‘This makes their family complete’
Ionia County Probate Court Judge Robert Sykes presided over an Adoption Day ceremony for an unusually young child on Tuesday morning. The finalization of the adoption of 7-month-old Mateo Hull officially completes the family unit of Nate and Liz Hull of Belding, whose three older children Remington, 10, Elijah, 8, and Sydney, 6, all attend Belding Area Schools.
Montcalm County awards $469,000+ toward addiction recovery services
Local addiction recovery services and programs will receive $469,145 in funding from Montcalm County government in the coming year, including $267,000 in opioid settlement funding plus another $202,145 in county marijuana funds. The Board of Commissioners on Monday voted 6-0, with Commissioner Nate Alexander absent, to approve the annual list of recommendations from the county’s Opioid Task Force Committee.
Montcalm County clerk’s employee takes job with treasurer’s office
A Montcalm County employee is switching from a job at the Clerk’s Office for a job in the Treasurer’s Office, even as the Treasurer’s Office is about to undergo some major personnel changes. The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved allowing Laura Delamater, who currently works as an administrative aide for the Clerk’s Office, to be hired in at the Treasure’s Office on Dec. 8 so Delamater can undergo training before Vicki Dyer retires on Dec. 31.
Great Lakes Chorus to perform free show at Ionia church on Dec. 7
First United Methodist Church will once again this December host a special holiday-themed concert by the Grand Rapids-based Great Lakes Chorus. “It's going to be a 'free will offering' community Christmas concert with refreshments, and everyone is welcome,” explained Linda Ciangi, a dedicated church volunteer. “Our feeling was that we need to get people together in the same room just to sing and celebrate and put everything else aside."
‘The process is broken’
After the Belvidere Township supervisor resigned, a vote to appoint a new clerk failed in a tie and multiple financial issues continued to come to light during Monday’s special meeting, township resident Eric VanHouten said the quiet part out loud: “Maybe we don’t need to be a township anymore.” VanHouten was surely speaking for many residents who continue to be alarmed at the state of their local government.
‘Revolving door’
The supervisor of a township board in chaos became the latest official to resign during a special meeting Monday evening. Leigh Murray, who was appointed supervisor in May 2024, announced he was resigning effective Nov. 30, just 20 days after the township’s latest clerk resigned.
Montcalm County Veterans Affairs to purchase emergency food cards for veterans
A total of 100 food cards will once again be available for Montcalm County veterans facing emergency situations. The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on Monday voted 6-0, with Commissioner Nate Alexander absent, to approve an annual request from Veterans Affairs Director Trevor Wright to purchase 100 food cards (for $200 each) from Leppink’s and Meijer grocery stores at a total cost not to exceed $20,000.
Belding hires MML for new city manager search
The Belding City Council made several decisions during a special meeting on Monday evening as they continue to navigate the process of finding a new city manager. The city is aiming to appoint an interim city manager while restarting its search for a permanent manager after Keven Krieger left the position in September. The council wasn’t able to appoint an interim manager Monday, but they did vote to hire the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to perform the new search, instead of using Pivot Group.
Ionia County legislative update host steps down
Several county leaders gathered together on a bright and chilly Monday morning to discuss their latest milestones at the monthly local legislative update. It was the final such gathering for 2025 and the last legislative update hosted by Steve Hodgkins of the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce.
Greenville Chamber has new director
The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce has a new, but familiar, face at the helm of the organization that strives to bring local businesses and other organizations together. On Thursday, Chamber Board President Darci Ward Cole announced that Chelsea Baker, 29, the Chamber’s community engagement and event coordinator, had been promoted to executive director of the organization.
Kentucky man to face federal charges in kidnap, sex assault case
The state’s case against a Kentucky man who was arrested at an Indiana rest stop after allegedly kidnapping an Ionia County teenage girl and sexually assaulting her this summer has been dismissed. Instead, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan intends to pursue federal charges against Chayleang Tiang, 41, which would overlap the state’s case, therefore requiring its dismissal.
‘Necessary for the future’
Walking through the confines of the city wastewater treatment plant, with 900 gallons of wastewater rushing through overhead pipes every minute, Jay Linton marveled at the improvements that surrounded him. In 2020, Greenville embarked on a multimillion-dollar wastewater treatment plant renovation and expansion project that will make the system more efficient, with more capacity, featuring equipment not seen anywhere else in the state.
A ‘hygge’ approach to the holidaysFree Access
Three local organizations are coming together this holiday season to provide a free Thanksgiving meal to anyone who may be struggling to celebrate the occasion. On Thursday, from noon to 3 p.m., an inaugural Community Thanksgiving Meal, organized by the Danish Cultural Center, Montcalm County Habitat for Humanity and the Greenville Moose Lodge, will be held at the lodge, located at 5809 S. Greenville Road just north of Greenville.
Schools to Tools
Standing side-by-side with a few of his friends at Greenville High School, senior Carter Cusack, 17, entered a completely different world when he strapped into a virtual reality headset earlier this month. Participating in a Schools to Tools mobile field trip — a program that visits Michigan schools with a traveling semi-trailer outfitted with virtual and hands-on demonstrations of skilled trades work — Cusack soon found himself not among friends at school, but alongside construction workers 150 feet above the Detroit River, working on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Free Thanksgiving dinner offered to Howard City-area community on Nov. 27Free Access
Whether you can’t afford a decent Thanksgiving dinner or you are just hoping to spend some quality time getting to know your neighbors, Sandra Cooper has Montcalm County’s Panhandle area covered. Cooper, the creator of the nonprofit Redemption Farms, is hosting a Community Thanksgiving from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, at Grace Community Church, 9920 Reed Road in Howard City just north of M-46.
Seeing ‘the vision’
As the Montabella football team left the field Saturday afternoon, they were applauded by an appreciative and ample Mustang crowd. Not just because of how they played, but in thanks to the pride and joy they brought to their community all season long.
Memorable Mustangs
A monumental season for the Montabella football program met its end just short of the ultimate prize. The Mustangs have spent the better part of the last three weeks working their way to the biggest stage in high school football: The state championship game.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: Greenville boys basketball eyes back-to-back RCA league titles
Last season was one for the record books for the Greenville boys basketball team, and this year’s squad is picking things up right where they left off. From winning the first-ever River Cities Alliance (RCA) conference championship outright to becoming the winningest team in program history and everything in between, the Jackets climbed mountains last season with a 22-2 overall record. With a handful of players from last year’s varsity roster making a return to the court, they have high hopes to repeat as league champions, but know it won’t be an easy climb back to the top.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: ‘Take care of business’
It’s only been a week since boys basketball practices began and Ty Warczinsky is already optimistic about his team’s chemistry. “I think we’re going to be super connected,” he said. “We’ve stacked some really good practices together so far.” The Wolverines saw a positive uptick in their overall team success last year in that it was their first winning record (12-9) since the 2021-2022 season, finishing fourth in a very competitive Mid-State Activities Conference (MSAC) league with an 11-6 record.
Magical Mustangs
For the first three quarters of Saturday’s state semifinal game, things were looking questionable for the Montabella football team. In the 8-player Division 1 state semifinals, the Mustangs were trailing by 20 points heading into the fourth quarter, knowing they’d need to play the best football of their lives if they were going to keep their season alive one more week.
From Greenville to Team Michigan
For most high school cross country runners, the season ends at the state finals. Greenville senior Gracelin Martin, on the other hand, got an opportunity to end hers in a very unique way.
A golfer’s dream come true
Since she was a freshman, Lila Redder has had one ultimate goal for herself when it comes to her golf career: To play in a state finals. Just two years later, as a junior, she was able to accomplish that goal and so much more.
Former Montabella assistant RaDeric Guy takes over Lakeview boys basketball program
Changes are in store for the Lakeview boys basketball team this upcoming season, the biggest of which is at the helm of their program. For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, the Wildcats will be under the leadership of a new head coach, but one who's been around the local basketball scene for quite some time.
Sports Roundup for Nov. 15, 2025
Thursday, Nov. 13 Girls Swim Ionia at St Johns for MSHAA Diving Regional: Evelyn Kleibusch and Mara Mastrobattista both competed for the Bulldogs against some tough competition, but unfortunately, did not advance past the second cut after eight dives. Next: TBA on Friday at MHSAA Division 3 Finals at Holland Aquatic Center.
‘A phenomenal team’
A record-breaking season for the Ionia volleyball team has come to an end. The Bulldogs have seen plenty of excitement the last couple of weeks, most recently earning their fourth Division 2 district championship in program history, their first since 2022, with a clean sweep over league rival Portland last Thursday. With their championship victory came yet another opportunity to keep their remarkable season of only four losses alive as they went head-to-head against Fruitport in the regional semifinal at Fremont on Tuesday night.
‘Something to strive for’
Sept. 20, 2024, is a date that Jayden Button will remember forever. Week four of the regular season brought forth an exciting matchup for the Tri County football team as they had a perfect record through their first three games and were lined up to play conference rival Newaygo at home, who also had an undefeated record. Down by five in the fourth quarter, the then-junior defensive back made a tackle that changed his life in more ways than one.
Belding Area Community Fund announces inaugural Turkey Trot
The Belding Area Community Fund is inviting runners, walkers, and community supporters to lace up for the inaugural Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, in downtown Belding. The event will follow the same route as the popular Belding Labor Day 5K, offering participants a familiar and scenic course. Organizers anticipate the Turkey Trot will be one of the largest community fundraisers of the year, combining healthy activity, local pride and holiday cheer.
