Scottville commissioner Cole to resign. 

Sally Cole, left, and her husband Jerry.

Scottville commissioner Cole to resign. 

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

SCOTTVILLE — Scottville City Commissioner Sally Cole has submitted her letter of resignation, which is expected to be acted upon during tonight’s regular meeting of the commission. Cole and her husband, Jerry, have retired from their business, Cole’s Antiques Villa, 120 N. Main St., after being in Scottville since 2014. The Coles have lived in the apartment above the business and have sold the building. 

“Moving to Scottville in 2014 was the highlight of our then 28 years in business,” Cole stated in a letter to the commission. “Neil Frick of Frick’s Old County Store in Scottville, was a good friend and comrade in the business of antiques. With his passing and helping family liquidate his estate, we knew his property needed to be our new home and business location. Scottville citizens welcomed us with open arms and we were enthralled with the town. It has been our joy to breathe new life into the stately former GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) building and grounds. Our business and our lives fit perfectly in Scottville.

“Jerry and I were never involved with city government nor politics of any sort in the past but we wanted to be part of the vibrant heartbeat that was working at moving the town forward. Time inevitably effects a town as generational changes come to a peak. Business owners retire or move away, etc. We were both nurtured and encouraged by Scottville friends and citizens to consider joining the commissions, DDA and committees to get involved. We began to absorb the intricate details of how a city functions, learning new phrases and the knowledge needed to help guide all the processes that drive a city’s health and well-being. We saw and felt the passion and commitment by so many city employees and towns people. 

“Nearly eight years later, it is unfortunately our turn to alter the number of businesses in Scottville by one as we semi-retire. We are impressed by the compassionate business owners and their hard work to maintain the heartbeat of their town. Many are involved with our city government and help all they can to keep Scottville a great place to live, do business and play. 

“I am now going to miss being part of the new growth on the visible horizon: The Scottville Optimist project/sculpture park, Riverside Park developments, new businesses joining the downtown district and resurgence of annual events and celebrations, just to name a few. 

“I have become familiar with the dedication of our city office staff, DPW staff and police officers as they constantly guide and nurture the daily health of our city. Mayor Spencer, City Manager Jimmy Newkirk, our attorney Carlos Alvarado and Chief of Police Matt Murphy will continue the ever-watchful job of keeping all city functions on an event keel and maintain the safety of its citizens. Our dedicated city commission’s members are ‘feet planted’ and ready to guide the many functions and needs of a growing city. The camaraderie currently felt within the city commission members is a wonderful thing. There is respect for the jobs needed to be done and the proper way to do them. I’m fortunate to have gotten to know each and every commissioner through my years on the commission. 

“I appreciate the investment of ethic and knowledge that has been instilled in me through these years. I wish the very best for all those continuing this quest to make Scottville great again!”

Jerry Cole served on planning commission. His resignation was accepted during the previous city commission meeting. 

The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 105 N. Main St.

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