
Sturgis swim/dive second at SCC Relay
BATTLE CREEK — The Sturgis girls swim and dive team competed at the SCC Relay held in Battle Creek last week, and with a score of 240, placed second on the day.Host Harper Creek finished first with 317 points. Plainwell…
Volleyball Roundup Constantine drops match against South Haven at home
CONSTANTINE — South Haven bested Constantine’s volleyball team on the Falcons’ home floor Wednesday, Aug. 25, 3-1.Constantine’s Jaedyn Herlein had 12 kills and two blocks to lead the team in both categories. Raeann Michalek had eight kills, Jaelyn Buglione had…
Out and About: End of summer, saving money, and strange but true facts
Welcome to September! Labor Day 2025 is now in the history books, which means it is time for the gentlemen out there to put away the white shoes and white shorts for the summer. You’ll be seeing fewer Illinois and…
Good turnout, great music highlights successful Harmony Fest in TR
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Main Street was alive with the sound of music in downtown Three Rivers Sunday, as the city celebrated the 32nd HarmonyFest music festival.Several musical artists, a dance crew, and more took to the…
St. Joseph County man wins $2m playing scratch-off
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — A St. Joseph County man is looking forward to an early retirement after winning $2 million playing the Michigan Lottery’s $2,000,000 Lucky instant game.“I typically only play $5 and $10 tickets, but $2,000,000 Lucky was one…
Fifth annual historical cemetery tour set for this weekend
By Dennis Volkert The fifth annual history walking tour takes place this weekend at Oak Lawn Cemetery.It takes place on two days: 4-5:20 p.m. Sept. 6 and 2-3:20 p.m. Sept. 7. Tour groups leave every 20 minutes. Ticket cost is…
City OK’s ordinance pertaining to Michigan Gas Utilities
At its Aug. 27 meeting, Sturgis City Commission gave a second review and approval of an ordinance pertaining to the franchise for Michigan Gas Utilities, effective Sept.17, 2025.A first reading of a draft ordinance was held July 9.Since at least…
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park. SEPTEMBERSept. 5“Friday Social Night,” karaoke, 8 p.m., Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Sept. 6Oak Lawn Cemetery walking tour, 4-5:20 p.m., highlights history of Sturgis business.Sept. 7Oak Lawn…
Good turnout, great music highlights successful Harmony Fest in TR
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Main Street was alive with the sound of music in downtown Three Rivers Sunday, as the city celebrated the 32nd HarmonyFest music festival.Several musical artists, a dance crew, and more took to the…
Mike’s Musings: Michigan’s School Funding Stalemate Is a Disservice to Every Student
Here we go again. Another budget cycle, another bitter fight in Lansing over how to fund our schools. This year’s stalemate feels particularly sharp, with both sides dug in and unwilling to budge. Meanwhile, the people who bear the brunt…
Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified
Sturgis City Commission held a closed session Aug. 27 to discuss union negotiations in connection with the city’s fire department. Commissioners ratified the contract as presented. City manager Andrew Kuk said the agreement is “fair and mutually beneficial.” “We were…
Schoolcraft football survives against stingy Centreville team in season opener
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Centreville’s football team brought out the pomp and circumstance to its 2025 home opener Thursday against defending MHSAA Division 7 semifinalist Schoolcraft, with a community tailgate, balloons, the whole nine yards. But, in what…
Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Music, food and fun will be on the docket this coming weekend, as HarmonyFest will return to downtown Three Rivers Sunday, Aug. 31. The annual all-day music festival in downtown Three Rivers features…
Mendon sweeps their way to St. Joseph County volleyball title
STURGIS — The Mendon Hornets played as well as one could hope, winning the St. Joseph County volleyball tournament held in Sturgis on Monday.The Lady Hor nets played to a perfect 5-0 record, and did not drop a single set.…
Volleyball Roundup Three Rivers 1-3 at Gull Lake Invite, Southland reaches 3k assists
GULL LAKE — Three Rivers’ volleyball team played to a 1-3 record Friday, Aug. 22 at the Gull Lake Invitational.The team lost to Battle Creek Lakeview 25-15, 22-25, 10-15, lost to Niles 25-15, 22-25, 13-15, defeated host Gull Lake 25-23,…
Out and About: Rehab, safe exercising, and a break from the heat
“One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~ Hans Christian AndersonThis is the last week of my second session of “Heart Healthy” at the Beacon Wellness Pavilion. We will have the week of Labor Day off before we…
Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…
TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…
Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project
On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…
Rate plan approved for city utilities
Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…

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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.




















