News
Douglas road to close
Douglas has notified motorists that St. Peter’s Drive will close Tuesday, Oct. 14 and remain so for two to three weeks, dependent on weather, to allow infrastructure to be brought to the new Centre Street Collective. The 10+-acre development, to…
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…
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…
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…
Suspect arrested day after hours-long police presence in Three Rivers
UPDATED 12:25 P.M. THURSDAY, OCT. 16 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Three Rivers police on Wednesday arrested a suspect that was wanted on a felony warrant following an hours-long police presence in Three Rivers Tuesday. According to Three…
HISTORICAL NOTEBOOK: ALBION 100 YEARS AGO—OCTOBER 1925
By Frank Passic We continue with our theme of “Albion, 100 Years Ago.” October 3, 1925. “Steve Britten, Albion colored man accused of complicity in the theft of a large amount of brass from the M.E.R. car-shops here last…
Albion City Council highlights growth, art, and inclusion
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Mayor Victoria Garcia-Snyder called the Oct. 6 Albion City Council meeting to order, which included updates on economic development, the arts, public safety, and inclusion. Interim EDC Director Bruce Nelson provided an update from the…
Jackson County Solar Project nears completion west of Albion
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer The Jackson County Solar Project, a 125-megawatt renewable energy development in Parma Township, marked its ribbon-cutting Oct. 1 with approximately 40 guests, including landowners, community leaders, and partners from across Michigan. The event was hosted…
Battery storage rules advance in Lockport after begrudging vote by Planning Comm.
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director LOCKPORT TWP. — A proposed amendment that would allow for battery energy storage systems (BESS) to be included in a solar energy ordinance in Lockport Township cleared its first hurdle last week despite numerous objections by…

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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.



















