News
Report: City still exceeding action level for lead in water
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — One year after its first notice to residents about the issue, the City of Three Rivers is still dealing with an action level exceedance of lead in its drinking water system.On Aug. 8,…
Sturges-Young ‘Performance Series’ set for 2024-25
By Dennis Volkert Sturges-Young Center for the Arts Performance Series has been announced for 2024-25.It features a variety of entertainment, including music, comedy and dance.Season tickets are available through Sept. 27.A new feature this year: Patrons may select a package…
Sturgis City Commission approves increase in utilities rates, purchase of ambulance
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved an increase in rates for electric, water and wastewater, in a multi-year plan.It involves electric rates for 2024-27 billing periods, beginning Oct. 1 of each year.Water and wastewater is for 2024-26,…
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
Coming events Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area. Sept. 3“Two-Wheel Tuesdays,” 5-9 p.m., North Nottawa and East West streets.Sept. 6“First Fridays Karaoke,” 8 p.m., Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.Sept. 7History walking tour, 4-5:30 p.m., Oak Lawn Cemetery, tour groups…
Old 27 Car Tour makes pit stop in Clare
By David Hutchinson The Old US 27 Motor Tour arrived in Clare on August 22. Automotive showpieces filled the streets of downtown Clare for the public’s viewing pleasure from 6-8 p.m.The tour was started by the late Craig Parrish in…
Severe Tuesday storms hit area, Thousands without power
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Clare Emergency Management Director Jerry Becker posted on Facebook Wednesday morning that 10,436 Customers were still without power in Clare County, according to Consumers Energy. His post said, “Crews are out working to clear roads and restore…
Blue Star Labor Day Bridge Walk scrubbed
By Scott SullivanEditorAfter 25 years, the Labor Day Blue Star Bridge Walk has been canceled. In a joint press release, Douglas and Saugatuck cities with the Saugatuck Public Schools Community Recreation Department announced the 26th annual community walk, which would…
Saugatuck council candidates to square off
By Scott SullivanEditorAll seven candidates for four two-year Saugatuck City Council seats available in Nov. 5 elections have been invited to a Holland Area League of Women Voters-sponsored forum Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the Saugatuck High School auditorium, 401 Elizabeth…
Saying sayonara
… to summer jobs as Saugatuck Oval Beach patrol members are members such as these, shown this spring get oriented to high dune views of Lake Michigan that come along as perks. After Labor Day, the city-owned beach will no…
Otsego Schools prepares for Purple Week
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor One Cause, One Community.That’s the theme of Otsego Public Schools’ 8th Purple Community Week to support medical research at Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids.What exactly is Purple Week?It’s a week-long event that brings the district’s…
Plainwell Schools welcomes students back to class
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor The 2024-25 school year is officially underway in PlainwellPlainwell Community Schools held its first day on Monday, Aug. 26, with students coming back for a half day.Full days of class were scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27,…
Resident stake walk on roundabout
Thursday, August 22, 2024, the new Roundabout was opened for a Walkabout. City Manager Joel Dye welcomed walkers and those with non-motorized vehicles who explored the entrances and exits of the new Roundabout. The public walked or rode bikes, skateboards,…
County names Jessup new local rep
By Scott SullivanWriter Former 16-year Allegan County Commissioner Tom Jessup was named by that all-Republican board to replace the man who defeated him, the late Dean Kapenga, as commissioner for District 3.The one-time Casco Township supervisor emerged from a 5-hour…
Newmans, Roesly honored by Main Street
The LaFayette Main Street hosted its 2nd Annual Membership Meeting last Thursday. The meeting was held at the Kemp’s historic home in LaFayette.LaFayette business owners, Main Street volunteers, board members and Mayor Kenneth Vines were in attendance.The 2024 Business of…
Community concerns prompted over new CCSD truancy program
By John BriceCorrespondent Attendance policies recently adopted by the Chambers County School District under its new “Early Warning Truancy Program” have prompted parents and residents in the community to express their concerns over potential issues that may arise for students…
Salute to Veterans Boat Parade rescheduled
By Donald Talonen The Annual Salute to Veterans, sponsored by Operation Injured Soldiers, will take place on Lake Michigan on August 31, 2024. Approximately 80 veterans will embark on a fishing trip aboard 40 boats, departing at 5:30 am and…
Woman facing multiple charges of sexual abuse
By Donald Talonen Stephanie Davis, a 30-year-old woman from South Haven was arrested on August 22, in connection to multiple child sexual abuse offenses, according to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office arrested Davis after their…
Navigating Short-Term Rentals
By Donald Talonen On August 19, 2024, the moratorium that began on February 19, 2024, came to an end, and a new moratorium began. The recently implemented moratorium set to end on February 19, 2025. The South Haven City Council unanimously…
48th Annual All Crafts Fair celebrating creativity and community
By Donald Talonen Get ready for the 48th Annual All Crafts Fair in South Haven, Michigan! The event will take place on Saturday, August 31st from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, September 1st, 2024, from 10 am to 4…
Downtown Lawton Road construction completion date delayed
By Paul GarrodStaff Writer LAWTON – The downtown Lawton road construction project, which was scheduled to be completed on Friday, Aug. 23, has been extended to Friday, Sept. 20, due to Amtrak work and weather delays, according to Lawton Village…

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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.

















