Soccer team state runnerup, loses to Country Day in finals

Soccer team state runnerup, loses to Country Day in finals

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 3 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent SOUTH HAVEN — It was a dream season for the South Haven Rams boys soccer team but ended up one win short.The Rams played at Grand Ledge’s Boyne Mountain complex on Saturday in the Division 3 title…

Copping to receive Governor’s Service Award

Copping to receive Governor’s Service Award

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 5 min read

By James Windell South Haven has long recognized that Bob Copping is a gem of a citizen. Soon the rest of the state of Michigan will understand why he is regarded as a truly outstanding individual.On November 12, 2025, at…

Lake Arvesta to hold national championships in 2026

Lake Arvesta to hold national championships in 2026

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 3 min read

By James Windell Dawn Hinz says it didn’t take much persuading to convince Lake Arvesta Farms owner Brian DeBest to agree to host a triathlon last summer.However, the unqualified success of the triathlon, which attracted more than 300 athletes to…

“Fall in the Courthouse Celebration” brings community together

“Fall in the Courthouse Celebration” brings community together

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 1 min read

The third annual “Fall in the Courthouse Celebration” was held Friday, Oct. 31, at the Van Buren County Courthouse, 212 E. Paw Paw St., Paw Paw. It featured an afternoon filled with seasonal fun, community connection, and fall spirit. The…

Lawton Village Council honors Norm and Karen Carlson

Lawton Village Council honors Norm and Karen Carlson

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 1 min read

The Village of Lawton recently approved a resolution declaring Oct. 12 as Norm and Karen Carlson Day in the Village of Lawton. The two were honored for all that they do for the local community, and for being consistent supporters…

Area Veterans Day services planned

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 1 min read

The Lawton American Legion Waters-Hackenberg Post 220, will hold a Veterans Day service, Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Lawton American Legion building, 404 N. Main St., Lawton.The Lawrence American Legion Hess Eastman Post 174 will hold a…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 2 min read

Mike WilcoxOwner/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…

Lawton woman accused of embezzling over $50k from school

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 1 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWTON – A Lawton woman, a former employee of Lawton Community School, was arraigned Oct. 24, in 7th District Court, Paw Paw, on a charge of embezzlement over $50,000, but less than $100,000, according to a…

HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK: CARL LEWIS ZAPPA

HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK: CARL LEWIS ZAPPA

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 4 min read

By Frank Passic             There are only a small handful of persons who lived in Albion that have appeared in national motion pictures. One of them was Donna Montran (1893-1976), an Albion native who appeared in the 1915 silent film…

Judge Thomas Wilson files answer to JTC review

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 6 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer 4th Circuit Court Judge, Thomas Wilson, who is under review by the Judicial Tenure Commission of the State of Michigan, filed an answer to the complaint, FC 110, on Oct. 22. The complaint, filed on…

More than candy given out during Sweets on Superior; hugs, tons of creativity and unique giveaway

More than candy given out during Sweets on Superior; hugs, tons of creativity and unique giveaway

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 6 min read

By Sylvia Benavidez From intricate handmade costumes to inflatables, an estimated 1,000 kids and adults walked up and down Superior Street Sunday gathering treats at this year’s Sweets on Superior. One of the over 30 vendors at the event, Nick…

3 contested Jackson City Council races

3 contested Jackson City Council races

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 2 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The City of Jackson is holding mid-term elections on Tuesday Nov. 4. At stake are three city council seats: Ward 1, Incumbent Arlene Robinson against challenger Dena K. Morgan. Ward 1 covers the south side…

Volleyball district brackets revealed: Where local teams will play in the postseason

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Local volleyball teams will be starting their road to Kellogg Arena beginning next week. All local teams will be participating in the MHSAA playoffs, which begin on Nov. 3 with first round…

District action kicks off for local football teams

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Seven of the eight local football teams that made the MHSAA football playoffs will try to run the gauntlet toward a state title beginning this weekend with district play. All games will…

Out and About: Pictures, Daylight Saving, and important rules

Out and About: Pictures, Daylight Saving, and important rules

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 2 min read

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” -Marcel ProustYo-Yos were once used as weapons in the Philippines.On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will sponsor…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 2 min read

By Mike WilcoxOwner/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…

“Spooktacular Fest” took place Oct. 24 in downtown Sturgis

“Spooktacular Fest” took place Oct. 24 in downtown Sturgis

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 1 min read

It featured trick-or-treating at participating businesses, a trunk-or-treat at Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, wagon rides that departed from Sturgis Historical Museum,  and  monster truck rides, youth activities such as face-painting and bounce house, live music and food vendors.  Halloween events continue…

Election Preview 2025: What’s on the ballot in St. Joseph County?

Election Preview 2025: What’s on the ballot in St. Joseph County?

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 7 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Residents of St. Joseph County will be deciding on some important items on the Tuesday, Nov. 4 general election ballot. From millage requests to local officeholders, there will be something for everyone…

Farwell football team falls to Harbor Springs

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 1 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent FARWELL — Farwell lost 37-8 in a home game to Harbor Springs on Oct. 24 to end the regular football season.“We took the opening drive 64 yards and didn’t score. We stalled out on the 5-yard line,”…

May I Walk with You? DAILY COMMITMENT

May I Walk with You? DAILY COMMITMENT

Editorial Staff Oct 31, 2025 2 min read

“This is a day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Recently I was conversing with a middle-aged man, who had committed his life to God in his youth. Things were not going well for…

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.