It was just after we returned from watching the Independence Day parade here in Saugatuck that our phone rang.  It was Pat’s oldest son, telling us that he and his wife were safe. At first, we were confused by their message,…

By Scott SullivanEditorGreenWhen the Green Giant saw the Green Goddess dressing, the valley grew jollier as he ladled it over cut beans and canned creamed corn. Ho ho ho. Kids could mail 4 bits to Le Seuer, Minn., and get…

    For several years I was an adjunct college history instructor. On the first day of class, after the initial introductions and small talk, I would always ask for a show of hands from those who truly liked history.  If I was…

Made in China, transported by Mexico, fentanyl has risen to the top of the opioid chain as the leading cause of drug deaths in America. Unfortunately our leaders seem to be consumed with other situations, ie Covid and war, so…

By Mike WilcoxPublisherPerseverance is one of the most important quality traits. Too many of us give up at the slightest resistance and fail to accomplish our goals in life.One of our greatest presidents, Abraham Lincoln, is an example of persevering…

By G.C. StoppelNow and then a painting of three men at a writing table comes across my computer screen. They are working together on a document; more papers are beneath the table. They are John Adams, Ben Franklin and Thomas…

By Scott SullivanEditorLikeI love power. Study its uses, intents, outcomes, ways to make things happen. It will change from what you’ve assumed or been taught; welcome that. We live acting.Case in point: sleepers shocking themselves awake. The Washington Post’s Tatum…

Christian Kindel and his little dog, Sam Bernstein, wait for Independence Day festivities on the flag variation-flanked patio west of their 247 Culver St. Kindel & Co. store in downtwon Saugatuck. More shopping and high-summer fun lie nearby. (Photo by…

By Scott SullivanEditorIt’s here! July 4 festivities Monday, including a newly-routed 10 a.m. downtown Saugatuck parade and fireworks over Kalamazoo River/Lake when night falls, will launch the summer season into full, vivid color.The new parade route, occasioned by crowd safety…

We all need to spend today and the rest of our lives more wisely. With inflation at a 40-year high, we are all having to spend our hard-earned paychecks with care. Life is the same. We have less life today…

By G.C. StoppelEach week I read publisher Mike Wilcox’s editorial, then go for a walk. Sometimes it is to cool down; other times to think over what he wrote and how it can be applied. The June 9 edition when…

By Scott SullivanEditorRiggedSummer and living’s uneasy. In Baldwin an alligator was rescued by police June 11 after a high-speed car chase.An Oak Park man, 40, fled Lake County deputies till his car got stuck between trees on a rails-to-trails path.…

Saturday’s 20th annual Town Crier runs, which raise funds for Saugatuck High School track and cross-country teams, drew 410 entrants — second only to 2019’s pre-Covid 442 — including (above) Chris Abruzzo, 66, of Souh Haven, who returned to skip…

By Scott SullivanEditorWhither The Root Beer Barrel? The iconic structure, again busy selling affordable foot-long hotdogs, more treats, games, history and its signature cold, frothy beverage on hot summer days, is again up for lease reconsideration.Douglas, which owns the rehabbed…

Sherlynn Anne (Smith) Coupe, 81, of Saugatuck-Douglas died Monday afternoon, June 6, 2022, at the Cove Health Facility.Sherlynn (Sherry) was born on Aug. 19, 1940 in Everett, Wash. She was the eldest of four children born to Stanley and Sonna…

By Scott SullivanEditorWhat It IsI’m convinced there are rational Republicans. At one time I may have been one. When parties poop on me I don’t take it as personal nor fate; it’s an opportunity.Take the Republican National Committee as latest…

(I wrote this a year ago but wanted share it again. Heck I might share this column over and over for years to come. The man meant so much to me)This week I give pause to reflect on my hero,…

       I have been waking up well before dawn this spring, and it is all my wife’s fault.  No, she is not pulling the blankets over to her side on cool mornings, or sprawling across the bed, shoving me closer to the…

Seven local ourtdoor arts installations, including this one in Saugatuck’s Coghlin Park, are part of the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ 20th anniversary celebration commencing this Friday with a free concert and more fun at the Center. Kelli Jacobsma gets…