DeVries reflects on time as assistant director at ODL
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Wednesday, Dec. 3, marked the end of an era at the Otsego District Library.That’s when the library hosted Santa Storytime, which was the final program for Diane DeVries after a decade of service as the ODL…
OHS National Honor Society hosts annual toy drive
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Each year, members of the Otsego High School chapter of the National Honor Society conduct an annual toy drive to support the efforts of the Otsego Christmas Ministries.This year’s drive raised approximately $9,000, which was used…
City of Plainwell looks at fire gear
By John RaffelCorrespondent At its meeting earlier this month, the Plainwell City Council was to consider purchase of Fire Gear according to NFPA Standards, which provide guidance on the lifespan and replacement criteria for turnout gear.It calls for mandatory retirement…
Allegan girls come up just short in season opener
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor It was a game of two halves for the Allegan girls basketball team in its season-opening contest against visiting Watervliet on Friday, Dec. 12.The Tigers started strong, taking a 20-12 lead into halftime.But foul trouble plagued…
Plainwell swim & dive takes second place
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor GRAND RAPIDS—Plainwell boys swim & dive coach Andrea Murphy said the Grand Rapids City Sprint is one of the more fun meets her team has all season.And the Trojans had every reason to enjoy themselves at…
Life as Performance Art
Since the Great Covid Shut Down, Christmas has become very “the past.” I don’t blame it on the virus nor closures used to slow its progress.Some has come from our penchant for online shopping, ordering food and delivery services, plus…
Educators’ legacy lives on with$2.2 million gift to Fennville Public Schools
A generous planned gift from the estate of longtime educators James and Grace Walz will benefit Fennville Public Schools’ students and educators for generations to come. James and Grace dedicated decades to Fennville Public Schools. Grace taught U.S. History, World History, Michigan History, and Government for…
Oakwood Cemetery remembers veterans during Wreaths Across America
By Gari Voss The temperature was below nippy, but the crowd that gathered reached about 100. Some came in uniform, others had worn uniforms, and most had been associated with someone who had served. Wreaths Across America was observed for…
Rossman Park neighborhood, some downtown areas on tap for 2026 improvements
By Gari Voss As of mid-December 2026, about 90% of the engineering plans for the 2026 Phase of the Allegan Street Project are complete, but by listening to residents and their questions, the Abonmarche engineers and Allegan City Hall can…
Mattawan girls defeat Paw Paw
By John Raffel MATTAWAN — Mattawan tipped off the 2025-26 girls basketball campaign at home with a 61-44 win over Paw Paw on Dec. 8.Mattawan jumped out to a 20-9 first quarter lead led by Caitlin Ryan’s six points.Stella Shaefer…
Mike’s Musings: We Need The Good News of Christmas
I was searching for words that would express an uplifting spirit this Christmas season. Too many of us, my self-included, consider the holiday season to be a distraction rather than a time to rejoice. Well my friend, Glenn Mollette happened…
Carlotto lawsuit against city said to expose other problems
By James Windell Why did Sgt. Pat Carlotto file a lawsuit against the City of South Haven?Was it just sour grapes because he was passed over for the position of Chief of the South Haven Police Department? Is he looking…
Tallship MJ is holding lonely vigil in Northside Marina
By James Windell Gently rocking in the calm water in Black River on a mild wintery day, the Tallship MJ is holding vigil in boat Slip 22 near South Haven’s Northside Marina.MJ is covered with white canvas except for its…
SHAWSA holds meeting to explain water and sewer rates
By James Windell Dana Burd, Public Works Director, thought South Haven area residents just might have questions about their water and sewer rates. So, he held a public meeting at South Haven High School on Monday December 8, 2025.Not only…
SAPS presentation highlights local leadership and lifesaving prevention work
By Maggie LaNoue, Contributing Writer Substance Abuse Prevention Services (SAPS) delivered an uplifting and personal presentation at the Dec. 1 Albion City Council meeting, offering a clear look at how youth leadership and prevention programs are growing in Albion and…
SAPS presentation highlights local leadership; lifesaving prevention work
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Substance Abuse Prevention Services delivered an uplifting and personal presentation at the Dec. 1 Albion City Council meeting, offering a clear look at how youth leadership and prevention programs are growing in Albion and across…
Poleski reports on jury duty and jail funding
By KEN WYATT Contributing Writer JacksonCounty Commissioner Earl Poleski had two items for his monthly report on county news of interest to the townships in his area. There has been some improvement in the percentage of citizens showing up for…
Jackson councilmember responds to parking concerns
By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer Parking laws in Downtown Jackson changed beginning Dec. 1 and there has been flurry of negative comments and confusion. In an attempt to clarify things, Jackson City Councilman Will Forgrave put the following information on…
Concord, Parma and Pulaski to partner on early voting
By KEN WYATT Contributing Writer Since the 2024 presidential election, Michigan voters have been allowed to cast their votes early. From a state website: “The early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the…
