News

Nov. 7 city council races uncontested

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20231 min read

Saugatuck and Douglas city council elections — each for three open, two-year seats — will be essentially uncontested Tuesday, Nov. 7. In Saugatuck, incumbent Russ Gardner will join prospective newcomers Holly Anderson and Logan White. Current council member Garnet Lewis…

Days on Mt. Baldhead

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20232 min read

Renee Zita’s family goes back. Renaldis since 1930 have lived in, created and loved these parts. Take Mt. Baldhead, as her pictures show.  Rising through fall hues 302 steps from parking lot to summit, the natural asset is sensitive. In…

Fennville elections

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20232 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent Four write-in candidates are seeking four open seats on the Fennville City Commission in the Nov. 7 election. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at city hall, 125 S. Maple St. There are no…

Ballot proposals dominate Tuesday’s election

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20238 min read

By Gari Voss Hear Ye, Hear Ye! The Allegan County Clerk posted: TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: OF THESE ALLEGAN COUNTY CITIES: DOUGLAS, FENNVILLE, HOLLAND, SAUGATUCK, SOUTH HAVEN AND WAYLAND; OF THESE ALLEGAN COUNTY TOWNSHIPS: GUN PLAIN, HOPKINS, MARTIN, OTSEGO, TROWBRIDGE…

Kitten trapped under bridge brings community to rescue

Kitten trapped under bridge brings community to rescue

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20234 min read

Pictured from the Allegan Fire District from L to R: Rose Evans, Lt. Zack Fuller, Lt. Chris Goodman, Andrew Snyder, Capt. Bruce Maurer, Brian Baker, Jason Baker, Cory Krotz, Chief Nick Brink, and Daniel. Firemen Cory Krotz (back) and Jason…

Protests intensify at Chambers County Board of Education

Protests intensify at Chambers County Board of Education

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20235 min read

Protesters assemble outside of the Board of Education meeting. Assistant Superintendent David Owen counter protests. By John BriceCorrespondent Protesters from LaFayette Teachers Against Displacement made their voices heard loud and clear at the Chambers County Board of Education Meeting on…

Lanett police investigation finds “no wrongdoing” in Huguley school incident

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20234 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Details on the conclusion of an investigation by the Lanett Police Department into injuries to a student at Huguley Elementary School were revealed in a press release on Thursday, October 26th of 2023. Briefly stated in the…

Village of Lawrence, police respond to death of beloved deer, Annie

Village of Lawrence, police respond to death of beloved deer, Annie

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20231 min read

LAWRENCE – Following the recent death of the beloved deer, “Annie”, who resided in the Lawrence community, Village of Lawrence Police Chief Paul Bianco issued the following statement, “The Village of Lawrence and the Lawrence Police Department are saddened by…

Pokagon police officer who euthanized deer, terminated

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20232 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer LAWRENCE – A Pokagon Tribal Police Officer who euthanized a beloved deer in the Lawrence community was terminated from his position, Friday, Oct. 27, according to a press release from the Pokagon Tribal Police.Pokagon Tribal Police…

Lawrence Public Schools seeks voter approval to extend current millage rate

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20232 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer LAWRENCE – Voters in the Lawrence School District will go to the polls on Nov. 7 to vote on a 2023 Bond Proposal.If approved, the bond will extend the current millage two years and generate $2.1…

Two arrested on unrelated warrants following Almena Twp. fire

Two arrested on unrelated warrants following Almena Twp. fire

Editorial StaffNov 1, 20231 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer ALMENA TWP. – Two people were turned over to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges following a structure fire of unknown origin that occurred early Saturday morning, Oct. 28, in Almena Township, according to…

2023 City Commission Election Preview: Different kinds of experience highlight First District commissioner race

2023 City Commission Election Preview: Different kinds of experience highlight First District commissioner race

Robert TomlinsonOct 29, 20239 min read

Incumbent Pat Dane (left) and challenger John Kish (right) are vying for the First District seat on the Three Rivers City Commission in the Nov. 7 general election. (Photos provided) By Robert TomlinsonNews Director Editor’s Note: Four seats on the…

2023 City Commission Election Preview: Brown and Reeves square off in At-Large commissioner race

2023 City Commission Election Preview: Brown and Reeves square off in At-Large commissioner race

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20239 min read

Incumbent At-Large Three Rivers City Commissioner Torrey Brown (top) and challenger Jason Reeves (bottom) will view for an at-large seat on the Three Rivers City Commission in the Nov. 7 election. Brown photo provided; Reeves photo credit: Commercial-News | Robert…

Proposed dog park rules tabled by TR Planning Comm., public hearing set

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20235 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A draft of proposed rules for Three Rivers’ newest dog park will have to sit and stay just a bit longer before they’re approved.On Monday, the Three Rivers Planning Commission tabled a set…

Albarran appointed to 2nd Precinct seat on Sturgis City Commission

Albarran appointed to 2nd Precinct seat on Sturgis City Commission

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20232 min read

Alan Albarran has been appointed to a 2nd precinct seat on Sturgis City Commission. Dennis Volkert photo By Dennis Volkert  Alan Albarran was appointed Wednesday to a 2nd Precinct seat on Sturgis City Commission, to fulfill the unexpired term of Brandon…

Revision approved for clerk/treasurer contract; tax exemption OK’d for St. Joseph Street Lofts

Revision approved for clerk/treasurer contract; tax exemption OK’d for St. Joseph Street Lofts

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20233 min read

Sturgis City Hall Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved revisions to a contract for clerk/treasurer Ken Rhodes.The contract addresses two details of the position. It outlines and clarifies duties, benefits and supervision. City charter outlines the clerk and treasurer positions,…

‘Monster Mash’ set forOct. 28 at SYCA

‘Monster Mash’ set forOct. 28 at SYCA

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20232 min read

Sturges-Young Center for the Arts presents “Monster Mash” Oct. 28, 8 p.m.-midnight.It’s billed as a scary evening of fun in a Haunted Mansion-themed atmosphere. The event is for ages 21 and up.Basic admission is $15. A party pack is available for…

School’s finance committee updates project progress, outlines recommendations for funding

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20232 min read

Sturgis Public Schools finance committee met Oct. 12 and outlined funding and scheduling recommendations and revised a project list for the 2023-24 academic year. Members present were superintendent Art Ebert; board of education members Ben Myers, Betsie Drumm and Kerri Millett;…

Clare Fire Department celebrates Fire Prevention Week with youngsters

Clare Fire Department celebrates Fire Prevention Week with youngsters

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20232 min read

Shown here are morning Kindergarten students with staff from Clare Primary. They learned about “Fire Safety in the Kitchen,” and how to protect themselves in case of a fire. By Pat MaurerCorrespondent October 9th marked the first day of Fire…

Halloween Happeningsaround the Area

Editorial StaffOct 27, 20232 min read

By Pat Maurer In addition to Trick or Treat in Clare and surrounding communities on Halloween (see times in Halloween Trick or Treat article), there’s plenty of activity planned for this weekend right through October 31.October 28: Clare Pumpkin 5K…