News

MPS Board of Education update

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20248 min read

New cafeteria tables and salad bar approved for Harrington Elementary as well as E-Sports computers for Albion students and Flex Farm Units at the Opportunity High School will produce greens and microgreens for OHS and eventually Harrington By John Hendler…

Groundbreaking held for Dispatch Radio Tower Construction

Groundbreaking held for Dispatch Radio Tower Construction

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20243 min read

 A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 16 to launch the Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority’s millage-approved technology upgrade radio tower project, which includes the construction of four new towers and repurposing of two. The ceremony was held at the site…

Veteran De La Fuente receives proclamation from city

Veteran De La Fuente receives proclamation from city

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20242 min read

City of Sturgis on Wednesday presented a proclamation for Joseph De La Fuente, a veteran of the Korean War, who recently attended the Talons Out Honor Flight.He was presented with a plaque Wednesday at the city commission meeting.On May 4,…

Welc named principal at Eastwood Elementary

Welc named principal at Eastwood Elementary

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20243 min read

By Dennis Volkert Christine Welc has been named next principal at Eastwood Elementary School.She was introduced formally Monday at a meeting of Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education.Fourteen people had applied for the position.“I’m excited to start a journey with…

And two more makes six

And two more makes six

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20241 min read

Sturgis High School’s boys’ and girls’ track and field won Wolverine Conference titles this season. It brings to six the number of league championships for SHS during the 2023-24 academic year. Also finishing at the top were boys’ bowling, soccer…

Gitelman named regional Orchestra Teacher of the Year

Gitelman named regional Orchestra Teacher of the Year

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20242 min read

By Dennis Volkert Eliot Gitelman, orchestra director and strings teacher at Sturgis Public Schools, was selected as Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s “Orchestra Teacher of the Year” for District 11.District 11 comprises band and orchestra programs in the counties…

Neighbors living behind Biggby bring concerns to Harrison Council

Neighbors living behind Biggby bring concerns to Harrison Council

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20242 min read

By Genine Hopkins After praising the Harrison City Council for their hard work in creating a more vibrant downtown, Harrison resident Don Kolander – who lives in the neighborhood behind the location of the new Biggby Coffee – brought concerns…

Farwell man charged with attempted strangling, fentanyl possession

Farwell man charged with attempted strangling, fentanyl possession

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20242 min read

Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher During the early morning of Friday, May 17th, Isabella County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 4000 block of East Rosebush Road in Rosebush, to investigate a report of a man strangling a woman in the back…

Full slate of events for Memorial Day weekend

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins While this is not a comprehensive list, here are some events this holiday weekend to enjoy with friends and family: Friday/Saturday events Mystic Camp (YMCA) at 9507 W. Ludington Drive in Lake has a fun filled weekend…

Jolly, Krchmar, Sutten named Marion valedictorians

Jolly, Krchmar, Sutten named Marion valedictorians

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20241 min read

Marion High SchoolGraduationInformation Date: Friday, May 24, 2024Time: 7:00pmLocation:Gymnasium Other top students shown rounding out the top 10 students of Marion High School Graduating class of 2024

Fourteen graduate from NMC

Fourteen graduate from NMC

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20241 min read

The following seniors will be recognized at Northern Michigan Christian School at graduation:Ethan BennettTitus JohnsGideon CurellKaya HaanTristan HillElijah KimbelGrant LutkeDmitry NovikovAubree PatteeBrett RitsemaKathryn ShaardaEmerson TosseyJada VanNoordKylee Winkle

Marion School Board approves Superintendent and Superintendent Asst. contracts

Editorial StaffMay 24, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins The Marion Public School Board regular meeting was held on Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. in the Elementary School Library. The board, after careful discussion, approved a three-year contract for Danyel Prielipp, with a base pay…

Faces of Armed Forces Day

Faces of Armed Forces Day

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20241 min read

Preceding Memorial Day each year is the Saugatuck-Douglas Armed Forces Day Luncheon, held Saturday at the Community Church of Douglas, recognizing U.S. veterans and their families. These are eyes, one comes away thinking, that have seen everything. Memorial Day observances…

Island City Festival offers more, bigger carnival rides

Island City Festival offers more, bigger carnival rides

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The people spoke. And the organizers of the Island City Festival in Plainwell listened.“Based on feedback from last year, people were expecting more adult-sized activities (at the festival),” Island City Festival president Larry Gonzalez said. “So,…

Three Plainwell students honored in poetry contest

Three Plainwell students honored in poetry contest

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor On Monday, May 6, organizers of the Henry Pestka Art & Poetry Contest held their annual dinner and awards ceremony at Frederik Meijer Gardens.And three Plainwell High School students were among those being honored.Josie Longcore, Julia…

Helen Ave. reconstruction project underway in Otsego

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20242 min read

By Aaron MitchellOtsego City Manager The northside of the City of Otsego will be looking a little different this summer. Actually, it will be looking very different.It’s hard to miss the infrastructure project that has already commenced and will likely…

Election Commission keeps Storey off of ballot

Election Commission keeps Storey off of ballot

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20243 min read

By Donald Talonen On Thursday May 17, 2024, the Allegan County Election Commission, in a unanimous 3-0 decision, determined that it lacks the authority to consider or act upon a request made by the current County Board Chair, Jim Storey.…

Memorial Day observances set for many municipalities

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20248 min read

By Gari Voss Monday, May 27th marks Memorial Day 2024, a day to remember all those who have given their lives to preserve the freedom of the United States. Across Allegan County, veterans, community leaders, and volunteers plan celebrations to…

Thomas, Linson lead LHS Top 10 graduates

Thomas, Linson lead LHS Top 10 graduates

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20244 min read

I’m Class #1l am DaNasia Thomas, valedictorian of class of 2024. I am an honor student who is on an advanced diploma maintaining a grade point average of 4.0. $270,040 in scholarships.I am a member of the National Honor Society.…

Area Towns to Hold Memorial Day Parades

Editorial StaffMay 22, 20241 min read

GOBLES – Gobles will hold a Memorial Day Parade at 9 a.m., Monday, May 27, that will travel down State Street (M-40). Lineup will begin at the Gobles High School parking lot. LAWRENCE – Lawrence will hold a Memorial Day…