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Editorial StaffJul 17, 20242 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorThe new roundabout at Blue Star Highway and Allegan Road opened formally Monday, but more than one motorist jumped the gun.“Look at them,” said Woodland Nursery owner Joe Migas, who for 39 years has kept alive John Mann’s…

Fire destroys home on Mariette St. in Plainwell

Fire destroys home on Mariette St. in Plainwell

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20242 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Fire destroyed a home in the 100 block of Mariette Street in the City of Plainwell on Sunday, July 14.The blaze was reported at approximately 7:40 p.m., and firefighters from Plainwell Public Safety were on the…

Ransom Library seeks renewal of operating millage

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The future of Ransom District Library in Plainwell will be decided when voters head to the ballots on Tuesday, Aug. 6.The library is seeking a renewal of its operating millage that was initially passed in 2014.The…

City of Allegan awarded $1 million for dam improvements

City of Allegan awarded $1 million for dam improvements

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20244 min read

By Gari Voss The City of Allegan was announced as one of 22 projects that would receive funding through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s (EGLE’s) Dam Risk Reduction Grant Program. EGLE stated that a high-hazard dam…

Allegan native Tyler Merren set to make fifth Paralympic appearance

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20244 min read

By Donald Talonen Allegan native Tyler Merren is making headlines as he prepares for his fifth trip to the Paralympics, representing Team USA in goalball at the 2024 Paris Games. Despite being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease as a…

August Primary offers many candidates, particularly on GOP side

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20246 min read

By Gari Voss Absentee/Early Voting ballots for the August 6, 2024, Primary Election have been made available. Voters who are Early Voters have received their ballots, and completed ballots are rolling into precinct offices. This is an extremely important election…

CA Dance Team on the move

CA Dance Team on the move

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20241 min read

The Chambers Academy Dance Team has had some exciting things happening this summer. The team has a new home studio to practice in with mirrors and a ballet bar and has been visiting with local dance studios to expand their…

LaFayette Main Street holds inaugural youth pageant

LaFayette Main Street holds inaugural youth pageant

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20244 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Contestants, event staff, families and members of the media gathered in the auditorium of LaFayette High School for the first Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant during the afternoon hours of Saturday, July 13th of 2024.Chambers County Probate…

Memorial Gazebo dedicated at Handy Cemetery

Memorial Gazebo dedicated at Handy Cemetery

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Community leaders and local residents gathered for a dedication of the memorial gazebo and brick walkway of remembrance at Essie J. Handy Memorial Cemetery on B Street in LaFayette during the afternoon hours of Thursday, July 11th…

Two Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers honored

Two Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers honored

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20242 min read

PAW PAW – On Wednesday, July 10, the 911 Advisory Board recognized two Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers with awards.Dispatcher Alison Dean was recognized with a Commendation/Life Saving Award for her handling of a fire call on May 7,…

Lawrence Public Schools announces new superintendent

Lawrence Public Schools announces new superintendent

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20242 min read

LAWRENCE -The Lawrence Public Schools Board of Education has announced the appointment of Ryan Williamson as the new superintendent of schools, effective Aug. 1, 2024.Williamson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of educational leadership to the…

Paw Paw Days 2024 – The Fabulous 50s set for July 26-28

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20243 min read

PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Area Chamber of Commerce is putting the finishing touches on Paw Paw Days 2024 – The Fabulous 50s, set for the weekend of July 26-28. The traditional Classic Car & Truck Show and Marketplace…

Lawrence names new director of athletics and dean of students

Lawrence names new director of athletics and dean of students

Editorial StaffJul 17, 20241 min read

LAWRENCE – Lawrence Public Schools has named Noah Wiswary as the district’s new director of athletics and dean of students, according to a press release from the school district.A graduate of Olivet College, Wiswary achieved a bachelor’s degree in criminal…

Contributions accepted at Patronicity for Sturgis downtown lighting project

Contributions accepted at Patronicity for Sturgis downtown lighting project

Dennis VolkertJul 15, 20241 min read

Sturgis “Electric City” lighting project is live at crowdfunding site Patronicity.  Each dollar donated is matched by the state, up to $50,000. The contribution period closes Aug. 12. DDA received approval to use grant funding from Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s…

Disaster assistance now available for those impacted by May tornado, storm

Disaster assistance now available for those impacted by May tornado, storm

Robert TomlinsonJul 14, 20243 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Residents and businesses impacted by the tornado and severe storm event that occurred in early May in St. Joseph County now have federal resources available to them. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA)…

Police investigating death of person at Three Rivers residence

Police investigating death of person at Three Rivers residence

Robert TomlinsonJul 12, 20242 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A person was found deceased behind a residence in Three Rivers Friday. According to the Three Rivers Police Department, officers were called to the 200 block of Middle St. at the intersection of…

Lockport Twp., TR Public Library in process of negotiating library services contract

Lockport Twp., TR Public Library in process of negotiating library services contract

Robert TomlinsonJul 12, 20249 min read

Could showdown be coming between township and library? By Robert TomlinsonNews Director LOCKPORT TWP. — Three years after Park Township ended contract negotiations and declined to send township funds to the Three Rivers Public Library (TRPL), another township is gearing…

Constantine: Sewer spills at force mainoccurred in mid-June; 65k gallons spilled

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

CONSTANTINE — A sewer spill from the force main that send effluent from Constantine to Three Rivers experienced two failures in mid-June, according to the Village of Constantine.The village announced in a release Wednesday that on June 18, the pipeline…

Eishen honored with proclamation fromSturgis City Commission

Eishen honored with proclamation fromSturgis City Commission

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20243 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday presented a proclamation to Eric Eishen, in honor of his accomplishments, both professionally and within the community. In part, the proclamation gives an extensive overview of Eishen’s contributions, and states the commission thanks…

Resurfacing project begins at Augspurger CourtsSturgis Public Schools receives $34K USTA grant toward cost

Resurfacing project begins at Augspurger CourtsSturgis Public Schools receives $34K USTA grant toward cost

Editorial StaffJul 12, 20242 min read

Resurfacing of Augspurger Tennis Courts is underway in Sturgis.The resurfacing process started this week, with preparation that included pressure-washing. Next phase is acrylic, paint and lining. After that, about 48 hours are required to dry and cure before the surface…