News

Over a half-dozen Albion establishments open for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Over a half-dozen Albion establishments open for New Year’s Eve celebrations

Editorial StaffJan 3, 20257 min read

The number of choices in Albion for New Year’s Eve celebrations shows that businesses are ready to grow with the city. There were over a half dozen places open to greet the new year. Many business owners and guests shared…

2024 Year in Review: The most notable stories of 2024 in St. Joseph County

2024 Year in Review: The most notable stories of 2024 in St. Joseph County

Editorial StaffJan 3, 202522 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — 2024, like any other year, had its highs and its lows when it came to the top news stories of the year.As we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to 2025, we take…

Coin dealer Burton’s trial set for February 10 for gambling away customer’s money

Editorial StaffJan 3, 20255 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Matthew Joseph Burton, 52, a coin dealer and business owner in Isabella, Clare and Bay Coun-ties, is facing a “settlement conference” January 24 and a trial beginning February 10 in Isabella County for “false pretenses.”The owner of…

2024 – The Year in ‘Review’

Editorial StaffJan 3, 202514 min read

Another year is behind us. They seem to go by so fast and we are now beginning 2025. Time for a look back at the year just past. Here are some highlights from the front pages of the Clare County…

Guitar workshop offered at Ransom Library

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Is learning how to play a musical instrument on your list of New Year’s resolutions?If so, then the Ransom District Library just might be the place for you on Mondays beginning Jan. 6.Library director and former…

Goodbye 2024… Hello 2025!

Goodbye 2024… Hello 2025!

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20245 min read

By Cindy Sasser When I think about moving forward into 2025, that old 1968 song by Tommy James & The Shondells plays in my mind…“Look over yonder… what do you seeThe sun is a risin’… most definitelyA new day is comin’……

Man who robbed Plainwell bank pleads guilty

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

A man who threatened to blow up an Allegan County bank pleaded guilty to armed robbery las week.Police said Paul Donnelly robbed the Plainwell PNC Bank in June by claiming to have a bomb in his bag.The response caused several…

Otsego Library hosts ‘Garfield Glow Games’ event

Otsego Library hosts ‘Garfield Glow Games’ event

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Since being created by Jim Davis in the mid-1970s, Garfield the cat has become a household name.Not only did the comic strip that bore his name become the most syndicated strip in the world, but the…

LaFayette police coordinate toy drive to provide gifts for families

LaFayette police coordinate toy drive to provide gifts for families

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20243 min read

By Pamela WhitlowLaFayette Police Department Sergeant Jacob Williams tells a magical Christmas story of how a Christmas Miracle came to LaFayette to serve and bless many kids in the community.One of the many goals of the LaFayette Police Department since…

Bakery that served South Haven for 86 years closes

Bakery that served South Haven for 86 years closes

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20242 min read

After 86 years of serving Southwest Michigan, the Golden Brown Bakery turned off its ovens and served the last customers on Saturday, Dec. 28.It marked the end of an era that made the bakery a landmark staple in downtown South…

Volkers win $1500 as Sparkle Showdown best

Volkers win $1500 as Sparkle Showdown best

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20242 min read

By James Windell South Haven has had holiday lights competitions before, but not quite like this year. The South Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau partnered with Mayor Annie Brown and Kathy Rusin of Shooting Star to sponsor the Sparkle Showdown.“This…

Upscale clothing store opens in South Haven

Upscale clothing store opens in South Haven

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20243 min read

By James Windell Layla Byrd opened Haven, an upscale clothing store in May, 2024. However, her shop, located at 550 Phoenix wasn’t quite the right location for her business.“When my mom sold the building I was in,” Byrd said recently,…

Paw Paw’s favorite son, Charlie Maxwell passes

Paw Paw’s favorite son, Charlie Maxwell passes

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20242 min read

Charlie “Paw Paw” Maxwell played 14 years in major league baseball. Eight of those years were with the Detroit Tigers. He played in two All-Star games. He died last Friday at the age of 97. See obituaries on Pg 6.

Dr. Loomis celebrates 100th Birthday

Dr. Loomis celebrates 100th Birthday

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

F. J. Loomis, MD celebrated his 100th birthday on December 28, 2024. In 1952 he and his wife Priscilla moved to Paw Paw upon completion of his service in the US Navy. He opened a medical practice which served newborns…

Sturgis man killed in crash

Robert TomlinsonDec 30, 20241 min read

BURR OAK TWP. — A Sturgis man was killed in a car crash that occurred late Friday in Burr Oak Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called at 11:42 p.m. Dec. 27 to the area…

TR Lions Club holds biggest food, toy distribution yet

TR Lions Club holds biggest food, toy distribution yet

Robert TomlinsonDec 27, 20246 min read

Over 150 families helped for Christmas season By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — For the first hour or so of Saturday’s food box and toy distribution at the Three Rivers Lions Club, the line of vehicles in need of…

Albion resident Orlando Billingsley sentenced to 40-60 years for murder of Battle Creek resident Stanley Wilson

Albion resident Orlando Billingsley sentenced to 40-60 years for murder of Battle Creek resident Stanley Wilson

Editorial StaffDec 27, 20243 min read

By Sylvia Benavidez A murder that rocked the Albion Community last spring and the resulting police investigation concluded Friday, Dec. 20. Judge Sarah Lincoln of the 37th Judicial Circuit Court sentenced 46-year-old Orlando Capado Billingsley, Albion, to 40-60 years in…

Teen injured in Christmas Eve shooting in Jackson

Teen injured in Christmas Eve shooting in Jackson

Editorial StaffDec 27, 20241 min read

The Jackson Police Department has released information about a shooting on Christmas Eve that injured a teenage boy.A 14-year-old boy was shot shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday near the intersection of Seymore Ave and E North Street in the…

ADPS Officer Chandler Barney and participating in Shop with a Cop program

ADPS Officer Chandler Barney and participating in Shop with a Cop program

Editorial StaffDec 27, 20244 min read

By Sylvia Benavidez ADPS Officer Chandler Barney loves kids and when Albion Department of Public Safety Interim Chief Aaron Phipps asked Barney and Det. Billy Lazarus to join him for Calhoun County Shop with a Cop in Battle Creek, Barney…

Merry Mile breaks Egg Nog Jog attendance and volunteer participation records

Merry Mile breaks Egg Nog Jog attendance and volunteer participation records

Editorial StaffDec 27, 20245 min read

by Sylvia Benavidez Presented by the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall the Merry Mile light display continues to grow in its 8th season with more people volunteering to help set up lights, participating in the Egg Nog Jog, and driving…