Commercial-News, Penny Saver, & Sturgis Sentinel

Johnston elected mayor of Three Rivers

Johnston elected mayor of Three Rivers

Robert Tomlinson Nov 5, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — For the first time in over a decade, Tom Lowry will not be the mayor of Three Rivers. On Tuesday, voters in the City of Three Rivers elected Angel Johnston to be the…

Mike’s Musings: Government shutdown can be averted- takes politicians to act instead of grandstand

Mike’s Musings: Government shutdown can be averted- takes politicians to act instead of grandstand

Editorial Staff Nov 5, 2025 4 min read

Another week has passed, and much of our federal government remains shuttered. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay. National parks are closed, small business loans are on hold, and millions of Americans are…

Three Rivers 2025 Mayoral Candidate Profile: Nathan Walden

Three Rivers 2025 Mayoral Candidate Profile: Nathan Walden

Robert Tomlinson Nov 3, 2025 7 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director This story originally ran in the October 24 edition of the Three Rivers Commercial-News. THREE RIVERS — Nathan Walden has faced a lot of adversity in his 43 years of life. At age 16, he was…

Three Rivers 2025 Mayoral Candidate Profile: Angel Johnston

Three Rivers 2025 Mayoral Candidate Profile: Angel Johnston

Robert Tomlinson Nov 3, 2025 9 min read

This story originally appeared in the Oct. 10 edition of the Three Rivers Commercial-News. By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Growing up in Kalamazoo, Angel Johnston said she enjoyed coming to Three Rivers on vacation during her early years,…

Three Rivers 2025 Mayoral Candidate Profile: Tom Lowry

Three Rivers 2025 Mayoral Candidate Profile: Tom Lowry

Robert Tomlinson Nov 3, 2025 11 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director This story originally appeared in the Oct. 10 edition of the Three Rivers Commercial-News. THREE RIVERS — Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry has seen “a little bit of everything” in his 26 non-consecutive years as mayor…

Holy day, scheduling conflicts lead to Mendon football advancing via forfeit against Sacred Heart

Holy day, scheduling conflicts lead to Mendon football advancing via forfeit against Sacred Heart

Robert Tomlinson Oct 31, 2025 4 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director MENDON — A confluence of conflicts between both Mendon and Grand Rapids Sacred Heart Academy led to Sacred Heart’s MHSAA eight-man Division 2 football team forfeiting their first-round playoff matchup against the Hornets that was scheduled…

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…

Mike’s Musings: Lawmakers shouldn’t receive pay during shutdown

Mike’s Musings: Lawmakers shouldn’t receive pay during shutdown

Editorial Staff Oct 29, 2025 4 min read

One of the consequences of a government shutdown should be that those legislators responsible for the shutdown should not receive their regular pay. In my mind they are just as much part of the government as the hundreds of thousand…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial Staff Oct 28, 2025 3 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.…

Pedestrian hit, killed by vehicle; deputies seek info

Robert Tomlinson Oct 27, 2025 2 min read

BURR OAK TWP. — St. Joseph County deputies are asking the public to help search for the driver of a vehicle that hit and killed a pedestrian. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area…

Out and About: Fundraisers, the Navy, and new inventions

Out and About: Fundraisers, the Navy, and new inventions

Editorial Staff Oct 24, 2025 2 min read

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” -Henry MillerIf you didn’t make it to the American Legion on October 11, you missed a fantastic Burger Night fundraiser, thanks to Molly and T.J. from Mr.…

City Commission conducts first review of proposed recycling ordinance 

Editorial Staff Oct 24, 2025 4 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday conducted a first reading of a proposed recycling ordinance. The board approved the initial reading by a 7-2 vote, with mayor Frank Perez and commissioner Marvin Smith voting no. A second reading is…

Final meeting for city controller Keyser

Final meeting for city controller Keyser

Editorial Staff Oct 24, 2025 1 min read

Holly Keyser, controller for the city of Sturgis, attended her final commission meeting Oct. 22, and will retire Oct. 31.Keyser has worked for the city for the past 17 years.“I am happy to be part of the community, and looking…

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.