News

Planwell mill strongly damaged in latest storm

Editorial Staff Apr 2, 2025 2 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The storm system that swept through the area during the evening on Sunday, March 30, brought with it heavy rain and damaging winds.Among the casualties of those winds was Building 2 of the mill complex on…

New youth librarian has big shoes to fill

New youth librarian has big shoes to fill

Editorial Staff Apr 2, 2025 3 min read

By James Windell Jen LaRowe has no illusions about becoming the new Youth Librarian at the South Haven Memorial Library.She admits that following Gail Patterson-Gladney, who retired recently after nearly 25 years as the Youth Librarian, is not going to…

Vietnam veteran finally feels welcomed home

Vietnam veteran finally feels welcomed home

Editorial Staff Apr 2, 2025 5 min read

By James Windell After two tours in Vietnam and being shot more than seven times, Albert Anthony was not welcomed home when he returned more than 50 years ago.Maybe that’s one reason Anthony, a South Haven resident, stayed in the…

Comedy show, art auction to benefit We Care

Comedy show, art auction to benefit We Care

Editorial Staff Apr 2, 2025 3 min read

By James Windell For the second year in a row, We Care Community Resource Center is bringing in a comedian to headline a fundraiser. But in addition to comedy, the event on Friday, April 11, 2025 will also feature an…

Rain and high windstorm pounds area

Rain and high windstorm pounds area

Jordan Wilcox Apr 2, 2025 2 min read

Paul Garrod, Staff WriterJordan Wilcox, Assistant Publisher On Sunday night, March 30, a fast-moving storm brought high winds and heavy rain to southwestern Michigan.In Paw Paw, a portion of the St. Julian Winery roof was blown off, causing damage. The…

SUV and Amish buggy crash claims life of young girl

Editorial Staff Apr 2, 2025 2 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com LAWRENCE – An eight-year-old girl was killed early Wednesday morning, March 26, in Lawrence Township when the Amish horse and buggy she was a passenger in, was rear-ended by a vehicle, according to a press release…

Suspect in custody in Hartford shooting

Editorial Staff Apr 2, 2025 3 min read

Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office Uniform Response and detectives from the CID Unit handled a shooting/homicide in the City of Hartford. “I cannot go into details being it’s an open pending case with the suspect in custody. I can disclose an…

Demonstration held in Sturgis to protest government policies

Demonstration held in Sturgis to protest government policies

Dennis Volkert Apr 2, 2025 2 min read

A demonstration was held March 28 near the intersection of U.S. 12 and Centerville Road in Sturgis, protesting some policies that are unfolding during the early phase of Donald Trump’s second administration.  An estimated 80 people took part, organizers said. …

Resolution of most Sturgis power outages expected by end of day

Resolution of most Sturgis power outages expected by end of day

Dennis Volkert Apr 1, 2025 1 min read

Electric crews in Sturgis have power outages down to fewer than 100 customers, as they continue to work to restore service in the aftermath of the March 30 storm. The majority of the remaining outages are small clusters of a…

Brush collection begins April 2 in Sturgis

Dennis Volkert Mar 31, 2025 2 min read

In aftermath of the March 30 storm, the city of Sturgis will begin brush pickup on April 2, instead of the scheduled April 7 start.  Crews from Department of Public Works will begin on the north side of the city…

Sunday storm damages homes, businesses in St. Joseph County

Sunday storm damages homes, businesses in St. Joseph County

Robert Tomlinson Mar 31, 2025 6 min read

Updated 4:01 p.m. March 31, 2025 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — A powerful thunderstorm rolled through St. Joseph County Sunday evening, causing numerous power outages, downed trees, and property damage in spots around the county. According to…

Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers

Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers

Dennis Volkert Mar 31, 2025 2 min read

City of Sturgis electric crews, aided by workers from other communities, continue to work to restore power in the aftermath of the March 30 storm, officials said.   Much of the work is within neighborhoods, involves replacing broken poles or is…

Breen named new superintendent at Constantine schools

Breen named new superintendent at Constantine schools

Robert Tomlinson Mar 28, 2025 2 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Public Schools has a new superintendent at the helm, and it’s one that’s very familiar with the district already. In a press release Thursday, the district announced that current Interim Superintendent Patrick Breen…

TR DDA breaks ground on new downtown amphitheater

TR DDA breaks ground on new downtown amphitheater

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 5 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Shovels were dug into the ground for the first time this week on a new project in downtown Three Rivers.An official groundbreaking event for a new amphitheater in downtown Three Rivers was held…

Out and About: A generation gone by, pancakes, and things to make you smile

Out and About: A generation gone by, pancakes, and things to make you smile

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 3 min read

It’s funny how fast life goes! I was born in 1944 and when I was growing up, hearing stories of people who were born in the 20s and 30s seemed so foreign and old to me. Now, when younger people…

Sturgis commission approves purchase of weather siren, to replace failed unit

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 3 min read

By Dennis Volkert After extensive discussion on Wednesday, Sturgis City Commission narrowly approved approved a request from the Department of Public Safety for a bid waiver for purchase of a new weather-alert siren, in the amount of $29,200.Andy Strudwick, deputy…

‘A new chapter in the storied history of Glen Oaks’ Newton inaugurated as ninth GOCC president

‘A new chapter in the storied history of Glen Oaks’ Newton inaugurated as ninth GOCC president

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — After just less than a year on the job, the newest president of Glen Oaks Community College was officially inaugurated into the position.On Friday, March 21, an inauguration ceremony was held for Dr. Bryan…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 3 min read

RECURRING Children’s story time, 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Friday, Sturgis District Library. Additional events at library available at www.sturgis-library.org/events.Sturgis Area Model Railroaders winter hours at Sturgis Historical Museum, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Online: sturgismuseum.org. MARCHMarch 28-29“Little Women,”…

Resident taken to hospital, dog dies in house fire

Resident taken to hospital, dog dies in house fire

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 1 min read

The Surrey Township Fire Department was called out to Half Moon Train in Lake at 5:30 Tuesday morning for a structure fire. On arrival the structure was found to be fully involved. Fire crews made a quick and aggressive interior…

County spends $109k to defend against Ambrozaitis lawsuit

Editorial Staff Mar 28, 2025 5 min read

Clare County officials are committed to transparency and accountability in the management of taxpayer funds. As part of ongoing efforts to provide clarity on the costs associated with the recent “Prosecutor vs. Clare County” lawsuit, filed by then Prosecutor Michelle…

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.