I sometimes stand in wonderment at the inefficiencies and heavy handedness of our federal bureaucracy. As a taxpayer I think the sheer number of federal government employees and their inefficiencies costs us billions a year, and we need to get…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor For the past four decades, B&C Trophy—located at 544 E. Morrell St. and accessible off M-89—has been a staple in Otsego.And even though owner Sherry Schumaker recently announced her retirement, B&C will continue to be part…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The calendar will soon change from July to August.And that, among other things, means it’s time once again for the annual Summer Celebration at the Ransom District Library.This year’s celebration, which features an island party theme,…

   Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, and for many of us, the ‘take home lesson’ is about caring for someone in distress.  We know the story: A man was on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho when he was…

 Passed away Saturday, July 8th, 2023 at the Wings Home, Allegan. Betty was born May 22,1931 in Allegan, daughter of the late Carlton and L. Irene Cook and had lived in the Alleganarea her entire life. Betty had worked at…

Joyce Marie Ilmberger, 85, of Allegan, MI passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023 at her home with her family at her side. Born March 5, 1938, in Watson Township, she was the daughter of the late Fred Bishop Clark and…

Sheila Ann (Louden) Shaw, 86 of Allegan, Michigan, passed away Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Kauhale Otsego with her family by her side. Born May 3, 1937, in Battle Creek, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Clell and…

By Gari Voss The formal Civil War Gravestone Celebration for Pvt. Staring included a program led by Commander Len Sheaffer, of General Benjamin Pritchard Camp 20. The Honor Guard was conducted by members of the Hopkins FFA. FFA advisor and…

By Gari VossCorrespondent The Allegan City Council took action to address safety items plus approved requests to keep the city moving forward.Emergency SirensThough the City of Allegan is not required to have sirens for their emergency system, there are four…

Neighborhoods in Wayland were told to evacuate Friday after reports of a “major” gas leak. Later the areas were deemed safe and residents were allowed back in to their homes.The Wayland Police Department said the gas line break happened on the south…

We tried to cancel but we failed. A movie and a video have been the subject of much controversy for the past few weeks and attempts to cancel them have only fueled the fire to make them more popular.I went…

I expect after Independence Day newspaper columns, TV and social media pundits bemoaning American patriotism is on the slippery slope down. They point out we have lost love for our country. Let’s look more closely.How do you measure patriotism? Ratio of…

Madison Nieuwenhuis, who will be a sophomore at Plainwell High School, took home top honors in the 100-pound weight class at the USA Wrestling Junior and 16U National Championships. For more about Nieuwenhuis’ national title, see Page B1. (Photo courtesy…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor On Friday, July 14, the City of Otsego announced the implementation of its new Food Truck Ordinance.City officials believe the ordinance is one that will serve the interests of city residents, local restaurants and the food…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation or postponement of numerous events and activities in 2020 and 2021.That included the Lyrics on the Lawn concert series hosted by the Otsego District Library.But the program made its return…

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Hannah Antkoviak shined on the track during her time at Allegan High School, winning Division 2 state titles in both the 100-meter hurdles and the 300 hurdles during her senior season in 2021.And she’s carried over…

Triston Lee Bradshaw, 24, passed away unexpectedly from a car accident on July 9, 2023. Triston was born on his brother’s birthday, May 3, 1999, in Allegan, Michigan. He grew up in the family home on Ida Street, surrounded by…

James J. Miller, 80, of Allegan, passed away on July 16, 2023. He was born in Allegan, Michigan on February 12, 1943, to William and Nellie Miller.Jimmy is survived by his brother, Steve; niece, Tracey; great niece, Allissa; and nephews,…

Everett Harold McEntyre, age 87, of Allegan, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023. He was born to Jess and Carmel (Fleeman) McEntyre on June 25, 1936, in Manila, Arkansas.He was a mechanic and loved race cars. He enjoyed building…

     Back in the bad old days, suicide was a felony, a serious criminal offence with substantial penalties.  That might seem a bit odd since someone who took their own life is dead and cannot be charged with a crime. True, but…