News

Plenty to do for the holidays around Clare County

Editorial StaffNov 15, 20246 min read

There’s lots to see and do around the area.If you are in a holiday mood, local Veteran, Lecia Griffin will have her White House Christmas ornaments on display at the Clare Union Depot. You will have a chance to view…

Do you need Help?

Editorial StaffNov 15, 20243 min read

By Mike WilcoxPublisher We know that the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” can actually be a bummer for some.We know that lack of essential food and clothing, not being able to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for your…

City beach fee hikes pay off

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Oval Beach parking fee hikes passed last spring helped net Saugatuck a $123,931.04 profit this season, figures shared with city council at its Nov. 6 workshop show. Treasurer Nicole Bredeweg told members increasing day-use motor vehicle…

Local elections largely keep status quo

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck voters returned three incumbents but replaced another in the Nov. 5 city council race for four open two-year seats. In Douglas, all four incumbents faced down two challengers for four available two-year seats. Saugatuck Township…

Iconic tree may be doomed; what’s next?

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor The wind in the willow didn’t mix well Nov. 1 as large south section of the iconic tree in Cook Park fell and blew in speculation about what’s next. “I love that willow,” said Saugatuck City…

Laketown takes manager search on road

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent Laketown Township is getting its manager search team together and taking on the road after interviewing three finalists for the position. The committee Nov. 6 interviewed Bob Genetski, Brandon Mersman and Karen Sherwood during a five-hour…

Ganges church repentant sentenced

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor A man who turned himself in to police this spring at a Ganges church was sentenced last Thursday to decades in prison for murdering his girlfriend.  Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 26, asked for mercy in Kent County Circuit…

Incumbents largely hold serve here

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFor all this year’s sound and fury, little changed in local elections this year.Saugatuck voters returned three incumbents but replaced another with a past council veteran in the Nov. 5 city council race for four open two-year seats.In…

Hike to like

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20241 min read

Friends from the Radar Hill Hiking Club, RiverWood Council, Saugatuck city and township parks committees gathered before taking a Halloween hike on Saugatuck’s old airport property. The city, township and Outdoor Discovery Center are working to create public trails and…

OPS to hold ribbon cutting for health center

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

After seven months of construction, the opening of Otsego Public School’s new on-site student health center is nearly here.The district will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., with an open house to follow until 8…

Cahoon, friends bring concert to Plainwell

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Former Plainwell High School choir director Keith Cahoon will take the stage at the Plainwell Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.And he’s bringing some friends with him.Vocalists Ann Berchem and Tony Beacco…

Honoring those who have served

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20241 min read

On Monday, Nov. 11, Americans throughout the country took time to pause and relfect on the sacrifices made by those who have served or continue to serve in the military on Veterans Day. In Otsego, a ceremony was held at…

Veterans remembered at Allegan ceremony

Veterans remembered at Allegan ceremony

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20242 min read

By Gari Voss Allegan area residents braved a stiff wind and dropping temperature to gather on Monday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 11am and celebrate all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and the rededicate…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By Mike WilcoxPublisher We know that the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” can actually be a bummer for some.We know that lack of essential food and clothing, not being able to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for your…

Election Wrap up: Jipp defeats Peterson in judicial race

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20249 min read

By Gari Voss When the dust settled and the last in-person voting day was completed on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the votes of 68,170 Allegan County voters (71.8%) were tallied. The results are still be examined by the Allegan County…

Veterans Day celebrated with parade in LaFayette

Veterans Day celebrated with parade in LaFayette

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Community leaders and local residents gathered together for a Veterans Day parade and celebration in the vicinity of Hospital Street and B Street in LaFayette during the morning hours of Saturday, November 9th of 2024. In a…

Weldon wins Superintendent, Newton Wins School Board on Election Day

Weldon wins Superintendent, Newton Wins School Board on Election Day

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent Voter turnout reached record levels in Chambers County for Election Day 2024 with a benchmark 53.37% of registered voters heading to the polls on this past Tuesday, November 5th. Presidential politics surely played a key role in…

Executive Director of Michigan Maritime Museum resigns

Executive Director of Michigan Maritime Museum resigns

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20244 min read

James Windell The Executive Director of the Michigan Maritime Museum will resign from her position on September 30, 2025, according to an announcement from the Museum Board of Directors.Patti Montgomery Reinert has served for 15 years as Executive Director of…

Occupants escape as fire engulfs house

Occupants escape as fire engulfs house

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20241 min read

A South Haven Township residence was heavily damaged by a fire on Thursday morning.SHAES responded at 8:45 a.m. to the property on 73rd Street near 6th Avenue.Heavy flames were reported coming from the residence upon arrival. The flames spread to…

South Haven approves four-year agreement with SHAES

Editorial StaffNov 13, 20243 min read

By James Windell During the November 4, 2024 City Council Meeting, a new agreement was reached with South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES).Approved unanimously by the City Council, the four-year agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2024.SHAES, a joint fire…