Unique kickball tourney raises funds for three children
By Jody Stewart Saturday afternoon at Avondale Park, LaFayette Councilwoman Tammie Williams’s plan for a kickball tournament came to life. A large crowd came out to participate in the fundraiser for the family of three children in the LaFayette community…
Pickleball power kids pop!
A Douglas-Saugatuck Pickleball Club hosted camp Aug. 1-2 at Schultz Park had 15 kids ages 9 to 15 jumping for joy with new tie-dyed t-shirts and paddles from Niles-based Paddletec Co. Club member Sarah Cullen and Saugatuck Community Recreation director…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorMonkeypoxI’ve wanted to be Monkeypox Czar since I heard of the job just now. President Biden tapped FEMA regional administrator Robert Fenton to the new role with Demetre Daskalakis deputy. Their mission: get new vaccines into arms of…
Abstract a part
Abstract is not apart from the Art Coast of Michigan. Kevin Barrett’s steel “Kickstart” sculpture, shown here framed by Saugatuck Center for the Arts arches removed one more level from “reality” photographically is shown here. Look for more public sculpture…
Water Street building hearing Thursday
By Scott SullivanEditorShould Saugatuck’s former River Market/Gleason’s store and current Big Lake Outfitters buildings at 650 and 640 Water Street, sold together Oct. 15 for $1.75 million, be razed and replaced by a 20,327-square-foot, 3-story mixed-use building?A Saugatuck Zoning Board…
Around the Board Game Cafe opens in Plainwell
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Inspiration struck Eric Luthy four years ago.A fan of tabletop gaming since the 1980s, Luthy came across an article about a board game café in Chicago. Soon, Luthy and his wife Susan—whose own interest in board…
Road work ahead
Drivers expecting to take 13th Street in Otsego Township on Monday, Aug. 8, had to make other arrangements.The stretch of 13th Street between 102nd Avenue and 103rd Avenue was shut down throughout the day as crews were hard at work…
Election results announced
By Gari Voss The Primary Election on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 established the Republican and Democrat candidates who will vie for seats on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. This Primary was extremely important for Republican candidates because so many of the…
Plainwell Dept. of Public Safety assists on fatal accident
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor MARTIN—The Plainwell Department of Public Safety was among the agencies that responded to a fatal single-car crash in Martin Township on Saturday, Aug. 6.According to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, reports of a personal injury accident…
Conrad earns two third-place finishes at Zones
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Elkhart, Ind.—The 14-U USA Swimming Central Zone Championships—held Aug. 4 to 7—featured some of the top youth swimmers from seven states.It was easily the biggest, most talent-laden meet in which Allegan 12-year-old Cadel Conrad had competed.But…
Obituary-Alice Louise Klaasen, 89
Alice Louise Klaasen, age 89, of Overisel, passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at her home, with family by her side.Alice was a passionate and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a member of Overisel Christian…
Obituary-Helen Lois (Gehring) Janes, 80
Helen Lois (Gehring) Janes12-2-1941 – 8-1-2022She passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side.Helen was born in Kendell, MI and was a life long resident in the Plainwell area.She was very dedicated to and involved with family,…
Tuesday’s vote sets slate for general election in November
By Gari Voss The Primary Election on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 established the Republican and Democrat candidates who will vie for seats on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. This Primary was extremely important for Republican candidates because so many of the…
Two people die in plane crash
By Paul GarrodStaff Writer SOUTH HAVEN – An airplane reported missing late Tuesday night, Aug. 2, was found early Wednesday morning Aug. 3, near the South Haven Regional Airport, from which it had taken off the day before. Both occupants,…
Proposals receive voter support with only Wayland Schools voted down
By Gari Voss The August 2, 2022 Primary Election included a slew of local renewal proposals focused on roads, waste reduction, fire equipment, and public transportation, plus the countywide request for senior citizen services.The Senior Citizen Services countywide request for…
Mike’s Musings-Why the difference in American, European foods?
In America, many of us suffer from a variety of illnesses and medical conditions. Many more of us are overweight and feed on a diet that includes too much junk food and cola. It is a shame that many of…
Obituary-John R. McNellis
John R. McNellis, 84, of Paw Paw, passed away at his home, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. He was born Oct. 15, 1937, in Chicago, the son of John McNellis and Marie (Albart) McNellis.Dick earned his master’s degree from Western Michigan…
Obituary-Ernest Reshman “Jerry”
Ernest “Jerry” Reshman, 92, of Paw Paw, entered God’s space on Aug. 3, 2022, after a year-long battle with cancer. Born in Chicago, to Ernest and Hazel Reshman, the family of four moved to the Lawton farm in 1945, growing…
Obituary-Sharon Ladaska Warner
Sharon Ladaska Warner, 64, of Decatur, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo.Sharon had a love for the outdoors and animals. With Sharon’s declining health over the years, her hobbies, and activities which she enjoyed, had…
End of Watch Ride comes to Paw Paw
By Paul GarrodStaff Writer PAW PAW – The End of Watch Ride to Remember, a group of motorcycle riders from the State of Washington escorted a 40-foot trailer to Paw Paw on Wednesday, Aug. 3, where it made a stop…

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.






