30pm when the city water team became aware of a water main break. Water…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A 13-year-old boy was taken into custody after allegedly shooting two female students with a splatter gun inside Plainwell Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 19, according to the Plainwell Department of Public Safety.Officials say the incident…

Members of the Rotary Club of South Haven recently marked their 70th year of service to the community. The club was chartered on February 7, 1956. Today the club has 63 active members. Supporting projects locally and internationally, the club…

By James Windell Two scholarships were awarded to graduates of local high schools at the 48th Annual Black History Program at Lily of the Valley Church on Sunday, February 15, 2026.The Black History Leadership Society’s Youth on the Rise Scholarship…

By James Windell The South Haven City Council approved the purchase of lifeguard towers at its February 16, 2026, regular meeting.Although the request to approve the purchase of lifeguard towers and stands were among a number of consent items on…

By James Windell If you noticed that trees have been cut down near the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant along Blue Star Highway, there is an explanation.Some area residents have raised concerns about number of trees that have been cut down.Holtec…

The fourth Annual Paw Paw Chili Walk was held Saturday Feb. 21 in Paw Paw. Taking top honors was Warner Vineyards, with runner-up honors going to GG Sweets.The Paw Paw Fire Department captured People’s Choice.A large turnout didn’t let the…

On Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 7:12 a.m., the Paw Paw Fire Department was dispatched to the 42000 block of M-43 Highway for a report of a fully involved garage fire. Units arrived on scene at 7:19 a.m. and reported a…

GOBLES – A Gobles man is facing charges for allegedly selling mislabeled and foreign-made GLP1 drugs without prescriptions.Brandon Piper was charged in federal court Friday, Feb. 20, with one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with…

Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Thomas Patrick Shannon, the former owner of Shannon Orthodontics in Plainwell and Grandville, has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison on child exploitation charges — the maximum allowed under the law. On Monday, U.S. District…

Sturgis City Commission will consider several proposals at its Feb. 25 meeting. Here is a roundup. South Lakeview Avenue design plan. Commissioners will assess approval of a service agreement amendment for Fleis and VandenBrink for reconstruction on South Lake Avenue. The…

Sturgis Neighborhood Program has announced the launch of a new Neighbor2Neighbor home improvement program, with help of a grant from Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The initiative is intended provide crucial home repair and rehabilitation services to up to three…