News
Election Preview 2025: SJC voters to decide on 911 millage renewal, reduction in November election
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — It’s not often you hear of a governmental entity asking voters to decide on an operating millage renewal that comes with a reduction in said millage. However, that is what St. Joseph County’s 911/Central…
Rising country star to perform in downtown Clare
By ChristopherJohnson Later tonight, The Trap Door will welcome local country singer Justin Judge to perform for a downtown audience from 7 PM to 9 PM.For those unfamiliar with Justin’s story, it’s a rather incredible one. Born and raised in…
Clare area set to host “Spooktacular” seasonal events
By Lindsey Ashley As the Halloween season draws nearer, the city of Clare has begun to publicize its extensive seasonal activities. The city of Clare’s official trick-or-treating hours will take place next Friday on Halloween from 6 to 8 PM.…
HCS bond request doesn’t raise millage but helps maintain facilities
By Genine Hopkins With many Michiganders on board to end property taxes in the midterms next year, it would be prudent to go over the upcoming Harrison Community Schools’ request for a Millage approval in two weeks on November 4th.…
Pier Cove Park ribbon-cutting Nov. 1
By Scott Sullivan Editor Ganges Township will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly-enhanced Pier Cove Park Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. All are welcome. The township — with help from a $266,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust…
Roy Davis: Homeless in Saugatuck
By Scott Sullivan Editor Roy Davis, 59, has “come home” to Saugatuck with no home. He has lived in Wicks Park since July, making do with a sleeping bag, ice-fishing tent, propane heater and clothes on his back. We spoke…
‘Spooktacular’ Halloween on tap
By Scott SullivanEditorIt’s time for the best spooky fun of the season as Saugatuck-Douglas celebrates Halloween early this this week.What better place to start than at Dykstra Funeral Home Thursday, Oct. 23 for “Evening at the Parlor” exploring the history…
OHS drumline participates in W. Michigan Drum Bash
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor BYRON CENTER—Earlier this month, the Annual West Michigan Drum Bash took place at Byron Center High School.Among eight high school drumlines invited to participate in this prestigious event? None other than Otsego High School.“It was an…
OPS elementary students receive special performance
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Students from Otsego Public Schools’ three elementary buildings—Alamo, Dix Street and Washington Street—recently took a field trip to Bulldog Stadium.The reason? To watch the high school marching band perform its halftime show along with teaching the…
PHS students use VR to learn about Holocaust
Students in Mrs. Trahan’s Holocaust class at PHS were granted a remarkable opportunity to enhance their studies through virtual reality. Thanks to a scholarship from the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, the museum loaned VR headsets to the class.…
November 4th elections affect several municipalities
By Gari Voss Calling all resident who live in the cities of Douglas, Fennville, Holland Wards 4/9 and 5/11, Saugatuck, South Haven, and Wayland. Also needed are residents of Casco, Fillmore, Gun Plain, Hopkins, Leighton, Overisel, Salem and Wayland Townships.…
ESA decries loss of early childhood program funding
By Gari Voss The budget signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer may have been lauded by some, but the early childhood programs across Michigan took a huge hit. All of the funding for the Great Start Collaborative programs were cut. Translated,…
BOC approvcs construction firm for medical facility improvements
By John RaffelCorrespondent Acting on a late addition to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) agenda at last Thursday’s nighttime annual meeting, former commissioner James Storey said the body approvedan agreement with Beckering Construction to manage the improvements to the county’smedical…
No Kings 2! Over 2000 attend in SH, $624 raised for food pantry
Dana Nessel, Michigan Attorney General, Addressed the Crowd at RallySouth Haven Indivisible Raised $624 for the First Congregation Church UCC Food Pantry during their No Kings 2 protest on October 18, 2025.Volunteers collected the money as they walked through the…
Parents of South Haven students voice concerns about busing
By James Windell Ethan Pulka has a concern about transportation for South Haven school students. The message that he wants to let the School Board and the Superintendent of South Haven schools know about is short and maybe not so…
Meet Amy Cockburn: South Haven High School’s new principal
By James Windell Five days into the job as principal of South Haven High School, Amy Cockburn is convinced that South Haven is where she should be.Having grown up in Indiana and coming off of a stint as assistant principal…
Albert Anthony service recognized by local quilt maker
By James Windell It was a Beacon profile of Vietnam War veteran Albert Anthony that set the wheels – or, more accurately – the fingers of Chri Brenner in motion.An article that commemorated the war experiences of South Havern’s Albert…
State AG Nessel makes special appearance at Paw Paw No Kings 2 rally
By Ann Burch PAW PAW – “We are not going to bend. We will not bow. We will not break. We will not capitulate to this lawless, reckless, chaotic, criminal want-to-be dictator of a president,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel…
Charlie Kirk remembered by area residents on what would have been his 32nd birthday
By Paul GarrodStaff Writernews4garrod@gmail.com PAW PAW – Tuesday, Oct. 14, was designated by Congress as the National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, recognizing his lasting contributions to civic education and public service. To mark what would have been his 32nd birthday,…
Lawrence grad named LMC’s Distinguished Alumni
Lake Michigan College has announced that 2025 Clarence Beckwith Distinguished Alumni Award has been awarded to Dr. John Marcelletti. This award is given to an LMC alumnus who has accomplished significant success in his/ her personal or professional endeavors. John will be honored…

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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.























