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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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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)

Two Osceola County residents charged in Cadillac murder case

Two Osceola County residents charged in Cadillac murder case

ByEditorial StaffMay 3, 20243 min read

Michael Hayes from LeRoy and Katelynne Hendricks from Tustin. Booking Photo courtesy of the Michigan State Police. Jordan WilcoxAssistant Publisher 45-year-old Michael Peter Hayes from LeRoy, and 18-year-old Katelynne Jonelle Hendricks from Tustin, have been formally charged with multiple felonies,…

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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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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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Labor trafficking charges levied against three former TR business owners

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 30, 20245 min read

Pictured is the former location of Broadway Market Tuesday. Three former owners of the business, Ikbahl Singh Machhal, Kartar Chand, and Shila Devi were charged with labor trafficking by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, accused of labor trafficking a now…

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Sports

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District: Online threat closed White Pigeon schools Friday

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 26, 20242 min read

White Pigeon Junior/Senior High School, as well as Central Elementary, were closed Friday due to an online threat against White Pigeon Community Schools. (Photo via Google Maps) By Robert TomlinsonNews Director WHITE PIGEON — White Pigeon Community Schools was closed…

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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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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 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…

STURGIS BRIEFS

STURGIS BRIEFS

ByEditorial StaffMay 3, 20242 min read

Spring brush and leaf collection continuesSturgis Department of Public Services will begin its May brush collection.Pickup begins on the north side of the city and proceeds southward.Weather conditions and varying amounts of brush make it difficult to adhere to a…

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Columns

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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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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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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…

Marion library has STEM projects and other fun events

Marion library has STEM projects and other fun events

ByEditorial StaffMay 3, 20243 min read

By Genine Hopkins Spring has arrived and we are in the beginning of May, but the Marion Area District Library has a lot of fun activities and events for kids and adults alike. Beyond the Dungeons and Dragons drop in…

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Obituaries

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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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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.…

Commissioners attend state conference

Commissioners attend state conference

ByEditorial StaffMay 3, 20241 min read

Osceola County Commissioners Tim Michell, Sally Momany, Mark Gregory alongwith Tim Ladd ,the County Administrator pictured below attended the Michigan Association of Counties Legislative Conference held in Lansing this week. The conference featured current County topics and an opportunity to…

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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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New med center slates open house May 8

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20242 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorIt’s here! Holland Hospital will herald opening of its new 16,940-square-foot medical building at 6490 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck Township, with a community open house Wednesday, May 8, from 3 to 6 p.m.The facility, which officially opens May…

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