News

Mother arrested for alleged involuntary manslaughter in death of 2-year-old

Mother arrested for alleged involuntary manslaughter in death of 2-year-old

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 2 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director STURGIS TWP. — A mother faces open murder charges after being arrested last week after her 2-year-old child was found unresponsive.According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred at the Memory Lane Mobile…

Perez retains mayoral seat, Bir appointed vice mayor: Swear-in conducted for elected city commissioners

Perez retains mayoral seat, Bir appointed vice mayor: Swear-in conducted for elected city commissioners

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 3 min read

By Dennis Volkert Frank Perez retained his position as mayor of Sturgis, Rick Bir was appointed vice mayor and three new members formally joined Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday, at the board’s annual organizational meeting.In the Nov. 5 election, Rodger…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 3 min read

By Mike WilcoxPublisher We know that the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” can actually be a bummer for some.We know that lack of essential food and clothing, not being able to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for your…

Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 4 min read

RECURRINGChildren’s story time, 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Friday, Sturgis District Library.Sturgis Area Model Railroaders winter hours, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Sturgis Historical Museum at the Depot.  NOVEMBERNov. 15“Chocolate in the City,” 5:30-8 p.m., downtown Sturgis.“The…

Kyle honored by MMC College Foundation

Kyle honored by MMC College Foundation

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 2 min read

The Mid Michigan College Foundation recently hosted An Evening of Gratitude on the College’s Mt. Pleasant Campus.“This event brought together supporters and friends as we recognized the incredible impact our donors make,” said Alexa Carey, Executive Director of the Mid…

Plenty to do for the holidays around Clare County

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 6 min read

There’s lots to see and do around the area.If you are in a holiday mood, local Veteran, Lecia Griffin will have her White House Christmas ornaments on display at the Clare Union Depot. You will have a chance to view…

Do you need Help?

Editorial Staff Nov 15, 2024 3 min read

By Mike WilcoxPublisher We know that the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” can actually be a bummer for some.We know that lack of essential food and clothing, not being able to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for your…

City beach fee hikes pay off

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 2 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Oval Beach parking fee hikes passed last spring helped net Saugatuck a $123,931.04 profit this season, figures shared with city council at its Nov. 6 workshop show. Treasurer Nicole Bredeweg told members increasing day-use motor vehicle…

Local elections largely keep status quo

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 4 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck voters returned three incumbents but replaced another in the Nov. 5 city council race for four open two-year seats. In Douglas, all four incumbents faced down two challengers for four available two-year seats. Saugatuck Township…

Iconic tree may be doomed; what’s next?

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 3 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor The wind in the willow didn’t mix well Nov. 1 as large south section of the iconic tree in Cook Park fell and blew in speculation about what’s next. “I love that willow,” said Saugatuck City…

Laketown takes manager search on road

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 2 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent Laketown Township is getting its manager search team together and taking on the road after interviewing three finalists for the position. The committee Nov. 6 interviewed Bob Genetski, Brandon Mersman and Karen Sherwood during a five-hour…

Ganges church repentant sentenced

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 3 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor A man who turned himself in to police this spring at a Ganges church was sentenced last Thursday to decades in prison for murdering his girlfriend.  Brandon Ortiz-Vite, 26, asked for mercy in Kent County Circuit…

Incumbents largely hold serve here

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 4 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFor all this year’s sound and fury, little changed in local elections this year.Saugatuck voters returned three incumbents but replaced another with a past council veteran in the Nov. 5 city council race for four open two-year seats.In…

Hike to like

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 1 min read

Friends from the Radar Hill Hiking Club, RiverWood Council, Saugatuck city and township parks committees gathered before taking a Halloween hike on Saugatuck’s old airport property. The city, township and Outdoor Discovery Center are working to create public trails and…

OPS to hold ribbon cutting for health center

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 2 min read

After seven months of construction, the opening of Otsego Public School’s new on-site student health center is nearly here.The district will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., with an open house to follow until 8…

Cahoon, friends bring concert to Plainwell

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 3 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Former Plainwell High School choir director Keith Cahoon will take the stage at the Plainwell Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.And he’s bringing some friends with him.Vocalists Ann Berchem and Tony Beacco…

Honoring those who have served

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 1 min read

On Monday, Nov. 11, Americans throughout the country took time to pause and relfect on the sacrifices made by those who have served or continue to serve in the military on Veterans Day. In Otsego, a ceremony was held at…

Veterans remembered at Allegan ceremony

Veterans remembered at Allegan ceremony

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 2 min read

By Gari Voss Allegan area residents braved a stiff wind and dropping temperature to gather on Monday, November 11, 2024, beginning at 11am and celebrate all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and the rededicate…

Do you need help? Write Us!

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 3 min read

By Mike WilcoxPublisher We know that the holidays, “the most wonderful time of the year,” can actually be a bummer for some.We know that lack of essential food and clothing, not being able to buy meaningful Christmas gifts for your…

Election Wrap up: Jipp defeats Peterson in judicial race

Editorial Staff Nov 13, 2024 9 min read

By Gari Voss When the dust settled and the last in-person voting day was completed on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the votes of 68,170 Allegan County voters (71.8%) were tallied. The results are still be examined by the Allegan County…

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.