News

Paw Paw Rotary’s Santa Run attracts more than 175

Paw Paw Rotary’s Santa Run attracts more than 175

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

More than 175 runners took part in the Santa Run held Saturday morning, Dec. 14 in Paw Paw. The untimed race began at Freshwater Community Church and made its way through downtown Paw Paw, before returning to the church. The…

Fleenor receives positive marks from Mattawan BOE

Fleenor receives positive marks from Mattawan BOE

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Board of Education conducted its annual evaluation of Super-intendent Randy Fleenor during its December meeting and issued a rating of “effective”. The board extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Fleenor for his dedication to the staff,…

Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners

Godfrey honored by fellow commissioners

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioner Richard Godfrey was honored by his fellow commissioners, Tuesday Dec. 10, for his lifelong commitment to education, community service, and leadership.Godfrey, who did not seek reelection to another term…

Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents

Lawton area churches, schools and businesses provide Christmas baskets to area residents

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20241 min read

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, through the support of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Lawton, Lawton Community Schools, New Community Church, Lawton, Lawton area businesses, family and friends, the groups were able to provide for 67 families and 148 Angels. In…

Mattawan Consolidated School receives grant money through Filter First program

Editorial StaffDec 18, 20242 min read

MATTAWAN – The Mattawan Consolidated Scholl District has been awarded approximate-ly $180,000 in grant monies through the Filter First program. The FFP in Michigan is designed to ensure clean and safe drinking water for children in schools and childcare centers.…

Holiday celebrations held in Constantine, Centreville

Holiday celebrations held in Constantine, Centreville

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20244 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — The holiday season was in full swing last weekend in two local communities, with a pair of celebrations taking place on the same evening.Constantine and Centreville held their annual holiday celebrations on the evening…

Millett attends final meeting as member of Sturgis school board

Millett attends final meeting as member of Sturgis school board

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20241 min read

By Dennis Volkert On Dec. 9, Kerri Millett attended her final meeting as a member of Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education.Millett has served on BOE for the past 24 years. She held the role of board president 2007-2009 and…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20242 min read

RECURRINGChildren’s story time, 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Friday, Sturgis District Library.Sturgis Area Model Railroaders winter hours at Sturgis Historical Museum, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.  Dec. 13“Santa’s Workshop,” 5-8 p.m., Doyle Community Center. Cookie-decorating, games, crafts,…

Lawsuit against County Commissioners by Prosecutor dismissed

Lawsuit against County Commissioners by Prosecutor dismissed

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20243 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A lawsuit filed June 28, 2023 by Michelle Ambrozaitis, Clare County Prosecuting Attorney against the Clare County Board of Commissioners has been dismissed in 55th Circuit Court, after 39th Circuit Court Judge, the Honorable Judge Kimberly L.…

Farwell BOE selects Pakledinaz to fill Buccilli seat

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20242 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent John Pakledinaz was the Farwell Board of Education’s top choice to fill the remainder of Shari Buccilli’s seat on the board. Buccilli was honored for her many years of service to the BOE, com-munity and children of…

Countdown to Christmas – more holiday events around the area

Editorial StaffDec 13, 20245 min read

Gift Ideas at the Clare Union Depot! A little shopping reminder: Christmas Eve is only 11 Days away and if you are looking for unique gifts, check out the local artists’ work at the Clare Union Depot. The Depot is…

Parade, Santa Claus ring in Christmas season

Parade, Santa Claus ring in Christmas season

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

The LaFayette Christmas Committee hosted its Annual Christmas on the Square/ Parade last Saturday.The day consisted of food trucks, cookies, the parade and of course a visit from Santa Claus.

Cookie Crawl brings participants to visit businesses

Cookie Crawl brings participants to visit businesses

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

The LaFayette Main Street hosted its Annual Cookie Crawl event on Saturday morning from 9 am to 2 pm.The object of this event was not only to receive delicious cookies from all the participating small businesses but too get foot…

Two dead when Valley Haven bus collides with truck

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

A crash on U.S. Highway 29 North near Sellers Drive on Monday, December 9, around 6:54 A.M. involved a Valley Haven bus carrying special needs students, and two other vehicles, including a Ford F150.Agencies from Lee County, including Alabama Law…

Raising canes

Raising canes

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

Saugatuck’s annual Whootville Christmas Parade Saturday brought sunshine plus Peppermint Stick Brigadiers downtown to spray silly string at their rival men’s “Precision” Snow Shovel Drill Team. More marchers, mirth and merriment filled holiday streets as well. (Photos by Scott Sullivan)

Festive Friday ushers Downtown Allegan into the Christmas season

Festive Friday ushers Downtown Allegan into the Christmas season

JordanDec 11, 20242 min read

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Last Friday, December 6th, was the first of Downtown Allegan’s Festive Fridays, and the Christmas Spirit was in full swing.Local businesses were decorated with lights, garlands, ornaments, and trees. Free hot chocolate was available, courtesy of…

Canvassers seek pay increase

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN — Citing increased duties related to changes in stateelection law, specifically early voting and expanded absentee voting, the Allegan County Board of Canvassers last week passed a resolution asking the Board of Commissioners to increase its…

Former parent club member faces charges

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20242 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A former member of the Gilkey Elementary School Parent Club in Plainwell had her first day in court.Tara Lynn Drewyor, 44, was arraigned in district court on Monday, Dec. 9. She was charged with embezzlement—$50,000 or…

Casco fire destroys barn, farm implements

Casco fire destroys barn, farm implements

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20241 min read

Fire destroyed a barn on a Casco Township (Allegan County) property on Sunday night.South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) responded at 10:15 p.m. to 68th Street near 103rd Avenue when a neighbor reported seeing a barn on fire.The barn was…

South Haven hires a new police chief

South Haven hires a new police chief

Editorial StaffDec 11, 20243 min read

By James Windell The City of South Haven announced on Monday, December 9, 2024, that a new police chief has been hired.South Haven City Manager Kate Hosier, in a press release, said that the city was hiring Kevin Swope to…