News
City commission reviews zoning code adjustments for extreme weather centers, outdoor storage
At its July 23 meeting, Sturgis City Commission approved a first review of amendments to the zoning ordinance. One is an amendment to consider the establishment of extreme weather centers as a special land use. The other pertains to outdoor storage areas…
Music, magic, comedy highlight Sturges-Young Performance Series
Sturges-Young Center for the Arts has announced its 2025-2026 Performance Series. It involves a variety of entertainment: ‘90s pop music, ballet, magic, big-band nostalgia and comedy.Here is the schedule:Oct. 25: Deep Blue Something. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” Anniversary Tour.Dec. 3: Dance Alive…
School operating millages, Nottawa emergency services millage pass; Colon school bond fails
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Nearly all of the local proposals and millage requests on the ballot in St. Joseph County and Cass County, except for one, were approved by voters in the Tuesday, Aug. 5 election.Local…
Clare Music and Art Festival returns this weekend
By Christopher Johnson The Clare County Arts Council is shifting gears with new leadership, bringing exciting artistic experiences to the table. Get ready for the Clare Music and Art Festival’s return to the downtown area on August 9th, celebrating the…
Trio arrested for burglary, twenty guns recovered
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Deputies with the Clare County Sheriff Office received a report of a breaking and entering of a residence located in the 5000 block of N. Coolidge Ave located in Hayes Township, Clare County. During this…
Plainwell among districts for new program for children
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The start of the 2025-26 school year brings with it a new program from the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF) aimed at encouraging students, their families and entire communities to dream big.A Children’s Savings Account (CSA)…
Otsego wraps up summer programs with big events
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor As has been the case for the past several years, Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons were full of family fun in Otsego this summer.In partnership with the Together Otsego Prospers (TOP), Otsego Public Schools held Summer…
Sheets to the wind
Saugatuck Yacht Club Youth Sailing Progam mariners ages 5 and up continue plying Kalamazoo Lake learning the art and enjoying sunshine on the water throughout month’s end. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)
Sign in
Public works crews last week placed this “Saugatuck” sign, formerly up at Mt. Baldhead Park on the west side of the Kalamazoo River, at the corner of Blue Star Highway and Holland Street, the main north entry into town. The…
Labor Day Bridge Walk will return
By Scott SullivanEditorThe Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk will be back — with a longer route this year.What would have been last year’s 26th annual crossing was canceled “due to challenges in gathering the necessary resources to ensure the…
Cooler temperatures brought crowds to Allegan area
By Gari Voss The first weekend in August 2025 brought some relief to temperatures over 90 degrees, and the residents around Allegan took advantage.For those in Fennville, the crowd gathered downtown on Thursday to say good-bye to July and enjoy…
Father, sons serve in county law enforcement
One family’s dedication to public service stands out – with three relatives serving in three different law enforcement departments across Allegan County.Tpr. Luke Greydanus with the Wayland Post has the unique opportunity to serve alongside his brother and father, albeit…
Man drowns at TriPonds resort
An incident occurred at the TriPonds Family Camp Resort in Valley Twp at 3:30 on Saturday where a 60-year-old man drowned.Officials from the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the man was found unresponsive in the water by people at the…
New recycling barn added to Antwerp Township Transfer Station
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com ANTWERP TOWNSHIP – The Antwerp Township Transfer Station recently saw the completion of a Recycling Barn last fall that has improved the Township’s recycling efforts, according to the Antwerp Township supervisor.Daniel Ruzick said the township received…
Mattawan police officer killed in line of duty remembered during 20th anniversary memorial service
LAWRENCE – The Lawrence Township Fire Department will hold a Centennial Celebration, Saturday, Aug. 9, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Lawrence Township Fire Station, 205 N. Paw Paw St., Lawrence.The event will feature fire truck demos, food trucks,…
Man who shot himself while being tased is sentenced to at least 9 years in prison
Circuit Court Judge Thomas Wilson sentenced James Mitchell Kerr III on the charges of Assault with Intent to Murder, Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing a Police Officer, and Felony Firearms on July 31. According to a press release from, Jackson-Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey Kerr…
Swingin’ at the Shell opens its 21st season Aug. 3 with Allentown
By KARA DECHALK Contributing Writer The Victory Park bandshell in Albion will once again be alive with music on Sunday evenings for the 21st season of Swingin’ at the Shell. The series promises a diverse lineup featuring rock classics, Gaelic…
Mia Sims, age 18, fatally shot on Sunday after church
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Mia Sims, age 18, joins John Lusch, age 35; Emarion Flowers, age 22; and Anthony Owens, Jr. age 41 – as yet another victim of fatal gun violence this year in Jackson. Sims was shot…
Dam Removal Open House draws questions and curiosity
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Even though the invitation featured a photo of the Victory Park waterfall, the July 24 open house at Victory Park wasn’t about that landmark, at least not for now. About 50 people gathered at the…
City Council meeting covers two development projects
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion residents packed the library at Marshall Opportunity School on July 28 for a City Council meeting. About 50 people attended the midsummer session held offsite while City Hall’s 65-year-old elevator awaits replacement. Rod Auton…
