News
Douglas Oktoberfest on tap Oct. 11
All are welcome to raise their steins and toast the spirit of Bavaria as Saugatuck-Douglas Community Pride hosts its annual Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 11 in Beery Field from noon to 5 p.m. This event brings a diverse community together for…
Interurban head sited as state rising star
Interurban Transit Authority executive director Becky Carten-Crandell was honored as Rising Star at the Michigan at the annual Michigan Public Transportation Conference Aug. 18-20 at Crystal Mountain Resort in northern Michigan. “Becky,” said presenters, “has served as Executive Director since…
Harvest hues
At produce stands and u-picks, such as Crane Orchards (shown here) cornucopias await. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)
Council candidates air views at forum
By Scott SullivanEditorFive candidates for three open two-year seats on the Saugatuck City Council in this year’s Nov. 4 election agreed to disagree but also found common grounds at a Holland League of Women Voters-led forum Thursday, Sept. 25 in…
Man and his nephew charged in playground arson
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego man facing arson charges in connection to the fire that damaged the wooden playground structure at Northside Park has been identified as Michael Kilbourn.Kilbourn, 37, appeared in an Allegan courtroom via video on Tuesday,…
Otsego Band Invitational celebrates its 40th year
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego Band Invitational celebrated its 40th anniversary with this year’s edition, which took place Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bulldog Stadium.The fact that the event continues to thrive is a testament to Otsego High School band…
Hoot-n-Howl arrives in Allegan this weekend
Hoot-n-Howl kicks off the Halloween season in Downtown Allegan on Fri., Oct. 3 and Sat., Oct. 4, 2025. Beginning in the late afternoon, Friday brings a number of adult oriented activities while Saturday offers a multitude of activities for children…
15-year-old female student makes threats against AHS
By Elizabeth FersztContributing Writer A 15-year-old female student is facing weapons charges after allegedly threatening to attack Allegan High School.According to Allegan County Prosecutor’s Office, they have brought charges of filing a false report, threat of terrorism, stealing a firearm,…
Allegan councilman awol, kickedoff board
By Gari Voss The Allegan City Council made the decision to remove a member from the Council. The root of the resolution fell on information that Mike Zeter had moved from his residence on Thomas Street to a location that…
SHAES receives grant to acquire portable gas detectors
South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) through its Rewarding Responders Grant program.The grant is being used by SHAES to purchase eight small carbon monoxide detectors that attach to EMS…
Caught in a dilemma: Expensive housing creates problem for couple
By James Windell Jodi and Donald Heflin are caught in a dilemma.They make too much money to live in low-income apartments, yet they don’t have enough income to buy a house in South Haven. And that’s where they want to…
New water tower shows off mural
Painting large mural (twice) on South Haven’s new million-gallon water tank is about finished.The tank will be raised in the coming weeks to the top of the concrete pedestal, making the tribute to South Haven on the lake visible for…
Deputy, K9 honored in Washington DC
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Calhoun and Kuno (K-9 partner now retired) were recently honored in Washington, D.C. by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). They were awarded the prestigious Hope Award at their annual awards…
Bloomingdale Communications marks 120th anniversary
BLOOMINGDALE – In the winter of 1904, a father saddled his horse and rode through the snow to save his infant son. That ride – urgent, determined, and fueled by love – sparked a movement that would connect generations.Arthur D.…
Arcade to host 16th annual Midwest Soda Pop Festival
Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher After a short delay due to road construction, the Midwest Soda Pop Festival is back for its 16th year. On this Sunday, October 5, from noon to 4 p.m., Klassic Arcade 1.0 on M-40 will transform into…
Soup Suppers return to Decatur
Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher The familiar aroma of simmering soup will soon fill the fellowship hall at the Holy Family Catholic Church as Decatur’s long-running Soup Suppers return for another season. The community tradition, now more than two decades old, raises…
Arrest made in Hopkins cockfighting incident
Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher On Tuesday, September 23rd, 37-year-old Edin Dilson Rodas of Hopkins Township was arraigned in the 57th District Court on five felony charges related to cockfighting. Rodas and his wife own property just south of Hopkins, at 2534…
School food service employee charged with sexual assault of minors
Updated 9:14 p.m. Sept. 30, 2025 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director MENDON — A woman who worked as a contractor in the food service department of a St. Joseph County school district was charged Monday on multiple counts of criminal sexual…
Albion Council Approves River Restoration Plan
By Maggie LaNoue Albion City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 15, to move forward with a river restoration plan that, if fully funded, would reshape Victory Park and the riverfront. The project will remove the Hannah Street Dam, fill in…
Albion Council advances road and sewer projects from Capital Improvement Plan
By Maggie LaNoue Less than two weeks after adopting a $70 million Capital Improvement Plan, the Albion City Council voted on Sept. 15, to actively fund several urgent infrastructure projects. Council approved $600,000 for the replacement of the sanitary sewer…
