Allegan County News & Union Enterprise

Otsego installs new electronic sign at Brookside Park

Otsego installs new electronic sign at Brookside Park

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20253 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The City of Otsego has a new way to disseminate information to its residents.On Monday, May 19, a sign was installed in front of Brookside Park on M-89 that has the ability to display electronic messages…

Two tornadoes touched down in Allegan County

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A strong storm system that ripped through the area on Thursday, May 15, caused extensive damage in Allegan County and left many residents with no power for an extended period of time.In response to the devastation—which…

Crews search for man who went missing in Kalamazoo River

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—A man went missing in the Kalamazoo River in Plainwell on Saturday, May 17.According to Plainwell Department of Public Safety director Kevin Callahan, the Allegan County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 12:49 p.m. reporting…

Otsego’s Hoffman, Allegan’s VandenAkker win two regional titles

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20253 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor BERRIEN SPRINGS—Otsego’s Emma Hoffman entered the Division 2 regional meet at Berrien Springs undefeated in the 1,600-meter-run and the 3,200-meter run.She left the meet with that unblemished record intact.Posting a time of 4:45.72 in the 1,600…

Allegan claims Division 4 regional championship

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20253 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor At the Division 4 girls tennis regional hosted by Allegan on Thursday, May 15, four of the nine teams scored at least 18 points.But none scored more than the Tigers.With each of the eight flights contributing…

Allegan County devastated by storms

Allegan County devastated by storms

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20255 min read

By Gari Voss Meteorologists across Michigan forecasted that intense storms would reach Lake Michigan’s shores by Thursday, May 15, 2025. Their words rang true as the skies darkened and the winds increased into Thursday evening and thunderstorm warnings were issued.As…

Memorial Day Celebrations around Allegan County

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20257 min read

By Gari Voss Monday, May 26th marks Memorial Day 2025, a day to remember all those who have given their lives to preserve the freedom of the United States. Across Allegan County, veterans, community leaders, and volunteers plan celebrations to…

Man reported missing in Kalamazoo River

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—A man went missing in the Kalamazoo River in Plainwell on Saturday, May 17.According to Plainwell Department of Public Safety director Kevin Callahan, the Allegan County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 12:49 p.m. reporting…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20255 min read

One of my favorite short stories is “The Verger” by Somerset Maugham. Hero Albert Foreman has held his parish post for decades before a new clergyman replaces the old and learns he’s illiterate.He doesn’t need to know how to read…

Mike’s Musings: State needs to have more control over spending

Mike’s Musings: State needs to have more control over spending

Editorial StaffMay 21, 20253 min read

I shake my head at some of the shenanigans pulled by leaders we place in public office. Very few of them understand that the money that pays their salaries and funds the programs that run the government come out of…

ALEgan toasts Craft Beers

ALEgan toasts Craft Beers

Editorial StaffMay 14, 20251 min read

Saturday, May 10, 2025, the 4th Annual ALEgan Craft Beer Fest drew a crowd of 21+ year old ale lovers to the Allegan County Fairgrounds. They relaxed, socialized, and sampled brews from 16 Michigan breweries! Food, Fun, Music and Ale…

Plainwell robotics competes at World Championship

Plainwell robotics competes at World Championship

Editorial StaffMay 14, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor DALLAS—Approximately 830 high school robotics teams from around the globe gathered at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas earlier this month for the VEX Robotics World Championship.One of those teams was from Plainwell High…

Otsego softball drops two

Editorial StaffMay 14, 20251 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—Otsego pitcher Audrey Lingbeek put together a strong performance against Paw Paw in the opening game of a Wolverine Conference doubleheader on Tuesday, May 6, allowing three hits and striking out 13 in seven innings.Unfortunately for…

Fales named valedictorian of Northwood University

Fales named valedictorian of Northwood University

Editorial StaffMay 14, 20251 min read

Regan Fales, was named the Northwood University Valedictorian for the entire 2025 graduating class.  Regan is a 2022 Allegan Public graduate.She graduated this past Saturday with a degree in International Business and Management.  She graduated with her BA in three…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffMay 14, 20254 min read

I caught the warning in a rural newspaper that now we are moving into planting season, watch out for slow-moving farm vehicles as they go from field to field or barn to field.Good point to keep in mind now through…

Mike’s Musings: Release the Epstein files now

Mike’s Musings: Release the Epstein files now

Editorial StaffMay 14, 20253 min read

For some reason, the Trump administration, i.e. Attorney General Pam Bondi is slow walking the release of the Epstein files. If I remember correctly, it was a campaign promise to release them asap, and it’s now been 130 days, and…

Pope Leo XIV attended seminary in Laketown Township

Pope Leo XIV attended seminary in Laketown Township

Editorial StaffMay 10, 20254 min read

By Jim HaydenCorrespondent The new Pope attended classes at the St. Augustine Seminary in Laketown Township, the site of what is now the Felt Mansion and Shore Acres Park.Robert F. Provost, 69, who is now known as Pope Leo XIV,…

OHS teacher, students create Otsego coloring book

OHS teacher, students create Otsego coloring book

Editorial StaffMay 7, 20254 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor A coloring book depicting various buildings and places associated with Otsego is now available for purchase on Amazon.The book, titled “Coloring Otsego: Where Will You Go?” was a collaborative effort between Otsego High School graphic arts…

Backyard Games coming to TOP Pavilion on May 18

Backyard Games coming to TOP Pavilion on May 18

Editorial StaffMay 7, 20254 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor An afternoon of cornhole, disc golf and ladder ball.That’s what you can expect during the Otsego Rotary Backyard Games at the Pavilion on Sunday, May 18, beginning at 2 p.m. at the TOP Riverfront Pavilion.Cost to…

Allegan takes first place at Tiger Duals

Editorial StaffMay 7, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Dominant.That one word pretty much sums up Addy Fales’ performance for Allegan at No. 1 singles at the Tiger Duals on Saturday, May 3.Fales went a perfect 3-0 against opponents from Grand Rapids West Catholic, Petoskey…