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…
Hopkins School Bond election recount certifies dead tie
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher On May 27, the Allegan County Board of Canvassers conducted a hand recount of votes cast in the May 5 Hopkins Public Schools bond election and certified the results as an exact tie, leaving the $110.56…
Bridgefest 2026 kicks off Downtown Allegan’s summer
By Gari Voss Allegan residents and visitors look forward to Bridgefest on the second Saturday of each June. This year on June 13, 2026, from 11am to 9pm, the streets and Riverfront of Allegan will send out festive vibes as…
Mike’s Musings: Time to Abolish MEDC
For decades, politicians from both parties have defended the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with the same promise: targeted incentives and subsidies will attract jobs, revive communities, and create prosperity. It sounds appealing. If government can selectively help businesses expand, why…
Communities gather to honor fallen service members on Memorial Day
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Residents in Otsego and Plainwell gathered Monday to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States during annual Memorial Day observances in both communities.The day included parades…
Plainwell officials warn residents about fraudulent email scam
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Officials are again warning residents and business owners to be on alert after another fraudulent email claiming to be from the City of Plainwell recently surfaced.According to the city, the scam email falsely claims to come…
Bulldogs open district play with shutout over Wayland
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—Otsego wasted little time setting the tone in its Division 2 girls soccer district opener Friday, May 22.The Bulldogs, ranked sixth in D2, scored twice in the opening eight minutes and controlled play throughout in a…
Otsego baseball splits on Senior Night
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO–Otsego bounced back from a tough opening-game loss to earn a split with visiting Coldwater during a non-league baseball doubleheader on Senior Night Thursday, May 21.After dropping the opener 11-1, the Bulldogs responded with a 5-2…
Life as Performance Art
I recall straight news; newscasters survived only if they were deemed trustworthy and reliable es. That’s why we loved Walter Cronkite plus the pair Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.Even Paul Harvey billed his daily radio show as news and commentary.“All…
