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…
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…
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…
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…
Bridgefest 2026 kicks off Downtown Allegan’s summer
By Gari Voss Allegan residents and visitors look forward to Bridgefest on the second Saturday of each June. This year on June 13, 2026, from 11am to 9pm, the streets and Riverfront of Allegan will send out festive vibes as…
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…
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…
South Haven’s South Beach named best beach in Michigan
By James Windell If you live in South Haven, you may already know that South Beach is a special beach. In fact, it may be one of the reasons you chose to live in South Haven.But USA TODAY’s 10 Best…
Lifeguard watch towers delivered to South Beach
By James Windell On Thursday afternoon on May 28, 2026 at 5:00 pm., a flatbed semitruck showed up at South Beach with two lifeguard watch towers.Chief Lifeguard David Figueredo arrived on the scene several minutes later trying to figure out…
South Haven harbor dredging underway
By Tom Renner Dredging is underway on Lake Michigan in the South Haven Harbor by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is taking place at the harbor entrance, between breakwater heads, and upstream to North Shore Drive. The dredged…
Volunteers plant flowers in several locations
By Tom Renner Flowers adorn South Haven in several locations thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the city parks staff. Plantings were recently completed at the downtown Huntington Bank wall, the Dyckman drawbridge, Johnston Park and Dyckman Park.The volunteers…
Paw Paw mother delivers baby in Allegan church parking lot
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher While EMS crews were delayed by traffic, a baby boy made his grand entrance into the world in the backseat of his family’s SUV, parked in the lot of an Allegan-area church.According to his mother, Jaimy…
New location being sought for Paw Paw Memorial Bricks
PAW PAW – Memorial bricks located near the Village of Paw Paw Amphitheater Park, although they have disappeared from the current location, have been placed on pallets and are being safely stored until a more suitable and respectful permanent solution…
Family seeks closure of relative MIA in Korean War
It was May 25, 1951, when Private First-Class (Pfc) Donald McGowan, Jr., of Lawrence, was reported Missing in Action (MIA), while serving with the United States Army in Korea.Now, 75 years later, family members still hope and seek closure for…
Three juveniles arrested in Jackson after pursuit in stolen vehicle; handgun recovered
By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer Three juveniles were arrested Sunday after authorities recovered two stolen vehicles and seized an illegal handgun following a vehicle and foot pursuit, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said. The investigation began about 7:05 a.m. Sunday…
Jackson’s own Morgen Baird to race in NASCAR Truck Series
By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer A local driver from Jackson will be part of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Saturday, June 6 at Michigan International Speedway. Alro Steel will sponsor the No. 2 Ford F-150 in the truck series…
Albion invests in equipment as construction season hits full stride
By Maggie LaNoue Contributing Writer Albion’s 2026 construction season is well underway, and Public Services Director Jason Kern brought council up to speed May 18 on equipment upgrades designed to make the department more efficient and recover more of its…
