
Life as Performance Art
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
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
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
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
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
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…
Otsego defends M-89 Challenge title
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—In high school golf, it can be easy to overlook the fifth finisher on a team since the score is comprised of the top four finishers.But in the case of a tie, the fifth golfer becomes…
Life as Performance Art
Growing up, each year our family went to the “Great Minnesota Get Together,” better known as the State Fair. We toured the buildings, looked at the agriculture displays and livestock, and usually ate lunch at the Hamline United Methodist…
Mike’s Musings: Absent-minded journalist strikes again
Some people call me absent-minded, others call me addle-headed. Me, I just blame it on being left-handed.Last week, I left my briefcase in a rental car. Its contents were my valuable laptop, scads of paperwork and files and some cash.Let…
Law Day 2025 brings surprise resignation from Judge Baillargeon
By Gari Voss Allegan County’s celebration of Law Day 2025 on May 1st promoted the theme of “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One”. During the celebration, the 2025 Liberty Bell Award was given, and the Honorable William Baillargeon announced…
Christian song ban from Talent Show rescinded by superintendent
By Gari Voss News published on May 1, 2025, by several news outlets stated that the Allegan Public Schools would not permit students to sing songs from Christian artists Colton Dixon and Brandon Lake at the audition for their school…
OPS named National Showcase District again
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Otsego Public Schools has once again been recognized for its commitment to cultivating a safe, supportive learning environment for its students.For the second straight year, OPS has been named a National Showcase District by the organization…
Island City Fest returns as one-day event for 2025
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Island City Festival is returning to Plainwell this summer … albeit with some changes compared to last year’s event.Organizers announced on Sunday, April 27, that this year’s Island City Festival will be a single day…
Otsego baseball drops twin bill with Wyoming
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor WYOMING—In the first game of a doubleheader against Wyoming on Thursday, April 24, the Otsego baseball team held a 7-3 edge in hits.That, however, wasn’t enough to produce a win, as the Bulldogs fell 4-1.Otsego also…
Allegan tennis beats Brandywine
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor NILES—The girls tennis teams from Allegan and Brandywine met for a SAC/Lakeland match on Monday, April 28, and the battles and No. 1 and No. 2 doubles were fierce.And while the teams split those flights—Allegan’s No.…
Allegan ends consideration of contracting out police services
The City of Allegan has ended its consideration of contracting out police services. After community input sessions and a review of a potential agreement with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, the City decided to end further discussion of a budget option…
Baseline Road crash ends with truck in lake, one dead, several injured
By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Around 7:30pm on Saturday, April 26th, Allegan County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene of a tragic vehicle crash on Baseline Road, near Hillside Drive and Baseline Lake, in-between Allegan and Gobles.According to the Sheriff’s…
Sheriff Department shuts down illegal marijuana grow
Blackman School By Gari Voss Trowbridge Township announced that the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department shut down illegal marijuana grow operations at the old Blackman School and in a pole barn behind it. Trowbridge established a marijuana ordinance, but there are…
Mike’s Musings: Number of college administrators alarming
Many of you have read my rants concerning higher education. I believe the cost is outrageous and it certainly far outweighs the benefit most students receive.One of the reasons costs have risen extensively over the past decade is that universities…
Life as Performance Art
If there is anything good to be said about doing mindless work such as blowing leaves out of the ground cover, it is that I allow my brain to wander off and play. When it comes back and we reengage,…

Do you need help? Write Us!
By Mike Wilcox
Owner/Publisher
Every year, as the Christmas season draws near, I’m reminded just how generous our communities can be. For nearly two decades, Wilcox Newspapers has hosted what’s become one of my favorite traditions: our Annual Christmas Wish Program.
It started simply enough. We asked readers who were struggling to write in and tell us what would make their Christmas a little brighter. The idea was to connect local families in need with local people who wanted to help. Over the years, it’s grown into something truly special—and this year, we’re doing it again.
























