Clare’s Summerfest is here?
Clare, Michigan, is set to host its much-anticipated Summerfest from June 20 to June 22, 2025. This annual celebration promises a weekend filled with community spirit, entertainment, and new attractions.clarecounty.com Event HighlightsDates: June 20–22, 2025Location: Downtown Clare, MIAdmission: Free Key…
MHSAA officials registration underway for ‘25-26
The Michigan High School Athletic Association is accepting registrations online or by mail for game officials for the 2025-26 school year.The MHSAA registered 8,891 officials for the 2024-25 school year, another of a recent series of increases as registrations continue…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorAge of AnxietyMy wife’s pit bull wears three collars. “WTF?” I asked her.“You bought him the pink one with cartoon bones on it,” she said. “The black is a thunder collar to calm him down during storms. The…
Court sides with city on floating homes dispute
By Scott SullivanEditorThe Michigan Court of Appeals June 12 upheld the City of Saugatuck’s right to regulate — and possibly remove — four floating homes placed three years ago next to the west Chain Ferry landing.In an 18-page opinion issued…
Otsego announces schedule for summer events
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Fun, family-friendly summer activities are back in Otsego.Summer Fun Nights will take place each Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the TOP Pavilion through July 29, while Summer Events at Northside Park will take place each…
Color Our World Color Run brings smiles to Plainwell
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Plainwell was a colorful place to be on Saturday, June 7.That’s because the Ransom District Library hosted the Color Our World Color Run to celebrate the start of its summer reading program.A free event, the Color…
Terms ending for several members of Plainwell City Council
By John RaffelCorrespondent PLAINWELL — It was pointed out at the recent Plainwell city meeting several board members’ terms end on June 30, 2025.Clerk Leonard has confirmed with each candidate their willingness to serve for another term. It was noted…
Wedge shined on soccer field and on wrestling mat
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Recent Allegan graduate Luke Wedge was a member of the boys soccer program all four years of high school and wrestled for the last two years.For his efforts in those sports, Wedge was named as the…
Thompson didn’t shy away from challenging herself in athletics
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor During her athletic career, Shyonna Thompson displayed a willingness to try new things, particularly when it came to her spring sports.After playing softball as a freshman and sophomore, Thompson participated in track & field before moving…
Life as Performance Art
Earlier this month a longtime friend sent me one of his favorite quotes from Ecclesiastes: “Whoever increases knowledge increases sorrow.” He added a modern refrain: “And spikes our anxiety.” I thought about it the next morning when I went…
Bridgefest 2025 welcomes thousands to Downtown and the Riverfront
By Gari Voss The day could not have been more beautiful as Bridgefest 2025 rang in summer for Allegan, MI on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Locust Street offered the Art Market and community tents. Brady Street above Mahan Park and…
Fennville amphitheater, splash pad donations come pouring in
Through hundreds of donations totaling tens of thousands of dollars, a project to bring a new park with an amphitheater and splash pad to downtown Fennville has received a major boost. The city of Fennville reached its goal in a crowdfunding campaign…
Floating car, dragon boats featured at Harborfest
Parking in South Haven can be a challenge, especially during the busy summer months. Unless you are inventive and “drive” a floating car. That was the scene on Saturday when boats of all sorts participated in the 44th Michigan Maritime Museum…
New community soccer field dedicated
By Tom Renner A vision 21 years in the making became a reality on Friday (June 13) when the South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) and its many donor friends celebrated the opening of three new community soccer fields at…
School Board names Jegier “Teacher of the Year”
Andrea Jegier was presented with the Teacher of the Year Award at the South Haven School Board meeting on June 11, 2025. Andrea is a K-5 English Language Development Teacher and English Language Coordinator for South Haven Public Schools.
South Haven Parks Commission accepts life rings donation
By James Windell Ryan and Mandy Servatius appeared before the South Haven Parks Commission on June 10, 2025 and offered a donation of 11 life rings for use at South Haven’s beaches and river.The couple, who are South Haven realtors,…
Paw Paw Fire Department battles structure fire
The Paw Paw Fire Department responded to a structure fire Thursday, June 12, shortly after noon. Paw Paw Fire Chief Kyle Richardson said the fire appears to have started from debris removal on the exterior of the residence where the…
Paw Paw softball falls one win shy of state title
By John RaffelCorrespondent EAST LANSING — Paw Paw’s softball team was hopeful of one more dramatic comeback win when it played Richmond for the Division 3 state championship on June 14 at Michigan State University.But the Wolves were unable to…
State Police investigate shooting, minor injuries to victim, suspect arrested
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Paw Paw post troopers are investigating a shooting where a 33-year-old Paw Paw man was shot and treated at the scene for minor injuries, Tuesday night, June 10, in Antwerp Township, according to…
Fatal crash claims life of Lawton woman
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com ANTWERP TWP. – A 64-year-old Lawton woman was killed Thursday afternoon, June 12, in a two-vehicle traffic crash in Antwerp Township, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s office.Van Buren County Sheriff…

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.






















