News

Here’s who is running for elected office in area

Editorial StaffOct 30, 202411 min read

Office: Term, Party, Name on BallotFederal and State Elected OfficialsRepresentative in State Legislature38th District2-year Democrat – Joey Andrews2-year Republican – Kevin Whiteford39th District2-year Democrat – Kerry Tapper2-year Republican – Pauline WendzelMember of the State Board of Education8-year Democrat – Theodore…

‘Relatively small’ sewer spill reported with force main break at King Road

Robert TomlinsonOct 28, 20241 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director FABIUS TWP. — A new break in the force main between Constantine and Three Rivers was reported Monday morning. Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett said the break and sewage spill occurred Sunday at around 2:10 p.m.…

Local effort collects food, supplies to help hurricane victims in N.C.

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20244 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — The Three Rivers area will be helping out with hurricane relief efforts in North Carolina this week.On Tuesday morning, a semi-trailer filled with tens of thousands of pounds of food, supplies and relief…

Public has their say at annexation hearing

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20247 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — The general public has now had their say in a hotly-debated proposed land annexation in Three Rivers, and the annexation’s fate now rests in the hands of the State Boundary Commission.On Thursday, Oct.…

Hile attends final meeting as Sturgis city commissioner

Hile attends final meeting as Sturgis city commissioner

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20242 min read

By Dennis Volkert Robert Hile on Wednesday took part in his final meeting as a member of Sturgis City Commission. Hile, a representative in the 4th Precinct, has served on the board since he was appointed in 2010. Re-elected by…

Sturgis schools to consider security upgrades at district facilities

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20242 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on Monday received a plan for security measures at district facilities. The security committee met Sept. 30 to assess current security and safety elements, and developed a list of potential changes or…

‘Electric City’ downtown illumination unveiled; pump house mural in final stages

‘Electric City’ downtown illumination unveiled; pump house mural in final stages

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20243 min read

By Dennis Volkert Official unveiling took place Tuesday for the “Electric City” lighting project in downtown Sturgis. Jeff Coney, community development specialist, was pleased with the turnout.  “It went extremely well,” Coney said. “The lights fired up as scheduled and the…

Sturgis-area Halloween events

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20242 min read

Oct. 25“Spooktacular Fest,” 4-8 p.m. Trick-or-treating 4-6 p.m. downtown. Adult trick-or-treating 6-8 p.m. at participating downtown businesses. Features late-night shopping, snacks and beverages. Showing of “Hocus Locus” 6:30 p.m. at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Also includes “Scare Zone” on…

ALDI to open Clare store next week

ALDI to open Clare store next week

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20241 min read

Aldi will open their new store in Clare October 30 with a Ribbon Cutting scheduled for 8:45 am and the new store opening following the ceremony.For a “Sneak Peek” the store will be open on October 29th. The store hours…

Halloween to be celebrated all over county

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20244 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Trick or treating is not the only Halloween fun kids and grownup have to look forward to.Events are ongoing all over Clare, Harrison, Farwell and more!Of course, regular Trick or Treat hours will be held on Tuesday…

Only a few elected positions challenged on Nov. 5

Editorial StaffOct 25, 20245 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent After month of political wrangling between candidates on the ballot November 5th, the big day is nearly here – only ten days away now.Looking at the ballot for president and vice president, Vice President Kamala Harrison is…

Douglas notices $4M bond ask

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Contractor Carbon Six Construction Monday shared with Douglas City Council build-out plans to turn 415 Wiley Rd. into a new city hall and police station. Members agreed to post notice of a $4-million bond ask to…

Halloween bash Saturday offers fun for all

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20243 min read

There is something lucky about the number 13 and Halloween. Douglas will celebrate the Oct. 31 holiday five nights early, Saturday, Oct. 26, for the 26th year. That’s 13 years each for late parade founder Ginger Wilkinson and daughter Erin…

SPS eyes principal for superintendent slot

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor The Saugatuck Public Schools board was set to interview the district’s one internal applicant — middle/high school principal Mark Neidlinger — for superintendent to replace the retiring Tim Travis. The public was invited to attend. Travis…

Township greenlights auto, brewery plan

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

Transforming the current Ihle Auto Service building into a brewery and placing a new car repair shop at 6525 Blue Star Hwy. won Saugatuck Township Planning Commission approval Oct. 15. Planning chair David Ihle, who recused himself from discussions, and…

North Shores advances inland condos plan

North Shores advances inland condos plan

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorThe Saugatuck Township Planning Commission Oct. 15 granted North Shores of Saugatuck preliminary site plan approval for a 21.42-acre, eight-condominium development north of 135th Avenue.North Shores, whose principal is Holland-based Padnos Inc. president Jeff Padnos, owns more than…

Council clicks on Clark by split count

Council clicks on Clark by split count

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorA split Saugatuck City Council Oct. 17 tapped Joe Clark to fill a seat vacated Sept. 24 by Logan White, who resigned from council because he is moving out of town.Mayor Lauren Stanton, mayor pro-tem Helen Baldwin, Scott…

Four candidates on ballot for Plainwell school board

Four candidates on ballot for Plainwell school board

Editorial StaffOct 23, 202412 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Three of the seven seats on the Plainwell Community Schools Board of Education are up for grabs.Four candidates are on ballot for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, election to fill those spots.Of those candidates, three are incumbents:…

Mitchells complete half marathon to raise money for a good cause

Mitchells complete half marathon to raise money for a good cause

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor GRAND RAPIDS—As a member of the Otsego High School boys cross country team, sophomore Jackson Mitchell is no stranger when it comes to running 5Ks.A half marathon, though? That was a bit of a different story.“He…

Otsego marching band wraps up successful season

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego High School band program has a reputation for excellence.This year is no different.Otsego wrapped up its marching season on Saturday, Oct. 19, by taking first place in not one, but two competitions.At Grandville, Otsego…