PAW PAW

A man accused of intentionally starting a fire at Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo was not granted bond in federal court. Related: Man used fire starter log in alleged arson at Planned Parenthood, court record saysBrereton is accused of starting fires in the property’s landscaping area and on the roof at 4:10 p.m. July 31, at Planned Parenthood, 4201 W. Michigan Ave., in Kalamazoo. Brereton allegedly used citronella tiki torch fuel and a fireplace starter log to start the fire, a criminal complaint said. If convicted of the arson charge, Brereton faces up to 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. Kalamazoo Planned Parenthood was severely damaged in a fire of suspicious origin in 1986.

PAW PAW, MI – Dennis Strey Sr. is in his first offseason at Paw Paw’s head coach, and it’s a role he is well-prepared for. The former Bloomingdale head coach and assistant under previous Paw Paw head coach Matt Stephens, Strey Sr. knows what it takes to lead a program and knows the current players he’s guiding. “We take them one game at a time.”Paw Paw head football coach Dennis Strey. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound coach’s son has inherited his father’s size and looks to anchor a Paw Paw line that must replace current Eastern Michigan lineman Dennis Strey Jr. “At the beginning of the year, there were a few guys you could tell were up there, but now everyone’s putting up big weights, and it’s pretty impressive.”Follow along for more info on this year’s Paw Paw football team.

A Paw Paw, Michigan man has been charged with setting a Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo on fire.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A man was charged with arson after he allegedly set a fire at Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo. Related: Planned Parenthood fire was arson, Kalamazoo Public Safety saysPlanned Parenthood is surrounded by a fence, which the man breached before starting the fire, a criminal compliant said. The Paw Paw man allegedly bought the tiki torch fuel, fireplace log and utility lighter in two separate transactions with cash at the Paw Paw Walmart shortly before the fire was started, the complaint said. An anonymous tip to Kalamazoo Silent Observer said the Paw Paw man started the fire, the complaint said. It doesn’t trickle down.”The Paw Paw man lived in a house with his wife and kids.

ANN ARBOR – We’re a month away from the start of the 2022 Michigan high school football season. Below are the schedules for all 11 Ann Arbor-area football teams, according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association website. --ANN ARBOR FATHER GABRIEL RICHARDAug. 25 – vs. Detroit University Prep, 5 p.m.Sept. 1 – at Jackson Northwest, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – vs. Paw Paw, 5 p.m.Sept. 16 – vs. Riverview Gabriel Richard, 5 p.m.Sept. 24 – at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, 1 p.m.Sept. 30 – at Rocester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 4 p.m.Oct. 14 – at Macomb Lutheran North, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – vs. Lutheran Westland, 4 p.m.--ANN ARBOR HURONAug. 26 – at Lapeer, 7 p.m. (Battle at the Big House)Sept. 1 – vs. Saline, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – vs. Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – at Monroe, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – at Dexter, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Holt, 7 p.m.--ANN ARBOR PIONEERAug. 25 – at New Baltimore Anchor Bay, 7 p.m.Sept. 2 – at Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – vs. Ann Arbor Huron, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – vs. Dexter, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – vs. Saline, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Monroe, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Pinckney, 7 p.m.--ANN ARBOR SKYLINEAug. 25 – at Pinckney, 7 p.m.Sept. 2 – at Dexter, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – vs. Monroe, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – at Saline, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – vs. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – at Ann Arbor Huron, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Adrian Madison, 7 p.m.--CHELSEAAug. 26 – at Trenton, 7 p.m.Sept. 2 – vs. Angola (IN), 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – at Jackson, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – vs. Pinckney, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – at Adrian, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – vs. Ypsilanti, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Tecumseh, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – at Edwardsburg, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – vs. Dexter, 7 p.m.--DEXTERAug. 27 – vs. Grosse Point South (Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic)Sept. 2 – vs. Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – at Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – vs. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – vs. Ann Arbor Huron, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – at Monroe, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Saline, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Chelsea, 7 p.m.--MILANAug. 25 – at Berkley, 7 p.m.Sept. 1 – at New Boston Huron, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – vs. Grosse Ile, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – at Monroe St. Mary Catholic, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – at Flat Rock, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – vs. Riverview, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – at Monroe Jefferson, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Carleton Airport, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – vs. Detroit Leadership Academy, 7 p.m.--SALINEAug. 25 – vs. Hudsonville, 7 p.m.Sept. 1 – at Ann Arbor Huron, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – vs. Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – at Monroe, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – vs. Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – at Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – at Dexter, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Lake Orion, 7 p.m.--WHITMORE LAKEAug. 25 – vs. Manchester, 7 p.m.Sept. 1 – at Leslie, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – vs. Dearborn Advanced Tech Academy, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – at Lutheran Westland, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – Rochester Hills Lutheran Northwest, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – at Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Byron, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Riverview Gabriel Richard, 7 p.m.--YPSILANTIAug. 25 – at Bay City Western, 7 p.m.Sept. 1 – at Stockbridge, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – at Adrian, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – vs. Jackson, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – at Tecumseh, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – at Chelsea, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Pinckney, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – vs. Burton Madison Academy, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 7 p.m.--YPSILANTI LINCOLNAug. 25 – at Farmington, 7 p.m.Sept. 2 – vs. Monroe, 7 p.m.Sept. 9 – at Saline, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 – at Dexter, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 – vs. Temperance Bedford, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 – at Ann Arbor Skyline, 7 p.m.Oct. 7 – vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer, 7 p.m.Oct. 14 – at Ann Arbor Huron, 7 p.m.Oct. 21 – vs. Ypsilanti, 7 p.m.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Bronson Healthcare is looking to hire in 30 new clinical assistants across its four main campuses in lower Michigan and is offering signing bonuses of up to $5,000. “Though (30) is certainly a lot of positions to fill, it is not uncommon for the clinical assistant role. “The clinical assistant role is one that provides extensive hands-on training,” Smith said. Clinical assistants work on hospital units, helping nursing staff and other clinical team members provide care to patients and families. All clinical assistant roles receive full benefits on the first day of employment.

PAW PAW, MI — A 44-year-old man was airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo Wednesday after sustaining life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle crash. The crash occurred at about 1 a.m. July 13, on County Road 669 near the intersection with 33rd Street in Van Buren County’s Porter Township, the sheriff’s office said. The crash is still under investigation and speed is believed to be a factor, the sheriff’s office said. More on MLiveHouse made with hemp takes shape near ChelseaIndependent, rural hospitals are disappearing. Michigan’s workforce earns a C, but state ranks in top 20 for Best States for Business

Class of 2019 Paw Paw graduate and current University of Michigan offensive lineman Karsen Barnhart and three of his teammates – quarterback Cade McNamara, offensive lineman Trevor Keegan and defensive lineman Braiden McGregor – will host a youth football camp at the high school from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. The camp is open for third graders to incoming eighth graders, and registration is $30. Prospective campers can pay with cash or check at the event or pay in advance using the Venmo code @Karsen-Barnhart. 26 prospect in the class of 2020, was the highest-ranked recruit of the four, and Barnhart is certainly the most well-known around Paw Paw, after playing four years of varsity football for the Red Wolves. “He loves Paw Paw; his family loves Paw Paw; they’re still a big part in the football program, and Karsen wants to be involved as much as possible.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – Four people were injured in a shooting that happened behind a sports bar in Southwest Michigan this weekend, police said. Police responded to the shooting at 11:44 p.m. Saturday, April 16, behind the Sporty’s Pub & Veranda Grille, 126 E. Michigan Ave., in Paw Paw. Michigan State Police is helping Paw Paw police with the ongoing investigation. Anyone who witnessed the shooting has been asked to contact Michigan State Police at 269-657-5551 or the Paw Paw Police Department at 269-657-5501. Paw Paw police were assisted at the scene of the shooting by Michigan State Police, the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department and the Mattawan Police Department.

On Tuesday, a 60-year-old man from Minnesota was taken into custody by Michigan State Police while traveling to Metro Detroit. Michigan State Police say that the man was on a mission to threaten houses of worship in Metro Detroit.

PAW PAW, MI -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will invest $6.7 million to repave 2.6 miles of I-94, from west of the M-51 interchange to east of 40th Street, the agency said. The work in Van Buren County includes asphalt repaving, ramp rebuilding at the M-51 interchange, median shoulder widening, drainage, median cable barrier, guardrails, new signs and pavement markings, MDOT said. The work is set to begin Monday, March 21, with an estimated end date of Friday, July 22, MDOT said. Motorists should expect shoulder closures during daytime work on the highway, and intermittent single-lane closures during nighttime hours. Read more:Michigan restaurant to attempt world-record Irish coffee on St. Patrick’s DayCorned beef, bluegrass, morning beers and other St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans in KalamazooUnborn child killed in crash involving stolen vehicle, police say

K-Central (13-7) advances to play tournament host Coldwater (18-3) in Friday’s district championship game, while Lakeview ends its season at 8-14. 19 Parchment defeats Paw Paw in boys' basketball district semifinalsParchment pulls away from scrappy Paw Paw teamOn paper, there were few Division 2 district semifinal games that looked as lopsided as the matchup between 19-1 Parchment and 2-18 Paw Paw, but there’s a reason the term “March Madness” has stood the test of time. Click here to read more about how Parchment got it done and how Paw Paw opened some eyes with its performance. Coldwater (18-3) advances to face Kalamazoo Central (13-7) in Friday’s district championship game, while Gull Lake ends its season at (13-9). Senior guard Pepe Martin added 19 points, five assists and five steals, while sophomore Alex Lee chipped in 18 points.

Anything can happen in a single elimination bracket, and an upset of epic proportions was brewing Wednesday at Otsego, where 2-18 Paw Paw jumped out to a 13-5 lead over 19-1 Parchment in their Division 2 district semifinal matchup. But Paw Paw’s first quarter success proved unsustainable against the eighth-ranked Panthers, who outscored the Red Wolves 40-19 in the second half en route to a 68-43 win. PHOTOS: See our gallery from the Parchment vs. Paw Paw gameParchment’s Aaron Jasiak opened the game with a 3-pointer, but Paw Paw answered with a 13-2 run, which brought the Red Wolves’ bench and cheering section to its feet. “Even at halftime, everybody still felt pretty good coming into that third quarter,” Miller said. Junior Ashton Toliver led Paw Paw with 17 points, but the sharpshooter managed just five after halftime, as Parchment geared their defense around denying him the ball.

19 Parchment defeats Paw Paw in boys' basketball district semifinalsOTSEGO, MI-- Otsego defeated Comstock and Parchment took down Paw Paw during the district semifinals at Otsego High School on March 9, 2022. Parchment defeated Paw Paw 68-43, and Otsego defeated Comstock in double overtime 58-55. Click into the gallery above to see our game photos, or click here for Parchment vs. Paw Paw or here for Otsego vs. Comstock for a direct link to the gallery or to purchase prints. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comComstock's Masson Mollohan (1) makes a shot during the first quarter of the district semifinal against the Otsego Bulldogs at Otsego High School on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comParchment’s Jalen Kampen (22) reaches for a rebound along with his teammates and the Parchment Panthers during the fourth quarter of their district semifinal at Otsego High School on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Championship hardware was at stake Friday during an exciting slate of girls high school basketball district title games, and the Kalamazoo-area matchups didn’t disappoint. Two games went into overtime, including an instant classic at Paw Paw, where a young and shorthanded Red Wolves gave Otsego all it could handle before the Bulldogs escaped with a buzzer-beater. Mattawan’s Adelaide Douglass (54) looks for a shot at the basketball game between Lakeshore and Mattawan at Mattawan High School on Friday, January 14, 2021. The 6-foot-3 center tallied 24 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks, including 12 of her team’s 15 points in the second quarter. 3 MuskegonMichigan Associated Press high school boys basketball state rankings for Feb. 28Michigan Associated Press high school girls basketball rankings for week of Feb. 28See final Kalamazoo-area boys high school basketball power rankings for 2021-22 season

PAW PAW, MI – Hannah Fitzpatrick beat the buzzer with a putback layup to give Otsego a 60-58 district finals overtime win against Paw Paw on Friday in a game that both programs will remember for years to come. Rickli fouled out early in the fourth quarter, Paw Paw employed a guard-heavy lineup and gave the proverbial green light to Mitchell. (Gabi Broekema | MLive.com)Gabi Broekema | MLive.comPHOTOS: See our gallery from the Otsego vs. Paw Paw district finalMitchell drained six 3-pointers, went 10 of 12 at the foul line and gave Otsego’s defense everything it could handle. “I’m just really, really happy for them,” he said. 3 MuskegonMichigan Associated Press high school boys basketball state rankings for Feb. 28Michigan Associated Press high school girls basketball rankings for week of Feb. 28See final Kalamazoo-area boys high school basketball power rankings for 2021-22 season

A southwestern Michigan man faces prison time and can no longer hunt in the state after pleading guilty to charges stemming from illegal deer poaching, authorities said.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Otsego boys and girls basketball teams celebrated outright Wolverine Conference North Division championships on Friday, as part of a pivotal night for league title races around Kalamazoo. The Bulldog girls started the night off with a 51-37 win over Paw Paw, which wrapped up their fifth Wolverine title in seven seasons. To read more about how Otsego got it done, click here.

OTSEGO, MI – Whether you’re a reporter on deadline or a basketball team preparing for a big game, extra time is something appreciated by all, and that was certainly the case for the Otsego girls hoops squad this week. The result was a Bulldogs team that came out well-prepared and pulled away with a 51-37 win over Paw Paw to capture their fifth division title in seven seasons and first since 2019. “They had more energy, so our real key tonight was coming out with energy, and I thought the girls did that. Everything that went wrong today are things that are correctable.”Koshar, who has six division titles and one Wolverine Conference championship in his 10 years with the Bulldogs, said he expects to see plenty of future battles with this rising Paw Paw team. “There’s good young talent, and Paw Paw probably sped (their resurgence) up a little bit,” Koshar said.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – A Van Buren County man used the Michigan Lottery to turn “a couple dollars” into a “life-changing” amount of money. David Flory, of Paw Paw, won $282,589 by marching the Fantasy 5 numbers drawn on Feb. 13. He bought his winning ticket online, matching the jackpot prize numbers: 6-7-13-29-38.

KALAMAZOO, MI – As March Madness creeps closer, a sense of urgency begins take hold among high school basketball teams, who know that it’s time to start playing their best ball of the season. Several Kalamazoo-area teams picked up some much needed wins Thursday and Friday, including the Portage Central girls, who snapped a five-game losing streak, the Vicksburg girls, who knocked off first-place Paw Paw, and the Paw Paw boys, who picked up their first win of the season.

William Bradley of Paw Paw holds down Christian Killion of Dundee during their Division 3 140-pound state championship match at Ford Field on Saturday, March 7, 2020.Jenna KieserWilliam Bradley, Paw Paw wrestlingSince losing his only match of the season back on Jan. 15, Bradley has rolled off 10 consecutive wins, including a pair of pins and a championship-round decision in the 160-pound weight class at Saturday’s Greater Berrien County tournament. Three Rivers sophomore Andrew Brown (24) attempts a shot against Paw Paw during the first half at Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. Three Rivers freshman Angelo Hausmanis (3) attempts a three-point shot during the first half against Paw Paw at Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021. - Parchment’s Aaron Jasiak looks to pass during a game against Kalamazoo Christian on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at Kalamazoo Christian High School. - Schoolcraft’s Allie Walther takes a shot during a girls basketball game against Kalamazoo Christian on Friday, Jan. 21 at Kalamazoo Christian High School.

Otsego junior Cali Miller (23) looks for an open teammate against Plainwell during the first half at Plainwell High School in Plainwell, Michigan on Monday, March 1, 2021. - Paw Paw’s Katelyn Baney scans the court during a girls basketball game against Plainwell on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021 at Paw Paw High School. Patrick Nothaft | MLive.comPatrick Nothaft | MLive.comUnderclassmen shine in Paw Paw win over Vicksburg girlsUnderclassmen stole the show in Friday’s matchup between Paw Paw and Vicksburg, with the visiting Red Wolves using big games from two sophomores and a freshman to pull off a 55-44 win over the Bulldogs. Paw Paw sophomore Addison Roy tallied 12 points, and freshman Grace Mitchell added eight, including five in the pivotal final frame. Paw Paw (5-2) has a chance to continue building confidence with its young group next week against struggling Sturgis and Allegan teams, before hosting undefeated Otsego on Jan. 21.

The Van Buren Intermediate School District has launched an educational program based on a key component of modern psychology — cognitive behavior therapy. Principles of this method are embedded in the curriculum and are part of the...

Schools are turning to educational programs based on cognitive behavior therapy in an effort to help overwhelmed children stay in school and learn.

PHOTOS: See our gallery from the Paw Paw vs. Plainwell girls basketball gamePaw Paw stages a 2nd half comeback to upset reigning @WolverineConf champ Plainwell 43-40. Foul trouble for starting point guard Avery Vogel gave Mitchell an expanded role Friday, and after committing a couple early turnovers, the 5-foot-8 freshman settled in and looked the part of the next great Mitchell basketball player at Paw Paw. “You’ve just got to be strong; it’s not middle school anymore, and that ramp up from coming into the high school and playing varsity – that’s huge,” Paw Paw coach Ernie Ramirez said of Mitchell. Troff knocked down a pair of 3-pointers on Plainwell’s first two possessions of the final frame, but Mitchell answered with a 3-ball of her own to keep Paw Paw within striking distance. Roy led Paw Paw with 11 points, while Rickli and fellow sophomore Katelyn Baney and added eight points apiece.

The discovery of nine poached trophy bucks in a barn has led to 15 state wildlife charges against a Van Buren County man, authorities said.

A Michigan man who is already an convicted felon is facing 15 DNR charges after officers discovered nine poached trophy bucks in a barn.

PAW PAW, MI — ‘”Take care of each other,” “Don’t be nosy,” “Namaste six feet away,” “Live long and prosper,” and “Keep it up.”These are just a few of the slogans on handmade masks crafted by Peggy Sattler that found their way on to what Sattler is calling her “COVID Doodle Quilt” that she spent six months piecing together earlier this year.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI — White Flower Cannabis will celebrate the grand opening of the new recreational dispensary in Paw Paw on Saturday, Nov. 13. The store, the Van Buren County village’s fist of its kind, is located at 39530 Red Arrow Highway. Saturday’s festivities will feature food from two food trucks: Wood Stock & Grill and Pho’kn Good. The grand opening celebration at the new store will occur from noon-8p.m. Regular business hours will be 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The end of Michigan’s high school football regular season is near, but the high-intensity, hard-hitting atmosphere that comes with postseason play arrived early around Kalamazoo, as several Week 8 matchups pitted playoff teams against each other. Vicksburg’s victory over Paw Paw, Constantine’s conquest over Kalamazoo United and Three Rivers’ thriller against Plainwell were just a few of the big games that affected the latest Kalamazoo-area prep football rankings.

KALAMAZOO, MI - The high school football season’s home stretch has arrived, as the top teams from across Michigan look to finish with two strong performances and solidify their status as elite. White Pigeon seniors (from left) Daniel Jackson, Jack Davidson, Luke Group and Dylan Carper pose for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Constantine players (from left) Heston Wiggs, Owen Griffith, Brayden Clark, Carson Platz and Caden Hetmansperger pose for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Vicksburg junior Grant Anderson (21) and Vicksburg junior Bo Skidmore (9) celebrate a touchdown at The Battle for the Bone between Three Rivers and Vicksburg at Vicksburg High School on Friday, October 1, 2021. More high school football coverageVote for Kalamazoo-area prep football Player of the Week from Week 7 of 2021 seasonKalamazoo-area high school football playoff picture heading into Week 8Associated Press high school football state rankings through Week 7 in MichiganTop 50 Michigan high school football teams: Rockford, Muskegon rise in new-look top 10 for Week 8Stunning upset, thrilling comebacks headline Kalamazoo-area Week 7 prep football actionPortage Central football overcomes early miscues, snaps 4-game losing streak to rival Northern

PAW PAW, MI – The new Paw Paw fire station will have so much room firefighters won’t know what to do with the space. “We are not going to know what to do with the room,” DeGroff said. The Paw Paw Fire Department’s current station has three bays, while the new station will have five double bays, so all the trucks face out, First Assistant Fire Chief DeGroff said. When the department moved into the station in 1974, no one expected the need to fit a 105-foot aerial truck, DeGroff said. The department hopes to buy a water rescue boat after the move into the new space, DeGroff said.

The Kalamazoo area is well-represented in the latest Associated Press prep football rankings, with Constantine checking in at No. Paw Paw seniors pose for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Plainwell's Trammel Robinson hauls in a 45-yard touchdown catch during a football game against Richland Gull Lake on Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 at Gull Lake High School. Constantine players (from left) Heston Wiggs, Owen Griffith, Brayden Clark, Carson Platz and Caden Hetmansperger pose for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. More high school football coverageMichigan Associated Press high school football state rankings through Week 4Vote for Kalamazoo-area prep football Player of the Week from Week 4 of 2021 seasonKalamazoo-area high school football playoff picture heading into Week 5See Michigan high school football playoff picture heading into Week 5Top 50 Michigan high school football teams: Top-five upset means movement near the top in Week 52021 Michigan High School Football Player of the Year watch list heading into Week 5Portage Northern’s upset win headlines Kalamazoo-area Week 4 high school football action

PAW PAW, MI — Two officers who shot a man advancing toward them with a knife will not be charged criminally, the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office announced today. On Feb. 18, police responded to a residential home invasion in Paw Paw in which the suspect broke in and stole a kitchen knife, using it to cut his wrists, the Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office said. One officer fired once, and Hirte fell momentarily, then continued advancing toward the officers as they told him to stop, after which both officers fired two shots, the report states. Hirte was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital on March 10, the prosecutor’s office said. The prosecutor’s office wrote a summary of the case on Aug. 30 and explained how the law applies, stating charges would not be filed against the officers involved.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI — The Michigan State Police’s Paw Paw post is seeking volunteers to help individuals struggling with addiction by enlisting in the department’s Angel Program. The program affords people with addiction issues the ability to walk into any Michigan State Police post and ask for help without fear of arrest or investigation, a news release from MSP states. The MSP Angel Program is supported by P.A.A.R.I. The Paw Paw Post will be conducting training for new volunteers in September. Those interested in learning more about the MSP Angel Program or becoming an angel volunteer are asked to contact the Paw Paw Post at 269-657-5551 or visit www.michigan.gov/AngelProgram.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI — Police have identified the construction worker who was killed on I-94 near Paw Paw Friday night as a 35-year-old man from Grand Rapids. Reason Tillman-Morgan, according to the Michigan State Police, was conducting bridge work on I-94 at County Road 653 in Van Buren County at around 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, when the crane he was operating was struck by a semitrailer. Related: Construction worker dies after semitrailer crashes into crane near Paw PawTillman-Morgan attempted to jump from the crane before it was struck by a westbound semitrailer, police say. The driver of the semi-truck that struck Tillman-Morgan was transported to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo with non-life-threatening injuries. “The victims and the families are certainly in our thoughts while this crash remains under investigation.”Also on MLive:Michigan road worker deaths rise in 2020 as families grapple with ‘devastation’ left in their wakeFamily, co-workers call for justice in deaths of workers killed on I-94Benton Township supervisor remembered as ‘family man’ with love for community

Follow along to see the highlights from a busy night of Kalamazoo-area high school football. Three Rivers senior running back/linebacker Connor Quake (9) poses for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Plainwell senior Daeshawn Dixon-Schumacher (12) poses for a portrait during Kalamazoo-area high school football at The Dome Sports Center in Schoolcraft, Michigan. More Kalamazoo-area resultsVicksburg 55, Dowagiac 0Stevensville Lakeshore 26, Portage Central 22White Pigeon 48, Saugatuck 6Buchanan 2, Hartford 0 (forfeit)Allegan 2, Wyoming Lee 0 (forfeit)New Buffalo 2, Bangor 0 (forfeit)More high school football coverageMount Pleasant football weathers humidity, Kalamazoo Central big plays in 28-12 winSee photos from Kalamazoo Central’s season opener vs. Mount PleasantMust see photos from the opening night of high school football across MichiganBangor, Hartford football teams cancel Week 1 games due to low participation numbers5 things to know heading into 2021 Kalamazoo-area high school football seasonKalamazoo-area high school football predictions for Week 1 of 2021 season10 must-see Kalamazoo-area high school football games for 2021 season2021 SAC football preview: Constantine, Kalamazoo United, Lawton among favorites in wide-open race2021 Southwest 10 football preview: State champ Centreville wants respect25 Kalamazoo-area high school football players to watch in 20212021 Wolverine Conference football preview: Can anyone catch Edwardsburg? Vicksburg football to play season opener at neutral site amid ongoing stadium constructionGobles green lights varsity football season after uncertainty amid low numbersNew Michigan high school football playoff point system aims to ease scheduling woesSee Kalamazoo-area high school football schedules for 2021 season

KALAMAZOO, MI – There was a lot of uncertainty heading into Michigan’s 2020 high school football season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but by the time the regular season came to a close, there was a predictable finish in the Wolverine Conference. That’s because Edwardsburg continued its impressive and dominant run atop the league by capturing its eighth consecutive Wolverine Conference crown. Follow along for a look at each Kalamazoo-area team and a predicted order of finish for the Wolverine Conference. After a 4-0 start, Paw Paw ended the year with consecutive losses to state-ranked teams Detroit Country Day and Edwardsburg, before rebounding with playoff wins over Otsego and Hastings. Defensively, Paw Paw has a lot of new faces in its linebacking corps and secondary, and those units should benefit from a manageable early-season schedule, before the Red Wolves visit Edwardsburg in Week 6.

PAW PAW, MI -- A $53.64 million bond for construction of an early childhood center and other facility improvements in Paw Paw was rejected by voters at the polls Tuesday. The school improvement bond to fund a long list of improvements, including a new high school athletic stadium, was defeated by 51% of voters in the Paw Paw School District Tuesday, Aug. 3. A turnout of only about 25% of voters yielded a close call for the school bond. “With the tremendous outpouring of school support we’ve seen from so many in our community, it comes as a disappointment that the bond proposal was defeated. “Even though the bond proposal did not pass, I am extremely grateful for the team that devoted so much time and energy toward helping us realize our vision for the future of Paw Paw Public Schools,” Reo said.

Two area school districts are going to the voters next week, at the Tuesday, Aug. 3, primary election to request funds for new facilities. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots can be obtained by visiting the local clerk’s office up to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2. Voters can also register to vote and receive an absentee ballot at their local clerk’s office on Election Day. Voters can find their polling location, view a sample ballot and check if their absentee ballot has been received by clicking here. Also on MLive:See what’s on Aug. 3 election ballot in Muskegon, Ottawa countiesThe Kalamazoo Promise moves into new downtown space, designed to help students thriveStimulus update: 1.5 million taxpayers now receiving refunds averaging $1,600, IRS says

PAW PAW, MI -- Paw Paw community members and parents are invited to a public forum next week to hear about an upcoming $45 million bond request for the school district. Paw Paw Superintendent Rick Reo is holding a bond information meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Paw Paw High School Performing Arts Center, according to a press release from the school district. Related: Paw Paw Public Schools seeks $54M bond for early childhood center, athletic stadiumCommunity members are invited to the in-person meeting to learn more about the multimillion-dollar bond request appearing on Tuesday, Aug. 3, election ballots. “On Aug. 3, voters in the Paw Paw Public School District will decide the outcome of this election. “I invite all Paw Paw community members to attend this informational meeting and walking tour on July 20 to learn more about the bond proposal,” Reo said.

PAW PAW, MI -- A local economic development nonprofit in Paw Paw is helping area students find their future careers. Community and business leaders from economic, community and talent development organization Market Van Buren spoke with students participating in the summer learning programs at Paw Paw High School Wednesday, July 7, according to a press release from the district. The goal of the partnership is to to help students get focused on their goals and opportunities as early as possible, while also developing a strong talent pipeline for local employers, the release said. “Often students don’t really start thinking about the future until late in high school or even after graduation,” Principal Tammy Southworth said. Zach Morris, executive director of the nonprofit, said the partnership can both make a difference for students and help area businesses.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – A vehicle burned on I-94 west of Paw Paw Monday night. The fire started in a vehicle on westbound I-94, near Exit 56 for Decatur, around 7:55 p.m. on July 5, the Paw Paw Fire Department said in a release. The fire engulfed the vehicle parked along the shoulder. Paw Paw Police Department, Pokagon Tribal Police Department and Michigan State Police assisted at the scene. More from MLive:Kalamazoo looks to expand amount of land protected under ‘natural features’ development rulesKalamazoo man dies in I-94 crash after being ejected from vehicleMichigan man in wheelchair dies after hit-and-run

PAW PAW, MI — Navy Seaman 1st Class Wilbur F. Ballance, 20, of Paw Paw, was killed in World War II. But it took nearly another 80 years until Ballance was officially accounted for, on Feb. 1, 2021, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crewmen, including Ballance, the news release states. In October 1949, a military board classified those who could not be identified as non-recoverable, including Ballance. The attack killed 2,403 U.S. personnel, including 68 civilians, and destroyed or damaged 19 U.S. Navy ships, including eight battleships, the Census document states.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – An 81-year-old man died in a crash Monday night on I-94, west of Paw Paw. The Milwaukee man was driving a Ford pickup west on the highway in Paw Paw Township, around 9:55 p.m. on May 18, the Michigan State Police reported. The driver left the road and rear-ended a parked semitrailer, police said. Police do not know why the pickup driver left the road. The semitrailer’s driver was not injured.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – Mail and packages are being stolen from Kalamazoo County homes. Investigation shows that most of the thefts are focused in and around Kalamazoo County, are homes are being targeted by thieves stealing both packages and mail, police said. Though the recent reports are in Kalamazoo County, police said people everywhere should be on high alert. People can also consider shipping packages to a secure place, such as the workplace, instead of their home. Related: Stealing mail is now a state crime in MichiganThe U.S.

Andre Tarver (Jr., Kalamazoo Central), 23.484. Grant Emery (Sr., Portage Central), 23.535. Connor Hindenach (Sr., Paw Paw), 53-1.752. Connor Hindenach (Sr., Paw Paw), 143-42. Hayden Key (Sr., Paw Paw), 6-22.

The Wolverine Conference recognized its top boys and girls athletes with first team, second team and honorable mention categories, as voted by the conference’s coaches. Follow along for the complete list of the Wolverine Conference all-league teams for the 2021 boys and girls basketball seasons, along with final conference standings. - Otsego's Jakson Dentler drives to the hoop during a boys basketball game against Paw Paw on Monday, Feb. 22 at Otsego High School. Paw Paw 4-4, 8-85. Vicksburg 5-3, 8-76 Paw Paw 3-5, 5-127.

Paw Paw didn’t make it any easier either. Richmond won its third consecutive Division 3 competitive cheer state title Friday, edging Paw Paw in the state championships held at Michigan State’s Breslin Center. Richmond finished with 771.62 points, less than a point ahead of Paw Paw at 770.72. After finishing second in back-to-back Division 1 state finals in 2018 and 2019, Adams broke through to claim the state title in 2020. Adams went for the encore Friday, running away with the Division 1 state title with 790.52 points, more than seven points ahead of runner-up Grandville with 782.60.

- Sturgis' Thomas Kurowski takes a jump shot during a boys basketball game against Otsego on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 at Otsego High School. From there, Paw Paw senior Finlay Tate calmly sank all four of his free-throw attempts to give his team the win. Despite battling an ankle injury, Tate finished with 16 points, while Caleb Bowen led Paw Paw with 18 points. The Red Wolves advance to Saturday’s 7 p.m. district final at Paw Paw, where they’ll meet Parchment, after the Panthers won a defensive slugfest over Three Rivers. - Parchment's Tony Williams shoots the ball during a district quarterfinal boys basketball game against Constantine on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Paw Paw High School.

PAW PAW, MI – Multiple people were arrested Tuesday on suspicion of selling drugs out of a Paw Paw apartment. Police saw three vehicles leave the home and searched the vehicles, finding methamphetamine, heroin and Xanax in various cars. Detectives then searched the apartment with a warrant, where they found a large amount of meth and things used for selling meth, police said. A 36-year-old male and his 9-year-old daughter, along with a 34-year-old male were found inside. The suspects a 36-year-old Paw Paw man, a 35-year-old Lawton man, a 36-year-old Kalamazoo male, a 43-year-old Gobles woman and a 40-year-old Paw Paw woman.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI – A former Paw Paw insurance agent was sentenced to probation and house arrest for embezzling money from an elderly client who had dementia. Brian Lietzau, 60, was sentenced March 15 to 36 months of probation, with six months of house arrest, by Van Buren County Circuit Judge Kathleen Brickley. Related: Former Paw Paw insurance agent admits to embezzling money from client with dementiaLietzau pleaded no contest Feb. 5 to one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, after accepting a plea agreement. The defendant owned Farm Bureau-Lietzau Insurance in Paw Paw, where he stole $270,000 from an elderly female client between November 2012 and November 2013, after being granted fiduciary and power of attorney, according to previous reporting. Lietzau has surrendered his license to practice insurance, the attorney general’s office said.

KALAMAZOO, MI - The Wolverine Conference was introduced to Finlay Tate on Jan. 9, 2019, when the 5-foot-8, 145-pound sophomore enjoyed a breakout performance with 27 points in Paw Paw’s 54-41 win over Sturgis. Since then, Tate has grown a couple inches, added some muscle and is one of the league’s premier players as senior. Those big games not only gave Paw Paw a pair of wins and improved the Red Wolves’ record to 7-4, they also received recognition from basketball fans around the region, who voted Tate the latest Kalamazoo-area hoops Player of the Week. This week, Tate and his Paw Paw teammates got some rest following a couple positive COVID-19 cases within the team that resulted in the cancellation of scheduled games against Plainwell, Dowagiac and Otsego. If Tate and fellow senior guards Mitchell Mason and Justin Baird can continue their strong play after the extended delay, Paw Paw will be a tough out when the district tournament starts on March 23.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Trophy season has arrived for high school basketball teams around the state, and the Otsego boys became the second Kalamazoo-area squad to lock up some conference hardware. Allegan falls to 5-7 overall and 1-6 in the conference, and the Tigers will take the court next on Wednesday at Plainwell. Many of Monday’s results had an impact on conference standings, so follow along for more scores, stats and highlights from around Kalamazoo. Three Rivers junior Kali Heivilin (22) looks to pass the ball during a game against Otsego at Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers, Michigan on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. 6 Pewamo-WestphaliaTop teams continue winning ways during Friday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionMorasha Wiggins’ 22 first-half points lead Kalamazoo Central to big win over MattawanPlainwell’s title-clinching win headlines Wednesday’s Kalamazoo-area prep hoops actionFormer K-Central coach, Ferris State star named new football coach at Wyoming High School

PAW PAW, Mich. – The leader of a school district in southwestern Michigan said he will recommend that the Redskins nickname be dropped. Paw Paw Superintendent Rick Reo said he will take his message to the school board on March 9. “Our nickname is preventing us from realizing our true potential as a school that welcomes, celebrates, supports and challenges all students,” Reo said in a district newsletter. The Paw Paw board voted in 2017 to keep the nickname and mascot. Reo said he believes the district originally chose Redskins to "celebrate the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans."

PAW PAW, Mich. – Michigan State Police seized three kilograms of fentanyl during a traffic stop on I-94 in Southwest Michigan. Michigan State Police made the stop in Van Buren County after troopers spotted “several indicators of criminal activity,” eventually searching the vehicle and finding the hidden drugs, WOOD TV reports. “The amount of fentanyl involved in this case is alarming and not typical of what we see day to day,” Capt. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Like morphine, it is a medicine that is typically used to treat patients with severe pain, especially after surgery.

PAW PAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Police say a 3-year-old girl has drowned in a backyard swimming pool in southwestern Michigan. The Van Buren County Sheriff's Office says the girl was found unresponsive in the water and rushed to a Paw Paw hospital, where she was pronounced dead. WOOD-TV reports the incident occurred Wednesday afternoon southwest of Paw Paw. Deputies say the girl was a friend of the family who was visiting the home. They believe she slipped away from the adults and was out of their sight for only a short time.