News
City of Otsego advises residents not to run water for freeze concerns
Officials from the City of Otsego say they are not advising residents not to run their water at this time in response to cold weather and freezing concerns related to the city’s water system.According to the City, staff have been…
Winter weather leads to weeklong school closures in Otsego, Plainwell
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Snow days are often the stuff of student (and some teacher) daydreams—a hopeful glance out the window, a phone refresh before sunrise, and the quiet thrill of seeing school canceled.Last week, those hopes became reality in…
Harsh winter weather grips Allegan and Van Buren Counties
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher A prolonged stretch of winter weather brought snow, extreme cold, and hazardous travel conditions to Allegan and Van Buren Counties over the past week, disrupting daily routines and prompting multiple school closings as districts prioritized safety.The active weather…
Allegan recycling center participates in controversial Day of Action
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher On Friday, Jan. 23, thousands of Minnesotans participated in an “ICE Out” Day of Action, involving rallies, marches, and protests against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident…
Cabin fever buster opportunities around the county
By Gari VossAllegan, Michigan offers much more than just food and drink. There is no need to be disappointed about missing the sold out Comedy Night at Tantrick Down Under or the January Pub Quiz or the beginning of Pinball…
Person falls into Lake Michigan while walking on ice shelf
“The Lake Michigan shoreline snow shelves and ice-covered piers are beautiful and inviting. And very dangerous!” South Haven authorities wrote in a Facebook post.A person fell through the ice shelf near the South Haven pier on Wednesday, plunging them into…
Sub-zero temps create emergencies for public works
The recent sub-zero temperatures that have swept the area have proven to be a challenge in many ways, including burst water pipes. Public works employees have the unenviable task of responding to those types of emergencies as pictured here on…
South Haven Speakers Series announces its 12th season speaker lineup
By James Windell The South Haven Speakers Series just announced its lineup for the 2026 season – its 12th year of bringing topnotch speakers and compelling topics to South Haven.The four programs this year address major issues that shape our…
South Haven School Board unanimously approves teachers salary agreement
By James Windell The South Haven School Board unanimously approved the salary agreement for teachers at the regular School Board meeting on January 21, 2026.The teacher’s union had already ratified the agreement on January 13, 2026 after the School District…
Upgrades made at Lawrence Township Emergency Services
Lawrence Township Emergency Services has upgraded the capabilities of one of its vehicles. Utility truck 1780 was equipped with a plow to help not only maintain the township’s emergency services facility, but also to ensure if inclement weather occurs, township…
Van Buren County Dispatch Director to retire
The Van Buren Chief’s of Police Association presented soon to be retired Van Buren Dispatch Director Tim McGee with a plaque recognizing his dedicated years of service to Van Buren County. McGee began his career in law enforcement as an…
Snow-removal emergency in Sturgis
City of Sturgis has declared a snow-removal emergency, in effect from noon today, Jan. 26, continuing until noon Monday, Dec. 27, to allow for efficient removal of snow. During the emergency, no parking is allowed on city streets. Vehicles that…
No one injured in Fabius Twp. house fire
FABIUS TWP. — No injuries were reported following an early-morning fire in Fabius Township Saturday morning. According to the Fabius-Park Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched at 3 a.m. to a home in the 11000 block of Lakeshore Drive for a…
Sand sentenced to 5-15 years for sexual assault of minors
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — A prison sentence was handed down Friday to a former food service worker at Mendon Junior/Senior High School accused of sexually assaulting minors. Kaitlyn Sand was sentenced by Judge Paul Stutesman in St. Joseph…
Woman charged in overdose death of two people found dead at Jackson motel
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Angela Marie Chapman, 41, of Jackson was arraigned by 12th District Court Magistrate, Christopher Dickerson on Jan. 20 on charges that include two counts of delivery of a controlled substance causing death, and two counts…
Family seeks answers in deadly hit and run
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Norman Joseph Heim, age 76, was struck and killed while walking by a vehicle traveling on Lansing Avenue near South Oak Creek Drive in Rives Township at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 15. According to…
City reviews inspection requirements for city-owned housing
By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer During the Jan. 5 Albion City Council meeting, council members discussed how the city’s rental certification and inspection requirements apply to city-owned housing, raising questions about potential overlap with existing federal inspections and the impact…
Jackson man arrested after alleged arson injures two roommates
By Kathryn Palon Contributing Writer JACKSON, Mich. — A Jackson man was arrested after police say he admitted to setting fire to a residence at 324 Clinton St., injuring his two roommates. The incident occurred at approximately 10:07 p.m. on…
From sewer lines to city leadership, Albion finds unexpected answers
By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer Albion officials used a lightly attended Jan. 20 meeting to advance several significant initiatives, moving forward on infrastructure planning, economic development and a pivotal leadership decision, while also pausing to recognize community contributions during a…
