(Grand Haven Tribune) -- Ed Post would like to say he had a carefully orchestrated plan for his life, but the chief judge for Ottawa County Circuit Court admits his life is more like a pinball machine.

That's why he hadn't contemplated retiring until his wife, Barb, got serious about closing out the career portion of her life.

Barb Post retired in early December from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation.

Ed Post announced Monday that he plans to retire at the end of 2016, which is the completion of his current term.

"It's time," he said. "I have lots of things that I want to do."

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) -- This recent streak of colder temperatures is helping to keep snow on the ground for a popular Grand Haven ski area.

Workers at Mulligan's Hollow say they currently have one of the five ski hills open. They hope to have two other hills open by Wednesday.

The ski area is using snow-making machines to make up for the lack of snow this season.

Mulligan's Hollow usually tries to open around Thanksgiving, but this year it didn't open until after Christmas.

Employees say 350 people were at the ski area on Saturday, so there is certainly high demand.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) -- The City of Grand Haven got more into the New Year spirit this year.

For the first time the city hosted a ball drop to ring in the new year. The official party was held at the intersection of Washington and First. Locals say it had a positive impact on the surrounding businesses as people gathered to watch the Michigan State game before midnight and the ball drop. The local feel of Grand Haven's celebration was a nice change for some, who didn't want to deal with the crowds in Grand Rapids.

Aaron Thomas, the head chef at the Brew House, a local restaurant says, "we just wanted to be promoting the town. Making it a fun night for everyone. It's always been a fun time in Grand Rapids with the ball drop and when they suggested coming here we thought that would be fun."