By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on Feb. 10 was presented with bid details for several renovation projects that are in the planning phase. Here is a roundup of targeted projects, with bid detail. Three bids were submitted for each project. Sturgis Central CommonsProject goal: Add a bathroom in the Early Head Start classroom at Read More…
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Hot chili for chilly weather: Downtown TR hosts chili cookoff
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Chili lovers from around the area and beyond came to downtown Three Rivers Saturday to try a wide variety of chilis during the 2026 Three Rivers Chili Cook-off.Ten participating businesses in the downtown blocks of Main Street and Portage Avenue participated in the contest, held for a few Read More…
May I Walk with You? OVERCOMING TEMPTATION
In his book, No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ’s Passion, Dr. Edward Sri gives some excellent advice on tested and true ways of not giving into temptation to sin. The first suggestion he makes is to simply pray. It doesn’t have to be a long prayer. Short phrases like, “Jesus, help me.” And Read More…
Birchwood Restaurant destroyed by electrical fire
By Christopher Johnson On February 5th of this month, Farwell’s Birchwood Restaurant caught fire from what investigators determined to be electrical wiring issues. According to the Surrey Fire Department, it started in the kitchen area and billowed smoke throughout the interior. Scarring everything with soot and extreme heat.Fire teams from four local ladders arrived at Read More…
Farwell Schools investigating gun threat; parent raises concerns about communication
By Christopher Johnson Farwell Area Schools officials are continuing an investigation into a reported gun threat that circulated among students earlier this winter, prompting concern from families. It has also renewed discussion about communication and safety procedures within the district.This case concerns Farwell Middle School in particular.According to testimony from a concerned mother, Cassie, whose Read More…
Clare’s wrestling season ends
By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE —Clare’s wrestling season ended at home on Feb. 11 with a 57-18 loss to Chippewa Hills in a Division 3 district semifinal match.Shepherd beat Chippewa Hills in the finals.Marshal Strouse won for Clare at 190 pounds with a pin in 1:41 over Landen Smith.Kyle McGraw won a forfeit at 120 pounds. Read More…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorEternal BosomI get no respect. Being in media I’m entitled to none. But at least, in the land of the free, I can mock politicians as they do me, elevating the discourse level. That’s why I’m heading for North Korea.The Kims do respect right. Last week a high-level delegation from that land flew Read More…
New owners share LakeVista vision
By Scott SullivanEditorBuying LakeVista Supervalu, the Saugatuck-Douglas area’s only full-service grocery store, seemed like Kismet for Pete Heinz and Darlene Bond.“We’d been dating for about a year and loved visiting here,” Darlene recalls. “On July 23, 2003 — my 40th birthday — Pete proposed to me in Wicks Park by the riverfront.“After all our years Read More…
Plainwell Middle School gymnasium dedicated in memory of Ryan Meert
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A beloved teacher, coach and community member was honored on Tuesday, Feb. 3, as Plainwell Community Schools formally dedicated the gymnasium at Plainwell Middle School in memory of Ryan Meert.Surrounded by family, friends, former students, colleagues and community members, district officials unveiled new signage renaming the space The Ryan Meert Memorial Read More…
Otsego residents, your water rates are going up
By Aaron MitchellOtsego City Manager Telling customers that their water rates are going to increase is never a popular thing to do in a small town. Many will pull out their torches and pitchforks and head down to City Hall.However, it is the truth, and the City of Otsego is not shying away from that.We Read More…





