Berrien County
Family, friends of victim respond to release of convicted murderer
NILES — Wednesday afternoon, Cindy Slates reflected on a rainy day in Pennsylvania. After driving hours from Niles for a Christian rock concert and camping ...
Ambrosia Neldon, Author at Leader Publications
Breaking News
Niles Family Video closing as national franchise shuts down
NILES — Weeks after Family Video operations across the greater South Bend area shuttered their doors for good, the Niles location has also reached the ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Tuesday, January 5, 2021 8:48 pm
Brandywine Education
Brandywine graduate contributed to development of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
PORTAGE, Mich. — As semitrucks carrying the first approved COVID-19 vaccine rolled out of Pfizer’s parking lot in Portage, Michigan earlier this week, millions of Americans ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Friday, December 18, 2020 11:25 am
Berrien County
Berrien County health officials discuss new vaccine, declining trend in COVID numbers
BERRIEN COUNTY — Wednesday evening, a line down a hall at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph was filled with medical personnel, some overcome with ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Thursday, December 17, 2020 2:10 pm
News
Niles City Council approves microbusiness license, option agreement for two marijuana businesses
NILES — Two marijuana businesses are one step closer to serving the Niles community after the city council approved various steps in the process Monday evening. ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Tuesday, December 15, 2020 12:32 pm
Leader Columnists
COLUMN: Finding the lights in the darkness
I grew up in a house that went all out for Christmas. My mom, who to this day I am convinced is a certified elf, ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Friday, December 11, 2020 12:08 pm
Business
Grand LV owner organizes gathering to voice concerns about COVID-19 mandates
NILES — The strain of COVID-19 pandemic orders and mandates is no stranger to events space and wedding venue owner Melanie Kennedy. Owner of The ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Friday, December 11, 2020 11:15 am
Community News
Boy Scouts spread cheer — at a safe social distance
BUCHANAN — In a year continually marked with changes and precautions, Boy Scout Troop 541’s Christmas meal delivery was not untouched. The troop gathered members ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Thursday, December 10, 2020 2:14 pm
Cass County
Visitors invited to Lawless Park as Northern Lights sighting possible tonight
JONES, Mich. — Cass County Parks are inviting the public to visit Dr. T.K. Lawless Park for free until midnight tonight, as a sighting of ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Wednesday, December 9, 2020 4:33 pm
Leader Columnists
NELDON: Leader Publications newspapers transitioning to weekly format
Eight months ago, Leader Publications made significant changes to how the Niles Daily Star and Dowagiac Daily News are distributed — reducing frequency from five ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, December 5, 2020 7:52 am
Business
Shelton’s Farm Market helping to feed families in need with holiday gift baskets
NILES — The Shelton’s Farm Market crew is getting in the Christmas spirit and inviting the community to join in the fun. As in past ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 12:00 pm
Giving
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation grants $20,000 to help City of Niles fund home repairs
NILES — Recognizing that there is no place like home for the holidays, the city of Niles, with help from the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation, has ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Tuesday, December 1, 2020 11:42 am
Leader Columnists
NELDON: Five reasons to shop local
This week, our tummies were stuffed with turkey and all the fixings. We’ve taken advantage of Black Friday deals at larger retailers, and now it’s ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, November 28, 2020 9:05 am
DEVELOPING NEWS
Niles native shot during altercation with New Mexico police
LOS LUNAS, NM — A Niles native was shot and killed by police officers in Los Lunas, New Mexico late last week during a traffic ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Wednesday, November 25, 2020 6:59 pm
News
Niles mayor asks public to heed warnings after testing positive for COVID-19
NILES — Niles mayor Nick Shelton has tested positive for COVID-19. Shelton posted to his official mayor Facebook page Friday evening announcing that he had ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, November 21, 2020 2:16 pm
Leader Columnists
NELDON: Do your part — if not for you, then for your community
As Gov. Whitmer made an emergency announcement Sunday evening temporarily moving the state back to Phase Two of the MI Safe Start Plan designed to ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, November 21, 2020 8:05 am
Berrien County
Brandywine Middle/High School to go remote Oct. 23 to 30
NILES — Students at Brandywine Middle/High School will move to remote learning for one week beginning Friday, after three positive cases and one probable case ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Thursday, October 22, 2020 7:45 pm
Leader Columnists
NELDON: Your actions impact the health of others
Seven months into the pandemic, we are all tired of hearing phrases used so often they are practically cliches. “Keep your social distance.” “We’re all ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, October 17, 2020 8:37 am
Cass County
Cass County seeing influx in domestic violence, burglary
CASSOPOLIS — Cass County continues to see an increase in domestic calls as residents are encouraged to spend more time at home. During Thursday’s meeting of the ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Friday, October 16, 2020 11:16 am
Cass County
Elkhart man airlifted to hospital after Cass County crash
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Three people were injured in a crash on Monette Street in Jefferson Township just before noon Friday. Cass County Sheriff’s deputies were ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Friday, October 9, 2020 4:40 pm
Berrien County
Students, staff in quarantine at local school districts due to positive COVID cases
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — Approximately one month into the school year, many school districts throughout southwest Michigan are responding cautiously to positive cases of COVID-19. After three ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Friday, October 9, 2020 2:32 pm
Columns
Leader Publications invites public to participate in election conversation
One month from today, many southwest Michigan residents will head to the polls. Many others will have already voted by mail, but will begin the ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, October 3, 2020 2:40 pm
Uncategorized
NELDON: Leader Publications invites public to participate in election conversation
One month from today, many southwest Michigan residents will head to the polls. Many others will have already voted by mail, but will begin the ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Saturday, October 3, 2020 8:03 am
News
Niles mayor recommends trick-or-treat times
NILES — As statewide restrictions continue amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Niles residents may soon have a more fun reason to don a mask. Tuesday evening, ...
by Ambrosia Neldon, Tuesday, September 29, 2020 8:25 pm
News
Apple Festival Harvest Market offers venue for local vendors to sell wares
NILES — Although the Apple Festival Fairgrounds were free of the typical screeches and whirls from carnival rides this weekend, the sound of local vendors ...
