$1.72+ Trail request dead ends, for now
By Scott SullivanEditor“Houston, we have a problem.” Expected by many Blue Star Trail go-aheads hit a snag when the Michigan Department of Transportation dinged a $1.725-million Transportation Alternatives Program grant request to link the most-local part of it.MDOT noted two…
Mike’s Musings: Airline travel woes, flying is frustrating
Editor’s Note: My friend wrote the following commentary about his experience flying to Florida. We have all been warned that flying is becoming more and more dicey. Personally, I fly back in forth monthly from Florida to Michigan, and luckily,…
Life as Performance Art
A retired parish priest told me he always prayed no one would pass away on Christ-mas Eve or Day. He didn’t want family or friends to connect the most joyous day of the year with a loved one’s death.Perhaps we…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorAtomize“Welcome to McDonald’s,” a voice crackled through speakers.“My order’s random.”“Want fries with that?”So much for foisting chaos. “Medium, extra crispy with two ketchup packets and a medium Coke, extra ice,” I said. My daughter likes two items medium…
Other ways to see
Tolerance of diversity and diverse ways to express tolerance are part of the Saugatuck-Douglas Art Coast experience. These daylilies in front of downtown Douglas’s Redefine Med Spa, shown with colors inverted, are only part. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)
Woodmen may spare maple after all
By Scott SullivanEditorWoodmen may spare the 70-year-old maple near Douglas City Hall first slated for removal to make way for a west side of Union Street sidewalk after all.City manager Rich LaBombard reported July 4 council, hearing residents’ pleas to…
Mike’s Musings: America at a Critical Crossroads
Editors Note: I wrote this one year ago, and now find it more relevant than it was when it was written.I’m growing more and more concerned that our republic will struggle to maintain its standing as a leader in this…
Life as Performance Art
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,…
Blue Star
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…
Life as Performance Art
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…
We can’t ignore Fentanyl any longer
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…
Mike’s Musings: Lincoln never gave up, prevailed
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…
Life as Performance Art
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…
Blue Star
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…
Bang!
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…
July 4 parade, fireworks on tap Monday
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…
Make every day count
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…
Life as Performance Art
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…
