News
Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt
BY JASON WESSELDYKSPORTS EDITOR OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at…
Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified
Sturgis City Commission held a closed session Aug. 27 to discuss union negotiations in connection with the city’s fire department. Commissioners ratified the contract as presented. City manager Andrew Kuk said the agreement is “fair and mutually beneficial.” “We were…
Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Music, food and fun will be on the docket this coming weekend, as HarmonyFest will return to downtown Three Rivers Sunday, Aug. 31. The annual all-day music festival in downtown Three Rivers features…
Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL
By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer Things could have gone south for Vandercook Lake High School athlete Dallas Swaenepoel. At three years old, his parents lost custody of him, and his grandparents were deemed too old by a Florida judge. Vandercook…
Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Albion resident Dymond Stokes represented Calhoun County in the Miss Michigan USA pageant recently in Port Huron. The winner was Norton Shores native Michele Lewandoski. Stokes finished in the top 12 contestants. She was disappointed…
A day of extraordinary performances
The Nuance wins Walk the Beat Albion 2025; The War and Treaty claim victory over a downpour at WTB After party By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZContributing Writer The Nunance, an energetic rock band, won Walk the Beat Albion 2025. They along with…
Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 39th annual Civil War Muster, returned to Jackson on Aug. 23-24, at Cascades Park and surrounding areas. This year’s muster also marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, according to…
The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer The War and Treaty endured a downpour at Walk the Beat Albion after party, Aug. 23, and yet nothing could dampen their spirits. Their homecoming was an expression of their love for the people of…
Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…
TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…
Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project
On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…
Rate plan approved for city utilities
Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…
Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include:
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park. AUGUSTAug. 29No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend). SEPTEMBERSept. 1No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend).Sturgis Township Board of Trustees…
Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…
Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees
By Genine Hopkins This year it seems like the Harrison Street Fair was bigger than it has ever been, with more activities, talent, and fun for kids of all ages. The musical talent lineup was amazing and got people up…
The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling
by Christopher Johnson This past weekend, Clare welcomed the return of the annual Old US 27 Motor Tour. Held every third week of August, the six-day event spans 13 cities along the historic route of the same name. Right here…
Fennville puts downtown land up for bid
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The City of Fennville and Fennville Downtown Development Authority are seeking qualified proposals to buy and develop two downtown properties: • 0.8 acres straddling space between Main and Fennville streets. Owned by the DDA alongside an…
Labor Day Bridge Walk returns Sept. 1
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk will be back Monday, Sept. 1 — with a longer route this year. What would have been last year’s 26th annual crossing was canceled “due to challenges in gathering…
Laketown to quiz manager hopeful again
The Laketown Township Board will interview manager candidate Stephanie Fox for a third time Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. in the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road. Members voted 4-1 July 21to begin contract negotiations with Fox pending a review…
