Allegan tennis prevails
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor NILES—Taking on host Niles Brandywine on Wednesday, Aug. 27, the Allegan boys tennis team secured wins in three of the four doubles flights to propel the Tigers to the 5-3 victory.No. 1 doubles Noah Kuebler/Ian Gaulke…
Life as Performance Art
For the most part, I don’t give President Trump and his executive orders much attention. For one thing, these epistles are often challenged in court and sometimes overturned. The exception is when it touches on something important to me.…
Allegan County Fair has arrived
By Gari Voss The 173rd Allegan County Fair has arrived. Though the presale specials for Grandstand tickets have passed, there are still opportunities to purchase tickets for Grandstand shows, Midway Rides, and more. Go to www.allegancountyfair.com, stop at the fair…
Otsego’s Northside Park playground damaged in blaze
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at…
City Council approves electric utility ordinance change
By James Windell Dawn Lund, vice-president of Utility Financial Solutions, LLC, a company that has been studying South Haven’s electric utility, gave a presentation at the regular meeting of the South Haven City Council on Monday, August 18, 2025.In her…
Two arrested, guns and drugs seized at SH Township home
Two people were arrested and guns and drugs were seized after a bust in South Haven Township last Thursday.On Aug. 21, multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at Lake Shore Mobile Park in South Haven Township, including the…
A second Strategic Economic Development listening session held
By James Windell The second Strategic Economic Development listening session was held in the South Haven City Hall on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.The goal of the second session, according to economic development consultant Jim Hettinger, was to hear more from…
Zoning Board of Appeals elects new officers, approves zoning
By James Windell When the South Haven Zoning Board of Appeals met on Monday, August 25, 2025, there were three new members present.Newly appointed members included Don Bemis, Amy Nichols, Brandi Coulombe, and alternate Lisa Krupiarz.With regular meetings in the…
Wine & Harvest Festival features grape stomping, arts and crafts, free music and more
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival’s three-day event, Friday, Sept. 5, through Sunday, Sept. 7, offers something for everyone, from grape stomping to arts and crafts, free music and more. Friday, Sept. 59…
Paw Paw Schools bans cellphones in classrooms
PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Public Schools’ “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative was launched at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year in response to the Surgeon General’s report that warned of the dangers of social media.Concerned about the negative…
Weapon found in vehicle during routine sweep of parking lot at VB Tech
LAWRENCE – A weapon was found Thursday, August 28, in a vehicle during a routine sweep of the parking lot at the Van Buren Tech, Lawrence, according to Van Buren Intermediate School District Superintendent David Manson.In a release to Van…
Mike’s Musings: Michigan’s School Funding Stalemate Is a Disservice to Every Student
Here we go again. Another budget cycle, another bitter fight in Lansing over how to fund our schools. This year’s stalemate feels particularly sharp, with both sides dug in and unwilling to budge. Meanwhile, the people who bear the brunt…
Gobles football has outstanding opening-game win
By John RaffelCorrespondent Gobles opened with a tough week one matchup vs. Climax-Scotts for the Tiger Tribute game and Gobles won 54-32.This was only the second time in program history that the two teams have met, with the first time…
Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt
BY JASON WESSELDYKSPORTS EDITOR OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at…
Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL
By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer Things could have gone south for Vandercook Lake High School athlete Dallas Swaenepoel. At three years old, his parents lost custody of him, and his grandparents were deemed too old by a Florida judge. Vandercook…
Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Albion resident Dymond Stokes represented Calhoun County in the Miss Michigan USA pageant recently in Port Huron. The winner was Norton Shores native Michele Lewandoski. Stokes finished in the top 12 contestants. She was disappointed…
A day of extraordinary performances
The Nuance wins Walk the Beat Albion 2025; The War and Treaty claim victory over a downpour at WTB After party By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZContributing Writer The Nunance, an energetic rock band, won Walk the Beat Albion 2025. They along with…
Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 39th annual Civil War Muster, returned to Jackson on Aug. 23-24, at Cascades Park and surrounding areas. This year’s muster also marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, according to…
The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion
By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer The War and Treaty endured a downpour at Walk the Beat Albion after party, Aug. 23, and yet nothing could dampen their spirits. Their homecoming was an expression of their love for the people of…

Do you need help? Write Us!
By Mike Wilcox
Owner/Publisher
Every year, as the Christmas season draws near, I’m reminded just how generous our communities can be. For nearly two decades, Wilcox Newspapers has hosted what’s become one of my favorite traditions: our Annual Christmas Wish Program.
It started simply enough. We asked readers who were struggling to write in and tell us what would make their Christmas a little brighter. The idea was to connect local families in need with local people who wanted to help. Over the years, it’s grown into something truly special—and this year, we’re doing it again.



















