Bob Jacobs ready to retire at age 81, sells Jacobs Boots & Saddles
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor Bob Jacobs has been a singer, a rodeo rider and a clown, a barn builder, a horse trader, a business partner, a merchant, and[…]
Local ‘President Lincoln’ to appear on PBS documentary April 15
On Thursday, April 3, a PBS/NPR crew from WGVU at Grand Valley State University in Allendale spent the afternoon in a log cabin home on Hull Road in Van Buren[…]
VBT police car flips after being hit while going through red light
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor Scott Russell of Van Buren Township was taking his two daughters to their orthodontic appointments early Thursday morning, April 3, when they witnessed an[…]
Michael Leak takes plea deal after stealing truck and fleeing from police
By Diane Madigan Independent Court Reporter In a plea deal on Feb. 6, accused felon and habitual offender Michael Leak, 49, pled guilty to stealing a truck in Sumpter Township[…]
VBT father, son face drug charges at April 2 preliminary exam
By Diane Madigan Independent Court Reporter Van Buren Township residents Dale Kenneth Phifer, 76, and his son Kirkwood Lane Phifer, 24, appeared before Judge Brian Oakley at 34th District Court[…]
Court Watching: Brummette sentenced to 9 years in federal prison on Denton gun charge
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor On March 19, U.S. District Court Judge Denise Page Hood sentenced Sheldon Willie-Earl Brummette to 108 months in federal prison (9 years) plus 3[…]
Court Watching: 21-month-old drug case reduced to possession for habitual offender
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor Michael Lee Smith, Jr., 24, was arrested by Van Buren Township Police Officer Derek Perez in June of 2012 on drug charges. But, since[…]
Steven Shields bound over for fleeing VBT, MSP officers
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor When the first witness was called for a preliminary exam for Steven Von Shields, 40, on his charge of fleeing from police vehicles, third-degree,[…]
Library OKs resolution to DNR, postpones millage decision
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor The Belleville Area District Library Board had a packed meeting room for its special meeting on March 26 during which it had hoped to[…]
Visitors to council meeting praise work of retiring police chief
By Rosemary K. Otzman Independent Editor Sumpter Township Police Sgt. Chris McGlynn was among those present at the March 17 regular Belleville City Council meeting to praise the work of[…]
Weather