Commercial-News, Penny Saver, & Sturgis Sentinel

“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…

Hundreds attend ‘No Kings’ protest in Centreville

Hundreds attend ‘No Kings’ protest in Centreville

Editorial Staff Oct 24, 2025 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — The lawn of the historic courthouse in Centreville was the site of one of thousands of nationwide “No Kings” protests against the policies and actions of President Donald Trump’s second term.Organizers of Saturday’s two-hour…

Election Preview 2025: SJC voters to decide on 911 millage renewal, reduction in November election

Election Preview 2025: SJC voters to decide on 911 millage renewal, reduction in November election

Editorial Staff Oct 24, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — It’s not often you hear of a governmental entity asking voters to decide on an operating millage renewal that comes with a reduction in said millage. However, that is what St. Joseph County’s 911/Central…

Mike’s Musings: Why Michigan Should Say “No” to Ranked-Choice Voting

Mike’s Musings: Why Michigan Should Say “No” to Ranked-Choice Voting

Editorial Staff Oct 22, 2025 5 min read

As Michigan stands at a crossroad on whether to adopt Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV) statewide, voters and policymakers ought to pause and ask: what problem is RCV truly solving — and at what cost? The case against this change is stronger…

Tennis Roundup TR defeats Pennfield, end season at regionals

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 2 min read

THREE RIVERS — Three Rivers’ boys’ tennis team ended the regular season with a 4-3 win over Battle Creek Pennfield on Wednesday, Oct. 8.Winning for Three Rivers was Carter Fuller 6-4, 6-0 over Pennfield’s Johnny Franks at No. 3 singles;…

Cross Country Roundup TR boys finish runner-up at Wolverine Conference championships

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 4 min read

PAW PAW — Three Rivers’ boys’ cross country team finished as runners-up in the Wolverine Conference, losing a close race to Otsego 64-70 Tuesday at the Wolverine Conference Championship in Paw Paw.Three Wildcat runners finished in the top 16 to…

Out and About: Helpful hints, hunting season, and Lake Erie

Out and About: Helpful hints, hunting season, and Lake Erie

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 4 min read

“For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” -Khalil GibranBeing retired and on a fixed budget, I’m always looking for ways to save a few bucks, and being a nice guy, I am…

Fall Festival brings autumnal fun to downtown Three Rivers

Fall Festival brings autumnal fun to downtown Three Rivers

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 4 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Downtown Three Rivers was bustling with activity last weekend, as a new festival brought the autumn season to Main Street and Portage Avenue.Saturday, Oct. 11 was the first-ever Fall Festival in downtown Three…

Deep Blue Something embraces a return to recording, touring, with new LP: Texas-based alt-rock group to open Sturges-Young season series

Deep Blue Something embraces a return to recording, touring, with new LP: Texas-based alt-rock group to open Sturges-Young season series

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 6 min read

By Dennis Volkert Deep Blue Something opens the 2025-26 performance series at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.The show is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Ticket price starts at $35. Season tickets are available through that date as well.Deep Blue Something…

Sturgis commissioners OK property transfer, facility upgrades

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 3 min read

Sturgis City Commission approved several measures or requests at its Oct. 8 meeting. Commissioners adopted a resolution of property transfer from Sturgis Township into the city, at the request of Metalloid Corporation. According to city engineer Barry Cox, on Aug. 4, 2000, the…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial Staff Oct 17, 2025 4 min read

OCTOBERThroughout OctoberSturgis Historical Museum hours: 10 am..-2 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment, sturgismueseum@gmail.com, 269-503-7440.Oct. 18“Boo Bash 5K,” 9 a.m., fundraiser for Thurston Woods Village benevolent fund; registration fee $25.Oct. 20Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education meeting, 5:30 p.m., Sturgis Central…

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.