Saugatuck brushes off sidewalk chalk
By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck City Council decided at its Oct. 8 workshop to let well enough alone when it comes to chalk art on public sidewalks. The question of whether it constitutes free speech or violates a city ordinance…
‘Lights Out at Oval Beach’ set Oct. 21
The community is invited to experience the beauty of the night sky at a free “Lights Out at Oval Beach” event Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 8 to 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Douglas United Church of Christ, the event aims…
Oval Beach revenues rose this year
By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck’s Lake Michigan Oval Beach Park brought in $874,114 in motor vehicle parking fees during the just-completed summer season, more than enough to offset the $800,908 spent to maintain it and all other city parks. City…
Saugatuck volleyball beats visiting Parchment
By Jason WesseldykSports EditorThe Saugatuck volleyball team hosted SAC rival Parchment on Thursday, Oct. 9, and the match went down to the wire.After the teams split the first two sets—Saugatuck took sets two (25-20) and three (25-19), while Parchment won…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorOctopus EthicsPETA is on a roll. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals, having taken credit for closing the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Circus, now wants Detroit Red Wings fans to stop throwing dead octopi onto the hockey arena…
The heat was on
A perfect fall day brought more than 1,000 guests to enjoy the annual Cow Hill Yacht Club Chili Cook Off Sunday in Saugatuck’s Wicks Park.The Cook Off was a competition between 14 top area restaurants. They served chilis competing in…
Easy come, easy go for city gateway sign
By Scott SullivanEditorSo much for the latest “Saugatuck” sign at the corner of Holland Street and Blue Star Highway.The wood-frame marker, moved in August from Mt. Baldhead Park to replace a past sign damaged by cars, was itself mowed down…
Allegan swim & dive team picks up victory over Hastings
The Allegan girls swim & dive team earned an 85-75 victory over Hastings on Tuesday, Oct. 7.With such a small roster, the Tigers knew every swim would matter—and they rose to the challenge, according to head coach Carol Gephart.“The girls…
Otsego captures second consecutive regional crown
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor EAST LANSING—Prior to last season, the Otsego girls golf team had never won a regional championship.Now the Bulldogs have captured back-to-back regional titlesParticipating in the Division 3 regional at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers East on…
Life as Performance Art
I put on a DVD of George Clooney’s film “Good Night and Good Luck” the other evening. Although 20 years old, it is just as relevant, if not more so, today.It’’s the story of U.S. news reporter (radio, journalism and television), Edward…
Mike’s Musings: A time to celebrate, hostages have been released
I don’t care how bad your Trump Derangement Syndrome might be, you have to give the man credit for orchestrating a deal that released the 20 living Israeli hostages from the grips of Hamas on Monday.On Monday, the world witnessed…
Sylvia’s Place a champion of domestic violence victims for many years
By Gari Voss October is domestic violence awareness month. The color is purple and is associated with the fight to end domestic violence. The Allegan City Hall staff including the City Police have joined a county-wide effort to bring awareness…
SHARK founder names names of other alleged cockfighters in area
By Elizabeth FersztContributing Writer In another twist in the cockfighting story that has been developing since July of this year, SHARK founder Steve Hindi now says that he has the names and addresses of nine (9) other alleged cockfighters who…
City Council approves statement about master plan objections
By James Windell The public comments at the City Council Meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025, hinted at dark forces that had changed wording in the 2025 Master Plan update.Some residents again, as in previous City Council meetings, expressed concerns…
Bunde’s Bakery owner clarifies position on 89 North Shore Drive
By James Windell Although Jim Sankofski, owner of Bunde’s Bakery at 89 North Shore Drive, South Haven, made a brief statement at the October 6, 2025 South Haven City Council meeting, he had more to say.Speaking to the Beacon a…
Is Palisades stripper incident real?
By James Windell Everybody loves a good mystery – especially if it involves a little bit of naughtiness.That’s what we have with a story that has been circulating for the past week in Covert Township and South Haven.The South Haven…
Decatur VFW sponsors veterans stand down
A Van Buren Veteran Stand Down was held Friday, Oct. 10, at the Decatur VFW, 560 N Phelps St., Decatur. The event gave service veterans an opportunity to connect with local resources, support services, and fellow veterans. The Van Buren/Cass…
Paw Paw Council approves new outdoor space next to library
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – A new outdoor space will be developed in an empty lot owned by the Paw Paw District Library, according to Paw Paw District Librarian Gretchen Evans.On Monday, Oct. 13, the Paw Paw Village…
Van Buren District Library Millage renewal to be on Nov. 4, ballot
According to an information sheet provided by the Van Buren District Library, the 2015 supplemental millage allowed Van Buren District Library (VBDL) to open all seven locations six days per week and significantly expand community programming. Renewing this millage ensures…

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.




















