News

Resignation comes amid allegations of ‘bashing’ county commissioners in online comments By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — St. Joseph County Road Commission board member Jack Coleman resigned from his position Friday following a Wednesday, July 16 agency meeting in which…

By Dennis Volkert After a gap of several years, a longtime tradition resurfaced July 19 with “Route 12 Toy Run.”The 2025 run began at Route 12 Harley-Davidson on U.S. 12 and White School Road. The parade of riders continued into…

STURGIS — A domestic violence call in Sturgis turned into a situation involving a barricaded man Tuesday night.According to the Sturgis Department of Public Safety, officers were called to the 300 block of West Jerolene Street for a domestic assault…

By Christopher Johnson It was a challenging weekend for local authorities, who found themselves dealing with a homebrewed Bonnie and Clyde scenario.What started as a standard traffic stop quickly escalated into a major arrest involving drugs, a loaded handgun, and…

By Christopher Johnson This week’s human-interest story is a fascinating one.While camping with her husband at Sleeper State Park in Caseville, Andrea Mandich-Ross’s vacation took a heartbreaking turn when her wedding ring slipped from her finger after being overwhelmed by…

Saugatuck First Congretational church pastor Rev. Sarah Terlouw received the Harry R. Butman Award from the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches at their annual meeting and conference in St. Louis June 21-24. Butman, a Congregational minister and ardent proponent…

By Jim Hayden Correspondent The Laketown Township board has agreed to enter into contract negotiations with Stephanie Fox to become the new township manager. At a special meeting Monday, members voted to begin talks pending an agreement on a compensation…

“Christmas in July” will be theme for this weekend’s Venetian Festival on the Kalamazoo Lake and River waterfront.Fun starts this Friday night, July 25, with a dance party in Saugatuck’s Coghlin Park, continues Saturday afternoon with a dinghy poker run…

By Scott SullivanEditorThe Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority board voted 3-1 at a special meeting Friday to terminate 14-year manager Daryl VanDyke.At their regular session three days later, members accepted the resignation of senior member Barry Johnson as chair,…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Otsego Public Schools director of communications Holly McCaw was completely caught off guard.In Washington D.C. for the annual National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) National Seminar beginning Monday, July 20, McCaw was presented with the Learning…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Since Ransom District Library hosted its first Summer Celebration in 2021, the event has become an annual tradition.That tradition continues on Friday, Aug. 8, with Ransom hosting this year’s Summer Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.As…

By John RaffelCorrespondent PLAINWELL — Plainwell City Manager Justin Lakamper, at a recent meeting, discussed water and wastewater rates for the new budget year.A motion passed to adopt Resolution 2025-11 Water and Wastewater Rates for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.City Consultant Kelley…

By Gari Voss The Allegan County Fair 2025 is rapidly approaching, and there is much to consider before the gates open on Friday, September 5th. The Grandstand entertainment is set, and tickets are available. Be sure to purchase entertainer tickets…

By Gari Voss The residents of the Fennville School District will have an opportunity on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, to pass a bond request that will reduce the school millage while making important improvements to all schools. This can occur…

Wyatt Buskirk, 12, of Paw Paw, took several awards last week at the Van Buren Yoth Fair. The awards included, Grand Champion Dairy Heifer, Grand Champion Dairy Cow, Reserve Grand Champion Heavyweight Feeder, Reserve Grand Champion Crossbred Feeder, Grand Champion…

South Haven’s Dinghy Poker Run was a soaking success as dozens of boaters plied the Black River on Saturday afternoon. Many were “armed” with water soakers engaging in frequent engagements with other boaters. Proceeds benefited the Al Van Humane Society and…

By James Windell For the first time in seven years, the South Haven Planning Commission has a new Chairman.Tim Stegemen, who has been the Planning Commission Chair since 2018, nominated Planning Commission member Bob Sherman as his replacement at the…

By James Windell South Haven’s Ward 2 will be selecting a new representative to the city council this fall.In Ward 2, the current city council members are Jeff Arnold and Wendy Onuki. Arnold is not up for re-election, however, Onuki…

By James Windell Kent Brindley wants to bring both transparency and civil discourse to the South Haven City Council. But he also loves South Haven. And he believes he can help keep South Haven great.“I’m running for city council because…

By James Windell Sitting on the patio behind Tom Capps’s house, he hesitates before responding to the question, “Why did you decide to run for City Council?”After deliberating he says: “I think I can have a calming effect on the…