The Recorder

11/13/2025

Did you catch the Northern Lights last night? Post your photos in the comments. This one was outside of Marshall, MI. Keep them coming. What amazing photos we've gotten so far!

11/12/2025

Mike’s Musings: The True Spirit of Christmas Lives in Helping Others

As the Christmas season approaches, the lights, music, and festive cheer remind us of joy, family, and tradition. But amid the celebration, it’s also a time to remember what this season truly repre…

11/12/2025

Ringing bells to honor a living legacy this Veterans Day

Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall rang their bell by hand at 11:00 a.m. in honor of Veterans Day.

Read in an upcoming Recorder how two veterans feel about the day and why they participated in the service at their church.

11/11/2025

By Mike Wilcox
Owner/Publisher

Every year, as the Christmas season draws near, I’m reminded just how generous our communities can be. For nearly two decades, Wilcox Newspapers has hosted what’s become one of my favorite traditions: our Annual Christmas Wish Program.

It started simply enough. We asked readers who were struggling to write in and tell us what would make their Christmas a little brighter. The idea was to connect local families in need with local people who wanted to help. Over the years, it’s grown into something truly special—and this year, we’re doing it again.

Lately, I’ve heard from more families than ever who are struggling to make ends meet. The rising cost of everyday necessities, from groceries and gas to rent and utilities, has stretched household budgets thin. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people, and many are finding themselves in need of a little extra help just to get by.

If you or your family are going through a difficult time, I encourage you to write to us and be as specific as you can. Tell us about your situation, your family, and how we might help make your holiday a little brighter. Most importantly, explain why you need our help. We prefer you email us at [email protected], but if you don’t have access to a computer, you can always mail a letter to P.O. Box 189, Allegan, MI 49010.

Over the years, I’ve been amazed at the generosity that pours in from our readers and advertisers. One afternoon, while vacuuming our new office, I noticed an envelope on the floor. Inside were ten $100 bills—no note, no name, just a quiet act of kindness from someone who wanted to help. Another time, a donor sent $2,000. Several more gave $1,000 each. For a Scrooge like me, it’s humbling to see just how deeply people here care for one another.

Last year alone, we were able to raise more than $20,000 in cash and gifts, helping over 70 families enjoy the holidays. This year, our goal is even higher. We hope to assist at least 100 families within our circulation areas.

I’ve always believed in the saying, “We take care of our own,” and nowhere is that truer than in the communities we serve. So, if you legitimately need help this Christmas, and I stress LEGITIMATELY, please reach out to us. And if you’re in a position to give, know that your generosity can change someone’s holiday, and maybe their outlook on life, for the better.

11/07/2025

OBITUARY: Carrier, Rolaine

View Rolaine Carrier's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

Jackson City Council election results

Angelita V. Gunn Arlene Robinson Shalanda Hunt By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer The City of Jackson held midterm elections on Tuesday Nov. 4. At stake were three city council seats: Ward 1, …

11/07/2025

Army veteran and family honor a GI who made the ultimate sacrifice

Daryl Kinder at his retirement from the U.S. Army in 2018. This photo of the Kinder family members at the ceremonies in San Antonio in October. This is the recovered Purple Heart awarded originally…

11/07/2025

Albion’s fall construction season shows visible progress

Photos by AlbionMich.netAerial view of Albion’s new water tower rising near Haas Trucking and Fleet Service; in the foreground, the industrial complex houses Challenger Communications, Viking Satco…

11/07/2025

A Farewell Sighting of the Edmund Fitzgerald

This photo captures the Edmund Fitzgerald on one of its many voyages on the Great Lakes. This one is from 1971. It was the largest ship on the Great Lakes and remains the largest to have sunk there…

11/05/2025

Mike’s Musings: Government shutdown can be averted- takes politicians to act instead of grandstand

Another week has passed, and much of our federal government remains shuttered. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay. National parks are closed, sm…

10/31/2025

OBITUARY: Whitbeck, Reta

View Reta Whitbeck's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.