McBain boys looking to keep winning
By John RaffelCorrespondent MCBAIN –It’s been a good start to the Highland Conference boys basketball season and coach Bruce Koopman is hoping it continues.The Ramblers are 5-0 overall and 2-0 in the Highland.“We (McBain) are off to a good start…
Obituary: Ronald Eugene Moline
Moline, Ronald Eugene – age 68 of Farwell, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Sunday,December 24, 2023. He was born the son of Robert Eugene and Verna Maxine (Cotton) Moline onJanuary 11, 1955 in Mt. Pleasant, MI.…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Whew, It’s Over
While I love holidays and especially Christmas (after all we are loaded with grandkids), I can’t say I’m completely sorry that the holiday is now officially over once more.It’s been a tough year for the whole world actually with the…
Postcard from the Pines: The Newest Year
It is not possible that 2023 is almost done. We know that time does not fly and that this feeling is just an illusion of our age, but the year seems to have passed at warp speed. Perhaps it is…
May I Walk with You? Years End
Wow! Another year has come and gone, and we’ll soon be flipping the calendars to 2024. We just celebrated the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, and are moving on to gradual longer daylight days. I like to…
Obituary: Lawrence Vihtelic
Lawrence Vihtelic, 81 Lawrence George Vihtelic died peacefully at home in Fennville on Dec. 6, 2023, after a multi-year battle with Primary Progressive Aphasia. He was 81. The eldest of nine, Larry was born on May 26, 1942, to Lillian…
What’s the least city hall can do?
By Scott Sullivan Editor Douglas City Council discussed de minimus benefits Dec. 18 in its last meeting of the year. “Internal controls and policies,” treasurer Matt Smith told manager Lisa Nocerini and council Nov. 27, “are an important part of…
School board taps Sherwood
The Saugatuck Public Schools Board of Education has appointed Karen Sherwood to fill an open seat left by Marcy Weston’s resignation. Sherwood, a Saugatuck Township resident, has more than 33 years of public education experience as a teacher, building principal,…
Laketown FOIA ask goes unclaimed
By Jim Hayden Correspondent Freedom of Information Act documents that sparked a rare appeal to the Laketown Township board are still unclaimed after more than two months. Answering the request cost the township $175 plus attorney fees. James Smithers, 520…
Maggie’s Pantry
By Maggie ConklinAngels Among UsMy dear mother Molly passed away in March and this is my first Christmas without her.Her birthday went by me not unnoticed, but closer to numb. Same with Mother’s Day, other holidays, and then my birthday…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorWhat the DoveDeliveredA sign outside Gun Lake Casino read words broken into illumined pixels: BONANZA BUCKS. I pumped gas in my tank at the Mobil station across the street and another picture formed. As a boy in my…
The least wecan do
By Scott SullivanEditorDouglas City Council discussed de minimus benefits Dec. 18 in its last meeting of the year.“Internal controls and policies,” treasurer Matt Smith told manager Lisa Nocerini and council Nov. 27, “are an important part of any government’s operation.“They…
MI Grounds offers play cafe in downtown Plainwell
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Like many in her generation, Rae Ann Ciokiewicz has fond memories of visiting McDonald’s and having a good time in the Play Place.“The children would get to play and enjoy a Happy Meal while our parents…
Chamber of Commerce recognizes local businesses
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego-Plainwell Area Chamber of Commerce recently honored several businesses and individuals in the area.As part of its annual Night of Recognition celebration, the chamber paid tribute to its award winners in five categories: Small Business…
Lifelong Learners celebrate the holiday season
The Lifelong Learners program held its Holiday Celebration at the Plainwell High School Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Dec. 19.The event, a collaborative effort between the community education departments from Plainwell and Otsego, offered senior citizens the opportunity to get…
Allegan boys bowling stays unbeaten
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor SOUTH HAVEN—It was an epic battle for the ages when the boys bowling teams from Allegan and South Haven faced off on Tuesday, Dec. 12.Okay. So maybe that’s a little big over the top.But the showdown…
Otsego uses team effort to upend Three Rivers
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—It truly was a team effort for the Otsego boys basketball squad in its Wolverine Conference clash with Three Rivers on Thursday, Dec. 21.All 11 players on the Bulldogs’ active roster score at least three points…
Martin wins battle of unbeatens against Saugatuck
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor SAUGATUCK—It was a battle of unbeatens when the Saugatuck girls’ basketball team hosted Martin on Friday, Dec. 21.The Trailblazers entered the game at 5-0, while the Clippers were 4-0.And thanks to a big fourth quarter, it…
Obituary: Thomas Arthur Geib
Thomas Arthur Geib, age 62, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2023. He spent his last few days with family and friends by his side after a long battle with lung disease. He appreciated all the well wishes from everyone,…
Obituary: Nancy Lee Smalla
Nancy Lee Smalla, 81, of Allegan, MI passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Wings Home. Born March 15, 1942 in Allegan, she was the daughter of the late Alton Brownell and Mary Elizabeth (Gant) Gorter and was the wife…
