Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

SPS funders raise $160+ K … and fun

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20252 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Saugatuck Public Schools-sponsored fall Walk-a-thon and Serve-a-thon fall fundraisers last week raised a combined $160,605. The Friends of Saugatuck Middle & High School-organized Serve-a-Thon Sept. 18 involved middle school students, with support from parent and business…

Douglas OKs sign at ex-golf cluhouse

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20252 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Douglas City Council Monday granted Vincent Beckman IV a 6-month sign ordinance exemption for a marker erected at his home at 14 and 16 Ferry St., the former West Shore Golf Course clubhouse. City planning and…

History Center cites Ashley, Thau

History Center cites Ashley, Thau

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20252 min read

The Saugatuck-Douglas History Center presented Arthur Ashley the Charles J. Lorenz Award of Achievement, its top honor, and cited Christopher Thau as Volunteer of the Year at its annual membership meeting Oct. 2. Ashley, a US Army veteran, musician and…

Douglas seeks playground build volunteers

Douglas seeks playground build volunteers

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20251 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor The City of Douglas seeks volunteers to help erect the final phase of its park project started in 2019: the children grades 5-12 area at the Schultz Park playground. What started in 2019 as a group…

Heat on Sunday for Chili Cook Off 

Heat on Sunday for Chili Cook Off 

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20252 min read

Three things just go together to make a perfect fall day — crisp temperatures, color touring and enjoying a steaming bowl of chili. You can get this package deal at the annual Cow Hill Yacht Club Chili Cook Off Sunday…

Saugatuck volleyball falls to visiting Martin

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20251 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorThe Saugatuck volleyball team played host to Martin on Tuesday, Sept. 30, with the Clippers prevailing 25-19, 25-22, 25-15.Martin’s serving played a big role in determining the outcome. The Clippers served up 20 aces, led by Mackenzie…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20253 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorSalvationLeonard Michaels’ 1982 short-story collection “I Would Have Saved Them If I Could” explored how a writer/creator gives birth to characters, then watches almost helplessly as they develop and follow their own free wills towards whatever fates awaits…

Nothing but sincerity

Nothing but sincerity

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20251 min read

… for as far as the eye can see met families coming Saturday to grab among 300 pumpkins set out by the Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Douglas office. There were free cider and donuts too. Many kids and even some…

‘Is chalk art free speech?’ cities ask

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20254 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorIs chalk art in public places free speech or vandalism? Douglas City Council Monday weighed a measure banning it on heels of neighbor Saugatuck removing a sidewalk message many found offensive.Saugatuck City Council was slated to discuss its…

Life as Performance Art

Life as Performance Art

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20256 min read

By G.C. StoppelAbout the time Pat and I married, new neighbors moved next to our home, and in no time Pat and Sylvia became close friends.Pat had worked in the fur department at Marshall Field’s in Chicago. Sylvia was across the street…

Mike’s Musings: I dare you to put down that cellphone and pay a visit

Mike’s Musings: I dare you to put down that cellphone and pay a visit

Editorial StaffOct 8, 20253 min read

Interaction with other people is critical to our mental health. The texting, phone calling crowd must put down their cellphones occasionally and actually visit friends and families. Unfortunately, this is not happening enough and so many problems are caused because…

‘Christmas Carol’ auditions coming

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20251 min read

Open auditions for Saugatuck’s 39th annual a production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. both days.  Organizers are looking for children and adults to fill the various roles of…

‘Flower World’ to bloom in Cook Park

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20253 min read

By Lisa Mize CVB Executive Director A new piece of public art is set to bring fresh color, light and creativity to downtown Saugatuck. On Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. in Cook Park, we’ll cut the ribbon on “Flower…

Odor investigations continue around Republic site

Odor investigations continue around Republic site

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20254 min read

By Jim Hayden Correspondent The state continues to investigate ongoing complaints about odors from the area of Republic Services, 4368 60th St. The owner of the composting company at the site is preparing to move his operation to Berrien County and…

Douglas Oktoberfest on tap Oct. 11

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20252 min read

All are welcome to raise their steins and toast the spirit of Bavaria as Saugatuck-Douglas Community Pride hosts its annual Oktoberfest Saturday, Oct. 11 in Beery Field from noon to 5 p.m. This event brings a diverse community together for…

Interurban head sited as state rising star

Interurban head sited as state rising star

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20252 min read

Interurban Transit Authority executive director Becky Carten-Crandell was honored as Rising Star at the Michigan at the annual Michigan Public Transportation Conference Aug. 18-20 at Crystal Mountain Resort in northern Michigan. “Becky,” said presenters, “has served as Executive Director since…

Saugatuck soccer falls on road to Black River

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20251 min read

By Jason WesseldykSports EditorHOLLAND—In its showdown with host Holland Black River on Wednesday, Sept. 24, the Saugatuck boys soccer team surrendered a pair of first-half goals to fall behind 2-0 at halftime.And that turned out to be the final score,…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20254 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorDead in the WaterOur Physics Made Simple series has been on hold due to popular demand. Not that physics is so complex it’s incomprehensible, just my writing. Are physicists geniuses or the rest of us so dumb we…

Harvest hues

Harvest hues

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20251 min read

At produce stands and u-picks, such as Crane Orchards (shown here) cornucopias await. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)

Council candidates air views at forum

Council candidates air views at forum

Editorial StaffOct 1, 20257 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorFive candidates for three open two-year seats on the Saugatuck City Council in this year’s Nov. 4 election agreed to disagree but also found common grounds at a Holland League of Women Voters-led forum Thursday, Sept. 25 in…

PUBLIC NOTICE
2026 ALLEGAN COUNTY PROPOSED FINAL BUDGET

The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allegan will hold a budget hearing on Thursday, October 9, 2025, for all interested citizens to comment and discuss the proposed budget.

The hearing will take place at 7:00 PM in the Board Room, County Services Building, 3283–122nd Avenue, Allegan, Michigan, to discuss the proposed budget. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. The public may also participate in the meeting/public hearing by calling 1-929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 891 6032 7098, and Meeting Password 471420. For other options connecting to the meeting, please visit the meeting calendar website at www.allegancounty.org or contact the County Administrator’s Office.

The proposed budget may be examined online at www.allegancounty.org under News Media Room or on weekdays at the Office of the Allegan County Administrator (address below), between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. All interested citizens will have the opportunity to give written and/or oral comments.

County will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the public hearing upon one (1) week notice. Individuals requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the following in writing or by telephone:

Robert J. Sarro,
County Administrator,
3283 – 122nd Avenue,
Allegan, Michigan, 49010
269-673-0239