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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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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Marion Village Market closure stuns residents

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins The sudden closure of the Marion Village Market this past Sunday, April 14, at 9 p.m. stunned residents who for months, had heard rumors of the grocery store being purchased by Roger’s in Lake. Rumors floated since…

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Seven pass HOSA certification

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20241 min read

Seven Valley High School HOSA students passed the National Patient Care Technician certification exam ast week.They are Kendalyn Burton, Lily Smith, Kaydence Allen, Nevaeh Crane, Nykira Jackson, Meylin Romero, and KieAsia Smith

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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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LaFayette Piggly Wiggly under new ownership

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20241 min read

Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Last week, Nikki and Tushar Patel announced that they were the new owners of the LaFayette Piggly Wiggly. “We are so excited to be here and have big plans for LaFayette Piggly Wiggly,” said Nikki Patel to…

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Sports

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Benefit banquet raises funds for Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20242 min read

A fundraiser banquet for Reach the Forgotten was held Thursday, April 18, at Freshwater Community Church, here. Reach the Forgotten jail ministry assists inmates in finding their faith. Funds are derived solely by donors and volunteers.Courier-Leader photos/Paul Garrod By Paul…

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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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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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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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OHS robotics team competes at FIRST World Finals

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20243 min read

Members of the Alotobots are seen at the FIRST World Finals. (Photo provided) The FIRST World Finals included more than 600 teams from around the country and the world. (Photo provided) By Jason WesseldykSports Editor HOUSTON—FIRST Robotics held its 2024…

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Columns

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Artwork from PHS students featured in area art show

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

A total of six Plainwell High School students were part of the High School Area Art Show. (Photo provided) Plainwell High School student Jacob Erdody is seen by his artwork that was included in the High School Area Art Show.…

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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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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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Marion Village Market closure stuns residents

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20244 min read

By Genine Hopkins The sudden closure of the Marion Village Market this past Sunday, April 14, at 9 p.m. stunned residents who for months, had heard rumors of the grocery store being purchased by Roger’s in Lake. Rumors floated since…

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Clare Bond request extends present millage for 15 years

ByEditorial StaffApr 27, 20243 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent Information received last weekend about the coming bond request is NOT a new millage.Superintendent Jim Walter notified me (Pat Maurer) that the $12.1 million request is actuallyan extension of the current debt millage assessment (2.8 mills) for a…

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Obituaries

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Allegan Rotary celebrates its 100th anniversary

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20244 min read

Allegan Rotarians past and present gathered at The Silo on Fri., Apr. 26, 2024, to celebrate 100 years of service to the Allegan area and to begin looking forward. Allegan Rotary Club, No. 1709, March 29, 1965. The businessmen and…

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Benefit banquet raises funds for Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20242 min read

A fundraiser banquet for Reach the Forgotten was held Thursday, April 18, at Freshwater Community Church, here. Reach the Forgotten jail ministry assists inmates in finding their faith. Funds are derived solely by donors and volunteers.Courier-Leader photos/Paul Garrod By Paul…

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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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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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Police seeking surveillance footage in Mendon break-ins

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 29, 20242 min read

MENDON — The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone for security camera footage to help catch a suspect in a recent rash of break-ins in the Mendon area over the weekend. There were three incidents reported between Sunday…

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