By John Raffel MATTAWAN — Rob Kuhtz’s girls basketball team is off to a 2-2 start as Mattawan gets ready to come out of the holiday break.“We are much improved from a year ago and we’ve had opportunities to win all four games,” Kuhtz said. “Obviously rosters change with graduation, but winning two games against Read More…
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South Haven responds to Carlotto’s lawsuit
By James Windell The City of South Haven responded to Pat Carlotto’s employment lawsuit alleging discrimination. The lawsuit was filed in late November 2025 in Federal District Court.The formal answer to the initial suit was filed with the Court on December 26, 2025, and to make a long story short, the City denied all allegations Read More…
Area fire department honor guards pay tribute to fallen fire chief
The Paw Paw Fire Department Honor Guard, shown above, and the Lawton Fire Department Honor Guard, both assisted with the visitation and funeral service for Hamiliton Fire Department Chief David Haverdink on Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 5 and 6. The funeral was held Tuesday, Jan. 6. at the Central Wesleyan Church, Holland. Haverdink died Dec. Read More…
PPFD brings dogs to safety after falling thru ice
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Two dogs that ventured out on Ackley Lake, Paw Paw, on New Year’s Day and fell through the ice, were both successfully rescued by the Paw Paw Fire Department.Paw Paw Fire Chief Kyle Richardson said the department received the call at 10:55 a.m. that two dogs, a Lab Read More…
PPHS Hall of Fame induction ceremony to be held January 16
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – This year’s Paw Paw High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Jan. 16, between the girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball games, approximately 7 p.m. at Paw Paw High School.A reception to honor the inductees will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.The Read More…
Falcon Fund established to help Constantine students afford career exploration, extracurriculars
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — As a student at Constantine High School in the mid-to-late 2000s, Casey Smagala and his family weren’t able to afford many extracurricular opportunities that would have enhanced his educational experience, in particular the school’s Youth in Government program. At the time, he even thought the program wasn’t for him, Read More…
Mendon boys dominate Marcellus, reach Holiday Tournament finals today
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director MENDON — A slow start did not faze the Mendon boys’ basketball team, as they erupted for a 29-6 advantage in the second quarter en route to a 69-38 drubbing of Marcellus in the first round of the Mendon Holiday Tournament Tuesday. With the win, the Hornets move on to the Read More…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK: ALBION WATER WORKS AND CITY JAIL BUILDING
By Frank Passic Happy New Year everyone. It was heartening to learn recently of the establishment of an Albion Arts Center in the old Water Works building at 107 E. Cass St. This historic building has been modernized and will provide a home for Albion’s aspiring artists for years to come. This is the Read More…
How a small-town Jackson County farm boy impacted the world
By Ken Wyatt Every small town knows about its forgotten generations. These are the young people small towns raise – but then lose to big cities with jobs and better opportunities. Walter C. “Chris” Heisler was one such small-town product. He is largely forgotten in this area of western Jackson County and eastern Calhoun County. Read More…
One 12-year-old responds to the work of Friends of Albion’s Animals this holiday season in a big way
By Sylvia Benavidez During the Cookie Walk and Gift Wrapping for the Friends of Albion’s Animals at the Albion District Library, 12-year-old Taylor Weston, Clarence Township, brought $240.00 to the event and handed it over to one of the volunteers. In an interview, Westin’s mother, Kristen Wilkerson, shared that several weeks ago she asked her Read More…