News

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20256 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…

TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20255 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20252 min read

On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…

Rate plan approved for city utilities

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20254 min read

Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20253 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include:

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20253 min read

RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park.  AUGUSTAug. 29No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend). SEPTEMBERSept. 1No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend).Sturgis Township Board of Trustees…

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20255 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…

Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees

Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20252 min read

By Genine Hopkins This year it seems like the Harrison Street Fair was bigger than it has ever been, with more activities, talent, and fun for kids of all ages. The musical talent lineup was amazing and got people up…

The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling

The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling

Editorial StaffAug 29, 20253 min read

by Christopher Johnson This past weekend, Clare welcomed the return of the annual Old US 27 Motor Tour. Held every third week of August, the six-day event spans 13 cities along the historic route of the same name. Right here…

Fennville puts downtown land up for bid

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20253 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The City of Fennville and Fennville Downtown Development Authority are seeking qualified proposals to buy and develop two downtown properties: • 0.8 acres straddling space between Main and Fennville streets. Owned by the DDA alongside an…

Labor Day Bridge Walk returns Sept. 1

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20251 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk will be back Monday, Sept. 1 — with a longer route this year. What would have been last year’s 26th annual crossing was canceled “due to challenges in gathering…

Laketown to quiz manager hopeful again

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20252 min read

The Laketown Township Board will interview manager candidate Stephanie Fox for a third time Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. in the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road. Members voted 4-1 July 21to begin contract negotiations with Fox pending a review…

Picking peaches

Picking peaches

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20251 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorIt’s prime time for pictures of people picking peaches. Bella Vista Farm west of Fennville is bursting with Allstar, Sweetstar, Loring and Blushing Star brands plus plums, raspberries, nectarines and early Sweet Maya apples.Mary and John Renaldi bought…

Township dedicates ‘Canary’ sculpture

Township dedicates ‘Canary’ sculpture

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20253 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorYou can’t miss Saugatuck Township’s first public art piece “Canary in a Coal Mine.”The 11-foot-tall yellow steel sculpture went up this May as centerpiece in the year-old Blue Star Highway/Old Allegan Road roundabout.At a dedication ceremony Wednesday, Aug.…

Plainwell Schools share transportation information

Plainwell Schools share transportation information

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20252 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The 2005-26 school year official began for Plainwell Community Schools on Monday, Aug. 25, with a half day of classes.And with the resumption of school, district officials wanted to share some reminders from the transportation department…

Gus Macker Tournament proves successful once again

Gus Macker Tournament proves successful once again

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20254 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returned for its 10th appearance in the City of Otsego on Saturday, Aug. 23, and Friday, Aug. 24.And the event shows no signs of waning in popularity.To the contrary, the…

Allegan Ladder Truck returns to firehouse

Allegan Ladder Truck returns to firehouse

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20253 min read

By Gari Voss The buzz around the firehouse on Saturday, August 23, 2025, was not just about a wonderful pancake breakfast complete with eggs, hashbrowns, and sausage or the delicious spaghetti supper that followed, but about the 1951 Ladder Truck…

Council approves downtown apartments, water bill possible increase

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20259 min read

By Gari Voss During their August 25, 2025, meeting, the Allegan City Council accepted a Block Grant from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to create 10 new second story apartments in Downtown Allegan, approved a budget alignment to complete…

Maryanne Ruby receives proclamation from the Governor

Maryanne Ruby receives proclamation from the Governor

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20254 min read

By James Windell When Maryanne Ruby received a standing ovation from colleagues, family and students at the South Haven Area Recreational Authority (SHARA) meeting recently, it was in recognition of her more than 25 years as a swim coach.But the…

Chamber of Commerce hosts 49th annual All Crafts Fair Labor Day weekend

Chamber of Commerce hosts 49th annual All Crafts Fair Labor Day weekend

Editorial StaffAug 27, 20252 min read

By James Windell More than 150 vendors and 13 food trucks will take up residence in Stanley Johnson Park August 30 and 31, 2025 for the 49th Annual All Crafts Fair.Organized by the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, the…

PUBLIC NOTICE
2026 ALLEGAN COUNTY PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET

The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allegan will hold a budget hearing on Thursday, October 9, 2025, for all interested citizens to comment and discuss the proposed budget.

The hearing will take place at 7:00 PM in the Board Room, County Services Building, 3283–122nd Avenue, Allegan, Michigan, to discuss the proposed budget. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. The public may also participate in the meeting/public hearing by calling 1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 891 6032 7098, and Meeting Password 471420. For other options connecting to the meeting, please visit the meeting calendar website at www.allegancounty.org or contact the County Administrator’s Office.

The proposed budget may be examined online at www.allegancounty.org under News Media Room or on weekdays at the Office of the Allegan County Administrator (address below), between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. All interested citizens will have the opportunity to give written and/or oral comments.

County will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the public hearing upon one (1) week notice. Individuals requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the following in writing or by telephone:

Robert J. Sarro,
County Administrator,
3283 – 122nd Avenue,
Allegan, Michigan, 49010
269-673-0239