Marion finishes at 14-15
By John Raffel MARION – Coach Ryan Raymond’s Eagles finishes the season recently at 14-15.“We had a lot of good players on the team,” he said. “We didn’t have that dominant pitching that we’re used to. We had some girls…
Outdoor Experiences: Three ways to summer panfish
I got one yelled eight year old Caleb. Indeed he did, another double of bluegill ended up in the livewell. For the second week in roll young Caleb was putting a hurt on the bluegills and showing us adults up.During…
Obituary: Ann Marguerite Coon
Marion – Ann Marguerite Coon, lifelong resident of the Marion area passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare. She was 90.Ann was born on April 25, 1934, at home in Middle Branch Township to…
Obituary: Ronald Devere Chapman
Ronald Devere Chapman, age 89 of Clare, passed away Friday, June 14, 2024 at Medilodge of Clare. Ronald was born the son of the late Muril J. and Dorothy (Brooks) Chapman on April 4, 1935 in Pontiac. He was united…
Postcard from the Pines: The Old Swimmin’ Hole
Summer has settled right in and no one can dispute that it is just plain hot. The temperature has topped 90 for three days now and leaves hang in want of water. It is oddly quiet and there is next…
Pat’s Bits and Pieces: Summer’s officially here this week…and HOT
Officially, or unofficially, hot summer weather has arrived and our air conditioner – and the generator—are getting a real workout today (Tuesday). I’m looking at the calendar and the June, or Summer Solstice arrives Thursday. That is “officially” the end…
May I Walk with You? FATHER’S DAY THOUGHTS
When I think of Father’s Day, I think about a number of things. My first thoughts are about my spouse, without whom I would not be a father, and the fantastic mother she is and always has been. I must…
Grant Township Hall and parking lot projects are completed
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent At the regular meeting June 11, the Grant Township Board approved the close out payment of $192,783.44 to MDL Construction of Bay City for the parking lot project at the township hall. The total parking lot project…
Windover Lake vacationers donate AED for emergencies
By Pat MaurerCorrespondent A family from Salt Lake City, Utah that has vacationed at a family cabin on Windover Lake for many generations, are giving back to others around the lake.The Rob Benda family has donated an AED (Automatic External…
Another successful year for Marion Fair
Story and Photosby Steve Landon All the key elements needed to have a perfect hometown fair, great weather, a nice midway, grandstand entertainment and the all important livestock shows and competitions came together last week for the 2024 edition of…
Township eyes phased-in campground plan
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR California-based Autocamp has scaled back plans from 112 total to 76 phase-one campsites on 29.24 acres 34.61 Blue Star Hwy. because “stuff” happens — specifically, need to dispose of sewage. The Saugatuck Township Board June 12…
Township hires Viridis for park design
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR The Saugatuck Township Board June 12 hired Viridis Design Group for $10,500 to prepare a final landscape design for now-undeveloped 7.5-acre Amalanchier Park next to Riverside Cemetery at 3461 Clearbrook Drive. It will be incorporated into…
SHS junior is swift photo Study
Saugatuck High School junior Leilani Schoonmaker’s journey through a lens crescendoed — so far, at least — with National Scholastic Art Awards Gold Medal recognition. Her black-and-white photo of the 2023 Portage Cross Country Invitational start made Schoonmaker SHS art…
Douglas hires Tien as Treasurer
BY SCOTT SULLIVAN EDITOR Douglas has hired former Allegan County elections coordinator and Plainwell city payroll administrator Jennifer Tien new city treasurer for $74,000 a year plus benefits. City council approved the move at its Monday meeting. Tien will start…
Brandess marks 30 years Saturday
Artist James Brandess will celebrate 30 years in his James Brandess Studios & Gallery, 238 Butler St., downtown Saugatuck, this Saturday, June 22, from noon until 5 p.m. On view in his shop — a historic, tin-ceilinged former post office…
Rock named Saugatuck varsity boys basketball coach
By Jason WesseldykSports EditorDuring his tenure as head coach of the Fennville varsity boys basketball team, Ty Rock had a front-row seat for the rivalry between the Blackhawks and Saugatuck.Now, he’ll experience that rivalry from the other side.Rock is the…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorKrokodil RockI remember when rock was young. Me and Susie had no clue a Krokodil rock would find us.“Krokodil” I learned too late, is street name for Desomorphine, a synthetic opioid said to turn skin green and scaly…
Space for ‘stuff’ squeezes campground plan
By Scott SullivanEditorCalifornia-based Autocamp has scaled back plans from 112 total to 76 phase-one campsites on 29.24 acres 34.61 Blue Star Hwy. because “stuff” happens — specifically, need to dispose of sewage.The Saugatuck Township Board June 12 weighed a proposed…
SHS shooter makes swift study
Saugatuck High School junior Leilani Schoonmaker’s journey through a lens crescendoed — so far — with a National Scholastic Art Awards Gold Medal.Her black-and-white photo of the 2023 Portage Cross Country Invitational start (below) made Schoonmaker SHS art teacher Daniel…
Otsego hosts family-friendly summer programs
By Jason WesseldykSports Editor Fun, family-friendly summer activities are back in Otsego.Summer Fun Nights will take place each Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. at the TOP Pavilion through July 30, while Summer Events at Northside Park will take place each…
