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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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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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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Paw Paw High School names Academic Elite students for Class of 2024

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20241 min read

Paw Paw High School has announced its Academic Elite students for the Class of 2024. These 21 students are graduating with a weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher. From a class of 152 students, this represents just…

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Woman found dead after being hit by train

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20241 min read

The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office released more details about the incident, where a woman was hit by a train in Cusseta.According to CCSO, the sheriff’s office received a report about a person, later identified as 41-year-old Donna Michelle Watkins from…

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Council agrees to repair 2nd St. bridge

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, April 22nd of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman Toney…

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Sports

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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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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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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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Suspect in Mendon break-ins arrested

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 30, 20242 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director MENDON — An arrest was made Tuesday in connection with three break-ins in the Mendon area over the weekend. According to Mendon Police Department Chief Mike Kline, a 46-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested in the…

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Columns

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Woman found dead after being hit by train

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20241 min read

The Chambers County Sheriff’s Office released more details about the incident, where a woman was hit by a train in Cusseta.According to CCSO, the sheriff’s office received a report about a person, later identified as 41-year-old Donna Michelle Watkins from…

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Council agrees to repair 2nd St. bridge

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, April 22nd of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman Toney…

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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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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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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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Obituaries

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5K Freedom Run/Walk next Saturday

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20243 min read

2023 5K run, photo by S. Landon By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A website about the annual 5K Freedom Run/Walk says, “Gear up for an electrifying experience at the 13th Annual Freedom 5K Run/Walk, where each stride celebrates the valiant heart of…

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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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Council agrees to repair 2nd St. bridge

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

By John BriceCorrespondent The LaFayette City Council met on Monday, April 22nd of 2024 at the Chambers County Farmers Federation Agricultural Center at the ALFA building in LaFayette. In attendance were Mayor Kenneth Vines, Councilman Terry G. Mangram, Councilman Toney…

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Former Allegan Aquatics Director sentenced to 7-15 years

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

Scott Simmons By Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher Scott Simmons, the former Aquatics Director for Allegan Public Schools, will live the next 7-15 years behind bars, after pleading guilty to criminal sexual conduct with a student.On Monday, Judge Matt Antkoviak of 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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