Denim and Diamonds
New Beginnings Resale Shoppe’s 15th annual fashion show fundraiser was a sell-out for the first time in the event’s history, and it culminated in a country line dance exhibition by store employees wearing full Western outfits. The show and fundraiser took place on April 20 at the Sheridan Community Center and $13,000 was raised during the silent auction - the highest amount ever collected at the annual event.
Greenville City Council reviews proposed $22.5 million in city projects
From nearly $19 million to be spent as the city enters the fourth year of work on the $33 million wastewater treatment plant project to beginning a $1.1 million trail hub project at Jackson’s Landing park, the term “capital improvements” will take on a hefty meaning this next fiscal year. On Tuesday, the Greenville City Council held a special meeting to review the proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget for fiscal year 2024-2025, where a total of $22.5 million is projected to be spent on various projects throughout the city.
Tri County Area Schools donate playground equipment to Maple Valley Township
Thanks to a member of the Maple Valley Township Parks Committee reaching out to Tri County Area Schools, parks in Coral and Trufant will be receiving playground equipment for free. Tri County Facilities Director Thomas Phinney said he was contacted by Melissa Stout on the Maple Valley Township Parks Committee asking about the school district’s plans for playground equipment at the now-shuttered Sand Lake Elementary School and whether any could be donated.
Meet student artists in Belding on Monday
The spring student art show opens at Belding High School next week with more than 300 unique pieces on display created by K-12 students, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and mixed media work. An opening reception with an artist meet-and-greet will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Belding High School. The art show will be open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 30 through May 10.
Montcalm County may create weapons policy after employee carries pistol in county vehicle
Montcalm County officials may look into creating a weapons policy after a county employee was found to be carrying a pistol in a county vehicle. Montcalm County Controller-Administrator Brenda Taeter brought up the incident at Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting while she was talking about updating the county’s policy manual, including adding some language to it about social media in the government workplace, as well as bringing weapons to work.
Setting ‘lofty’ goals
Following a third and final special meeting with a consulting firm, members of the Greenville Public Schools Board of Education have reached the final stages of framing the district’s new strategic plan.
Ionia County family homeless shelter discussion continues
A future neighbor of the proposed Have Mercy non-congregate family homeless shelter in Ionia Township made a tearful plea to the Ionia County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday not to donate the money the organization needs to finish their project. During public comment, Just Like Home Adult Day Center Director Tracy Hodgkins expressed multiple concerns about a new homeless shelter being built by Have Mercy.
Montcalm County board hears more details on drain deficit
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners approved submitting a second deficit elimination plan involving a drain maintenance fund after the state of Michigan rejected the first one. After the county’s auditor Gabridge & Co. submitted the county’s audit to the state at the end of March, the county received notice from the state that the drain fund had a $613 deficit.
Stanton City Commission revisits Sheridan Fire Authority proposal
A proposal to merge the Stanton Community Fire Department with the Sheridan Fire Authority appeared to be an extinguished idea earlier this year, but was resurrected at Tuesday’s Stanton City Commission meeting. At January’s meeting, Stanton City Manager Rachel Coffey said the Stanton fire department was not prepared to move forward with the proposed merger as firefighters wanted more information.
‘Fatal error’
This past week’s election filings had more plot twists than an Alfred Hitchcock film. The Montcalm County prosecutor race saw the chief assistant prosecutor being disqualified from the August primary election ballot and his colleague making a last-minute filing instead. Meanwhile, local township election filings saw either multiple contested races or the absence of anyone filing altogether
Ousted Douglass Township officials working on a comeback
Tuesday’s election filing deadline resulted in a host of contested races for local townships as well as the absence of anyone filing altogether for multiple township seats.
Art-barn style business proposed for Eureka Township
For years, Heidi Funk has taken joy in the hobby of baking, selling her goods to friends and anyone else who might be interested in a sweet treat. Funk is hoping she can turn that hobby into a small business, to operate alongside a proposed “art barn” in Eureka Township.
MAISD reduces bond proposal by $7 million
Pending a vote next month from its Board of Education, the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District will be attempting to pass a reduced version of its bond proposal that failed in February.
Montcalm County Road Commission manager shares how ARPA dollars improved local roads
Two years ago, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners decided to give $2.5 million of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to the county Road Commission. On Monday, Road Commission Manager-Superintendent Mark Christensen updated commissioners about how those funds were spent.
Ionia County Brownfield Authority discusses affordable housing with ‘cautious developer’
Sable Homes President John Bitely introduced himself to the Ionia County Economic Development Corporations's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority at its quarterly meeting Tuesday morning. Bitely said he was there hoping to take advantage of any incentives the authority might offer that could be used to pay for infrastructure preparation, site preparation and environmental cleanup costs if he were to pursue construction of a housing development project somewhere within the county's borders.
Belding girls soccer shuts out Godwin Heights for first win
Spirits were high at Rudness Field on Wednesday for the Belding girls soccer team. The Black Knights (1-4-3 overall, 1-2-1 OK Silver) had a slow start to the season, racking up losses and ties against some of the toughest teams in their conference. They hosted the Wolverines of Godwin Heights (0-8 overall, 0-4 OK Silver) Wednesday night for Parent Night, hoping to get their long-awaited first win of the season.
Montabella’s Austin Foster commits to Adrian College basketball
College basketball has always been a dream for Montabella’s Austin Foster. Now, his dream becomes his reality. The Mustang senior has had a remarkable basketball career, being a varsity player for all four years. Although his time with the Mustangs is finished, he looks forward to continuing his academic and athletic career at Adrian College.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Addison NeelisFree Access
Vestaburg junior softball player Addison Neelis is this week’s Daily News Athlete of the Week. Neelis averaged nine strikeouts per game in three games pitched last week.
PHOTO GALLERY: Local golfers play at St. Ives Match Play Invitational
Check out photos from local golfers playing at St. Ives Match Play Invitational hosted by Lakeview.
Greenville Jacket baseball splits conference doubleheader with Lowell
The Greenville baseball team is making big plays this spring with two tough conference wins in back-to-back weeks. The Yellow Jackets (4-10-1 overall) were looking to add more games to their win column after splitting last week’s series with East Grand Rapids. They traveled to Lowell on Monday afternoon to take on the Red Arrows for an OK White showdown.
Finding their stride
The Belding baseball team is looking to make a strong comeback for the rest of the season after a slower-than-normal start.
Sports roundup for April 25, 2024
Sports roundup for April 25
‘Made him proud’
It was a powerful and emotional Saturday for Vestaburg softball. The Wolverines (11-3 overall) hosted their annual home softball tournament this past weekend.
CC-Crystal baseball hopes to keep winning culture alive
The Carson City-Crystal baseball team is looking to take flight this season and secure yet another winning season. The Eagles brought a winning culture to the baseball program at the end of last season, finishing 22-17-1 overall, 14-4 in the Mid-State Activities Conference (MSAC). This season brings promise as they return a lot of talented upperclassmen and hope to be contenders for a league title.
Upcoming sports (April 24-April 26)
Upcoming sports (April 24-April 26)
Athlete of the week nominees for April 23, 2024Free Access
Athlete of the week nominees for April 23, 2024
