Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes Sports

Gobles girls defeat Watervliet

By John RaffelCorrespondent GOBLES – Coach Greg Barber’s Gobles Lady Tigers started the season off with a 52-39 road win at Watervliet last weekThe Tigers were led by Charlotte Zantello with 19 points and seven rebounds. Kenadi Killeen added 12 points and 15 rebounds.“On Friday the Tigers hosted Saugatuck and never were able to get Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Clare County Review & Marion Press Columns Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes LaFayette Sun Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record Three Rivers Commercial-News, Penny Saver, & Sturgis Sentinel

Mike’s Musings: Big Box Retail theft spikes, another reason to shop local

A long time ago, I was in a convenience story buying a soft drink and candy bar, when I noticed a guy stuffing several items inside his coat. He then proceeded to walk out paying for nothing. I froze and did nothing. I was ashamed that I didn’t chase after him, or at least inform Read More…

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

Life as Performance Art

For several years I had a five-church parish, roughly the size of Rhode Island, in northern Alberta, Canada.  This time of the year sunrise came about eleven in the morning; dusk a little after two in the afternoon.  On Sundays, by the time I finished the last service of the day at eight that night, I still Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes News

Light Up parade makes Lawrence Christmas event special

With temperatures nearing the low 50s on Saturday, Dec. 9, the Village of Lawrence welcomed the holiday season with a variety of events. Santa paid an afternoon visit to the Lawrence Branch of the Van Buren District Library, where he greeted children and had photos taken with them. The library also hosted kids’ crafts activities Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes News

Santa Claus, parade usher in Lawton’s Christmas in the Village

The unseasonably warm weather experienced Friday, Dec. 8, didn’t bother those who attended Lawton’s Christmas in the Village. A parade, sponsored by the Lawton Lions Club, saw the arrival of Santa Claus, a variety of floats, the Lawton High School Band, and a miniature horse and cart, among other entries. At the Lawton Library, participants Read More…

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

Life as Performance Art

    A good friend once said that contentment was an act of radical defiance.  That was interesting, and she went on to explain, “No one wants to be content.  It’s like settling, like saying something is good enough or almost good.  Worse, they’ve got it in for anyone who claims to be contented because that means you’re happy, and Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes Sports

Lawton boys open with win

By John RaffelCorrespondent LAWTON – Coach Matt Smith’s Lawton boys basketball team opened is season Monday with a 38-23 win over Marcellus. Lawton plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and last year finished the season at 14-11. “We completed the year by winning our third straight district championship, but also had key wins throughout the Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes Obituaries

Obituary: John A. Adriance

John Adriance passed away Sunday, December 3rd, 2023 at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. John was born March 6, 1937 in Kalamazoo, son of the late John and Lillian Adriance. John was a lifelong member of Covey Hill Baptist Church as well as serving as a board member for RBM Ministries. He also served as Choir Director and Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Clare County Review & Marion Press Columns Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes LaFayette Sun Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record Three Rivers Commercial-News, Penny Saver, & Sturgis Sentinel

Mike’s Musings: Time to say good riddance to UN

My progressive friends may “go bananas” over this thought, but I believe the U.S. should contemplate withdrawing from the United Nations.Yes, it is “radical” but what does this once very useful organization do for the U.S? I would argue it has become too big and bureaucratic, and divisive to get anything of substance done.All the Read More…

Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes News

Parade, Christmas tree lighting usher in Paw Paw holidays

Inclement weather forced the Paw Paw Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to cancel Friday night’s Dec. 1, “A Cozy Christmas in the Village,” with the community tree lighting. However, the village Christmas tree located in front of the Carnegie Center, 129 S. Kalamazoo St. was lit without the fanfare to usher in the village’s holiday season. Read More…