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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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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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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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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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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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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Sports

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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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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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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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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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Celebrity chef Jet Tila visits Constantine schools

ByRobert TomlinsonApr 26, 20247 min read

Celebrity chef and Food Network personality Jet Tila (right) serves up some of his Hawaiian fried rice with teriyaki chicken to Aleeah Northrop (second from left) and Addison Townsend (left) during a lunch period cooking demonstration at Constantine Middle School…

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Columns

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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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New med center slates open house May 8

ByEditorial StaffMay 1, 20242 min read

Come see the new Holland Hospital medical center at 6490 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck, May 8. 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…

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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