Max Harden, Author at Leader Publications

Community News

PHOTO STORY: Hundreds attend Dowagiac’s annual Ed’s Open Header Cruise

DOWAGIAC — The revving of engines and the screeching of tires could be heard throughout downtown as the eighth annual Ed’s Open Header “Cruise for ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 26, 2024 1:10 pm

Community News

Niles approves DART pay increase

NILES — Niles City Council approved a pay increase Monday for Dial-A-Ride Transportation drivers and dispatchers to $19 per hour, with such expense covered by ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 26, 2024 11:45 am

Cass County

Cass County Sheriff’s Office welcomes new K9

CASS COUNTY — The Cass County Sheriff’s Office announced this week the addition of a new K9 member to the department. Sheriff Richard J. Behnke ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 25, 2024 5:00 pm

Community News

Niles greenlights annual Riverfest

NILES — A longtime staple event returns to downtown Niles next week. On Monday, the city council voted 7-1 to the Riverfront Optimist Club’s request ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 25, 2024 1:58 pm

Buchanan

Buchanan to host ‘World’s Largest Olympics Watch Party’

BUCHANAN — The City of Buchanan will once again host the World’s Biggest Olympic Watch Party for Buchanan native and Olympic Medalist Hannah Roberts. Mayor ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 25, 2024 8:07 am

Business

‘A space for everyone’: Cassopolis Beer Company opens downtown

CASSOPOLIS — A building that has watched over downtown Cassopolis for nearly 130 years is now offering tasty brews, bar bites and more to the ... Read more

by Max Harden, Wednesday, July 24, 2024 1:24 pm

Community News

Niles council approves revolving loan increase for Apothica Teas

NILES — A popular downtown Niles business will be able to continue its expansion projects with support from the City of Niles. The Niles City ... Read more

by Max Harden, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 2:50 pm

Business

PHOTO STORY: Pitmasters fire up fun at annual Dowagiac BBQ Competition

DOWAGIAC — 26 pitmasters from across the country descended on downtown Dowagiac Saturday to compete for top honors in its second annual Dowagiac BBQ Competition. ... Read more

by Max Harden, Monday, July 22, 2024 4:46 pm

Community News

Annual Dowagiac Summer Festival sets attendance record

DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac’s annual summer festival returned this weekend in historic fashion. The Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Dowagiac Summer Festival and ... Read more

by Max Harden, Monday, July 22, 2024 2:17 pm

Community News

Local athletes raising money for AAU Junior Olympics

NILES — A local AAU track team is asking the community for help to get to the 2024 Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina. A ... Read more

by Max Harden, Saturday, July 20, 2024 10:21 am

Business

Niles manufacturer celebrates expansion, rebrand with ribbon-cutting ceremony

NILES CHARTER TOWNSHIP — A local manufacturer celebrated its expansion and rebrand Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members of the Greater Niles Area Chamber of ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 19, 2024 2:52 pm

Dowagiac

Dowagiac Union Schools welcomes new superintendent

DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Union Schools Board of Education welcomed new leadership to the district on Monday. The district held its first Board of Education ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 19, 2024 1:56 pm

Buchanan

Thistledown & Row: Downtown Buchanan building transforming into restaurant, bar

BUCHANAN — A collaboration between local business entities is giving the historic Redden Building a new lease on life in downtown Buchanan. Michael and Elaine ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 19, 2024 11:12 am

Brandywine Education

Brandywine Jazz Collective to host fundraiser concert July 27

NILES CHARTER TOWNSHIP — A local high school band is putting on a show for a good cause. The Brandywine Jazz Collective is hosting a ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 18, 2024 5:00 pm

Education

Edwardsburg Public Schools to offer before, after school care

EDWARDSBURG — Edwardsburg Public Schools has announced it will be partnering with Camp Fire River Bend, Inc., to offer before and after school care to ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 18, 2024 3:10 pm

Community News

Annual Ed’s Open Header Cruise set for July 25

DOWAGIAC — One of Dowagiac’s most popular events is set to descend on downtown for a good cause next week. The seventh annual Ed’s Open ... Read more

by Max Harden, Tuesday, July 16, 2024 3:36 pm

Business

Niles Rite Aid to close

NILES — The bankruptcy of Rite Aid Corp. is prompting the closure of stores across the country and southwest Michigan is no exception. The Rite ... Read more

by Max Harden, Tuesday, July 16, 2024 1:45 pm

Cass County

PHOTO STORY: Vandalia hosts annual Underground Railroad Days

VANDALIA — Cass County’s history and connection to the Underground Railroad was on full display for visitors and community members alike Saturday and Sunday. The ... Read more

by Max Harden, Monday, July 15, 2024 4:15 pm

Business

Dowagiac Summer Festival, BBQ Competition arrives this weekend

DOWAGIAC — The sound of sizzling meats and the smell of smoky flavors will be wafting through downtown Dowagiac this weekend. Now in its 38th ... Read more

by Max Harden, Monday, July 15, 2024 11:52 am

Community News

Dowagiac DART launches on-demand transit service

DOWAGIAC — A new city service was celebrated with much fanfare Friday morning. City and county officials, community members and volunteers were on hand to ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 12, 2024 3:35 pm

Community News

Niles, township approve revised SMCAS articles

Niles City Council agreed Monday night to a revised version of the Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service articles of incorporation and by-laws. Niles Charter Township’s ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 12, 2024 2:50 pm

Community News

Creating culture: 100+ community members participate in downtown art project

NILES — Community members braved the sweltering heat Sunday to be part of an art project that will greet community members and visitors alike for ... Read more

by Max Harden, Friday, July 12, 2024 2:27 pm

Business

Radioshack to move downtown, create ‘maker space’

NILES — A longtime Niles business has big plans for its new downtown location. ReddHill Radioshack, 722 S. 11th St., will be relocating to 105 ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 11, 2024 7:00 pm

Community News

‘It’s home’: Blomgren ready to take next step as Dowagiac superintendent

DOWAGIAC — Greg Blomgren is home, in more ways than one. The Dowagiac resident – and former Dowagiac Union High teacher and basketball coach – ... Read more

by Max Harden, Thursday, July 11, 2024 6:39 pm

Cass County

Dowagiac DART to launch on-demand transit service

DOWAGIAC — A new, Uber-like service is on the way that will make it even easier for Dowagiac residents to move around the city. The ... Read more

by Max Harden, Wednesday, July 10, 2024 4:44 pm

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