News
Laketown wants third interview with Fox
By Jim Hayden Correspondent The Laketown Township Board Aug. 6 agreed to ask manager finalist Stephanie Fox to return for a third interview after citing new questions about her time as an Ionia County Administrator. No date or time has…
On the beach
It’s a colorful family affair visiting Lake Michigan beaches with water temperatures running into the 70’s since July. This shot was captured last weekend at Saugatuck’s Oval Beach. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)
Bank eyes former Douglas restaurant site
By Scott SullivanEditorThe Douglas Planning Commission Thursday, Aug. 14 will weigh a Consumers Credit Union special land use request to create a drive-though/drive-in 1,185-square-foot commercial bank office at the former Kalico Kitchen site, 312 Ferry St.A public hearing is scheduled…
Moore named new city planning/zoning head
By Scott SullivanEditorThe City of Saugatuck has appointed Grayson Moore new planning and zoning director succeeding Luke Thompson, who left that post effective July 31 to take a similar job nearer his family in South Haven.Moore will start here in…
Otsego prepares for 10th year of Gus Macker tourney
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament has reached double digits.That’s right. The Otsego Macker is turning 10 years old this year, as the first tournament was held in 2015.No event took place in 2020 due…
Fowl Play! Illegal cockfighting ring discovered
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Anyone who’s ever been to Hopkins knows that the sounds of barnyard animals are not an auditory anomaly. Due to the area’s strong dairy farming industry, cows can be heard all day long.However, on Saturday, July…
High school gymnasium plans temporarily under water
Summer at Allegan Senior High School has been busy with renovations related to the Allegan Public Schools bond passed by Allegan voters in 2021. The $87.5 million bond has three phases that stretch from school year 2021-22 to Fall 2026…
Fennville voters approve bond referendum for facility Improvements
Fennville Voters Approve Bond Referendum for Facility ImprovementsOn August 5, 2025, voters in the Fennville Public Schools district approved a bond referendum to reinvest in the district’s facilities, focusing on improving air quality, safety, and learning environments for all students,…
Man drowns in Fennville pool
A 78-year-old man drowned in a pool at a home in Fennville on Saturday afternoon, firefighters say.It happened around 1 p.m. at a home on 124th Avenue. Fennville Fire Department Chief Paul Hapke says firefighters received a call about the…
Lawrence cheer continues to have success
By John RaffelCorrespondent Melissa Pyle is head coach for sideline cheer at Lauren and recalls major highlights from a year ago.“Tripling the number of cheerleaders was a highlight/record/top moment of the season.” Pyle said. “Senior captain Kennedi Klock and junior…
Walker recognized for lasting impact on South Haven
By Tom Renner A long standing tradition of the Bobby Walker Basketball Tournament in South Haven is to begin the summer weekend event with the presentation of Leadership Awards to civic leaders, organizations and sponsors. This year the ceremony had a…
Hundreds attend National Night Out
By Tom Renner Haven marked National Night Out with an event that attracted hundreds to the downtown the downtown pavilion. Law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies were joined by several community organizations. The Van Buren Sheriff horse unit joined in the…
Brown, Hosley to face off for mayor in November
By James Windell The South Haven primary election was held for mayor and city council candidates on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The top two candidates for mayor and for city council in each ward will face each other in the…
Lawrence Township Fire Department holds a Centennial celebration
A centennial celebration was held Saturday, Aug. 9, in Lawrence for the Lawrence Township Fire Department. The event featured fire truck demos, food trucks, games, raffles, music and family fun. Shown in photo from left, Lawrence Township Supervisor, Donna Spenner,…
Gobles man faces several charges including strangulation
A 31-year-old Gobles man faces several charges following an incident Wednesday, Aug. 6, according to a press release from eh Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.The incident took place at approximately 10 p.m. in the 25000 block of 36th Street.Deputies responded…
Grand Junction man faces charges following four-mile pursuit
Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott reports that on 08/07/2025 at approximately 7:30 p.m. a Deputy on patrol in Columbia township attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a pickup truck for multiple traffic violations. The driver of the vehicle failed to…
Former Van Buren County Specialty Court Administrator arrested on embezzlement charges over $100k
PAW PAW – Michigan State Police (MSP) Fifth District Special Investigation Section an-nounced the arrest of Rachel Celeste Lindley, 42 of Bethesda, Maryland, for felony embezzlement over $100,000 and felony embezzlement by a public official.Lindley previously worked for Van Buren…
SUV crashes into Amish buggy in Bloomingdale Twp., multiple injuries reported
BLOOMINGDALE TWP. – Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched Friday, Aug. 8, at 7:45 p.m. to the 45000 block of County Road 388 for a report that an SUV had crashed…
Albion faces a choice: Restore Washington Gardner School building or risk losing it
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion residents have an opportunity to help decide the future of one of the city’s most iconic buildings. A public study session is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Tennant Hall on…
