Community News
River Essence Group’s Pledge to Plunge fundraiser event returns March 24
NILES — Local community members are preparing to brave the icy waters of a dunk tank for a cause next week. The River Essence Group ...
Max Harden, Author at Leader Publications - Page 3 of 76
Community News
Dowagiac moves forward with street improvement projects
DOWAGIAC — Key city streets in need of improvements will soon receive proper maintenance. The council voted to authorize grant applications through the Surface Transportation ...
by Max Harden, Thursday, March 14, 2024 7:03 pm
Community News
‘A place for everyone’: Mount Calvary Baptist Church celebrates 175 years in Niles
NILES — Nestled inside the historic Ferry Street neighborhood is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in Southwest Michigan, a church that has ...
by Max Harden, Thursday, March 14, 2024 5:24 pm
Buchanan
Buchanan gearing up for Restaurant Week
BUCHANAN — The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce announced its 2024 Restaurant Week, showcasing the culinary scene of the community. Running from March 18 to ...
by Max Harden, Thursday, March 14, 2024 8:35 am
Dowagiac
Dowagiac Union Schools narrows superintendent search to two candidates
DOWAGIAC — After two full evenings of interviews, Dowagiac Union Schools narrowed its superintendent search to two individuals. Following interviews Tuesday and Wednesday, the board ...
by Max Harden, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 11:07 pm
Community News
Dowagiac elementary school raises $7,370 for Kids Heart Challenge
DOWAGIAC — A local elementary school used its fundraising efforts to support the mission of the American Heart Association. Students at Justus Gage Elementary School ...
by Max Harden, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 1:35 pm
Local Government
Niles’ annual financial report shows clean audit, revenue increases in 2023
NILES — The City of Niles is in sound financial shape, as it received an unmodified opinion from Maner Costerisan on the fiscal year 2023 ...
by Max Harden, Wednesday, March 13, 2024 8:41 am
Community News
Niles to resurface downtown city-owned parking lots
NILES — Downtown Niles parking lots in need of improvements will soon receive proper maintenance. Niles City Council moved to accept the $354,461 bid from ...
by Max Harden, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 12:30 pm
News
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation awards grants to local organizations
BUCHANAN — One area organization recently granted more than $108,000 to organizations in Berrien and Cass counties. The Board of Trustees for Michigan Gateway Community ...
by Max Harden, Monday, March 11, 2024 3:48 pm
Community News
First United Methodist to host spring rummage sale March 15-16
DOWAGIAC — A local church is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year. First United Methodist Church, 326 N. Lowe St., ...
by Max Harden, Monday, March 11, 2024 3:14 pm
Buchanan
Bebop’s Plant Shop takes root in Buchanan
BUCHANAN — A new business has taken root in downtown Buchanan. Jessica Ortiz opened Bebop’s Plant Shop last month at 101 Days Ave., Buchanan. The ...
by Max Harden, Monday, March 11, 2024 2:33 pm
Cass County
Jones man gets jail time for LaGrange Township thefts
CASSOPOLIS — A Jones man who took part in break ins and thefts last year was sentenced to probation and jail Friday in Cass County ...
by Max Harden, Sunday, March 10, 2024 5:54 pm
Education
Niles Community Schools responds to school bus incident
UPDATE: The district announced Monday, March 11 that First Student – its transportation company – has reported that another driver was on the bus assisting ...
by Max Harden, Sunday, March 10, 2024 5:48 pm
Buchanan
‘Speaking Up With Women’ event honors Buchanan superintendent
BUCHANAN — A local superintendent has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and community service. The “Speaking Up With Women” event held on March 7, ...
by Max Harden, Saturday, March 9, 2024 5:00 am
Community News
Dowagiac Connected’s adult prom sells out again, raises nearly $5,000
DOWAGIAC — An event that allowed guests to create new prom memories as adults was met with much fanfare. Dowagiac Connected recently hosted its second ...
by Max Harden, Friday, March 8, 2024 11:23 am
Community News
Dowagiac theater program to perform ‘Oliver!’ this weekend
DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac Union Schools students are preparing for their first musical performance of 2024. The schools’ musical group will be performing “Oliver!” in the ...
by Max Harden, Thursday, March 7, 2024 2:20 pm
Community News
Niles High School theater program to perform ‘Emma! A Pop Musical’
NILES — Students from Niles High School are preparing for their first musical performance of 2024. The schools’ musical group will be performing “Emma! A ...
by Max Harden, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 1:55 pm
Community News
Dowagiac Middle School student wins essay contest
DOWAGIAC — Three Dowagiac Middle School students have been named local winners in the 55th annual America & Me Essay Contest, sponsored by Farm Bureau ...
by Max Harden, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 11:18 am
Buchanan
Zen Leaf Buchanan votes to unionize
BUCHANAN — The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951 announced today workers at Zen Leaf, a Buchanan retail cannabis facility, voted in favor of ...
by Max Harden, Wednesday, March 6, 2024 10:43 am
Community News
Niles student named 2024 Michigan FFA Star in Agricultural Production
NILES — A Niles student was recognized at the state level last week for his agricultural prowess. Drew George of the Niles FFA Chapter was ...
by Max Harden, Tuesday, March 5, 2024 5:52 pm
Business
Grief support center to host food truck fundraiser March 24 in downtown Niles
NILES — A Niles nonprofit offering community members a space to help process grief in their own way and pace is gearing up for its ...
by Max Harden, Tuesday, March 5, 2024 2:22 pm
Cassopolis
Cassopolis FFA student wins state event, team turns in strong performance
EAST LANSING — A Cassopolis student took home top honors at the 96th Michigan Future Farmers of America State Convention this past weekend. Emily Carlisle ...
by Max Harden, Monday, March 4, 2024 5:07 pm
Dowagiac
Dowagiac Union Schools to interview superintendent candidates March 12-13
DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac Union Schools Board of Education continues to move forward with the process of selecting a new superintendent. During a special Thursday ...
by Max Harden, Saturday, March 2, 2024 9:18 am
Business
‘A new opportunity’: Boxing gym with global reach relocates to Niles
NILES — A boxing gym owned by Golden Glove-winning boxers now calls Niles home. Clare Morris Ramirez and her husband Dayan Ramirez have relocated Boxing ...
by Max Harden, Friday, March 1, 2024 5:30 pm
Business
2nd & Main celebrates first anniversary with new specials, wine bar preview
NILES — A popular downtown Niles business is celebrating its one year anniversary in style. 2nd & Main, a coffeehouse 127 E. Main St., opened ...
