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Regional Spotlight
Van Buren County Address Sign Installation Guidelines
All new address assignments include one County-issued address sign as part of the address assignment process, with the exception of address assignments performed by the County within cities and villages. Additional or replacement County-issued signs may be purchased through the Van Buren County Digital Information Department for $25 per sign. Van Buren County address signs are 6” x 18” reflective signs with 3” white numbers offset to one side of the sign for visibility from either direction of travel. Standard address assignment signs are green with white numbers. In limited cases involving Rural Identification (Rural ID) assignments, the signs are red with white numbers to help distinguish them from standard addressed properties. Each County-issued sign comes pre-drilled in all four corners so it can easily be mounted using screws or other fasteners directly to a standard post, such as a 4”x4” treated wood post. The County does not provide mounting brackets or specialty mounting hardware. If a property owner wishes to mount the sign to a decorative post, fence, mailbox structure, or other custom installation, any required brackets or specialty hardware are the responsibility of the property owner. There is no requirement that the address sign be mounted on the same post as the mailbox. In many rural areas, mail delivery may only occur on one side of the roadway depending on postal routing. Because of this, property owners may place the address sign separately from the mailbox if doing so provides better visibility for emergency responders or more practical placement for the property. Property owners may utilize privately sourced address signs provided the sign remains clearly visible from the roadway and generally meets the following minimum standards. Privately sourced signs should strive to meet the same visibility and reflectivity standards as County-issued signs whenever possible. Numbers should be at least 3 inches tall. Arabic numerals only (0–9). Numbers must clearly contrast with the background color. Signs should generally be mounted between 2 and 6 feet above grade. If the building or residence is located 100 feet or more from the roadway, the address number should also be posted at the driveway entrance. As far as placement, the goal is simple: the sign should be clearly visible from the roadway and easy for emergency responders to locate day or night. For general placement guidance, Van Buren County recommends following the mailbox placement standards utilized by the Van Buren County Road Commission and the United States Postal Service. General guidelines include: Mount the sign approximately 41” to 45” above ground level. Place the sign near the driveway entrance where it is clearly visible from both directions of travel. Avoid placing the sign behind trees, shrubs, snowbanks, parked vehicles, or other obstructions. On gravel roads, signs/mailboxes are generally placed approximately 2 feet back from the edge of the traveled roadway. On roads with curbs, signs/mailboxes are generally placed approximately 6” to 8” back from the face of the curb. Use a breakaway-style support such as a 4”x4” wood post or 2” diameter steel/aluminum pipe. Posts should generally not be buried more than 24” deep. Concrete-filled posts, railroad ties, large steel pipes, and similar rigid structures are discouraged for roadside safety reasons. Property owners should also consult their local postmaster or the Van Buren County Road Commission for any site-specific placement concerns. For best emergency visibility, reflective address signs should face approaching traffic and remain unobstructed year-round. For more addressing information, check out the articles below. Managing Your New or Updated Address: A Guide for Residents
Recent Community News
Van Buren County Address Sign Installation Guidelines
All new address assignments include one County-issued address sign as part of the address assignment process, with the exception of address assignments performed by the County within cities and villages. Additional or replacement County-issued signs may be purchased through the Van Buren County Digital Information Department for $25 per sign. Van Buren County address signs are 6” x 18” reflective signs with 3” white numbers offset to one side of the sign for visibility from either direction of travel. Standard address assignment signs are green with white numbers. In limited cases involving Rural Identification (Rural ID) assignments, the signs are red with white numbers to help distinguish them from standard addressed properties. Each County-issued sign comes pre-drilled in all four corners so it can easily be mounted using screws or other fasteners directly to a standard post, such as a 4”x4” treated wood post. The County does not provide mounting brackets or specialty mounting hardware. If a property owner wishes to mount the sign to a decorative post, fence, mailbox structure, or other custom installation, any required brackets or specialty hardware are the responsibility of the property owner. There is no requirement that the address sign be mounted on the same post as the mailbox. In many rural areas, mail delivery may only occur on one side of the roadway depending on postal routing. Because of this, property owners may place the address sign separately from the mailbox if doing so provides better visibility for emergency responders or more practical placement for the property. Property owners may utilize privately sourced address signs provided the sign remains clearly visible from the roadway and generally meets the following minimum standards. Privately sourced signs should strive to meet the same visibility and reflectivity standards as County-issued signs whenever possible. Numbers should be at least 3 inches tall. Arabic numerals only (0–9). Numbers must clearly contrast with the background color. Signs should generally be mounted between 2 and 6 feet above grade. If the building or residence is located 100 feet or more from the roadway, the address number should also be posted at the driveway entrance. As far as placement, the goal is simple: the sign should be clearly visible from the roadway and easy for emergency responders to locate day or night. For general placement guidance, Van Buren County recommends following the mailbox placement standards utilized by the Van Buren County Road Commission and the United States Postal Service. General guidelines include: Mount the sign approximately 41” to 45” above ground level. Place the sign near the driveway entrance where it is clearly visible from both directions of travel. Avoid placing the sign behind trees, shrubs, snowbanks, parked vehicles, or other obstructions. On gravel roads, signs/mailboxes are generally placed approximately 2 feet back from the edge of the traveled roadway. On roads with curbs, signs/mailboxes are generally placed approximately 6” to 8” back from the face of the curb. Use a breakaway-style support such as a 4”x4” wood post or 2” diameter steel/aluminum pipe. Posts should generally not be buried more than 24” deep. Concrete-filled posts, railroad ties, large steel pipes, and similar rigid structures are discouraged for roadside safety reasons. Property owners should also consult their local postmaster or the Van Buren County Road Commission for any site-specific placement concerns. For best emergency visibility, reflective address signs should face approaching traffic and remain unobstructed year-round. For more addressing information, check out the articles below. Managing Your New or Updated Address: A Guide for Residents
Sheriff's Office Presents Cybersecurity Training to County Seniors
June 11, 2026| Homepage News, Sheriff News| Walter Grech
Sheriff's Office Presents Cybersecurity Training to County Seniors
June 11, 2026| Homepage News, Sheriff News| Walter Grech
Local Wedding Services in South Haven
Local Services
Wedding Venues and Accommodations in South Haven
Venues & Accommodations
Wedding Permits and Licenses in South Haven
Permits & Licenses
Obtain Vital Records Through South Haven Clerk's Office
The City Clerk's Office handles vital records for the City of South Haven.
South Haven Cemetery Information and Services
The City of South Haven maintains a cemetery.
2024 Meeting Calendar Published
Van Buren County Planning Commission May Meeting Cancelled
The Van Buren County Planning Commission regularly scheduled May meeting has been cancelled. Cancelled Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Cancelled Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Next Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Board of Commissioners Chambers, Van Buren County Administration Building, 219 E Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079 Notice Issued: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Read the full notice of cancellation by clicking here.
Planning Commission Minutes Available
Planning Commission Agendas Available
Planning Commission Agendas Available
Planning Commission Agendas Available
Planning Commission Notice
New Hope Family Church Podcast Now Available
Welcome to New Hope Family Church Podcast. We’re glad you are here. Whether you are catching up on a weekend sermon, revisiting a series that spoke to your heart, or joining us for the first time, our hope is that these messages encourage you, strengthen your faith, and help you grow in your relationship with Jesus right where you are.
New Hope Family Church - Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, need prayer, or want to learn more about New Hope Family Church, please fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon.
New Hope Family Church - Contact Information
We’d love to hear from you. If you have questions, need prayer, or want to learn more about New Hope Family Church, please fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you soon.
Decatur, MI - Parks & Recreation Information
Parks & Recreation
South Haven: Lakeside Social Announced
Lakeside Social09921 Blue Star Highway South Haven, Michigan 49090
2024 Meeting Calendar Published
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Van Buren County Planning Commission May Meeting Cancelled
" The Van Buren County Planning Commission regularly scheduled May meeting has been cancelled. Cancelled Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Cancelled Meeting Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 Next Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Next Meeting Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM Location: Board of Commissioners Chambers, Van Buren County Administration Building, 219 E Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, Michigan 49079 Notice Issued: Friday, May 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Read the full notice of cancellation by clicking here."
Planning Commission Notice
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Wings of God Staff and Clients Attend Spring Women's Retreat
" Wings of God at Bair Lake Bible Camp Women's Retreat The Staff and Pearls had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Spring 2026 Bair Lake Bible Camp Women’s Retreat. The weekend brought us all together for a time of worship, encouragement, and a dedicated space to just enjoy God. Take a look at the photos of our weekend, followed by a few words from all of us who attended. My weekend at Bair Lake…. for me, it was a place for self-reflection through God’s eyes. I was able to recognize behaviors that were not pleasing to Him or myself. I was able to repent from the behaviors, turn from them, and found solutions. I was also able to really define what rest looks like to me. And my rest does not look like everyone else’s, and that is ok! 🙂 I left Bair Lake with God’s peace filling me, and I’m praying I continually cling to it as I continue to walk with the Lord every day! May God’s Peace Be With You! Annie, Pearl While at Bair Lake Bible camp, I learned to fully embrace God’s faithfulness and trust Him more with my life. Through the speaker or being in His creation, zip-lining, walking, canoeing, or just in a silent moment with my Father, I have such trust and peace about where God is leading me and what plans He has for me and my future. And this weekend helped highlight all the work He has already done and is doing, and what is still to come from Him. Stacey, Pearl What I got from the Bair Lake Women’s retreat is how amazing God was, and He was with me. Also, how great his children treat each other. How I got over my fear because God is with me, and fear is something I shouldn’t have since God has got me. God is always walking with you, holding your hand. Being outside, knowing God made this world is amazingly cool. God is willing to help you out when you are in some type of trouble, as He did in 2 Kings. Also, what I got is He loves you, and forgives you for ALL of your sins! Heather, Pearl Absolutely loved the retreat! Had fun, ate well, rested, worshipped God, enjoyed sisterhood time, and learned more about how to grow in faith and apply the Bible to my life”. Karina Lamorandier, Executive Director It was a wonderful time to rest in the Lord, in a beautiful setting. I really enjoyed the fellowship with women in our community. The accommodations were wonderful and all the activities were well thought out. I loved the balance between hearing God’s word, worship, fellowship, and free time to rest and enjoy ourselves. I look forward to going again next year! Jodie Coats, House Manager This was an amazing time. I loved being able to hang out and interact with the pearls. The worship was amazing. I loved getting to participate in the “choir”. Getting to know our sisters in Christ was truly a blessing! Pat Shanley, Assistant House Manager I didn’t know how much I needed this retreat! The grounds at Bair Lake are beautiful. Our special speaker, Mandy Love, shared from 2 Kings that challenged me to dig deeper into this Old Testament story. I was so blessed to sit in the workshop “Sitting with Someone who is Suffering – and was reminded that God’s ways are better! To anyone on the fence about attending a retreat like this – say yes! You will be blessed. Susan Rall, Marketing Glory Assistant The post Wings of God at Bair Lake Bible Camp appeared first on Wings of God Transition Home for Women."
Wings of God Staff and Clients Attend Spring Women's Retreat
" Wings of God at Bair Lake Bible Camp Women's Retreat The Staff and Pearls had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Spring 2026 Bair Lake Bible Camp Women’s Retreat. The weekend brought us all together for a time of worship, encouragement, and a dedicated space to just enjoy God. Take a look at the photos of our weekend, followed by a few words from all of us who attended. My weekend at Bair Lake…. for me, it was a place for self-reflection through God’s eyes. I was able to recognize behaviors that were not pleasing to Him or myself. I was able to repent from the behaviors, turn from them, and found solutions. I was also able to really define what rest looks like to me. And my rest does not look like everyone else’s, and that is ok! 🙂 I left Bair Lake with God’s peace filling me, and I’m praying I continually cling to it as I continue to walk with the Lord every day! May God’s Peace Be With You! Annie, Pearl While at Bair Lake Bible camp, I learned to fully embrace God’s faithfulness and trust Him more with my life. Through the speaker or being in His creation, zip-lining, walking, canoeing, or just in a silent moment with my Father, I have such trust and peace about where God is leading me and what plans He has for me and my future. And this weekend helped highlight all the work He has already done and is doing, and what is still to come from Him. Stacey, Pearl What I got from the Bair Lake Women’s retreat is how amazing God was, and He was with me. Also, how great his children treat each other. How I got over my fear because God is with me, and fear is something I shouldn’t have since God has got me. God is always walking with you, holding your hand. Being outside, knowing God made this world is amazingly cool. God is willing to help you out when you are in some type of trouble, as He did in 2 Kings. Also, what I got is He loves you, and forgives you for ALL of your sins! Heather, Pearl Absolutely loved the retreat! Had fun, ate well, rested, worshipped God, enjoyed sisterhood time, and learned more about how to grow in faith and apply the Bible to my life”. Karina Lamorandier, Executive Director It was a wonderful time to rest in the Lord, in a beautiful setting. I really enjoyed the fellowship with women in our community. The accommodations were wonderful and all the activities were well thought out. I loved the balance between hearing God’s word, worship, fellowship, and free time to rest and enjoy ourselves. I look forward to going again next year! Jodie Coats, House Manager This was an amazing time. I loved being able to hang out and interact with the pearls. The worship was amazing. I loved getting to participate in the “choir”. Getting to know our sisters in Christ was truly a blessing! Pat Shanley, Assistant House Manager I didn’t know how much I needed this retreat! The grounds at Bair Lake are beautiful. Our special speaker, Mandy Love, shared from 2 Kings that challenged me to dig deeper into this Old Testament story. I was so blessed to sit in the workshop “Sitting with Someone who is Suffering – and was reminded that God’s ways are better! To anyone on the fence about attending a retreat like this – say yes! You will be blessed. Susan Rall, Marketing Glory Assistant The post Wings of God at Bair Lake Bible Camp appeared first on Wings of God Transition Home for Women."
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