By Jason WesseldykSports Editor From classrooms and athletic fields to student leadership programs, curriculum committees and extracurricular activities, 10 Otsego Public Schools employees are closing the book on their careers after decades of service to the district.The retirees were recently…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—When Michael Griffey released the hammer on his second throw at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, he knew.The former Plainwell standout watched the implement sail 69.87 meters (229 feet, 2 inches) and…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Allegan girls tennis has produced plenty of standout players over the years.Recent graduate Addy Fales added her name to that list long ago.Now she has added another distinction, becoming the first player in program history to…

    Here we are, less than a month away from the Fourth of July and the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the birth of our nation, and there does not seem to be much enthusiasm about it. Maybe it is…

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher A 10-year-old boy died Saturday evening after being swept beneath the waters of the Rabbit River at Trestle Park, prompting a massive four-hour search involving dozens of emergency responders from across Allegan and Ottawa Counties.The tragedy…

By Art Nicholas FENNVILLE — Summer arrives in downtown Fennville this month with a daylong celebration, as the city throws open the doors to its new City Square Park on Saturday, June 27.Billed as the “Fennville Summer Kickoff,” the free,…

There was a time when nearly every newspaper in Michigan was locally owned. The publisher lived in town. The owner attended Rotary meetings, served on charity boards, sponsored Little League teams, and understood firsthand what mattered to the community.Today, many…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Summer reading programs are about more than simply giving children something to do while school is out.They provide opportunities to maintain and strengthen reading skills, encourage lifelong learning and help foster a love of books that…

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorReading initiatives, student mentorship programs, sensory-support equipment and career-readiness opportunities are among the projects that recently received funding through the Plainwell Education Foundation’s Teacher Mini-Grant Program.The program provides flexible funding for teachers and staff members looking to…

A deputy sustained minor injuries when his cruiser was hit by another vehicle north of Plainwell Sunday, authorities say.It happened around 5:30 p.m. on 10th Street south of 108th Avenue in Gun Plain Township.The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said a…

    One of the absolute joys of living in this part of western Michigan is the abundance and variety of birds. There are few experiences as magnificent as getting up while it is still dark to go for even a…

By Gari Voss What has been called Phase 2 of the Allegan Downtown Street Improvements began with Part A, the work on Trowbridge Street in front of the Regent Theatre and City Hall and Chestnut Street along the courthouse. As…

 A man was arrested last week on multiple charges after leading authorities on a vehicle pursuit.Just after 4 p.m., detectives from the Van Buren County Narcotics Unit received information about a man driving a red 2019 Buick Encore near Hartford…

A deputy sustained minor injuries when his cruiser was hit by another vehicle north of Plainwell Sunday, authorities say.It happened around 5:30 p.m. on 10th Street south of 108th Avenue in Gun Plain Township.The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office said a…

As millions of Americans head off to work each morning, balancing family budgets, worrying about rising costs, paying taxes, and trying to keep their businesses afloat, there is one group of people who seem to operate under a completely different…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…