News

Albion Council to Vote on Washington Gardner Redevelopment July 28

Albion Council to Vote on Washington Gardner Redevelopment July 28

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 5 min read

By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer Albion City Council will vote on a redevelopment proposal for Washington Gardner School at their next meeting on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m. Meetings are being held at Marshall Opportunity High School, located at…

Rock the Block in Marshall powers on through the rain

Rock the Block in Marshall powers on through the rain

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 3 min read

By KARA DECHALK Contributing Writer Saturday’s rain showers didn’t dampen the spirit of those who came out to enjoy Marshall’s annual Market on Main block party. The event, hosted by Choose Marshall and Copper Athletic Club kicked off at 11…

Teen admits to setting fire to contaminated building

Teen admits to setting fire to contaminated building

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 4 min read

By KATHRYN PALON Contributing Writer A 15-year-old male has been detained after admitting to setting a fire at the former Michner Plating facility in Jackson. According to a press release from Jackson Fire Chief Tim Gonzales, the Jackson Fire Department…

Suspects arraigned in Easter Sunday murder of John Lusch

Suspects arraigned in Easter Sunday murder of John Lusch

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 2 min read

By Elizabeth Ferszt Contributing Writer Three persons are being held in the April 20 murder of John Lusch, 45, of Marshall, who was killed by gunshot in a house on the 900 block of Orchard Place in Jackson. Defendants Bryan…

Sass in the City returns to downtown Three Rivers next week

Sass in the City returns to downtown Three Rivers next week

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 3 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — The annual “ladies’ night out” in downtown Three Rivers will take place once again next week.On Friday, Aug. 1, the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority will hold the annual Sass in the City…

Coleman resigns from Road Commission board

Coleman resigns from Road Commission board

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 6 min read

Resignation comes amid allegations of ‘bashing’ county commissioners in online comments By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — St. Joseph County Road Commission board member Jack Coleman resigned from his position Friday following a Wednesday, July 16 agency meeting in which…

‘Toy Run’ gets rebrand, but primary charitable focus remains intact

‘Toy Run’ gets rebrand, but primary charitable focus remains intact

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 3 min read

By Dennis Volkert After a gap of several years, a longtime tradition resurfaced July 19 with “Route 12 Toy Run.”The 2025 run began at Route 12 Harley-Davidson on U.S. 12 and White School Road. The parade of riders continued into…

Man arrested in Sturgis after barricading in home

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 1 min read

STURGIS — A domestic violence call in Sturgis turned into a situation involving a barricaded man Tuesday night.According to the Sturgis Department of Public Safety, officers were called to the 300 block of West Jerolene Street for a domestic assault…

Routine stop leads to major drug and weapons bust

Routine stop leads to major drug and weapons bust

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 4 min read

By Christopher Johnson It was a challenging weekend for local authorities, who found themselves dealing with a homebrewed Bonnie and Clyde scenario.What started as a standard traffic stop quickly escalated into a major arrest involving drugs, a loaded handgun, and…

Lost Ring Found: Clare man answers stranger’s call for help

Lost Ring Found: Clare man answers stranger’s call for help

Editorial Staff Jul 25, 2025 4 min read

By Christopher Johnson This week’s human-interest story is a fascinating one.While camping with her husband at Sleeper State Park in Caseville, Andrea Mandich-Ross’s vacation took a heartbreaking turn when her wedding ring slipped from her finger after being overwhelmed by…

Rev. Terlouw receives Bautman Award

Rev. Terlouw receives Bautman Award

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 2 min read

Saugatuck First Congretational church pastor Rev. Sarah Terlouw received the Harry R. Butman Award from the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches at their annual meeting and conference in St. Louis June 21-24. Butman, a Congregational minister and ardent proponent…

Laketown looks to hire Fox manager

Laketown looks to hire Fox manager

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 2 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent The Laketown Township board has agreed to enter into contract negotiations with Stephanie Fox to become the new township manager. At a special meeting Monday, members voted to begin talks pending an agreement on a compensation…

‘Christmas in July’ at Venetian Fest

‘Christmas in July’ at Venetian Fest

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 5 min read

“Christmas in July” will be theme for this weekend’s Venetian Festival on the Kalamazoo Lake and River waterfront.Fun starts this Friday night, July 25, with a dance party in Saugatuck’s Coghlin Park, continues Saturday afternoon with a dinghy poker run…

KLSWA board fires manager, chair resigns

KLSWA board fires manager, chair resigns

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 2 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorThe Kalamazoo Lake Sewer & Water Authority board voted 3-1 at a special meeting Friday to terminate 14-year manager Daryl VanDyke.At their regular session three days later, members accepted the resignation of senior member Barry Johnson as chair,…

OPS’s McCaw receives national recognition

OPS’s McCaw receives national recognition

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Otsego Public Schools director of communications Holly McCaw was completely caught off guard.In Washington D.C. for the annual National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) National Seminar beginning Monday, July 20, McCaw was presented with the Learning…

Ransom’s Summer Celebration set for Friday, Aug. 8

Ransom’s Summer Celebration set for Friday, Aug. 8

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Since Ransom District Library hosted its first Summer Celebration in 2021, the event has become an annual tradition.That tradition continues on Friday, Aug. 8, with Ransom hosting this year’s Summer Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.As…

Plainwell council sets rates

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 1 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent PLAINWELL — Plainwell City Manager Justin Lakamper, at a recent meeting, discussed water and wastewater rates for the new budget year.A motion passed to adopt Resolution 2025-11 Water and Wastewater Rates for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.City Consultant Kelley…

Gear Up for the 2025 Allegan County Fair

Gear Up for the 2025 Allegan County Fair

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 3 min read

By Gari Voss The Allegan County Fair 2025 is rapidly approaching, and there is much to consider before the gates open on Friday, September 5th. The Grandstand entertainment is set, and tickets are available. Be sure to purchase entertainer tickets…

Fennville voters to vote on schools bond proposal Aug. 5

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 6 min read

By Gari Voss The residents of the Fennville School District will have an opportunity on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, to pass a bond request that will reduce the school millage while making important improvements to all schools. This can occur…

Paw Paw youth is multi fair award winner

Paw Paw youth is multi fair award winner

Editorial Staff Jul 23, 2025 1 min read

Wyatt Buskirk, 12, of Paw Paw, took several awards last week at the Van Buren Yoth Fair. The awards included, Grand Champion Dairy Heifer, Grand Champion Dairy Cow, Reserve Grand Champion Heavyweight Feeder, Reserve Grand Champion Crossbred Feeder, Grand Champion…

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.