Here we go again. Another budget cycle, another bitter fight in Lansing over how to fund our schools. This year’s stalemate feels particularly sharp, with both sides dug in and unwilling to budge. Meanwhile, the people who bear the brunt of this dysfunction are not the lawmakers making speeches, but the students, teachers, and families Read More…
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Gobles football has outstanding opening-game win
By John RaffelCorrespondent Gobles opened with a tough week one matchup vs. Climax-Scotts for the Tiger Tribute game and Gobles won 54-32.This was only the second time in program history that the two teams have met, with the first time being a Gobles victory in 1959.Gobles opened the game with a commanding drive, capped off Read More…
Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt
BY JASON WESSELDYKSPORTS EDITOR OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at approximately 12:45 a.m.“A neighbor called 911 to report the fire and, according to our fire Read More…
Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified
Sturgis City Commission held a closed session Aug. 27 to discuss union negotiations in connection with the city’s fire department. Commissioners ratified the contract as presented. City manager Andrew Kuk said the agreement is “fair and mutually beneficial.” “We were able to work productively together to get it done, in a very reasonable amount of Read More…
Schoolcraft football survives against stingy Centreville team in season opener
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Centreville’s football team brought out the pomp and circumstance to its 2025 home opener Thursday against defending MHSAA Division 7 semifinalist Schoolcraft, with a community tailgate, balloons, the whole nine yards. But, in what was a defensive battle throughout the game, it was the visiting Eagles spoiling the party Read More…
Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Music, food and fun will be on the docket this coming weekend, as HarmonyFest will return to downtown Three Rivers Sunday, Aug. 31. The annual all-day music festival in downtown Three Rivers features musical artists from around the area performing for crowds on a blocked-off Main Street for Read More…
Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL
By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer Things could have gone south for Vandercook Lake High School athlete Dallas Swaenepoel. At three years old, his parents lost custody of him, and his grandparents were deemed too old by a Florida judge. Vandercook Lake residents Chuck and Sarah Swaenepoel were not going to let their nephew – now Read More…
Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Albion resident Dymond Stokes represented Calhoun County in the Miss Michigan USA pageant recently in Port Huron. The winner was Norton Shores native Michele Lewandoski. Stokes finished in the top 12 contestants. She was disappointed at first, but not for long. As a current business owner and after competing in Read More…
A day of extraordinary performances
The Nuance wins Walk the Beat Albion 2025; The War and Treaty claim victory over a downpour at WTB After party By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZContributing Writer The Nunance, an energetic rock band, won Walk the Beat Albion 2025. They along with 19 other bands enjoyed the benefits of partially sunny day. Later in the evening The Read More…
Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 39th annual Civil War Muster, returned to Jackson on Aug. 23-24, at Cascades Park and surrounding areas. This year’s muster also marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, according to Jackson Historical Society president Maurice Imhoff. Imhoff also played a role in the battle reenactment, Read More…