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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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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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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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Hall, Nesbitt witness border crisis firsthand in visit to southern border

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

House Republican Leader Matt Hall and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt recently visited the United States’ southern border with Mexico in Eagle Pass, Texas, where they observed National Guard units from Texas and other states combat the border crisis that…

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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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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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Sports

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Grant Twp reviews budget, approves road contract

ByEditorial StaffApr 19, 20245 min read

By Pat MaurerCorrespondent In his notes about the Grant Township meeting April 9th, Supervisor Dan Dysinger Jr. said, There was only a brief discussion regarding the budget which was adopted in March.  It is the largest budget ever for Grant…

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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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Obituaries

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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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Ransom Library hosts Kids’ Day Event on Friday, May 3

ByEditorial StaffApr 24, 20243 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Calling parents and guardians of children from zero to five years old.On Friday, May 3, the organization Help Me Grow Allegan is hosting a Kids’ Day Event specifically for pre-school-age children at Ransom District Library in…

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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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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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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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