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Allegan, MI 49010
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Big Brothers Big Sisters program returns to Plainwell Middle School

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20232 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The COVID-19 pandemic caused the disruption of many long-standing programs and events.One of those was the partnership between Plainwell Middle School and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan.Now, however, PMS principal Ben Manting and his…

Otsego boys upend Trojans in battle of league unbeatens

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20233 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor PLAINWELL—It was an epic battle for the ages between two longstanding foes who were both trying to secure superiority of the Wolverine Conference.Okay, so maybe that’s a tad bit dramatic. But the dual meet between the…

Allegan claims Division 4 regional tennis championship

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20232 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor With a field that included three state-ranked teams, the Division 4 boys tennis regional hosted by Allegan promised to be competitive with many hard-fought matches.It was just that.And when the dust settled, it was the fifth-ranked…

Obituary: Helen Lorraine (Flowers) Heckman

Obituary: Helen Lorraine (Flowers) Heckman

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20233 min read

Helen Lorraine (Flowers) Heckman December 10, 1930 – October 11, 2023 Helen Lorraine (Flowers) Heckman, 92 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at Golden Orchards in Fennville, Michigan.  Born December 10, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA,…

Obituary: Dr. Laurence Andrew LaGattuta

Obituary: Dr. Laurence Andrew LaGattuta

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20235 min read

Dr. Laurence Andrew LaGattuta April 29, 1930 – October 13, 2023 Dr. Laurence Andrew LaGattuta, “Larry,” passed away on October 13, 2023 at the age of 93. He stayed on the planet much longer than any of his family expected.…

Obituary: Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins

Obituary: Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20233 min read

Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins July 10, 1996 – October 10, 2023 Matthew Paul “Matt” Watkins, age 27, of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.  Born July 10, 1996 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he was the son of Jeffrey…

Goose Festival a hit in Fennville

Goose Festival a hit in Fennville

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20232 min read

At top left: A giant goose makes its way down Main Street in Fennville on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, as part of the town’s annual Goose Festival. The parade was moved from its traditional Saturday slot to Sunday due to…

Dr. Larry LaGattuta, surgeon & visionary, passes

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20234 min read

By Gari Voss Many members of the Allegan area mourn the passing of Dr. Laurence (Larry) LaGattuta on October 13, 2023. By the age of 93, Dr. LaGattuta experienced more than most could imagine. After his birth in Antwerp, Belgium…

Bat with rabies found in county

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20231 min read

 On Friday Allegan County Health Department officials revealed a confirmed case of rabies in a bat within the county.No other details as to the precise location where this infected animal was located, when it was located, or whether there were…

Public meetings set on shelter’s fate

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20232 min read

By Scott SullivanStaff WriterThe nonprofit Wishbone Pet Rescue board apprised donors Oct. 12 it has agreed with Allegan County administrators to transition its 13-year management of the county animal shelter back into county hands. (See related letter on Page A8).As…

Mike’s Musings: Israel deserves our support- some observations

Mike’s Musings: Israel deserves our support- some observations

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20233 min read

War is never pretty, but I certainly cannot fault Israel for engaging with Hamas after that terrorist organization slaughtered 1300 Jews and 32 Americans in a surprise attack September 14.I make the following observations:Do not equate Palestinians with Hamas. Hamas…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Jordan WilcoxOct 18, 20234 min read

Since the dawn of civilization humans have wondered what happens after our heart stops and we quit breathing.What’s on the other side? The ancient Jewish Sadducees believed death was the end, i.e. dead is dead. Most people worldwide hold out…

Talent Together provides teaching opportunities

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20234 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor After graduating from Otsego High School in 2017, Brooke Galloway earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Central Michigan University and joined the workforce.A few years later, though, she began questioning her career path and started…

OHS hosts College & Career Week for students

OHS hosts College & Career Week for students

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20234 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor What do you want to be when you grow up?Children begin hearing that question—or some variation of it—at a young age. And with so many options available, it can seem a little overwhelming to some young…

Obituary: Keith N. Louden

Obituary: Keith N. Louden

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20233 min read

Former resident, Keith N. Louden, age 81, of Jamestown, KY, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at 8:15 p.m. at Green Hill Rehab and Nursing Facility in Greensburg, KY with…

Allegan swimmers continue winning ways

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20232 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The winning ways continued for the Allegan girls swim & dive team.The Tigers remained undefeated in the SCC with a 104-78 win over Marshall on Tuesday, Oct. 3Maddie Antkoviak provided one of the highlights for Allegan,…

Bulldogs upend Trojans

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20233 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—Weather conditions were, to say the least, less than ideal for the annual gridiron grudge match between Otsego and Plainwell on Friday, Oct. 6.But not even the wet, windy, chilly conditions could put a damper on…

Whither county animal shelter’s fate?

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 202312 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorAllegan County and 501c3 nonprofit Wishbone Pet Rescue are at business loggerheads how to continue a 12-year pact both agree has been successful.Both concede updates are needed to achieve the shared goal: a humane, financially-healthy shelter serving county…

APS elementary building set to break ground

APS elementary building set to break ground

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20233 min read

By Rob Patin Allegan Public Schools Communications DirectorAllegan Public Schools Superintendent James Antoine is excited to welcome the community to a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, October 13 to kick off the construction of the district’s new elementary building.“The ceremony is…

Mike’s Musings: Senate too old to lead effectively

Mike’s Musings: Senate too old to lead effectively

Jordan WilcoxOct 11, 20233 min read

I been on this train for several years, but I refuse to get off. My elected representatives particularly in the U.S. Senate, are generally too old, and need to retire. In fact, I believe we should have a maximum age,…