Opinion
STARFISH STORY: Ross Tidey embodies Chieftain spirit
This year my Starfish recognition goes to someone who has more than become a part of the Dowagiac ...
Newsletter Opinion
PUCKETT: We need Thanksgiving!
In 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed the final Thursday of November each year to be observed nationwide as an ...
Newsletter Opinion
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thank you for helping the Young Professionals
The Young Professionals of Greater Dowagiac would like to thank all those who made the fourth annual Mommy ...
Newsletter Opinion
KAUFMANN: Thankful for social support
Chrissie Kaufmann is a group fitness instructor at the YMCA of Southwest Michigan. When we have a need or ...
Newsletter Opinion
NELDON: Five reasons to shop local this holiday season
There’s no denying it, southwest Michigan. Winter is here. The silver lining? So is the holiday season. I ...
Newsletter Opinion
CULTON: Horizons is on the horizon
Here at Leader Publications, we are officially one month into the production of our biggest project all year. ...
Newsletter Opinion
LASATA: Shop locally this Christmas season
If you are like me, you have most likely already seen advertisements from online retailers for Black Friday ...
Newsletter Opinion
NELDON: Dowagiac reminds us to care for our community
Last week I had the pleasure of joining a group of co-workers at the Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce’s ...
Opinion
WILSON: I’m in food heaven with meat and potatoes
I’m a meat and potatoes kinda’ guy. I enjoy a good steak — better yet, give me a ...
Newsletter Opinion
LASATA: Family caregivers are unsung heroes
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate all who sacrifice to take care ...
Newsletter Opinion
CULTON: Celebrate Veterans Day with a ‘thank you’
Monday, Leader Publications will not be putting out newspapers. Instead, our reporters will be celebrating the federal and ...
Newsletter Opinion
NOVAK: A great weekend for area sports teams
What a great weekend of high school sports. Between the beginning of the football playoffs and the completion ...
Opinion
PAQUETTE: Decisions have consequences
Brad Paquette, R, represents the 78th District, which covers Berrien County. In September, the legislature passed 16 balanced budgets ...
Newsletter Opinion
BEALOR: One-hundred years and counting
Carol Bealor is the director at the Cass County Friend of the Court. This year, the Friend of the ...
Newsletter Opinion
LASATA: A tradition worth keeping
Michigan has a strong hunting heritage. From bear, deer, elk and small game to upland birds, turkey, waterfowl ...
Newsletter Opinion
CULTON: Everyone is a kid on Halloween
Tomorrow, little ghosts, ghouls, princesses and action heroes will be roaming the streets of southwest Michigan. That’s right, ...
Newsletter Opinion
APPLEGATE: Vikings excited to join BCS League
Earlier this month, Niles Community Schools accepted an invitation to join the Berrien-Cass-St. Joseph League as our high ...
Newsletter Opinion
PUCKETT: Is it time for a tune-up?
Most of us own cars. They represent one of the most important investments in our lives. In the ...
Newsletter Opinion
WILSON: 90 tears of spit and vinegar (and waffles)
Those of you who are regular readers of this space may have noticed my absence over the past ...
Newsletter Opinion
NELDON: Halloween costumes teach us a lesson in communication
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view. … Until you ...
Newsletter Opinion
LASATA: Supporting Michigan’s licensed professional counselors
There are tens of thousands of licensed professional counselors throughout Michigan whose profession was recently threatened by a ...
Newsletter Opinion
CULTON: Let’s celebrate women’s businesses
From Niles’ SLR Pilates to Dowagiac’s Deck the Halls and Cassopolis’ Artisan Shoppe, business in southwest Michigan is ...
Newsletter Opinion
PAWLOSKI: Be careful of the shiny thing
Ric Pawloski is the executive director of the Ferry Street Resource Center in Niles. He can be reached at ...
Newsletter Opinion
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Thank you, officer, for saving my dog
I would like to publically thank Dowagiac Police officer Bryan Brinkman for saving my 15-year-old dog. After 10 p.m. ...
Newsletter Opinion
PAQUETTE: Listening leads to good policy
Brad Paquette, R, represents the 78th District, which covers Berrien County and parts of Cass County. I firmly believe that ...
