2024 – The Year in ‘Review’

Editorial StaffJan 3, 202514 min read

Another year is behind us. They seem to go by so fast and we are now beginning 2025. Time for a look back at the year just past. Here are some highlights from the front pages of the Clare County…

Obituary: Michael R. Piotrowksi

Obituary: Michael R. Piotrowksi

Editorial StaffJan 3, 20252 min read

Michael R. Piotrowksi, age 68, of Lake passed away Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Carriage House. Per Michael’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal services are planned at this time. Michael was born on November 18, 1956,…

Obituary: Donald Stuart Wentworth

Obituary: Donald Stuart Wentworth

Editorial StaffJan 3, 20252 min read

Donald Stuart Wentworth, age 86 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at home. On November 12, 1938, Don was born to Will and Mildred (Derby) Wentworth in Clare, MI. Before Don graduated from Clare High School…

Obituary: Don David Papesh

Obituary: Don David Papesh

Editorial StaffJan 3, 20253 min read

Don David Papesh went to celebrate Christmas with his Lord and Savior on December 21, 2024. He was born on March 17, 1950 to Andrew and Jo Maxine (Seibt) Papesh. He graduated from Clare High School in 1968 where he…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20243 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorMaking WayFor Christmas my head exploded. An abscess between my left eye and brain threatened both and hurt like hell till they gave me morphine. Then I could even endure Ohio State winning in football as much as…

Guitar workshop offered at Ransom Library

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Is learning how to play a musical instrument on your list of New Year’s resolutions?If so, then the Ransom District Library just might be the place for you on Mondays beginning Jan. 6.Library director and former…

Otsego XC alumni compete at the collegiate level

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20245 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Alex Comerford wrapped up his collegiate cross country career in November at the NCAA Division 1 Championship in Madison, Wis.And a strong finish it was, as the 2019 Otsego High School graduate finished the 10k with…

Allegan wrestling competes at Comstock Invite

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

The Allegan wrestling team took a break from its Christmas break to compete in the Comstock Invitational on Saturday, Dec. 28.The Tigers had a good showing, winning the tournament from a team standpoint, while seven Allegan grapplers claimed weight-class titles.Allegan…

Obituary: Katherine Harrison

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

Katherine passed away, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at her home in Allegan. She was born on August 12, 1965, in Plainwell, the daughter of Carl and Marie (Opperman) Petersen. Over the years Katherine worked at many area factories. In her…

Obituary: Sidney Leroy Carns

Obituary: Sidney Leroy Carns

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20243 min read

Sidney Leroy Carns passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at the age of 89, in Portage, Michigan. Born on August 13, 1935, in Allegan, Michigan, he was a cherished son to the late James and Bertha Carns. Sidney’s formative…

Obituary: Neil Girke

Obituary: Neil Girke

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

Neil Girke, age 83 of Gobles, passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Wings Home in Allegan with very loving care and has gone on to be with our Lord.He loved fishing, hunting, golf and singing hymns and songs…

Obituary: Kevin Gene Krotz

Obituary: Kevin Gene Krotz

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20242 min read

Kevin Gene Krotz, 64, of Hopkins, MI passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024 at University of Michigan Health West. Born April 20, 1960 in Allegan, he was the son of the late Robert and Geraldine Louise (Grauman) Krotz. Kevin had…

Obituary: Donald Huff

Obituary: Donald Huff

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20243 min read

Donald Huff passed peacefully on December 21, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI to Louise (Jones) and Claude Huff.Don’s elementary years were spent at the Foster and Clifford Schools before graduating at 16 from Allegan…

Goodbye 2024… Hello 2025!

Goodbye 2024… Hello 2025!

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20245 min read

By Cindy Sasser When I think about moving forward into 2025, that old 1968 song by Tommy James & The Shondells plays in my mind…“Look over yonder… what do you seeThe sun is a risin’… most definitelyA new day is comin’……

Man who robbed Plainwell bank pleads guilty

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

A man who threatened to blow up an Allegan County bank pleaded guilty to armed robbery las week.Police said Paul Donnelly robbed the Plainwell PNC Bank in June by claiming to have a bomb in his bag.The response caused several…

Otsego Library hosts ‘Garfield Glow Games’ event

Otsego Library hosts ‘Garfield Glow Games’ event

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Since being created by Jim Davis in the mid-1970s, Garfield the cat has become a household name.Not only did the comic strip that bore his name become the most syndicated strip in the world, but the…

Bulldog basketball includes four seniors

Bulldog basketball includes four seniors

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20241 min read

Introducing the 2024-25 LaFayette High School Bulldog Varsity Boys Basketball Team. Seniors Bulldogs include:

LaFayette police coordinate toy drive to provide gifts for families

LaFayette police coordinate toy drive to provide gifts for families

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20243 min read

By Pamela WhitlowLaFayette Police Department Sergeant Jacob Williams tells a magical Christmas story of how a Christmas Miracle came to LaFayette to serve and bless many kids in the community.One of the many goals of the LaFayette Police Department since…

Mattawan wrestlers edge Wayland

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20242 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MATTAWAN — Mattawan’s wrestling team edged Wayland in a thriller 37-36 in recent action.For Mattawan:Connor Taylor 165) pinned Jake Reeder in 3:13; Gage Love (175), decisioned Ryan Sipkema 7-2; Gil Santos (190) was decisioned 10-8 by Bryton…

Bakery that served South Haven for 86 years closes

Bakery that served South Haven for 86 years closes

Editorial StaffDec 31, 20242 min read

After 86 years of serving Southwest Michigan, the Golden Brown Bakery turned off its ovens and served the last customers on Saturday, Dec. 28.It marked the end of an era that made the bakery a landmark staple in downtown South…