News

Paw Paw Schools bans cellphones in classrooms

Editorial Staff Sep 3, 2025 2 min read

PAW PAW – The Paw Paw Public Schools’ “Disconnect to Reconnect” initiative was launched at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year in response to the Surgeon General’s report that warned of the dangers of social media.Concerned about the negative…

Weapon found in vehicle during routine sweep of parking lot at VB Tech

Editorial Staff Sep 3, 2025 2 min read

LAWRENCE – A weapon was found Thursday, August 28, in a vehicle during a routine sweep of the parking lot at the Van Buren Tech, Lawrence, according to Van Buren Intermediate School District Superintendent David Manson.In a release to Van…

Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt

Suspected arson at Otsego’s Northside Park; playscape burnt

Editorial Staff Sep 2, 2025 3 min read

BY JASON WESSELDYKSPORTS EDITOR OTSEGO—The large wooden playground structure at Northside Park in Otsego was engulfed in flames during the early-morning hours on Tuesday, Sept. 2.According to Otsego City Manager Aaron Mitchell, the fire is estimated to have started at…

Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified

Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified

Dennis Volkert Aug 29, 2025 1 min read

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…

Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival

Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival

Robert Tomlinson Aug 29, 2025 6 min read

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…

Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL

Swaenepoel adopts can-do attitude at VCL

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By JEFF STEERS Contributing Writer Things could have gone south for Vandercook Lake High School athlete Dallas Swaenepoel. At three years old, his parents lost custody of him, and his grandparents were deemed too old by a Florida judge. Vandercook…

Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12

Albion resident finishes Miss Michigan USA pageant in top 12

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer Albion resident Dymond Stokes represented Calhoun County in the Miss Michigan USA pageant recently in Port Huron. The winner was Norton Shores native Michele Lewandoski. Stokes finished in the top 12 contestants. She was disappointed…

A day of extraordinary performances

A day of extraordinary performances

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

The Nuance wins Walk the Beat Albion 2025; The War and Treaty claim victory over a downpour at WTB After party By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZContributing Writer The Nunance, an energetic rock band, won Walk the Beat Albion 2025. They along with…

Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster

Jackson’s 39th Annual Civil War Muster

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The 39th annual Civil War Muster, returned to Jackson on Aug. 23-24, at Cascades Park and surrounding areas. This year’s muster also marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, according to…

The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion

The War and Treaty reveal the source of their love of Albion

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 6 min read

By SYLVIA BENAVIDEZ Contributing Writer The War and Treaty endured a downpour at Walk the Beat Albion after party, Aug. 23, and yet nothing could dampen their spirits. Their homecoming was an expression of their love for the people of…

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 6 min read

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

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

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

Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 2 min read

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

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 4 min read

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.…

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include:

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park.  AUGUSTAug. 29No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend). SEPTEMBERSept. 1No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend).Sturgis Township Board of Trustees…

Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 5 min read

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…

Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees

Harrison’s 19th Annual Street Fair amazes attendees

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 2 min read

By Genine Hopkins This year it seems like the Harrison Street Fair was bigger than it has ever been, with more activities, talent, and fun for kids of all ages. The musical talent lineup was amazing and got people up…

The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling

The Old 27 Motor Tour: Good times keep rolling

Editorial Staff Aug 29, 2025 3 min read

by Christopher Johnson This past weekend, Clare welcomed the return of the annual Old US 27 Motor Tour. Held every third week of August, the six-day event spans 13 cities along the historic route of the same name. Right here…

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.