Saugatuck/Douglas Commercial Record

Saugatuck, Douglas to fete Veterans Day

Editorial StaffNov 6, 20241 min read

Saugatuck will celebrate Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 11, in traditional fashion while Douglas will do something new.Members of Saugatuck American Legion Post 137 will parade from their 248 Mason St. hall down Butler Street to the Village Square Park Veterans…

Mike’s Musings: Here’s Hoping Civility Will Reign Once Election Over

Mike’s Musings: Here’s Hoping Civility Will Reign Once Election Over

Editorial StaffNov 6, 20243 min read

I’m writing this on Election Day. I have no idea who is going to win the presidential race, but I do fear whoever wins, there will be discord in our nation. I have had this uneasy feeling in my stomach…

Neidlinger is SPS super- pick

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Mark Neidlinger will succeed Tim Travis seven years ago stepping from Middle/High School principal to superintendent of Saugatuck Public Schools. The school board picked Neidlinger Oct. 22, on heels of a public interview, to succeed Travis,…

Bond ask won’t mean new taxes, mayor says

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20244 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Douglas Mayor Cathy North issued a statement Oct. 24 emphasizing city council’s proposed $4-million bond request to renovate 415 Wiley Road into a city hall/police station will not require new taxes for residents and businesses. The…

Obituary: William (Bill) Weaver Hess

Obituary: William (Bill) Weaver Hess

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

William (Bill) Weaver Hess of Saugatuck passed away peacefully Oct. 21, 2024, after fighting a long illness. He is survived by his loving partner of 46 years, Michael (Mike) Mattern, four nieces and one nephew. Bill was predeceased by his…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorJust becauseyou don’t know what itmeans doesn’t meanit means nothing. We’re No. 135!Saugatuck is the third Most Zen City in Michigan and 135th in the nation, per Mission Connection. With elections looming, this is balm to know.“In our…

Face of America

Face of America

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

… as seen in Rado Kirov’s reflective sculpture “Pyramid” outside the Douglas Police Station on Center Street. The predominant yellow of fall leaves and silver of the sculpture surface have been color-inverted here. (Photo by Scott Sullivan)

Transformed

Transformed

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20241 min read

Downtown Douglas’s Center Street was transformed Sautrday night for Hystopolis Productions’s annual Adult Walking Halloween Parade. The event yearly draws more than 10,000 viewers and costumed participants, and follows afternoon fun including a downtown Saugatuck Family Parade. This photo is…

City council races are highlights here

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20245 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorSaugatuck and Douglas voters have choices for city councils Tuesday, Nov. 5.In Saugatuck, incumbents Helen Baldwin, Scott Dean, Gregory Muncey and Lauren Stanton face challenges from Joe Leonatti, Chris Peterson and Sherry Tedaldi for four open two-year seatsIn…

Mike’s Musings: Warning: Negative Political Ads Can be bad for your Health

Mike’s Musings: Warning: Negative Political Ads Can be bad for your Health

Editorial StaffOct 30, 20243 min read

I don’t know about you, but I have a headache from negative advertising. I rarely watch regular network television but last Sunday I had to turn on FOX to watch the Detroit Lions dismantle the Tennessee Titans.The Lions took care…

Douglas notices $4M bond ask

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor Contractor Carbon Six Construction Monday shared with Douglas City Council build-out plans to turn 415 Wiley Rd. into a new city hall and police station. Members agreed to post notice of a $4-million bond ask to…

Halloween bash Saturday offers fun for all

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20243 min read

There is something lucky about the number 13 and Halloween. Douglas will celebrate the Oct. 31 holiday five nights early, Saturday, Oct. 26, for the 26th year. That’s 13 years each for late parade founder Ginger Wilkinson and daughter Erin…

SPS eyes principal for superintendent slot

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

By Scott Sullivan Editor The Saugatuck Public Schools board was set to interview the district’s one internal applicant — middle/high school principal Mark Neidlinger — for superintendent to replace the retiring Tim Travis. The public was invited to attend. Travis…

Township greenlights auto, brewery plan

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

Transforming the current Ihle Auto Service building into a brewery and placing a new car repair shop at 6525 Blue Star Hwy. won Saugatuck Township Planning Commission approval Oct. 15. Planning chair David Ihle, who recused himself from discussions, and…

Obituary: Robert ‘Page’ Neve

Obituary: Robert ‘Page’ Neve

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20243 min read

Robert ‘Page’ Neve, 79 Robert “Page” Neve, age 79, of Fennville, passed away Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 at his home under the loving care of his wife, Jeanie, and Corewell Health Hospice. The son of Forrest and Mary Elizabeth (Winkler)…

Obituary: Robert Lampen

Obituary: Robert Lampen

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

Robert Lampen, 87 Robert (Bob) James Lampen died peacefully at home on Tuesday Oct. 8 in Fennville at age 87 after a brief battle with esophageal cancer. Bob is survived by his significant other, Judi Atman of Holland; son Douglas…

Obituary: Gary Diepenhorst

Obituary: Gary Diepenhorst

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20241 min read

Gary Diepenhorst, 84 Captain Gary Lee Diepenhorst, beloved father and friend, peacefully passed away at his home at the age of 84 on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.  Gary was born and raised in Saugatuckand graduated from Saugatuck High School.  He…

Blue Star

Blue Star

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20244 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorHunter’s MoonThe year’s largest supermoon, the October Hunter’s one — came and went last week.“With the leaves falling and the deer fattened,” says the Farmer’s Almanac, “it is time to hunt. Since the harvesters have reaped the fields,…

North Shores advances inland condos plan

North Shores advances inland condos plan

Editorial StaffOct 23, 20242 min read

By Scott SullivanEditorThe Saugatuck Township Planning Commission Oct. 15 granted North Shores of Saugatuck preliminary site plan approval for a 21.42-acre, eight-condominium development north of 135th Avenue.North Shores, whose principal is Holland-based Padnos Inc. president Jeff Padnos, owns more than…