News

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffAug 30, 20243 min read

Coming events Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area. Sept. 3“Two-Wheel Tuesdays,” 5-9 p.m., North Nottawa and East West streets.Sept. 6“First Fridays Karaoke,” 8 p.m., Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.Sept. 7History walking tour, 4-5:30 p.m., Oak Lawn Cemetery, tour groups…

Old 27 Car Tour makes pit stop in Clare

Old 27 Car Tour makes pit stop in Clare

Editorial StaffAug 30, 20242 min read

By David Hutchinson The Old US 27 Motor Tour arrived in Clare on August 22. Automotive showpieces filled the streets of downtown Clare for the public’s viewing pleasure from 6-8 p.m.The tour was started by the late Craig Parrish in…

Severe Tuesday storms hit area, Thousands without power

Severe Tuesday storms hit area, Thousands without power

Editorial StaffAug 30, 20243 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Clare Emergency Management Director Jerry Becker posted on Facebook Wednesday morning that 10,436 Customers were still without power in Clare County, according to Consumers Energy. His post said, “Crews are out working to clear roads and restore…

Blue Star Labor Day Bridge Walk scrubbed

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20242 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorAfter 25 years, the Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk has been canceled. In a joint press release, Douglas and Saugatuck cities with the Saugatuck Public Schools Community Recreation Department announced the 26th annual community walk, which would…

Saugatuck council candidates to square off

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20241 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorAll seven candidates for four two-year Saugatuck City Council seats available in Nov. 5 elections have been invited to a Holland Area League of Women Voters-sponsored forum Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Saugatuck High School auditorium, 401 Elizabeth…

Saying sayonara

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20241 min read

… to summer jobs as Saugatuck Oval Beach patrol members are members such as these, shown this spring get oriented to high dune views of Lake Michigan that come along as perks. After Labor Day, the city-owned beach will no…

Otsego Schools prepares for Purple Week

Otsego Schools prepares for Purple Week

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20246 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor One Cause, One Community.That’s the theme of Otsego Public Schools’ 8th Purple Community Week to support medical research at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids.What exactly is Purple Week?It’s a week-long event that brings the district’s…

Plainwell Schools welcomes students back to class

Plainwell Schools welcomes students back to class

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The 2024-25 school year is officially underway in PlainwellPlainwell Community Schools held its first day on Monday, Aug. 26, with students coming back for a half day.Full days of class were scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27,…

Resident stake walk on roundabout

Resident stake walk on roundabout

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20241 min read

Thursday, August 22, 2024, the new Roundabout was opened for a Walkabout. City Manager Joel Dye welcomed walkers and those with non-motorized vehicles who explored the entrances and exits of the new Roundabout. The public walked or rode bikes, skateboards,…

County names Jessup new local rep

County names Jessup new local rep

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanWriter Former 16-year Allegan County Commissioner Tom Jessup was named by that all-Republican board to replace the man who defeated him, the late Dean Kapenga, as commissioner for District 3.The one-time Casco Township supervisor emerged from a 5-hour…

Newmans, Roesly honored by Main Street

Newmans, Roesly honored by Main Street

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20241 min read

The LaFayette Main Street hosted its 2nd Annual Membership Meeting last Thursday. The meeting was held at the Kemp’s historic home in LaFayette.LaFayette business owners, Main Street volunteers, board members and Mayor Kenneth Vines were in attendance.The 2024 Business of…

Community concerns prompted over new CCSD truancy program

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20244 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Attendance policies recently adopted by the Chambers County School District under its new “Early Warning Truancy Program” have prompted parents and residents in the community to express their concerns over potential issues that may arise for students…

Salute to Veterans Boat Parade rescheduled

Salute to Veterans Boat Parade rescheduled

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20243 min read

By Donald Talonen  The Annual Salute to Veterans, sponsored by Operation Injured Soldiers, will take place on Lake Michigan on August 31, 2024. Approximately 80 veterans will embark on a fishing trip aboard 40 boats, departing at 5:30 am and…

Woman facing multiple charges of sexual abuse

Woman facing multiple charges of sexual abuse

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20242 min read

By Donald Talonen Stephanie Davis, a 30-year-old woman from South Haven was arrested on August 22, in connection to multiple child sexual abuse offenses, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office arrested Davis after their…

Navigating Short-Term Rentals

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20243 min read

By Donald Talonen On August 19, 2024, the moratorium that began on February 19, 2024, came to an end, and a new moratorium began. The recently implemented moratorium set to end on February 19, 2025. The South Haven City Council unanimously…

48th Annual All Crafts Fair celebrating creativity and community

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20242 min read

By Donald Talonen Get ready for the 48th Annual All Crafts Fair in South Haven, Michigan! The event will take place on Saturday, August 31st from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, September 1st, 2024, from 10 am to 4…

Downtown Lawton Road construction completion date delayed

Downtown Lawton Road construction completion date delayed

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20246 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer LAWTON – The downtown Lawton road construction project, which was scheduled to be completed on Friday, Aug. 23, has been extended to Friday, Sept. 20, due to Amtrak work and weather delays, according to Lawton Village…

Lawrence Ox Roast & Homecoming festival set for weekend

Editorial StaffAug 28, 20243 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer LAWRENCE – The Lawrence Ox Roast & Homecoming festival on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30- Sept. 2, will see the return of fireworks to celebrate a century-plus tradition, while marking the annual event.The event began on…

Wizard of Oz

Wizard of Oz

Editorial StaffAug 23, 20241 min read

Visitors to the Bohm Theatre in Albion were able to experience the legendary film “The Wizard of Oz” on the big screen Wednesday night. The showing, which included a costume contest, was in honor of the 85th anniversary of the…

Aeroquip and Concord: The wartime connection

Aeroquip and Concord: The wartime connection

Editorial StaffAug 23, 20246 min read

By Ken Wyatt War often brings cruel ironies. One such irony played out in the little village of Concord in the months after America declared war in December of 1941. The irony? That a German engineer, who fled Hitler’s Third…