Sale of Palisades to take place once plant stops producing
Palisades to sell to Holtec once production stops on May 31The company that owns Palisades Nuclear Plant has received federal regulators’ approval to sell once the power plant stops production this year.The 811-megawatt plant, located on the shores of Lake…
Decatur McDonalds closes without much notice
Residents of Decatur were surprised as it’s recently been discovered that the McDonald’s located at 400 W Delaware St has closed indefinitely. Someone rolling through the drive-thru noticed a sign on the speaker informing residents of the closure and prompting…
Mike’s Musings: Politicians should spend time in private sector
Here’s a novel suggestion. Can we make it a requirement for those running for Congressional seats to spend a few years in the private sector?This idea was presented to me a few weeks ago, and the more I thought about…
Life as Performance Art
I read Mike Wilcox’s fa-ther’s reflections on small town life with delight.I grew up in a city of some 30,000. After ordination I moved to a church in a ham-let of 92 people, with one gas station, one grocery store,…
Obituary: A. James (Jim) Crandall
A. James (Jim) Crandall passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Dec. 29, 2021. Jim was born in Canton, Illinois in 1934, to George and Rose Crandall.On Sept. 20, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Gayle Sousley,…
Area family starts foundation to honor deceased member
The Schincariol family of Lawton has announced an effort this year to raise money to purchase music lessons and instruments for area teens.“Our long-term goal is to provide teens of Southwest Michigan the tools and training to explore and develop…
Lawrence DDA to hold open house
LAWRENCE – The Village of Lawrence Downtown Development Association (DDA) will hold an open house, Tuesday, Jan. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at Conquer Nutrition 106 W. St. Joseph St. The event will serve as an official greeting from the…
Road Commission issues snow plowing policy
LAWRENCE – Michigan’s first snowflakes have fallen, and before the state is feet-deep in snow, the Van Buren County Road Commission explains how it responds to winter storms, according to a press release from the road commission. There are over…
MDHHS to update quarantine guidelines
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will update its quarantine guidance for the general public to reflect the recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Notably, the CDC recommends a shortening…
Trip Advisor ranks Kal-Haven Trail the best – is it time to utilize it?
Proudly showing the first sign in the installation of the 31 panels comprising the Michigan Michigan Heritage Trail Project are Dan Spegel from the Michigan History Center, Jeff Green and Sue Hodnapp from Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail. By Leslie…
Omicron Variant identified in Van Buren County resident
LAWRENCE – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified Van Buren/Cass District Health Department that the Omicron variant has been identified in a Van Buren County resident.“It was only a matter of time until the Omicron variant…
Mike’s Musings: Politicians Should Spend Time in Private Sector
Here’s a novel suggestion. Can we make it a requirement for those running for Congressional seats to spend a few years in the private sector?This idea was presented to me a few weeks ago, and the more I thought about…
Viewpoints: Life as Performance Art
I read with sheer delight Mr. Wilcox’s editorial of the 30th of December about the joys and benefits of living in a small town. I couldn’t agree more. I grew up in a city of about 30,000. After ordination I moved…
Letter to the Editor: Got a laugh out of picture
Dear Editor:I have to say I laughed and was very surprised that you used the picture of the fair againon 12-16-21. My 90 year old mother realized it was a photoshopped picture the first time you printed it. The man…
Letter to the Editor: Jordan is no Swift
Editor,It didn’t take long for publisher Mike Wilcox’s son, Jordan, to catch blow back from his essay advocating universal gun ownership as a solution to gun violence.Of course, it’s a silly idea but I wonder if that might have been…
Dean Perry “Gooch” Balgoyen
Dean Perry “Gooch” Balgoyen, 56, of Allegan, MI passed away Saturday,December 25, 2021. Born May 18, 1965 in Plainwell, he was the son of the lateDean Peter Balgoyen and Ruthie (Harrington) Balgoyen and was the husband ofBarbara (Smith) Balgoyen. Perry…
Gary W. Emmons
Gary W. EmmonsSeptember 24, 1948 – December 25, 2021 Gary W. Emmons, 73 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021at his home. Born September 24, 1948 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was the son of thelate Glen and Marjorie…
Alice M. Johnson
Alice M. Johnson passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at her home. Shewas born May 24, 1956 in Allegan; the daughter of the late Robert and Robenia(Burson) Johnson. The youngest of nine children, Alice was often referred to asthe “Baby”.…
Mary J. Knapp, 78
Mary J. Knapp passed away on December 27, 2021, at the age of 78. She was bornon November 24, 1943, to Orville and Beverly (Dewey) Hockett. Mary is survivedby her daughter Susan Knapp; her daughter-in-law Kelli Knapp; stepsons, AndyHitchcock, and…
Carol Ann Wiley, 71
Carol Ann Wiley, 71 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at the Allegan County Medical Care Community. Born May 2, 1950 in Plainwell, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Irvin and Ethel (Fletcher) Fuller…
