City OKs plan for structure already built

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20224 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorBetter late than never may be the case with The Dunes Resort, where an accessory building’s site plan review was approved by the Douglas Planning Commission after it had been erected, with conditions.City council Monday scheduled a special…

Douglas man sentenced for hit-and-run

Douglas man sentenced for hit-and-run

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20222 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorA Douglas man who pleaded no contest to a June 20 hit-and-run that killed an 88-year-old woman was sentenced last week to one year in jail and three years of probation for failure to stop at the scene…

Communities offer spring clean-up options

Communities offer spring clean-up options

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20225 min read

By Gari VossCorrespondent Communities across Allegan County are discovering unwanted items in yards and along streets and roads. To assist in the clean up process, many cities and townships allow residents to take advantage of a variety of services. These…

Unsung heroes of Allegan dispatchhonored

Unsung heroes of Allegan dispatchhonored

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20228 min read

By Leslie Ballard “We are eternally grateful for all they do for us. We couldn’t do our jobs without them,” is Allegan Fire Chief Nick Brinks’ assessment of the Allegan County Centra Dispatchers (ACCD).National Telecommunicators Week is April 10-16, “a…

Fennville offers Beemer administrator post

Fennville offers Beemer administrator post

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20222 min read

The Fennville City Commission Monday offered its city administrator position after an interview that night, Commercial Record correspondent Jim Hayden reports on his Bicycle Base Fennville blog.“I’m really excited about potentially working with you guys,” she said at the close…

SUV driver dies when vehicle crashes in to semi

Editorial StaffApr 6, 20222 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent ALLEGAN – Allegan sheriff deputies report a 20-year-old Grand Rapids man was killed in an accident on early afternoon on Monday.Deputies reported at approximately 1:39 p.m. sheriff’s office deputies responded to a fatal injury crash at the…

Postcard from the Pines: The Good Dr. Youngman

Postcard from the Pines: The Good Dr. Youngman

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20225 min read

I’m thinking that it’s time to retell an updated version of the some of the stories of people and places in Marion’s past, before any more of them vanish from sight or memory. Too many have already. This week’s story…

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Happy April Fool’s Day!

Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Happy April Fool’s Day!

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20224 min read

Since today is April 1st, I’ve had a little fun looking up some famous April Fool’s jokes on the Internet.According to Snopes.com, this just for fun holiday began in the 1500s when the Gregorian calendar took over from the Julian.Since…

Faces in the Crowd: Will Gasper

Faces in the Crowd: Will Gasper

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20229 min read

Will Gasper has spent an extraordinary amount of his life giving back to those in need.He’s spent the last six years working as the Grief Support Services Manager for Hospice of Michigan out of Cadillac. Along with his wife, Patti,…

Gas prices hover slightly over $4 a gallon

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20222 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Area gas prices are still above $4 per gallon but have been below the national and state averages.As of March 31, AAA reports the national average is $4.22 per gallon. The state average is $4.09…

Because of snow, area superintendents look to back up last school day

Editorial StaffApr 1, 20222 min read

By John RaffelCorrespondent MARION – Area school superintendents are gearing up for the final two-plus months of the 2021-22 school year.Because of snow days and other cancellations, superintendents have had to examine the number of days they will be required…

Safe Harbor Marinas buys Tower, SYS

Safe Harbor Marinas buys Tower, SYS

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20224 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Tower Marine of Douglas and Saugatuck Yacht Service have been sold after 65 years in the Peterson family to Safe Harbor Marinas. Safe Harbor, the world’s largest owner and operator of marinas, with more than 130…

Green Koi kicks in for Wishbone, Rainbow

Green Koi kicks in for Wishbone, Rainbow

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20223 min read

Douglas’s two-year-old Green Koi cannabis dispensary has launched a Bridging Local and Global Charity initiative benefiting Wishbone Pet Rescue locally and the Rainbow Railroad internationally. Ethan Del Stone said he and Green Koi co-owner David Setzke “have always had an…

Local governments share pot pie

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Municipalities allowing marijuana sales will receive $56,453.44-per-licensed shop in revenues from the state next week, according to just-released Michigan Department of Treasury figures. That means Douglas (with Green Koi and Afficianado dispensaries) will receive $112,906.88, Saugatuck…

Citizens tell Council, LaFayette schools must stay open

Citizens tell Council, LaFayette schools must stay open

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20224 min read

By John West A large group of concerned citizens turned out at the LaFayette City Council meeting on Monday night to voice their concerns over the current school consolidation plan. Local resident Tammy Seroyer spoke on behalf of the group.…

Bangor names Weber new police chief

Bangor names Weber new police chief

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

The City of Bangor has appointed a local police officer to serve as the new Chief of Police. Justin Weber has been appointed to Chief of Police for the Bangor Police Department and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the…

County Commissioners approve purchase of two properties

County Commissioners approve purchase of two properties

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20225 min read

By Paul GarrodStaff Writer PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioners on Tuesday, March 22, approved the purchase of two properties located on Kalamazoo Street, Paw Paw.As part of the county’s long term facility plan, commissioners allowed county administration to…

Obituary: Mr. Kenneth “Big Baby” Wright

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20221 min read

Mr. Kenneth “Big Baby” Wright passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL. Public Viewing will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM CST at Silmon-Seroyer Funeral Home…

Obituary: The Rev. Warren Elliot Vines

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20224 min read

The Rev. Warren Elliot Vines, Sr., 68, of Carrollton, VA (formerly of Lanett) died Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Riverside Regional Medical Center, Newport News, VA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist…

Woody named Sun’s LHS Basketball MVP

Woody named Sun’s LHS Basketball MVP

Editorial StaffMar 30, 20222 min read

By Pamela Whitlow The LaFayette Bulldogs basketball team ended their season in mid-February with a heartbreaking 51-50 lost to the Central Coosa Cougars in the sub regionals. The Bulldogs under new head coach Chase Lewis had somewhat of a rebuilding…