News

Celebrating 40 years: The 20 Lakes Antique Engine & Tractor Show returns

Celebrating 40 years: The 20 Lakes Antique Engine & Tractor Show returns

Editorial Staff Jun 6, 2025 2 min read

The 20 Lakes Antique Engine & Tractor Club is set to host its 40th Annual Antique Engine & Tractor Show from June 12 to 15, 2025, at the club grounds west of Harrison on M-61. This milestone event promises a…

Clare Chamber adjusts office hours, reevaluates staffing

Clare Chamber adjusts office hours, reevaluates staffing

Editorial Staff Jun 6, 2025 1 min read

As many of our fellow local businesses are experiencing, the current economy is bringing new challenges and important decisions to the forefront. In light of these factors—and with a strong focus on serving our community in the best way possible—the…

Clare gears up for a vibrant Summerfest 2025

Clare gears up for a vibrant Summerfest 2025

Editorial Staff Jun 6, 2025 2 min read

Clare, Michigan, is set to host its much-anticipated Summerfest from June 20 to June 22, 2025. This annual celebration promises a weekend filled with community spirit, entertainment, and new attractions.clarecounty.comEvent HighlightsDates: June 20–22, 2025Location: Downtown Clare, MIAdmission: FreeKey Attractions1st Annual…

Saugatuck golf claims first regional championship since 2006

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 2 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorAfter finishing second at regionals each of the past two years, members of the Saugatuck boys golf team set a goal of winning a regional championship this year.Mission accomplished.Competing on their home turf at Clearbrook Golf Course,…

Lundvig named new Saugatuck principal

Lundvig named new Saugatuck principal

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 2 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorThe Saugatuck Public Schools Board of Education has named Brad Lundvick (shown at left) new principal of Saugatuck-Middle/High School.Lundvick, most recently principal of CA Frost Environmental Science Middle High School and Zoo School in Grand Rapids, will start…

Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve opens

Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve opens

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 1 min read

The 170-acre Saugatuck Wilds Nature Preserve, formerly known as the old airport property, opened to the public Thursday, May 29, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.Thanks to $160,000 donation from the children and grandchildren of Saugatuck resident George Supp, the following were…

PHS principal oversees first graduation ceremony

PHS principal oversees first graduation ceremony

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The Plainwell High School Class of 2025 will always hold a special place in PHS principal Marvin Taylor’s heart.“With this being my first year at PHS, I will have many fond memories with this year’s graduating…

OHS moves graduation indoors

OHS moves graduation indoors

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor With the weather refusing to cooperate, Otsego Public Schools officials were forced to move the district’s graduation ceremony into the high school gymnasium on Wednesday, May 21.And while Otsego High School principal Thomas Reed wasn’t exactly…

Hoffman claims pair of state championships

Hoffman claims pair of state championships

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 1 min read

Otsego junior Emma Hoffman entered the MHSAA Division 2 Girls Track & Field State Finals as the prohibitive favorite to win state titles in the 1,600 and the 3,200.She didn’t dissapoint, as she did, indeed, secure both of those championships.…

Bridgefest 2025 on the horizon

Bridgefest 2025 on the horizon

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 3 min read

By Gari Voss Summer in Allegan, MI really begins when Bridgefest hits Riverfront Park and the surrounding streets. All are invited to enjoy time with family and friends while exploring the community tents along Locust and Hubbard Streets, dropping into…

Allegan, Van Buren firefighters battle two similar fires on the same day

Allegan, Van Buren firefighters battle two similar fires on the same day

Jordan Wilcox Jun 4, 2025 3 min read

By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher At about 4:45 pm on Sunday, June 1st, emergency services were dispatched to an ablaze residence on the south (Van Buren County) side of Baseline Road near 51 ½ in Columbia Township.Deputies from the Van Buren…

Once excellent St. Basil Catholic School forced to close

Once excellent St. Basil Catholic School forced to close

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 10 min read

By James Windell “When I heard the school was closing, I cried,” says Lois Brigham, the St. Basil School Board President. “There were a lot of factors that went into it, but I wish it were not happening.”Brigham, who was…

St. Basil School Board holds its final meeting

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 4 min read

By James Windell It was supposed to be the St. Basil Catholic School Board’s final meeting.But the May 27, 2025 meeting, at which several parents attended, went from an emotional outpouring from parents and Board members, some of whom no…

PPHS celebrates mural completion with Ice Bucket Challenge

PPHS celebrates mural completion with Ice Bucket Challenge

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 2 min read

What was once a plain brick wall at Paw Paw High School (PPHS) has been transformed into a stunning 1,800 square foot mural by Detroit-based artist Marlo Broughton and students from PPHS. To celebrate the completion of the mural, students recently…

Thumm named new LPS K-12 principal

Thumm named new LPS K-12 principal

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 4 min read

LAWRENCE – Brock Thumm has been selected as the new K-12 principal at Lawrence Public Schools, according to a press release from LPS Superintendent Ryan Williamson.Williamson said of Thumm’s selection, “This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring a strong,…

Cooper is speaker at Paw Paw services

Cooper is speaker at Paw Paw services

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 1 min read

Paw Paw Memorial Day services were held Memorial Day morning at Veterans Park after the parade. The speaker was Airman Bennett Cooper of Paw Paw.This was the first time since WWII that a World War II veteran was not present…

Lawton Village Council hears update on village rental ordinance

Editorial Staff Jun 4, 2025 2 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWTON – At the Lawton Village Council’s Tuesday, May 27, meeting, Lawton Village Council President Josh Appleby brought the village rental ordinance update to the floor for discussion, as the village attorney was present to address…

Sturgis city phone lines out of service temporarily

Sturgis city phone lines out of service temporarily

Dennis Volkert Jun 2, 2025 1 min read

Phone lines to city hall and other offices in Sturgis are out of service temporarily. Officials have contacted the carrier and hope to have the situation corrected as soon as possible. In the meantime, if residents have a non-emergency call…

Councilmember reacts to Jackson shootings

Councilmember reacts to Jackson shootings

Editorial Staff May 30, 2025 3 min read

Photo by Elizabeth Ferszt Cash collection for Anthony Owens at Royal Party Store By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Four shootings in Jackson have resulted in three deaths and five wounded in less than a month. John Lusch, age 45, of…

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.