Otsego District Library begins summer reading program
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Summer reading programs are about more than simply giving children something to do while school is out.They provide opportunities to maintain and strengthen reading skills, encourage lifelong learning and help foster a love of books that…
Plainwell Education Foundation supports several initiatives in the district
By Jason WesseldykSports EditorReading initiatives, student mentorship programs, sensory-support equipment and career-readiness opportunities are among the projects that recently received funding through the Plainwell Education Foundation’s Teacher Mini-Grant Program.The program provides flexible funding for teachers and staff members looking to…
Vehicle crashes into police cruiser near Plainwell
A deputy sustained minor injuries when his cruiser was hit by another vehicle north of Plainwell Sunday, authorities say.It happened around 5:30 p.m. on 10th Street south of 108th Avenue in Gun Plain Township.The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said a…
Life as Performance Art
One of the absolute joys of living in this part of western Michigan is the abundance and variety of birds. There are few experiences as magnificent as getting up while it is still dark to go for even a…
Downtown Allegan road improvements making steady progress
By Gari Voss What has been called Phase 2 of the Allegan Downtown Street Improvements began with Part A, the work on Trowbridge Street in front of the Regent Theatre and City Hall and Chestnut Street along the courthouse. As…
Allegan man arrested for meth, stolen handgun
A man was arrested last week on multiple charges after leading authorities on a vehicle pursuit.Just after 4 p.m., detectives from the Van Buren County Narcotics Unit received information about a man driving a red 2019 Buick Encore near Hartford…
Vehicle crashes into police cruiser near Plainwell
A deputy sustained minor injuries when his cruiser was hit by another vehicle north of Plainwell Sunday, authorities say.It happened around 5:30 p.m. on 10th Street south of 108th Avenue in Gun Plain Township.The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said a…
Mike’s Musings: Summer Vacation for Congress? Must Be Nice
As millions of Americans head off to work each morning, balancing family budgets, worrying about rising costs, paying taxes, and trying to keep their businesses afloat, there is one group of people who seem to operate under a completely different…
Fielbrandt, Ernstes lead Otsego’s 36 Graduates with Distinction
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Whether it was through robotics, advanced coursework or leadership opportunities, Ally Fielbrandt and Sean Ernstes spent their high school careers challenging themselves academically.Those efforts paid off, as Fielbrandt was named valedictorian and Ernstes salutatorian for the…
Drivers should expect delays as M-89 project gets underway
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Motorists traveling through Otsego should prepare for delays this summer as a major resurfacing project along M-89 is scheduled to begin June 8.The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to resurface 3.6 miles of M-89 (Allegan…
Otsego drops pitchers’ dual in D2 regional semifinals
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor COLDWATER—Otsego senior Kaleb Hildebrand turned in arguably the best pitching performance of his career in arguably the biggest game of his career.Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, Coldwater starter Owen Tappenden was just a little bit better.Despite a…
Bridgefest 2026 fills Allegan’s Saturday
By Gari Voss Bridgefest celebrates Allegan, its residents, friends and visitors on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Activities will be found on each street, behind the library and on the Riverfront. Everyone is welcome to stop at the Expo booths, tour…
Wayland Summerfest returns June 13
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant PublisherDowntown Wayland will once again serve as the center of community activity when Summerfest returns Saturday, June 13, bringing a full day of family entertainment, classic cars, live music, food, vendors and children’s activities.Organized by Wayland Main…
Property owners file lawsuit challenging Leighton Township RV Ordinance
Jason and Shannon Steinebach, owners of lakefront property at 4552 East Shore Drive on Green Lake, have filed a civil lawsuit in Allegan County Circuit Court against Leighton Township. The complaint, filed on May 22, 2026 (Case No. 26-72096-CZ), challenges…
Sheriff’s office investigates semi truck accident
On June 8th, 2026 , Allegan County Dispatch received a 911 call stating that there was an accident on 106th Ave and 11th St in Gun Plain Twp. During the preliminary investigation, it appears that a vehicle that was southbound on 11th St…
Mike’s Musings: Mental Health: A Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore
I used to think alcoholism was the biggest problem facing Americans. Along with drugs it certainly is a disease that affects many of us. However, mental health is a much bigger problem and when you combine it with alcohol. you…
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…
