Otsego News

In this file photo, David Crawford, Assistant Manager at the Bloomin Shop in Otsego decorates his Christamas tree at the Jr.

When psychic Carli Lesterhouse, whose professional name is Carli Ray, arranged to rent space in downtown Otsego for her business, Bewitching Wares, she didn't foresee a hurdle that a 93-year-old city ordinance would put in her path.

The holiday season ignites the spirit of giving. Here is a list of locations where those in need or want can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner: Kalamazoo Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo: A free dinner, first-come, first served, at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the center, 915 Lake St.

Otsego's new mayor says his election is ``a great honor.'' Otsego City Commission members elected Thomas Gilmer, a six-year member of the commission, as the city's first new mayor in 16 years during an organizational meeting Monday.

Dreams of a permanent memorial honoring veterans here will become reality Wednesday when the community gathers to dedicate the Greater Plainwell Veterans Memorial.

Births BRONSON METHODIST HOSPITAL Lindsey Brown, of Kalamazoo, a daughter. Keith and Ronda Fox, of Portage, a son.

Allegan County ballot Below are the candidates and questions that will appear on the Tuesday ballot.

Deputies in Allegan County are investigating a mobile home explosion that sent two people to the hospital.

A Portage man was charged Tuesday with armed robbery, and police say he robbed a party store in Otsego earlier this month.

Two people suffered burns in a fire late Tuesday that destroyed a mobile home in the Watson Trailer Park in the 1300 block of M-89. When fire officials were dispatched to the scene at about 10:30 p.m., the mobile home was fully engulfed in flames, but two adults had gotten out of the home, said Sgt.

Police say a Portage man is responsible for five recent armed robberies and a home invasion in Allegan and Kalamazoo counties.

More schools are reporting closures, and area hospitals have seen a surge in patients reporting flu-like symptoms as the influenza season continues to tighten its grip on the area.

WEST MICHIGAN New numbers show that the H1N1 flu is continuing to spread. The USDA now says it may have found the first confirmed cases of H1N1 in pigs.

Here are vital statistics for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009: Births BRONSON METHODIST HOSPITAL Fabiola Guapo and Larry Cleary, of Hartford, a son.

All five candidates seeking to fill three Otsego City Commission seats say local leaders must work to balance the budget and maintain public services during tough economic times while helping local businesses grow.

Exhibit: ``Spirit of the Mask'' -- Masks from around the world, 95-item collection by Carla Hanson, Oct.17-Feb. 14, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 230 N. Rose St.

Births BRONSON METHODIST HOSPITAL Katie Englerth and Nick Lauderdale, of Portage, a daughter.

31, Otsego Area Historical Society, 218 N. Farmer St., Otsego. 692-3775, otsegohistory.org. ``Otsego Boy Scout Troop 99'' -- The Boy Scouts of America will celebrate 100 years as an organization in February of 2010, Otsego Troop 99 has a rich history beginning in 1932, the exhibit features historical articles, pictures, uniforms and memorabilia of ...

An open house and river festival will include exhibits by local river conservation groups, guided hikes, music, storytelling and children's activities.

A Michigan State Police drug unit is investigating a methamphetamine-lab explosion that critically injured a man last week in downtown Otsego, authorities said.