News

Fatal crash claims life of Lawton woman

Editorial StaffJun 18, 20251 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com ANTWERP TWP. – A 64-year-old Lawton woman was killed Thursday afternoon, June 12, in a two-vehicle traffic crash in Antwerp Township, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s office.Van Buren County Sheriff…

Mroczek named Miss Michigan 4th Runner Up

Mroczek named Miss Michigan 4th Runner Up

Editorial StaffJun 18, 20251 min read

Lauren Mroczek of Mattawan, Miss Greater Kalamazoo, was named 4th Runner Up to Miss Michigan during the 86th annual Miss Michigan Scholarship Competition on Saturday, June 14, held at the Frauenthal Center in downtown Muskegon. As Miss Greater Kalamazoo, Lauren…

Brady receives perfect ‘effective’ rating as Centreville sup’t

Brady receives perfect ‘effective’ rating as Centreville sup’t

Robert TomlinsonJun 13, 20254 min read

Board exploring contract extension to 2031 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Centreville Public Schools, by enrollment numbers and new projects, has been growing steadily under the superintendency of Chad Brady, and the district’s board recognized him for his efforts…

Community Bike Shop opens at Huss Project in TR

Community Bike Shop opens at Huss Project in TR

Robert TomlinsonJun 13, 20256 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — With the Three Rivers area having a few bicycle trails, as well as specific mentions of bike trails and bike infrastructure called out in the city’s Master Plan, it stands to reason that…

High school golf for AR June 13 2025

High school golf for AR June 13 2025

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20252 min read

The “drought” is over for Lumen Christi Catholic High School boys’ golf. Lumen Christi won its 16th state title in golf – all coached by Dave Swartout – with a two-day total of 626 at The Meadows Golf Course on…

Joseph O’Rourke appears in court for May 16 shooting case

Joseph O’Rourke appears in court for May 16 shooting case

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20255 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Joseph O’Rourke appeared at a continued Preliminary Exam on Thursday June 12, before Hon. Allison Bates, in the 12th District Court. The original exam was adjourned on Friday June 6 due to a possible self-incrimination…

At the old dam site, Concord Mill Pond is shrinking away

At the old dam site, Concord Mill Pond is shrinking away

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20254 min read

By Ken Wyatt If this week’s events don’t mean the end of the Concord Mill Pond, they are a clear wake-up call: Fix the dam or lose the mill pond for good. Tuesday’s Concord Village Council meeting focused attention on…

Local bookstores stand the test of time

Local bookstores stand the test of time

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20256 min read

By Sylvia Benavidez The ease of access to the internet through electronic pads, smart phones, and computers gives bookstores a run for their money. Although local bookstore owners report the love of books is still alive and well even in…

Sewer spill reported on Gleason Road First spill on Gleason since installation of bypass; bypass not involved

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20251 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director FABIUS TWP. — Approximately 50,000 to 75,000 gallons of sewage were spilled from a force main in the 15000 block of Gleason Road in Fabius Township Tuesday.According to Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett, the spill was…

Superintendent receives highest-level rating, after performance evaluation by board of education

Superintendent receives highest-level rating, after performance evaluation by board of education

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20252 min read

By Dennis Volkert Following a closed session June 9, Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education gave superintendent Art Ebert a rating of “effective” in connection with his performance during the 2024-25 academic year.“Effective” is the highest rating in the evaluation…

Alldredge, Klever formally join public safety department

Alldredge, Klever formally join public safety department

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20251 min read

A swear-in session was held June 11 for two new members of Sturgis Department of Public Safety: firefighter Julian Alldredge and police officer Alexander Klever.Ryan Banaszak, director of public safety, led the presentation, with city clerk/treasurer Ken Rhodes conducting the…

Amendments to zoning ordinance approved by city commission

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20252 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved amendments to two sections of the community’s zoning ordinance. One  revision pertains to updates to rules for color of roofing and siding to match between principal and accessory buildings. The other is connected to…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20252 min read

Recurring Sturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park.  JuneJune 13“Comedy Night” with Craig Tornquiest, 7 p.m., Sturges-Young Center for the Arts; $5.Through June 14Book sale at Sturgis District Library, during regular library hours.…

The calm before the festival

The calm before the festival

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20251 min read

Pictured is a quiet midway at the Three Rivers Water Festival Wednesday, one day before the official opening of the annual festival Thursday. A number of rides and games are set up at the midway, which will be open all…

Grievance Comm., Davis finalizing settlement in discipline proceedings

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20253 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director KALAMAZOO — A settlement in the proceedings against St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis before the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board could happen soon. On June 3, the Attorney Discipline Board granted a stipulation to adjourn what…

Clare golfer ties for sixth at state

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20251 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — Bryce Wieferich competed in the MHSAA D3 Golf Finals at the Meadows at Grand Valley State University on June 6-7.On Friday, Wieferich had a 75, placing him in eighth in the field of 108 golfers.Wieferich…

Upcoming Events in Clare

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20251 min read

Summerfest 2025: June 20th–21st – A weekend of fun for the whole family at Shamrock Park. Music, s’mores, crafters, trucks, kid events, fireworks and so much more. Learn More on our fb page. Fun Day in the Park: June 27th,…

Clare softball wins nailbiter, face Ravenna in state semis

Clare softball wins nailbiter, face Ravenna in state semis

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20252 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent CHEBOYGAN — It was a nailbiter between the top two-ranked Division 3 teams in the state, Clare, No. 1, and Gladstone No. 2, on Tuesday in Cheboygan for the quarterfinal round.Clare (38-2) prevailed 1-0 against the Upper…

Local parks get Jurassic with lifelike dinosaurs

Local parks get Jurassic with lifelike dinosaurs

Editorial StaffJun 13, 20254 min read

By Christopher Johnson Communities in Clare and Gladwin counties enjoyed some dino-mite tremors this past week with the arrival of realistic dinosaurs of the likes of something you’d see on the big screen.Kids of all ages came out to the…

Pride reigns

Pride reigns

Editorial StaffJun 11, 20252 min read

Days of the Rainbow lit up the lakeshore June 1-7 as Community Pride MI rang in Pride Month celebrating theLGBTQ+ community with activities and events including:• A Tea Dance at the Dunes Resort in Douglas, Sunday, June 1;• A Rainbow…