Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

Otsego Band Invitational includes 19 bands

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Traditionally, the Otsego Band Invitational has been one of the largest high school band competitions in the state.That tradition continued this year.A total of 19 schools participated in the 38th edition of the invitational on Saturday, Sept. 30, and Otsego High School band director Mitch Piersma said it was a rousing Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

Flamingo fundraiser supports Plainwell’s Grad Bash

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Flocks of pink flamingos have started popping up on lawns in the Plainwell Community Schools district.No, these flamingos didn’t somehow mistake Plainwell for their tropical home. Rather, they are part of a fundraiser for Plainwell High School’s Grad Bash 2024.Here’s how the fundraiser works:

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

Otsego experiences one of its busiest days ever

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The City of Otsego was the place to be on Saturday, Sept. 30.In addition to hosting the annual Creative Arts Festival in the downtown area, the city also played host to the Bulldog Invitational cross country meet and the Otsego Band Invitational.The Creative Arts Festival took place from 9 a.m. to Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Clare County Review & Marion Press Columns Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes LaFayette Sun Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record Three Rivers Commercial-News, Penny Saver, & Sturgis Sentinel

Mike’s Musings: Menendez, Johnson latest examples of corrupt government

I’ve always had a healthy distrust of government. From the time as a college student working in the U.S. Capitol and state legislature, I have felt that many of our politicians are there to enhance themselves and not the public they represent.Two more disgraced politicians hit the news last week. I would bet they represent Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Columns Courier-Leader & Paw Paw Flashes Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Life as Performance Art

“Don’t forget where you came from,” Father used to admonish my sister and me going out the door. In time I figured out it meant more than the house number where we lived, just remember to bring honor, shame to our family name.Revisionist history can be a good thing; it makes room for truth. For Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

The Art Thing voting runs from Sept. 29 to Oct. 7

Last year’s The Art Thing reception took place at Mezzo Coffee House. Due to growth of the event, this year’s reception is taking place at the Otsego District Library, where the artwork will be displayed. (Photos provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Grand Rapids may have Art Prize, but Otsego has The Art Thing.An annual event Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

Otsego cross country hosts second City Championship elementary race

Students from Dix Street Elementary School prepare for the start of the City Championship cross country race. (Photo by Jason Wesseldyk) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor For the second year in a row, Otsego Public Schools hosted the City Championship cross country meet for the district’s three elementary schools.The meet—which took place on Wednesday, Sept. 20—saw Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

Gilkey Elementary adds new book vending machine

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor On Friday, Sept. 22, Gilkey Elementary School in Plainwell held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newest addition to the building.With Gilkey reading specialist Chad Boender acting as master of ceremonies, Gilkey students, staff members and special guests officially welcomed a book vending machine to the school.The machine houses several popular books Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise News

Plainwell honors police officers

By John RaffelCorrespondent PLAINWELL – The Plainwell City Council was set to honor several officers for their accomplishment at Monday night’s meeting of this week.The Council was set to consider setting a public hearing for Oct. 23, 2023 at 7 p.m. to consider a Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Exemption.The Council was also set to consider approving the Read More…

Allegan County News & Union Enterprise Sports

Otsego cross country teams extend league winning streaks

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor EDWARDSBURG—The streaks continue for the Otsego girls and boys cross country teams.The Otsego girls upped their Wolverine Conference winning streak to 84 with victories over Edwardsburg (15-50) and Three Rivers (17-46) on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The Otsego boys, meanwhile, moved their league winning streak to 73 by defeating the Eddies (18-42) Read More…