New K-9 team brings safety, support to PCS
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A pair of new faces will soon be seen around Plainwell Community Schools.Ginny, a K-9 service dog, and her handler Jean Freeman will be at PCS beginning Monday, March 2.Ginny is trained for both therapy and…
Otsego secures first outright league title in a decade
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—A decade.That’s how long it had been since the Otsego girls basketball team had won the Wolverine Conference championship outright.That changed on Friday, Feb. 20, when the Bulldogs cruised past visiting Paw Paw 70-37, locking up…
Life as Performance Art
I watched a DVD of George Clooney’s 2005 film, “Good Night and Good Luck.” It’s as relevant now as it was two decades ago in theaters.It’s the story of American news (radio, print and television) Edward R. Murrow when he stood…
Two Allegan Tech Center students honored for life-saving actions
Two students connected to the Allegan Tech Center were formally recognized at a recent Allegan Area ESA Board of Education meeting for their heroic, life-saving actions that demonstrate the real-world impact of career and technical education.Christian Nichols and Tessa Dyer,…
Major water main break leaves Allegan citizens without drinking water
By Gari Voss The Drinking Water Warning came from Allegan’s City Hall on Thursday morning, February 19, 2026. The problems began on Wednesday evening at about 8:30pm when the city water team became aware of a water main break. Water…
Boy taken into custody after splatter gun incident at Plainwell Middle School
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A 13-year-old boy was taken into custody after allegedly shooting two female students with a splatter gun inside Plainwell Middle School on Thursday, Feb. 19, according to the Plainwell Department of Public Safety.Officials say the incident…
Mike’s Musings: A Moment Worth the Wait — Why the U.S. Hockey Gold Feels So Good
Sometimes a sports moment turns into something bigger than a medal — it becomes a balm for a weary national psyche, a reminder of resilience, pride and unbridled joy. That’s exactly what happened when Team USA’s men’s hockey team edged…
Former Plainwell orthodontist sentenced to 60 years for child exploitation
Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Thomas Patrick Shannon, the former owner of Shannon Orthodontics in Plainwell and Grandville, has been sentenced to 60 years in federal prison on child exploitation charges — the maximum allowed under the law. On Monday, U.S. District…
Veterans Spring Dinner to honor service, feature speaker Dustin Curtis
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor An evening of fellowship, reflection and appreciation is planned as VFW Post 9377 hosts its Veterans Spring Dinner on Saturday, March 14, at Lake Doster Golf Club.The event, open to all service members, veterans and their…
Plainwell schools to host Family Connection Night workshop
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Strong families don’t just happen—they’re built through communication, understanding and the ability to work through challenges together.Plainwell Community Schools hopes to help families do just that during an upcoming Family Connection Night workshop on Thursday, March…
Plainwell advances to regionals with district victory
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—In his first season leading his alma mater, Jay Bohl helped guide the Plainwell wrestling team to a postseason milestone.The Trojans captured a Division 2 district championship Thursday, Feb. 12, defeating Gull Lake 52–21 on Plainwell’s…
Allegan edges past Hopkins to claim team district title
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor HOPKINS—The journey back to Wings Stadium is officially underway for the Allegan wrestling team.A year after advancing to the Division 3 state semifinals for the first time since 2014, the Tigers took the first step toward…
Mike’s Musings: Congressional net worth keeps riding and nothing is being done about it
For years, the public has watched members of Congress enter office with modest wealth and leave as millionaires. Lately there has been a lot of talk about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s net worth soaring from o to $30,000,000 while holding office…
Life as Performance Art
On the whole, Wendell (not his real name) was a nice guy. He had good morals, was kind to his family and neighbors, worked hard, had tremendous brain power and many other admirable qualities.We were on a couple college faculty…
Art Reach remembers lifelong local artists
By Gari Voss On Friday, February 20, 2026, from 7pm to 9pm, the Allegan Area Arts Council (AAAC) will host the In Memoriam Opening Reception in the Marilla Room at the Griswold Auditorium. From February 20 to May 2, 2026,…
Fun in the Sun at Littlejohn Lake Park
By Gari Voss The sun shone brightly and the temperature rose to a wonderful 40+ degrees on Saturday, February 14, 2026, as Littlejohn Lake near Allegan hosted young and older enthusiasts of outdoor activities. On the lake, the Outdoor Discovery…
Plainwell Middle School gymnasium dedicated in memory of Ryan Meert
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A beloved teacher, coach and community member was honored on Tuesday, Feb. 3, as Plainwell Community Schools formally dedicated the gymnasium at Plainwell Middle School in memory of Ryan Meert.Surrounded by family, friends, former students, colleagues…
Otsego residents, your water rates are going up
By Aaron MitchellOtsego City Manager Telling customers that their water rates are going to increase is never a popular thing to do in a small town. Many will pull out their torches and pitchforks and head down to City Hall.However,…
Child support clinic offered for county residents
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Individuals in Allegan County who are behind on child support payments or have a bench warrant related to arrearages will have an opportunity later this month to seek help without fear of arrest.Christian Neighbors and the…
Stolen taxidermy bear found, still no suspects
A six-foot taxidermy bear that was stolen off of an Allegan County (Fennville) porch last month has been found, Michigan State Police (MSP) announced Monday. Wearing a fake sheriff’s badge, a holstered toy gun, necklace and ring, troopers said the…
