Flooded fields shift Otsego Rotary Easter event to drive-up format
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Not even heavy rain and flooded fields could stop the Otsego Rotary Club from spreading some Easter cheer.Faced with water-covered infields and walkways at Memorial Park, Rotary members shifted plans for their annual Easter Egg Hunt…
Boys Track Season Preview:
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor FENNVILLECoach: Josh SliterReturning letter winners: Atticus Boeve, jr. (distance—800, 1,600, 3,200); Jaciel Ruiz, sr. (distance—800, 1,600, 3,200); Ashton Halcomb, sr. (sprints—100, 200, 400); Carter Thompson, sr. (sprints—100, 200, 400); Calvin Giles, jr. (throws); Uly Estrada, sr.…
Girls Soccer Season Preview:
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor ALLEGANA new era begins for Allegan girls soccer.But the expectations remain the same.Following a run to the MHSAA Division 3 state semifinals last season, the Tigers enter the 2026 campaign under new leadership, as Stu McLean…
Life as Performance Art
I spent most of last Thursday afternoon March 27 listening to the radio, taking in the opening day of the baseball season. The Chicago Cubs were playing the Washington Nationals, and if you can’t remember the score, “Wait ‘til next…
Much ado about chickens
By Scott SullivanWriter Chickens Sunshine, Sugar, Cinnamon, Butter, Butter, Piper and Isabella still have Douglas homes thanks to owner Kathy Sarkisian’s lawsuit, then settlement with agreement from the city.The Douglas chicken movement took wing May 18, 2017 when 18 petitioners…
Cheshire supervisor, trustee follow clerk resignation from board
By Gari Voss The leadership of Cheshire Township in Allegan County has been extremely stable for years, but during the past year, the replacement of Donna Hetzel, an experienced clerk, brought a new clerk, Jodi Pinnell, and the expected uphill…
Mike’s Musings: Rescues are an Easter weekend miracle
There are moments when a nation is reminded, in the clearest possible terms, who it is and who it chooses to be. The rescue of two American airmen from enemy territory is one of those moments. Not just because it…
Author visit brings stories to life at Starr Elementary
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Students at Starr Elementary School had a special opportunity to meet a local author and learn about the creative process behind their favorite books.Denise Brennan-Nelson visited the school recently, sharing her experiences as a writer and…
Otsego tennis posts wins over Wayland, Marshall
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO — The Otsego girls tennis team picked up a pair of strong wins over the past week, highlighted by a decisive victory over Wayland.The Bulldogs defeated Wayland 7-1 on Monday, March 30, using a balanced…
Allegan track starts season strong
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor HAMILTON—It was a promising start to the outdoor season for the Allegan track and field teams at the Hamilton Early Season Invitational on Monday, March 30.The Allegan girls placed fourth overall with 64 points, while the…
House fire in Plainwell results in one fatality
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—A residential fire in Plainwell on Saturday evening resulted in one fatality, according to officials with the Plainwell Department of Public Safety.The victim was later identified as 58-year-old Ted Ray Hughes, Jr.The fire was reported at…
Life as Performance Art
The other day I opened my accordion case for the first time in far too long. Under it were a couple song books published by the War Department at the beginning of World War II.The USO, chaplains and division morale…
High-Speed internet Is finally reaching Allegan County’s rural corners
By Art NicholasFor years, many residents across Allegan County faced a frustrating reality: living in modern Michigan but unable to stream a video, attend a virtual doctor’s appointment, or complete homework reliably. A sweeping broadband initiative — now essentially complete…
Mike’s Musings: Shame on Congress, sexual harassment, misconduct claims will remain secret
There are few things more corrosive to public trust than the appearance that those in power play by a different set of rules. Congress’s long-standing practice of shielding the identities of lawmakers who used taxpayer-funded settlements to resolve sexual harassment…
Arts Competition returns to Otsego District Library
The Otsego Arts Council will host its annual Arts Competition May 1-9 at the Otsego District Public Library, continuing a community event that celebrates artists of all ages.Now in its third year at the library, the competition will feature a…
Plainwell High School set to present ‘Hadestown’
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A powerful blend of myth, music and storytelling is coming to the Plainwell stage.Plainwell High School will present “Hadestown: Teen Edition” for a three-show run beginning Friday, March 27, and continuing through Sunday, March 29.Showtimes are…
Otsego tennis plays well
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PORTLAND—Otsego turned in a strong showing Saturday at the Portland Invitational, competing against Ludington, DeWitt and Portland.The Bulldogs came away with multiple individual flight wins against a competitive field.Senior Ellie Koringa led the way, winning her…
Allegan tennis wins three at Early Bird
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Depth was the difference for the Allegan girls tennis team over the weekend.Hosting its annual Early Bird Invitational on Saturday, March 21, the Tigers turned in a dominant performance, going unbeaten against Grand Haven, Coopersville and…
Life as Performance Art
During that brief splat of warm weather earlier this month, I noticed a neighbor had accessorized several trees with small metal buckets, covered with a piece of metal, just underneath a metal tube attached to the tree.I knew from experience…
Senior meal switch has fallout
By Scott SullivanWriter Arms are up in the precincts after the Allegan County Commission dumped 20-year senior meal provider Community Action for Allegan County in favor of Grandville-based Meals on Wheels for $8.50 per meal, compared to CAAC’s $12.27). CAAC’s…
