News

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher A series of political messages written in chalk on downtown sidewalks has sparked an ongoing debate in Saugatuck over free speech, public property, and the community’s image as a tourist destination.The controversy centers around a recurring…

This year, CommUnity PRIDE recognizes two extraordinary individuals who have helped shape and strengthen that spirit for more than five decades through their generosity, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the community. In many ways, it would be impossible…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Each year, Plainwell High School recognizes members of its graduating class who achieve grade-point averages of 4.0 or higher.For the Class of 2026, 34 students earned Top Honors recognition.Leading the group were valedictorian Hiro Nguyen and…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—An Otsego High School graduate recently earned recognition for her undergraduate research while representing Kalamazoo College at a regional scientific conference.Mia Crites, a member of Kalamazoo College’s Class of 2026 and a 2022 Otsego High School…

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher On May 27, the Allegan County Board of Canvassers conducted a hand recount of votes cast in the May 5 Hopkins Public Schools bond election and certified the results as an exact tie, leaving the $110.56…

By Gari Voss Allegan residents and visitors look forward to Bridgefest on the second Saturday of each June. This year on June 13, 2026, from 11am to 9pm, the streets and Riverfront of Allegan will send out festive vibes as…

By James Windell If you live in South Haven, you may already know that South Beach is a special beach. In fact, it may be one of the reasons you chose to live in South Haven.But USA TODAY’s 10 Best…

By James Windell On Thursday afternoon on May 28, 2026 at 5:00 pm., a flatbed semitruck showed up at South Beach with two lifeguard watch towers.Chief Lifeguard David Figueredo arrived on the scene several minutes later trying to figure out…

By Tom Renner Dredging is underway on Lake Michigan in the South Haven Harbor by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is taking place at the harbor entrance, between breakwater heads, and upstream to North Shore Drive. The dredged…

By Tom Renner Flowers adorn South Haven in several locations thanks to the efforts of volunteers and the city parks staff. Plantings were recently completed at the downtown Huntington Bank wall, the Dyckman drawbridge, Johnston Park and Dyckman Park.The volunteers…

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher While EMS crews were delayed by traffic, a baby boy made his grand entrance into the world in the backseat of his family’s SUV, parked in the lot of an Allegan-area church.According to his mother, Jaimy…

PAW PAW – Memorial bricks located near the Village of Paw Paw Amphitheater Park, although they have disappeared from the current location, have been placed on pallets and are being safely stored until a more suitable and respectful permanent solution…

It was May 25, 1951, when Private First-Class (Pfc) Donald McGowan, Jr., of Lawrence, was reported Missing in Action (MIA), while serving with the United States Army in Korea.Now, 75 years later, family members still hope and seek closure for…

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — United Auto Workers members at American Axle and Manufacturing (AAM) in Three Rivers will officially go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Monday. In a livestream video Sunday night, UAW Local 2093 said a…

The inaugural “Juneberry Nights” takes place 5:30-9 p.m. June 5 in downtown Sturgis.  It continues the 2026 festival season organized by Sturgis Downtown Development Authority.  Here is a summary of attractions. Pleasant Avenue: Farmers market, berry vendors and free berry…

By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer Three juveniles were arrested Sunday after authorities recovered two stolen vehicles and seized an illegal handgun following a vehicle and foot pursuit, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said. The investigation began about 7:05 a.m. Sunday…

By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer A local driver from Jackson will be part of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Saturday, June 6 at Michigan International Speedway. Alro Steel will sponsor the No. 2 Ford F-150 in the truck series…

By Maggie LaNoue Contributing Writer Albion’s 2026 construction season is well underway, and Public Services Director Jason Kern brought council up to speed May 18 on equipment upgrades designed to make the department more efficient and recover more of its…

By Maggie LaNoue Contributing Writer Between Lopez Taco House and Dickerson Music in downtown Albion, sits an empty storefront with a fading BBQ sign in the window. Many people pass it without realizing the narrow building at 203 N. Superior…

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 102nd Colored Troops of Jackson, led by their co-founder Maurice Imhoff participated in a nationally televised event in Miami, Florida Memorial Day weekend, May 23-24. “Over 800,000 people attended the event (the Hyundai Air…