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…
Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…