Driver flees New Year’s crash
The driver of this rolled-over car New Year’s morning decided not to stick around for police and more to respond. “We were only six hours into 2022,” Saugatuck Township IT director Erik Kirchert reported, “when dispatched for a rolled over…
Douglas taps Toepper for council seat
By Scott SullivanEditorDouglas City Council Monday appointed Phil Toepper to fill the seat of resigned member and former Mayor Pat Lion until her term expires in November.After a 2-2-2 first-ballot tie between applicants Toepper, Demetrhea Terrien and Jeremiah Whiteley, council…
Ox-Bow to occupy old library
By Scott SullivanEditorOx-Bow will occupy the former Saugatuck-Douglas District Library building after Douglas City Council Monday agreed to lease the 137 W. Center St. structure to the Saugatuck art school for $1,200 monthly the next three years.An option to buy…
Sale of Palisades to take place once plant stops producing
Palisades to sell to Holtec once production stops on May 31The company that owns Palisades Nuclear Plant has received federal regulators’ approval to sell once the power plant stops production this year.The 811-megawatt plant, located on the shores of Lake…
Decatur McDonalds closes without much notice
Residents of Decatur were surprised as it’s recently been discovered that the McDonald’s located at 400 W Delaware St has closed indefinitely. Someone rolling through the drive-thru noticed a sign on the speaker informing residents of the closure and prompting…
Mike’s Musings: Politicians should spend time in private sector
Here’s a novel suggestion. Can we make it a requirement for those running for Congressional seats to spend a few years in the private sector?This idea was presented to me a few weeks ago, and the more I thought about…
Life as Performance Art
I read Mike Wilcox’s fa-ther’s reflections on small town life with delight.I grew up in a city of some 30,000. After ordination I moved to a church in a ham-let of 92 people, with one gas station, one grocery store,…
Obituary: A. James (Jim) Crandall
A. James (Jim) Crandall passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Dec. 29, 2021. Jim was born in Canton, Illinois in 1934, to George and Rose Crandall.On Sept. 20, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Gayle Sousley,…
Area family starts foundation to honor deceased member
The Schincariol family of Lawton has announced an effort this year to raise money to purchase music lessons and instruments for area teens.“Our long-term goal is to provide teens of Southwest Michigan the tools and training to explore and develop…
Lawrence DDA to hold open house
LAWRENCE – The Village of Lawrence Downtown Development Association (DDA) will hold an open house, Tuesday, Jan. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at Conquer Nutrition 106 W. St. Joseph St. The event will serve as an official greeting from the…
Road Commission issues snow plowing policy
LAWRENCE – Michigan’s first snowflakes have fallen, and before the state is feet-deep in snow, the Van Buren County Road Commission explains how it responds to winter storms, according to a press release from the road commission. There are over…
MDHHS to update quarantine guidelines
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will update its quarantine guidance for the general public to reflect the recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Notably, the CDC recommends a shortening…
Trip Advisor ranks Kal-Haven Trail the best – is it time to utilize it?
By Leslie Ballard Probably every person making their New Year’s resolutions last week listed exercise, weight loss or healthier living as one of their priorities, especially after packing on some Covid pounds. However, while getting on a treadmill and staring…
Omicron Variant identified in Van Buren County resident
LAWRENCE – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified Van Buren/Cass District Health Department that the Omicron variant has been identified in a Van Buren County resident.“It was only a matter of time until the Omicron variant…
Mike’s Musings: Politicians Should Spend Time in Private Sector
Here’s a novel suggestion. Can we make it a requirement for those running for Congressional seats to spend a few years in the private sector?This idea was presented to me a few weeks ago, and the more I thought about…
Viewpoints: Life as Performance Art
I read with sheer delight Mr. Wilcox’s editorial of the 30th of December about the joys and benefits of living in a small town. I couldn’t agree more. I grew up in a city of about 30,000. After ordination I moved…
Letter to the Editor: Got a laugh out of picture
Dear Editor:I have to say I laughed and was very surprised that you used the picture of the fair againon 12-16-21. My 90 year old mother realized it was a photoshopped picture the first time you printed it. The man…
Letter to the Editor: Jordan is no Swift
Editor,It didn’t take long for publisher Mike Wilcox’s son, Jordan, to catch blow back from his essay advocating universal gun ownership as a solution to gun violence.Of course, it’s a silly idea but I wonder if that might have been…
Dean Perry “Gooch” Balgoyen
Dean Perry “Gooch” Balgoyen, 56, of Allegan, MI passed away Saturday,December 25, 2021. Born May 18, 1965 in Plainwell, he was the son of the lateDean Peter Balgoyen and Ruthie (Harrington) Balgoyen and was the husband ofBarbara (Smith) Balgoyen. Perry…
Gary W. Emmons
Gary W. EmmonsSeptember 24, 1948 – December 25, 2021 Gary W. Emmons, 73 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021at his home. Born September 24, 1948 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was the son of thelate Glen and Marjorie…
