HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK

HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By Frank Passic As we approach the upcoming Labor Day holiday on September 1, we are reminded of the contributions union labor has made here in Albion through the years. During World War II, our local factory unions banded together…

Mendon sweeps their way to St. Joseph County volleyball title

Mendon sweeps their way to St. Joseph County volleyball title

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 7 min read

STURGIS — The Mendon Hornets played as well as one could hope, winning the St. Joseph County volleyball tournament held in Sturgis on Monday.The Lady Hor nets played to a perfect 5-0 record, and did not drop a single set.…

Volleyball Roundup Three Rivers 1-3 at Gull Lake Invite, Southland reaches 3k assists

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 8 min read

GULL LAKE — Three Rivers’ volleyball team played to a 1-3 record Friday, Aug. 22 at the Gull Lake Invitational.The team lost to Battle Creek Lakeview 25-15, 22-25, 10-15, lost to Niles 25-15, 22-25, 13-15, defeated host Gull Lake 25-23,…

Out and About: Rehab, safe exercising, and a break from the heat

Out and About: Rehab, safe exercising, and a break from the heat

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

“One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~ Hans Christian AndersonThis is the last week of my second session of “Heart Healthy” at the Beacon Wellness Pavilion. We will have the week of Labor Day off before we…

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…

TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 2 min read

On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…

Rate plan approved for city utilities

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include:

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park.  AUGUSTAug. 29No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend). SEPTEMBERSept. 1No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend).Sturgis Township Board of Trustees…

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…

Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees

Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 2 min read

By Genine Hopkins This year it seems like the Harrison Street Fair was bigger than it has ever been, with more activities, talent, and fun for kids of all ages. The musical talent lineup was amazing and got people up…

The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling

The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

by Christopher Johnson This past weekend, Clare welcomed the return of the annual Old US 27 Motor Tour. Held every third week of August, the six-day event spans 13 cities along the historic route of the same name. Right here…

Clare hosts home invitational

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 2 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent CLARE — The Clare Invitational took place on Wednesday at Mid Michigan Community College for cross country runners.For Clare in the 5,000 meters 12th grade boys, it was a 24-31 win over Sanford Meridian.Clayton Peacock (17:43.77) was…

Fennville puts downtown land up for bid

Editorial Staff Aug 27, 2025 3 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The City of Fennville and Fennville Downtown Development Authority are seeking qualified proposals to buy and develop two downtown properties: • 0.8 acres straddling space between Main and Fennville streets. Owned by the DDA alongside an…

Labor Day Bridge Walk returns Sept. 1

Editorial Staff Aug 27, 2025 1 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk will be back Monday, Sept. 1 — with a longer route this year. What would have been last year’s 26th annual crossing was canceled “due to challenges in gathering…

Laketown to quiz manager hopeful again

Editorial Staff Aug 27, 2025 2 min read

The Laketown Township Board will interview manager candidate Stephanie Fox for a third time Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. in the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road. Members voted 4-1 July 21to begin contract negotiations with Fox pending a review…

Seven seniors lead the way for Saugatuck volleyball

Editorial Staff Aug 27, 2025 2 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorAs she enters her first year as head coach at the varsity level for Saugatuck, Christina Lewis likes the mix of players on her team.“This season is shaping up to be an exciting one,” said Lewis, who…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial Staff Aug 27, 2025 4 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorPsychoGreat news on the crazy front. A new website aims to share knowledge and lead discussions about psychopathy, a disorder characterized by fearlessness, difficulty inhibiting behaviors plus severe lack of empathy and remorse.We all know psychopaths. Charles Manson,…

Picking peaches

Picking peaches

Editorial Staff Aug 27, 2025 1 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorIt’s prime time for pictures of people picking peaches. Bella Vista Farm west of Fennville is bursting with Allstar, Sweetstar, Loring and Blushing Star brands plus plums, raspberries, nectarines and early Sweet Maya apples.Mary and John Renaldi bought…

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.