THIS WEBSITE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

Two weeks ago, we had a major technical issue, requiring us to rebuild our website from scratch. Please excuse the mess while we rebuild. New news posting should restart this week.

In the meantime, you can reach us at wilcoxnewspapers@gmail.com or 269-657-5080. Thanks!

Latest News

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Neighbors object to Hutchins Lake marina plans

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFifty-seven Hutchins Lake residents have sued to stop a developer from building what they call an illegally-permitted marina on the lake’s northeast side.David DeGroot, whose DeGroot Family Trust owns 79 acres, subdivided into 11 lots, with 500 feet…

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Fire engulfs, destroys barn at St. Joseph County fairgrounds

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 27, 20243 min read

Firefighters work to put out a fire that occurred at Barn 42 on the St. Joseph County fairgrounds Saturday afternoon. (COMMERCIAL-NEWS | ROBERT TOMLINSON) By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — A fire erupted at a barn on the St. Joseph…

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Wolverine Conference honors local scholar-athletes

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

Issac Veen (left) and Olivia Perrin were the 2024 Wolverine Conference Scholar-Athletes from Plainwell. (Photo provided) Ben Ernstes (left) and Chad Goodrich were Otsego’s Wolverine Conference Scholar-Athlete honorees. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Each year, the Wolverine Conference honors…

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May I Walk With You? CAFETERIA CHRISTIANS

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20243 min read

Recently the in the news I heard the term “cafeteria Catholic” used in reference to a politician who while claiming to be a good Catholic man, supports abortion, which the Catholic Church is overwhelmingly against. The person making the comment…

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Election season has arrived – May 7th Proposals

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20242 min read

By Gari Voss The presidential primaries have passed, but the May 7, 2024, Proposal Election will soon arrive. The proposals will focus on Township Proposals and School Millage Renewals or Bond Issues. This spring election can be easily overlooked, but…

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Sports

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Groups observe Earth Day

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

John Pigeon coached participants as they stripped the ring growth from a log. He then assisted them in making pliable fiber to make small baskets. As the growth ring stripping is completed, John Pidgeon prepares lengths of bass wood that…

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Earth Day celebrated at Health Center

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

AU Students hold a ribbon cutting for new food pantries. Volunteers build a community garden to celebrate Earth Day. By John BriceCorrespondent Volunteers from a variety of local organizations gathered at the Chambers County Health and Wellness Center to celebrate…

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Wolverine Conference honors local scholar-athletes

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

Issac Veen (left) and Olivia Perrin were the 2024 Wolverine Conference Scholar-Athletes from Plainwell. (Photo provided) Ben Ernstes (left) and Chad Goodrich were Otsego’s Wolverine Conference Scholar-Athlete honorees. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Each year, the Wolverine Conference honors…

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Eight students become CNA certified

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20241 min read

Eight LaFayette High School passed their CNA exam last week and are now CNA Certified. They are:Azajah GrimesKylie MorganKyndhal OliverZiakeria KingJoy RobinsonDanasia ThomasErykah WilkinsDaNayla Heard

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Clare City Commission approves oversight for airport project

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20243 min read

Mayor Humphrey presenting Fire Chief Jim Chapman with a 15-year service recognition Fire Chief Jim Chapman with his wife and Mayor Humphrey By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Clare City Commissioners approved engineering and construction oversight by Mead & Hunt for construction of…

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Columns

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May I Walk With You? CAFETERIA CHRISTIANS

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20243 min read

Recently the in the news I heard the term “cafeteria Catholic” used in reference to a politician who while claiming to be a good Catholic man, supports abortion, which the Catholic Church is overwhelmingly against. The person making the comment…

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New judge takes oath of office

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20241 min read

The Investiture and Administration of the Oath of Office for Susan Metzger as probate judge for Van Buren County, was held Friday afternoon, April 19, at the Van Buren County Courthouse. Judge Metzger was appointed to the position, following the…

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Fire Chief: Electrical short caused barn fire at fairgrounds

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 30, 20243 min read

An aerial view of the aftermath of a barn fire at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds Saturday. Centreville’s fire chief said Tuesday the cause of the fire was an electrical short on a power pole. (Photo courtesy Todd Haifley) By…

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Rare Cicadas emerge in Chambers County

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

A cicada attaches itself to a porch screen. By John BriceCorrespondent Springtime is that season every year when the unusual insects known as cicadas hatch in droves, however, this year will be especially notable due to an occurrence that hasn’t…

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Rural route

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20241 min read

Saugatuck High School track team members ran circle with Martin and Black River peers and rivals April 17 on the Martin High School oval. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)

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Obituaries

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Roundabout dig takes negotiating too

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

James Bowen joined Capizzo Studio owner Nick Cappelletti last week wondering why roundabout milling started before entry to their shop. (Photo by Scott Sullivan) By Scott SullivanEditorNo one likes road construction — until it’s over. Some Blue Star Highway businesses…

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Clare City Commission approves oversight for airport project

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20243 min read

Mayor Humphrey presenting Fire Chief Jim Chapman with a 15-year service recognition Fire Chief Jim Chapman with his wife and Mayor Humphrey By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Clare City Commissioners approved engineering and construction oversight by Mead & Hunt for construction of…

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Election season has arrived – May 7th Proposals

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20242 min read

By Gari Voss The presidential primaries have passed, but the May 7, 2024, Proposal Election will soon arrive. The proposals will focus on Township Proposals and School Millage Renewals or Bond Issues. This spring election can be easily overlooked, but…

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Mattawan School District voters will go to the polls May 7

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

MATTAWAN – On Tuesday, May 7, residents who live within the Mattawan Consolidated School boundaries will have the opportunity to vote on a comprehensive school bond.In a press release from the Mattawan Board of Education and District Superintendent Randy Fleenor,…

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Neighbors object to Hutchins Lake marina plans

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFifty-seven Hutchins Lake residents have sued to stop a developer from building what they call an illegally-permitted marina on the lake’s northeast side.David DeGroot, whose DeGroot Family Trust owns 79 acres, subdivided into 11 lots, with 500 feet…

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