DOWAGIAC — The Pokagon Volunteer Fire Department was recently awarded a grant from the Pokagon Fund to purchase a new gear dryer for the department. Gear dryers are designed to dry gear quickly and get firefighters back into action fast. “After our gear has been exposed to heat or smoke per NFPA our gear must […] The post Pokagon Volunteer Fire Department awarded grant for new equipment appeared first on Leader Publications.

CASSOPOLIS — The Cassopolis School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday. Superintendent Dr. John Ritzler recognized a $500 donation from Pier Perfection Inc. toward an incentive program at Sam Adams Elementary School.  He also welcomed students from the Cassopolis Middle School Spelling Bee teams, who competed at the Cass County Spelling Bee […] The post Cassopolis school board hosts April meeting appeared first on Leader Publications.

By Ryan Boeskool Executive Director, Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce In a time when economic development is the cornerstone of community progress, the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce has emerged as a source of support for local businesses through its Niles Economic Development Grant initiative. This innovative program, aimed at fostering growth and sustainability, has […] The post Empowering Growth: Niles economic grants catalyst for local prosperity appeared first on Leader Publications.

NILES — The final community forum about the Brandywine school district’s zero millage increase bond proposal will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 in the Brandywine Middle/High School media center, Superintendent Travis Walker said during Monday’s Brandywine Board of Education meeting. “I hope we can get more people out to the forum,” Walker […] The post Brandywine to host final bond proposal forum April 30 appeared first on Leader Publications.

CASSOPOLIS — A former Dowagiac resident who told police that he was terrible at selling drugs at the time of his arrest was placed on probation Friday in Cass County Circuit Court. Terrance Deandreal Turner, 39, formerly of Dutch Settlement Street in Dowagiac and now of Kalamazoo, pleaded guilty to delivery/manufacture of cocaine and maintaining […] The post Kalamazoo man gets probation on drug charges appeared first on Leader Publications.

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP — The Silver Creek Township Board Of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, April 10. It was announced that preliminary numbers for the year-end would be available for council review at the regular May meeting. The fire board reported that the department will be conducting dive training May 4 on […] The post Silver Creek Township Board hosts April meeting appeared first on Leader Publications.

CASSOPOLIS — A variety of topics from solar farms to labor contracts to audits were discussed at last week’s Cass County Board of Commissioners meeting. Cass County Commissioners went on record last week in support of a possible ballot initiative that would give control over large solar and wind projects back to local governments. A […] The post Cass County commissioners discuss solar farms, labor contracts appeared first on Leader Publications.

BUCHANAN — The Buchanan Summer Concert Series is seeking vendors to take part in three of its music festivals taking place this summer.  “We are currently seeking enthusiastic vendors to enhance the festival experience at each event,” wrote Buchanan Main Street Manager Ashley Regal. “With unique musical vibes at each festival, we are eager to […] The post Buchanan Summer Concert Series seeks vendors for 2024 music festivals appeared first on Leader Publications.

DOWAGIAC — If you have an inspiring princess at home, Dowagiac’s upcoming Spring Open House provides the perfect opportunity for your child to receive her cherished tiara. As part of downtown Dowagiac’s Spring Open House Weekend, April 19 and 20, a Princess Tea Party will be held at Caruso’s Candy Kitchen on that Saturday, beginning […] The post Miss Dowagiac 2024 to host Princess Tea Party Saturday appeared first on Leader Publications.

NILES — A local business will be closing its doors later this month. Gabrizio Italian Café and Bakery, 104 N 3rd St. Suite 1, announced Thursday it will be permanently closing its Niles location after nearly five years in business, citing “circumstances out of our control.” According to its newsletter, Gabrizio’s last day will be […] The post Gabrizio Italian Café and Bakery to close after five years in downtown Niles appeared first on Leader Publications.

NILES — A GoFundMe account has been launched to support a Niles family involved in a deadly crash last week. Lauren Mendez launched a GoFundMe account “Freimuth Family Memorial and Medical Fund” for Niles couple Ty and Niki Freimuth and their two-year-old son Harrison, who were involved in a crash involving a semi truck which […] The post GoFundMe created for Niles family involved in fatal crash appeared first on Leader Publications.

As Cass County residents begin their spring cleaning, they will have an opportunity to get rid of several unwanted materials for free. The post Cass County Commissioners to collect hazardous waste, used tires at free event appeared first on Leader Publications.

The Ontwa Township Board of Trustees gave the Ambulance Board $60,000 its current deficit at its regular monthly meeting Monday. The post Ontwa Ambulance Board receives $60,000 from township to offset deficit appeared first on Leader Publications.

Area eclipse viewers were given a local destination for activities, education, and viewing during the solar event this week. The post Cass County Council on Aging provides local event for the solar eclipse appeared first on Leader Publications.

The Cassopolis Village Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Monday at the Cassopolis Village Hall. The post Cassopolis residents voice concerns over South O’Keefe Street property; Beach Bash schedule released appeared first on Leader Publications.

Three upcoming community events got the go-ahead Monday night from the Niles City Council. The post Niles council approves three community events appeared first on Leader Publications.

NILES — Niles City Council members voted 5-2 Monday night to move forward with plans to close off a section of North Second Street to create an outdoor dining and event area. The council’s decision came after nearly a half hour of public comments on both sides of the issue. Monday’s vote allows work to […] The post Niles to close section of 2nd Street for outdoor hub appeared first on Leader Publications.

Two area men were sentenced to prison Monday in Berrien County Trial Court. The post Local men sentenced to prison appeared first on Leader Publications.

BERRIEN COUNTY — Christopher Quattrin announced Tuesday that he will be running for re-election to a third term as Berrien County Drain Commissioner. He is seeking the Republican nomination in the Aug. 6 primary election. “I am running to continue fighting to keep politics out of our water,” Quattrin said. “Since taking office, I have […] The post Drain Commissioner Quattrin announces reelection bid appeared first on Leader Publications.

NILES — A 35-year-old Niles man who shot at firefighters with a BB gun was given probation and jail Monday in Berrien County Trial Court. Charles Lamont Dortch, 35, of Niles, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to two years probation, 20 days in jail with credit for two […] The post Niles man gets jail, probation for shooting at firefighters with BB gun appeared first on Leader Publications.