Here’s a novel suggestion. Can we make it a requirement for those running for Congressional seats to spend a few years in the private sector?This idea was presented to me a few weeks ago, and the more I thought about…

     I read with sheer delight Mr. Wilcox’s editorial of the 30th of December about the joys and benefits of living in a small town. I couldn’t agree more.  I grew up in a city of about 30,000. After ordination I moved…

Dear Editor:I have to say I laughed and was very surprised that you used the picture of the fair againon 12-16-21. My 90 year old mother realized it was a photoshopped picture the first time you printed it. The man…

Editor,It didn’t take long for publisher Mike Wilcox’s son, Jordan, to catch blow back from his essay advocating universal gun ownership as a solution to gun violence.Of course, it’s a silly idea but I wonder if that might have been…

Dean Perry “Gooch” Balgoyen, 56, of Allegan, MI passed away Saturday,December 25, 2021. Born May 18, 1965 in Plainwell, he was the son of the lateDean Peter Balgoyen and Ruthie (Harrington) Balgoyen and was the husband ofBarbara (Smith) Balgoyen. Perry…

Gary W. EmmonsSeptember 24, 1948 – December 25, 2021 Gary W. Emmons, 73 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021at his home. Born September 24, 1948 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was the son of thelate Glen and Marjorie…

Alice M. Johnson passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021 at her home. Shewas born May 24, 1956 in Allegan; the daughter of the late Robert and Robenia(Burson) Johnson. The youngest of nine children, Alice was often referred to asthe “Baby”.…

Mary J. Knapp passed away on December 27, 2021, at the age of 78. She was bornon November 24, 1943, to Orville and Beverly (Dewey) Hockett. Mary is survivedby her daughter Susan Knapp; her daughter-in-law Kelli Knapp; stepsons, AndyHitchcock, and…

Carol Ann Wiley, 71 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Friday, December 31, 2021 at the Allegan County Medical Care Community. Born May 2, 1950 in Plainwell, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Irvin and Ethel (Fletcher) Fuller…

William Carl (Bill) Stuenkel, age 74, of Hollywood FL, passed away on November 25, 2021.Bill Stuenkel was born on December 10th, 1946, in Allegan, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University as a Civil Engineer. He worked for American Bridge…

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN — The number of COVID-19 cases in Allegan County posted by health department officials coming into this week was up to 20,764. Deaths rose by eight from a week ago to 280.Governor Whitmer announced in June…

By Gari VossCorrespondent The food ministry began as a desire to extend a hand to those in need, and has grown from a church kitchen to a distribution center that not only supplies food for the Congregation Kitchen dinners each…

By G C Stoppel Do people still make New Year’s Resolutions, or is it a now dead tradition?  For those of us who are still doing it, the question of the week:  What are your resolutions for the coming year?-Man at a gas…

By Leslie Ballard “Awesome! Can’t wait for it to open up!” and “Yes!!! Yes!! Yes!!!” are just some of the enthusiastic reactions to the Facebook announcement about Tardy’s Underground Comics & Collectibles opening its doors at 228 1/2 Trowbridge Street…

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN – Allegan County Board of Commissioners chairman Jim Storey isn’t a big fan of the new congressional map.“The so-called Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission completed its apparent goal to obliterate county lines when it adopted state…

Fennville to seek 4 mills for police, fire rising costsThe Fennville City Commission decided Monday, Jan. 3, to seek a 4-mill request for public safety in a special May election to cover rising police, fire and ambulance costs.“The public safety…

On New Year’s Eve in Allegan, no matter where a reveler stood along the Riverfront, the midnight drop of the 10’6” NYE Ball decorated with 30,000 synchronized LED lights was clearly visible. Crowds began gathering by 8pm and grew until…

By Gari Voss Though 2021 was not the best of times for any community, the City of Allegan can reflect back on a year of rising from the COVID pandemic to discover some bright spots. A trifecta of Allegan business…

By Mike Wilcox – Publisher I thought I would pass my opinion spot in this week’s newspaper along to my son Jordan Wilcox who is this newspaper’s tech manager. He wrote this unique perspective on gun violence and I wanted…