News

Budd Lake residents angry over sale of lots by HCS

Budd Lake residents angry over sale of lots by HCS

Editorial Staff Oct 3, 2025 3 min read

By Genine Hopkins At Saginaw and Hillcrest in Harrison around Budd Lake, there is a small easement that, after researching, was under a 99-year lease from the Harrison Community Schools to the City of Harrison. The City had been maintaining…

Buggy collides with Kia on Hamburger Hill, occupants rushed to hospital

Buggy collides with Kia on Hamburger Hill, occupants rushed to hospital

Editorial Staff Oct 3, 2025 3 min read

By Christopher Johnson Clare’s Hamburger Hill at the north end of town has always been a hotbed for car accidents. As vehicles accelerate toward the expressway ramp and exit driveways, it only takes one absent minded driver to ruin somebody’s…

No one injured in roof fire at American Axle in Three Rivers

Robert Tomlinson Oct 2, 2025 1 min read

THREE RIVERS — Some operations at American Axle and Manufacturing in Three Rivers were briefly shut down Thursday after a fire broke out on the roof of the building. According to the Three Rivers Fire Department, the fire was reported…

‘Christmas Carol’ auditions coming

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 1 min read

Open auditions for Saugatuck’s 39th annual a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. both days.  Organizers are looking for children and adults to fill the various roles of…

‘Flower World’ to bloom in Cook Park

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 3 min read

By Lisa Mize CVB Executive Director A new piece of public art is set to bring fresh color, light and creativity to downtown Saugatuck. On Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in Cook Park, we’ll cut the ribbon on “Flower…

Odor investigations continue around Republic site

Odor investigations continue around Republic site

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 4 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent The state continues to investigate ongoing complaints about odors from the area of Republic Services, 4368 60th St. The owner of the composting company at the site is preparing to move his operation to Berrien County and…

Douglas Oktoberfest on tap Oct. 11

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 2 min read

All are welcome to raise their steins and toast the spirit of Bavaria as Saugatuck-Douglas Community Pride hosts its annual Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 11 in Beery Field from noon to 5 p.m. This event brings a diverse community together for…

Interurban head sited as state rising star

Interurban head sited as state rising star

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 2 min read

Interurban Transit Authority executive director Becky Carten-Crandell was honored as Rising Star at the Michigan at the annual Michigan Public Transportation Conference Aug. 18-20 at Crystal Mountain Resort in northern Michigan. “Becky,” said presenters, “has served as Executive Director since…

Harvest hues

Harvest hues

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 1 min read

At produce stands and u-picks, such as Crane Orchards (shown here) cornucopias await. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)

Council candidates air views at forum

Council candidates air views at forum

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 7 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFive candidates for three open two-year seats on the Saugatuck City Council in this year’s Nov. 4 election agreed to disagree but also found common grounds at a Holland League of Women Voters-led forum Thursday, Sept. 25 in…

Man and his nephew charged in playground arson

Man and his nephew charged in playground arson

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego man facing arson charges in connection to the fire that damaged the wooden playground structure at Northside Park has been identified as Michael Kilbourn.Kilbourn, 37, appeared in an Allegan courtroom via video on Tuesday,…

Otsego Band Invitational celebrates its 40th year

Otsego Band Invitational celebrates its 40th year

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Otsego Band Invitational celebrated its 40th anniversary with this year’s edition, which took place Saturday, Sept. 27, at Bulldog Stadium.The fact that the event continues to thrive is a testament to Otsego High School band…

Hoot-n-Howl arrives in Allegan this weekend

Hoot-n-Howl arrives in Allegan this weekend

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 1 min read

Hoot-n-Howl kicks off the Halloween season in Downtown Allegan on Fri., Oct. 3 and Sat., Oct. 4, 2025. Beginning in the late afternoon, Friday brings a number of adult oriented activities while Saturday offers a multitude of activities for children…

15-year-old female student makes threats against AHS

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 4 min read

By Elizabeth FersztContributing Writer A 15-year-old female student is facing weapons charges after allegedly threatening to attack Allegan High School.According to Allegan County Prosecutor’s Office, they have brought charges of filing a false report, threat of terrorism, stealing a firearm,…

Allegan councilman awol, kickedoff board

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 4 min read

By Gari Voss The Allegan City Council made the decision to remove a member from the Council. The root of the resolution fell on information that Mike Zeter had moved from his residence on Thomas Street to a location that…

SHAES receives grant to acquire portable gas detectors

SHAES receives grant to acquire portable gas detectors

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 1 min read

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) through its Rewarding Responders Grant program.The grant is being used by SHAES to purchase eight small carbon monoxide detectors that attach to EMS…

Caught in a dilemma: Expensive housing creates problem for couple

Caught in a dilemma: Expensive housing creates problem for couple

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 4 min read

By James Windell Jodi and Donald Heflin are caught in a dilemma.They make too much money to live in low-income apartments, yet they don’t have enough income to buy a house in South Haven. And that’s where they want to…

New water tower shows off mural

New water tower shows off mural

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 1 min read

Painting large mural (twice) on South Haven’s new million-gallon water tank is about finished.The tank will be raised in the coming weeks to the top of the concrete pedestal, making the tribute to South Haven on the lake visible for…

Deputy, K9 honored in Washington DC

Deputy, K9 honored in Washington DC

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 4 min read

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Calhoun and Kuno (K-9 partner now retired) were recently honored in Washington, D.C. by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). They were awarded the prestigious Hope Award at their annual awards…

Bloomingdale Communications marks 120th anniversary

Bloomingdale Communications marks 120th anniversary

Editorial Staff Oct 1, 2025 6 min read

BLOOMINGDALE – In the winter of 1904, a father saddled his horse and rode through the snow to save his infant son. That ride – urgent, determined, and fueled by love – sparked a movement that would connect generations.Arthur D.…

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.