Allegan County News & Union Enterprise

Percival charge with10 counts

Editorial Staff Oct 23, 2024 2 min read

Dylan Michael Percival, 23, from the Pullman area, was charged with 10 counts, including assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, aggravated assault, reckless discharge of a firearm, being a habitual offender and other weapons charges…

Mike’s Musings: Move made me realize how important one vote is

Mike’s Musings: Move made me realize how important one vote is

Editorial Staff Oct 23, 2024 3 min read

I had the opportunity to watch SWING VOTE, a 2008 film starring Kevin Costner, that was about a down on his luck, fired from his job, alcoholic in New Mexico, that had the voter machine eat his ballot as he…

Candidates vie for spot on Otsego Board of Education

Candidates vie for spot on Otsego Board of Education

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 11 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Four candidates are on Nov. 5 ballot for three open positions on the Otsego Public Schools Board of Education.Current school board president Amy Stender and Jason Davis—who was appointed to the board in August to fill…

1871 Taproom opens for business in downtown Plainwell

1871 Taproom opens for business in downtown Plainwell

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The newest eating establishment in downtown Plainwell is officially open for business.Located at 107 S. Main St., 1871 Taproom welcomed patrons for the first time on Thursday, Oct. 10, and is now open daily.Brothers John and…

Playground equipment added to Memorial Park

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Go back in time with me, if you would, to the year 2002.The original Tony Maguire “Spiderman” movie ruled the box office. “American Idol” debuted on FOX. Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” was among the most listened-to songs.Also…

Otsego cross teams sweep Plainwell

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 2 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—It was a sweep for the Otsego cross country teams when they hosted rival Plainwell on Tuesday, Oct. 8.The Otsego girls secured the 16-45 victory to finish the regular-season potion of the season a perfect 7-0.…

Allegan swim & dive beats Marshall

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 2 min read

The Allegan girls swim & dive team continued its strong season with a 109-75 win over Marshall on Tuesday, Oct. 8.The Tigers remained perfect in the league at 5-0.Allegan delivered outstanding individual performances, with Mari Nistal Palacios claiming first place…

Obituary: Dolores Agnes Rohloff

Obituary: Dolores Agnes Rohloff

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

Dolores Agnes Rohloff, born in Detroit, MI, on August 17, 1932, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, in Kalamazoo, MI, surrounded by her loving family. She was a beloved daughter of Raymond and Dorothy (Pilbeam) Selkirk. Dolores will be…

Obituary: Donn Matthew Wiley

Obituary: Donn Matthew Wiley

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 1 min read

Donn Matthew Wiley passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on October 8, 2024 at his home in Allegan, MI.  Born June 21, 1939 in Allegan, he was the son of the late William and Earline (Counterman) Wiley.  Donn…

Obituary: Joyce Arlene Miles (Pittner)

Obituary: Joyce Arlene Miles (Pittner)

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

Joyce Arlene Miles (Pittner), a beacon of love and friendship, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2024, in Allegan, Michigan, at the age of 90. Born on June 18, 1934, in Plainwell, MI, Joyce lived a life marked by devotion…

Obituary: Margaret Jean Vander Vere

Obituary: Margaret Jean Vander Vere

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

AUGUST 4, 1934 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 Margaret Jean Vander Vere,  left this world at the remarkable age of ninety. Diagnosed with dementia and pre-Alzheimer’s in 1999, Margaret approached her diagnosis like she approached life — with determination, humor, and…

County Building Open House uncovers aspacious work environment

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

By Gari Voss The Allegan County building on 122nd Avenue northwest of Allegan unveiled the spacious working quarters of the Allegan County administrative staff, vital county services, and the newly renovated areas for the County Treasurer, Register of Deeds and…

SUV strikes tractor pulling a wagon for hayride, several injured

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 2 min read

By Gari Voss The call came to Allegan County Central Dispatch at 7:24pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024, reporting “a serious traffic crash” on M-40 near 110th Avenue in Trowbridge Township. When responders reached the location, they found an overturned…

Former SH substitute teacher, who violently threatened students, also charged with destruction of Allegan building

Jordan Wilcox Oct 17, 2024 5 min read

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher More information has been released about the substitute teacher whose unsettling comments led to a shelter in place order at South Haven’s Baseline Middle School on Tuesday, September 10th. He was involved in more altercations, been…

Mike’s Musings: My fear of “Bambi” makes me a nervous Driver

Mike’s Musings: My fear of “Bambi” makes me a nervous Driver

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 3 min read

The social media memes showing vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz fumbling with loading his shotgun at a pheasant hunt reminded that this is the time of year when my mind sometimes wanders to “Bambi” and the confrontations I have had with…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2024 4 min read

I read an online religious news service article saying hunting was a form of conservation fulfilling God’s instructions to Adam and Eve to take dominion over the earth. That is an interesting perspective.For many years The Commercial Record printed a…

Safety week returns to Otsego Schools

Safety week returns to Otsego Schools

Editorial Staff Oct 9, 2024 3 min read

The safety of students and staff members is a top priority for Otsego Public Schools officials.That’s why, for the fifth year, OPS is recognizing School Safety Week beginning Monday, Oct. 14, and running through Friday, Oct. 18.This year, along with…

Otsego honors Guthrie with Cyndi Trobeck Award

Otsego honors Guthrie with Cyndi Trobeck Award

Editorial Staff Oct 9, 2024 4 min read

Otsego Public Schools food service coordinator Julie Guthrie (middle) received the Cyndi Trobeck Community Service Award. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Serving others in the community—particularly the children and families of Otsego—is one of Julie Guthrie’s favorite pastimes.“I love…

Otsego tennis posts victory over Harper Creek

Editorial Staff Oct 9, 2024 1 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor BATTLE CREEK—In a tune-up for regional play, the Otsego boys tennis team traveled to Battle Creek for a non-league match against Harper Creek on Monday, Oct. 7.And a successful trip it was.The Bulldogs cruised to the…

Allegan swim upends host Hastings

Editorial Staff Oct 9, 2024 2 min read

HASTINGS—The Allegan girls swim & dive team secured a commanding victory over Hastings on Tuesday, Oct. 1, by a final score of 105-73.This win continues the Tigers’ undefeated streak, bringing their conference record to 4-0.The Tigers’ individual event winners included…

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.