Iconic tree may be doomed; what’s next?

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor The wind in the willow didn’t mix well Nov. 1 as large south section of the iconic tree in Cook Park fell and blew in speculation about what’s next. “I love that willow,” said Saugatuck City…

Laketown takes manager search on road

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent Laketown Township is getting its manager search team together and taking on the road after interviewing three finalists for the position. The committee Nov. 6 interviewed Bob Genetski, Brandon Mersman and Karen Sherwood during a five-hour…

Ganges church repentant sentenced

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor A man who turned himself in to police this spring at a Ganges church was sentenced last Thursday to decades in prison for murdering his girlfriend.  Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 26, asked for mercy in Kent County Circuit…

Trailblazers’ season ends with district loss to Decatur

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorDECATUR—Chris Foley gave the Saugatuck faithful reason to cheer late in the first quarter of the Trailblazers’ Division 8 football district title game against Decatur on Friday, Nov. 8.With Saugatuck trailing 8-0, Foley broke free for a…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorGravity’s RainbowExtra! Extra: Could Gravitational-Wave “Memories” Prove Einstein Wrong?Scientific American gave us this grabber headline recently, claiming Albert Einstein’s 1916 general theory of relativity may soon be refuted. Or maybe not. If there’s one thing I love about…

Incumbents largely hold serve here

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFor all this year’s sound and fury, little changed in local elections this year.Saugatuck voters returned three incumbents but replaced another with a past council veteran in the Nov. 5 city council race for four open two-year seats.In…

Hike to like

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20241 min read

Friends from the Radar Hill Hiking Club, RiverWood Council, Saugatuck city and township parks committees gathered before taking a Halloween hike on Saugatuck’s old airport property. The city, township and Outdoor Discovery Center are working to create public trails and…

OPS to hold ribbon cutting for health center

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

After seven months of construction, the opening of Otsego Public School’s new on-site student health center is nearly here.The district will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., with an open house to follow until 8…

Cahoon, friends bring concert to Plainwell

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Former Plainwell High School choir director Keith Cahoon will take the stage at the Plainwell Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.And he’s bringing some friends with him.Vocalists Ann Berchem and Tony Beacco…

Honoring those who have served

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20241 min read

On Monday, Nov. 11, Americans throughout the country took time to pause and relfect on the sacrifices made by those who have served or continue to serve in the military on Veterans Day. In Otsego, a ceremony was held at…

Allegan swim & dive claims conference championship

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—After posting a perfect 7-0 record during the regular-season portion of the Southwest and Central Swim Conference schedule, the Allegan girls swim & dive team entered the Conference Championship Meet as the team to beat.And try…

Obituary: Henry Lavern “Hank the Bank” Barber

Obituary: Henry Lavern “Hank the Bank” Barber

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

Henry Lavern “Hank the Bank” Barber, 90, of Allegan, Michigan passed away peacefully in his sleep with his wife of 70 years, Marilyn, by his side on Sunday October 27, 2024. Born July 10, 1934 at his parents’ home at…

Obituary: Faye Yvonne (Ten Brink) Cornell

Obituary: Faye Yvonne (Ten Brink) Cornell

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

Faye Yvonne (Ten Brink) Cornell, 86, of Holland, MI went in the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 8, 2024. Born in Grand Haven, MI on February 20, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Henry Willis and Henrietta…

Veterans remembered at Allegan ceremony

Veterans remembered at Allegan ceremony

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

By Gari Voss Allegan area residents braved a stiff wind and dropping temperature to gather on Monday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 11am and celebrate all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and the rededicate…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Mike WilcoxPublisher We know that the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” can actually be a bummer for some.We know that lack of essential food and clothing, not being able to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for your…

Election Wrap up: Jipp defeats Peterson in judicial race

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20249 min read

By Gari Voss When the dust settled and the last in-person voting day was completed on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the votes of 68,170 Allegan County voters (71.8%) were tallied. The results are still be examined by the Allegan County…

Rebels roll to Round 2 of playoffs

Rebels roll to Round 2 of playoffs

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Katie McElvy The Rebel defense opened the first round of the AISA AAA Playoffs with a three-and-out, and Luke Tarver followed with a 23-yard pick up and a 30-yard touchdown run as Chambers hosted the Clarke Prep Gators.The Gators…

Veterans Day celebrated with parade in LaFayette

Veterans Day celebrated with parade in LaFayette

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Community leaders and local residents gathered together for a Veterans Day parade and celebration in the vicinity of Hospital Street and B Street in LaFayette during the morning hours of Saturday, November 9th of 2024. In a…

Weldon wins Superintendent, Newton Wins School Board on Election Day

Weldon wins Superintendent, Newton Wins School Board on Election Day

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Voter turnout reached record levels in Chambers County for Election Day 2024 with a benchmark 53.37% of registered voters heading to the polls on this past Tuesday, November 5th. Presidential politics surely played a key role in…

Paw Paw plays draw honors

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20241 min read

By John Raffel The following football players for Paw Paw have named Wolverine Conference honors:1st Team offense- Darrin Strey and Julian Hernandez Offensive Line, Ben Miller and PJ DeYoung Running back.1st Team Defense- Darrin Strey D line, Bryson Newell Linebacker,…