News

At top left: A giant goose makes its way down Main Street in Fennville on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, as part of the town’s annual Goose Festival. The parade was moved from its traditional Saturday slot to Sunday due to…

By Gari Voss Many members of the Allegan area mourn the passing of Dr. Laurence (Larry) LaGattuta on October 13, 2023. By the age of 93, Dr. LaGattuta experienced more than most could imagine. After his birth in Antwerp, Belgium…

 On Friday Allegan County Health Department officials revealed a confirmed case of rabies in a bat within the county.No other details as to the precise location where this infected animal was located, when it was located, or whether there were…

By Scott SullivanStaff WriterThe nonprofit Wishbone Pet Rescue board apprised donors Oct. 12 it has agreed with Allegan County administrators to transition its 13-year management of the county animal shelter back into county hands. (See related letter on Page A8).As…

JPP Middle School hosted its annual Pink Out Walk for Hope Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at the school last week. It was a beautiful day to walk to bring awareness and celebrate with some distinguished survivors. The school awareness walk…

By John BriceCorrespondent Local residents were made aware of a new educational initiative by the Chambers County School District to reduce cases of cervical cancer in the area through a press release announcing a meeting that took place on Wednesday,…

According to officials, a two-vehicle crash in Chambers County has claimed the life of 61-year-old Laverne P. Brooks.Police say the crash occurred Saturday, October 14 at approximately 8:14 a.m. on Chambers County Road 48 near Chambers County Road 44, approximately…

California twins drawn to St. Joe County By Rick Cordes C-N Correspondent It all started with that viral video—the one where St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeffrey Middleton, during a March 2021 Zoom courtroom session, realizes that the on-screen…

City of Sturgis will begin leaf pick-up Oct. 16.  Collection begins north of Chicago Road and west of North Nottawa Street, resumes across the north side of the city, then moves southward. The process continues through the end of November,…

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Laura Armstrong said she first noticed discoloration in Three Rivers water during hydrant flushing, continuing on even when flushing wasn’t going on.Because of that, and the recent lead woes in Three Rivers, she…

At a work session Wednesday, interviews were conducted for Sturgis City Commission 2nd Precinct seat, vacated by the resignation of Brandon Kinsey.The city received applications from three residents to fulfill the remainder of Kinsey’s term: Alan Albarran, Rodger Moyer and…

Three varsity teams in fall sports at Sturgis High School clinched Wolverine Conference titles: boys’ soccer, girls’ golf and boys’ tennis. Provided/Sturgis Public Schools Facebook pages

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on Monday agreed to continue pursuit of an electronic sports program at the high school. Esports would begin as a club endeavor, with potential to become a varsity sport. At a meeting of…

Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Like the Jeffersons of the late 70s sitcom, the Commercial-News, Sturgis Sentinel, and Penny Saver, are moving on up – upstairs that is. And down the road.After spending nearly 100 years in our office at 124 N…

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A 78-year-old driver and a 76-year-old passenger died Tuesday afternoon just before 5 pm when the vehicle they were in crashed into a utility pole then into Clare Auto Service at 215 West Fifth Street.The names of…

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent At Tuesday’s meeting, Grant Supervisor Dan Dysinger reported that the township hall expansion project is nearly complete. He said, “Our building project is nearing 100 percent with only a few remaining items to be completed.” He noted…

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Marion High School had its homecoming last week and King was Tucker Sigafoose and Queen Taylor Kruse.Runner-ups were Quinn Scott and Lila Krchmar/Window and float winners were;1st place Juniors; 2nd place Seniors; 3rd place Sophomores;m4th…

On October 10th, Dave Swiler celebrated his 55th birthday. And for 55 years, Marion has been his home.The son of Denny and Cindy Swiler, Dave grew up helping his dad at the Martin Blackledge farm, and his family at the…

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – It was announced Trick or Treat hours for the Village of Marion will be Oct. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.Village president Flora Grundy said the Fire Department will be hosting their annual Halloween party…

Sturgis City Commission approved a request to move Sturgis Farmers Market from the TSC parking lot to Oaklawn Park, effective spring 2024.  Jamie Allen, a representative from Sturgis Farmers Market, requested use of the north side of the park, in…