Latest News
Saugatuck sidewalk chalk campaign sparks debate
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher A series of political messages written in chalk on downtown sidewalks has sparked an ongoing debate in Saugatuck over free speech, public property, and the community’s image as a tourist destination.The controversy centers around a recurring…
Baty, Matteson named Persons of the Year
This year, CommUnity PRIDE recognizes two extraordinary individuals who have helped shape and strengthen that spirit for more than five decades through their generosity, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the community. In many ways, it would be impossible…
Plainwell HS recognizes 34 Top Honors graduates from Class of 2026
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Each year, Plainwell High School recognizes members of its graduating class who achieve grade-point averages of 4.0 or higher.For the Class of 2026, 34 students earned Top Honors recognition.Leading the group were valedictorian Hiro Nguyen and…
OHS grad earns research award at ecology conference
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—An Otsego High School graduate recently earned recognition for her undergraduate research while representing Kalamazoo College at a regional scientific conference.Mia Crites, a member of Kalamazoo College’s Class of 2026 and a 2022 Otsego High School…
Hopkins School Bond election recount certifies dead tie
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher On May 27, the Allegan County Board of Canvassers conducted a hand recount of votes cast in the May 5 Hopkins Public Schools bond election and certified the results as an exact tie, leaving the $110.56…
Sports
Saugatuck girls place fourth at Division 3 State Finals
By Jason WesseldykSports EditorKENT CITY—Novella DeGraaf spent much of Saturday, May 30, racing from one event to another.By the end of the day, the Saugatuck junior had collected three All-State finishes, broken three school records and helped lead the Trailblazers…
Allegan tennis places third at finals to cap historic season
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor MIDLAND—An historic season ended with another historic accomplishment for the Allegan girls tennis team.The Tigers finished third at the Division 4 state finals in Midland on May 27-28, completing a 22-0 season that included conference, regional…
Paw Paw girls win district
By John RaffelCorrespondent PAW PAW — Paw Paw is 33-4 after beating Otsego 6-2 in the title game of the districts.Cami VaderMeeden had three hits including a double for Paw Paw.Lauren MacKellar was the winning pitcher for the Wolves.Elizabeth VandeBurg…
Mendon wins sixth straight district softball title; to play in regionals at home
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director MARCELLUS — Mendon softball’s state title defense started strong in postseason play Friday, cruising to an 11-1 victory over Marcellus in the MHSAA Division 4 district championship in Marcellus. Although they got off to a slow…
Golf Roundup Vicksburg regional champs at Coldwater; Sturgis 14th, Three Rivers 17th
COLDWATER — Sturgis, Three Rivers and Vicksburg took part in the Division 2 golf regionals at Coldwater Golf Club on Tuesday, and both St. Joseph County teams saw their seasons come to an end, while Vicksburg were crowned as regional…
Columns
Life as Performance Art
I always find it a bit amusing when someone, especially one of the talking heads from almost any news station has a hissy fit about what they call ‘revisionist history.’ They change their tone of voice to make it…
Mike’s Musings: Time to Abolish MEDC
For decades, politicians from both parties have defended the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with the same promise: targeted incentives and subsidies will attract jobs, revive communities, and create prosperity. It sounds appealing. If government can selectively help businesses expand, why…
Out and About: Joint Venture, aging, and things to know
“You can not push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb a little.” -Andrew CarnegieThis June I’ll be starting a new adventure at Beacon Health Care. I mentioned several weeks ago about the “Heart Healthy” program I…
May I Walk with You? HEAVEN WITHOUT YOU
I was recently talking with the daughter of a good friend who has passed and she indicated that she was looking forward to seeing her dad again in heaven when she got there. It reminded me of the belief that…
Life as Performance Art
I recall straight news; newscasters survived only if they were deemed trustworthy and reliable es. That’s why we loved Walter Cronkite plus the pair Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.Even Paul Harvey billed his daily radio show as news and commentary.“All…
