Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Life as Performance Art

   I’ve never pretended to be the brightest kid on the block, even when adults patted me on the noggin and called me “Sonny.”  At first, I thought had something to do with that big yellow ball of bright light, meaning I was such a bright young boy.  My mother explained otherwise.  Even so, I’ve been trying to come Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Clare County Review & Marion Press Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes LaFayette Sun Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Mike’s Musings: Puppies, housing scams are latest

Scammers are everywhere on social media and the internet these days. They used to pose as policemen seeking funds or IRS agents demanding the money you owe for back taxes. But lately schemes have been getting more and more sophisticated. I’m going to tell you about two that friends experienced last week.First is the puppy Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes

Obituary: Carol Joy Grudecki

Carol Joy Grudecki, 84, of Kalamazoo, passed away Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, at Bronson Methodsit Hospital, Kalamazoo. Carol was born Aug. 11, 1938, in Paw Paw, the daughter of the late Boyd G. Bessey and Carol (Dornan) Bessey.Carol was a talented artist and musician from her childhood. In high school, she played the piano and Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes

Obituary: Bertha Bolton

Bertha’s life began in South Bend, Indiana, on Aug. 21, 1929, born Bertha Juanita Hale, daughter to the late Harry and Jessie (Crow) Hale. Growing up in South Bend, Bertha was affectionately known as “Nita”.She was raised in the Methodist Church in South Bend and remained a faithful Methodist her entire life. She was a Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes

Murder suspect brought back from Mexico

Cold CaseBy Paul GarrodStaff Writer PAW PAW – After nearly three decades, a suspect in a 1995 cold case was located by Van Buren County authorities and the FBI and returned to Van Buren County from Mexico, where he had taken up residence, according to Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott.Abbott announced on Wednesday, Oct. Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes

150 attend Whole Child Summit

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer LAWRENCE – The first county-wide Whole Child Summit, held Monday, Oct. 3, at the Van Buren Intermediate School District’s (VBISD) Conference Center, here, attracted 150 individuals who all have a vested interest in the county and its residents, with a special interest directed to its students. Among those individuals were those Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes

Fugitive caught following high speed chase

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer PAW PAW – A Benton Harbor fugitive faces several charges after he attempted to flee from flee from authorities during a high speed chase and was eventually apprehended early Thursday morning, Oct. 6, according to a press release from the Van Buren Sheriff’s Office.Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott said that Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Clare County Review & Marion Press Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes LaFayette Sun Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Vote, or forever hold your tongue

In less than 30 days, Americans will be asked to cast their ballots for the candidates and proposals of their choice. I am not here to write in support of any one candidate or proposal; however I am here to request that you exercise your right to vote.I know you’ve heard this before, but this Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Life as Performance Art

    Growing up, I had no need for an alarm clock ringing in my ears.  I was awakened by the hideous stench of The Olds plugging in the percolator for their first cup of coffee.  I don’t know the name of the brand, but in those dawn hours I would have preferred the aroma of a well-ripening roadkill Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Clare County Review & Marion Press Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes LaFayette Sun Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Mike’s Musings: My childhood playground destroyed by Ian

It was with great sadness that I viewed the videos and photos of the destruction to Fort Myers Beach caused by Hurricane Ian. I had spent many days of my youth and young adulthood enjoying the weather and beaches of this quaint little island. My parents owned a condominium mid-island, and I remember fondly visiting Read More…