News
Help make River Bluff Park dreams real
By Scott SullivanEditorWant to help restore Saugatuck Township’s River Bluff Park? A public open house Thursday, June 27, in the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library, 174 Center St., Douglas, will be your chance.From 5:30 to 7 p.m., township parks committee leaders will…
Plainwell’s Randall chosen to attend Grammy Camp
Maryn Randall will attend Grammy Camp as part of the singer/songwriter track. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Maryn Randall can’t imagine her life without music.“I would say I fell in love with music at an early age, probably before…
The Buck Stops here: Judge Buck announces retirement
Judge Buck, “I would like to thank the little people behind me”. A recent adoption hearing in which the children took over. Judge Buck noted, “April of this year marked 45 years that I have had the pleasure of working…
4th of July Celebrations around the Allegan County area
By Gari Voss The 4th of July 2024 falls on a Thursday. Several communities are celebrating Independence Day with extra activities on days other than the 4th. In addition, popup fireworks will be happening. Several things to remember:It has been…
Van Buren County Poorhouse Museum reopens following June 2022 storm that damaged building
Van Buren County Historical Society (VBCHS) President Sandra Merchant, right, is shown with Asher Avery, a VBCHS volunteer, as he prepares to cut the yellow ribbon in first photo, and then cuts it in second photo, marking the opening of…
Community reacts to shootings in Valley leading to six arrests
Six suspects arrested for drive-by shootings in Chambers and Lee counties By John BriceCorrespondent Arrests made by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office of six suspects involved in drive-by shootings across Chambers and Lee counties were announced in a press release…
Juneteenth celebrated with block party in LaFayette
LaFayette hosts a 1st annual Juneteenth block party celebration LaFayette hosted its 1st annual Juneteenth block party celebration. The celebration was hosted on the National Holiday Juneteenth Day on Wednesday June 19th. The day started out in downtown LaFayette behind…
Sturgis superintendent Ebert receives contract extension
The contract for Art Ebert, superintendent at Sturgis Public Schools, has been extended through June 30, 2028. The board of education approved the measure June 24. According to documents provided to the board, Ebert’s compensation for 2024-25 is $178,500. For…
Road Comm. in progress of developing Safety Action Plan for roads; public input requested
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — The St. Joseph County Road Commission is looking to make streets in the county safer for the future. The agency is currently working on what is called a Comprehensive Transportation Safety Action Plan (CTSAP),…
City shoots down Brownfield redevelopment plan for Coolidge housing development
First District Three Rivers City Commissioner Pat Dane discusses her objections to a Brownfield Redevelopment Plan for a proposed housing project at 611 Coolidge Pl. in Three Rivers during Tuesday’s City Commission meeting. The plan was shot down by a…
‘Another successful year’ for Water Festival in 2024
New events, high participation highlight festival; parade postponement, wrestling show cancellation explained Saturday night’s fireworks show capped off the 67th Three Rivers Water Festival with a bang over the midway of the festival, while onlookers watched from the hill near…
Schultz, VanMeter honored as Citizens of the YearKeynote speaker Tremblay gives overview of the life and career of Walt Disney
Mary Kay Schultz addresses the gathering at Sturgis Fest kick-off, after receiving Citizen of the Year honor. Doug VanMeter, Citizen of the Year, speaks at Sturgis Fest kick-off. Photos by Dennis Volkert/Sentinel Christopher W. Tremblay, keynote speaker, gives an overview…
Family Night a huge success at Sturgis Fest
Story and photos byDennis Volkert Scenes from “Family Night” at Sturgis Fest, held Wednesday at Sturgis High School.The popular annual attraction featured carnival rides, train rides, tricycle races, bounce-house and water games.A signature feature is the vintage baseball game, Sturgis…
Grant Township Hall and parking lot projects are completed
Grant Township Hall parking lot before renovation/expansion. Grant Township Hall after expansion/renovation. Courtesy photos By Pat MaurerCorrespondent At the regular meeting June 11, the Grant Township Board approved the close out payment of $192,783.44 to MDL Construction of Bay City…
Windover Lake vacationers donate AED for emergencies
This AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) was donated by the Benda family for the use of others who live or vacation around Windover Lake. The device is housed in a waterproof box and placed close to the shore on the north…
Another successful year for Marion Fair
Trey Eisenga – right- Captured Grand Champion Feeder Dairy Beef and Junior Market Beef Showmanship Ayla Lattimore won Grand Champion Champion Feeder Beef and Champion Homegrown Feeder Beef Alaina Eiseenga scored a triple play taking Grand Champion Market Dairy Beef,…
Sturgis superintendent Ebert rated ‘highly effective’
Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on Monday presented superintendent Art Ebert with a “highly effective” rating on his year-end performance appraisal, during a closed session. The board used School ADvance Administrator Evaluation System, a research-based tool that measures 31…
Township eyes phased-in campground plan
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR California-based Autocamp has scaled back plans from 112 total to 76 phase-one campsites on 29.24 acres 34.61 Blue Star Hwy. because “stuff” happens — specifically, need to dispose of sewage. The Saugatuck Township Board June 12…
Township hires Viridis for park design
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The Saugatuck Township Board June 12 hired Viridis Design Group for $10,500 to prepare a final landscape design for now-undeveloped 7.5-acre Amalanchier Park next to Riverside Cemetery at 3461 Clearbrook Drive. It will be incorporated into…
SHS junior is swift photo Study
Saugatuck High School junior Leilani Schoonmaker’s journey through a lens crescendoed — so far, at least — with National Scholastic Art Awards Gold Medal recognition. Her black-and-white photo of the 2023 Portage Cross Country Invitational start made Schoonmaker SHS art…
