Greenville planners review city’s master plan projects
From reflecting on the activities of 2025 to looking ahead to uncompleted projects still in pursuit, the Greenville Planning Commission appears poised to be just as busy — if not more so — than it was the year prior. During Thursday’s meeting, members reviewed their annual report, as well as the implementation schedule of projects outlined in the city’s master plan.
Central Montcalm school board will likely see new leadership
Many school boards hold an annual organizational meeting for the new year, but one local school district held a special meeting to organize for its organizational meeting. The Central Montcalm Public School Board of Education met last Wednesday to review multiple items in preparation for their annual organizational meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 19.
Ionia County Road Department director fired
Linda Pigue, who once quit as the finance director for Ionia County, has been fired as the county’s Road Department director due to “a loss of faith in leadership.” Pigue was fired on Dec. 19, 2025, according to Ionia County Administrator Chad Shaw, who told the Daily News the news in response to a question about why Pigue didn’t present the county road report on Dec. 23, 2025.
Ionia Chamber hosts expo, with a twist
Before the pandemic, many towns held successful expo events, when as many local businesses as possible gathered together, usually in a school gym or rec center, to show off to the local community the very best that area businesses, clubs and organizations have to offer, all in one place and time. The concept gradually became less popular and two years ago, there was no Ionia Expo at all.
Edmore apartment destroyed in Sunday morning fire
One apartment was destroyed while another sustained damage in a Sunday morning duplex fire in the village of Edmore. The Home Township Fire Department was dispatched at 5:53 a.m. to Edmore Pines Apartments, 642 W. Pine St., which is controlled by Red Oak Management.
Gather at the County Seat
The term “county seat” will take on a whole new meaning in the coming months for Ionia County. Although an exact opening date is not yet set, a definitive timeline for the remodeling is forthcoming, and the County Seat Brewing Co. is set to open in downtown Ionia sometime this year.
Local medical director says vaccine changes will cause confusion, risk more infection
The medical director of the Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) is telling local healthcare officials that recent changes to the federal government’s recommended childhood immunization schedule will cause confusion and risk more infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, in a change sought by the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reduced the number of vaccines it recommends for children from 18 to 11.
Greenville man pleads to assault with intent to do harm, reduced from intent to murder charge
A Greenville man charged with assault with intent to murder, a possible life felony, will likely only serve a year or less of jail time due to a plea agreement. Christopher Lee Worthing, 47, is charged with assault with intent to murder and fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in impairment or death, both felonies. The charges stem from an incident in the early morning hours of June 21, 2025, in downtown Greenville, which left Ryan Paul severely injured.
Employee of towing company killed in accident at Greenville Steel SalesFree Access
An employee of a towing company was killed in an accident that occurred at Greenville Steel Sales Saturday morning. According to Michigan State Police Lt. Pat Agema, emergency personnel were called to the scene of the local steel supplier and recycling center after Daniel Evans, 26, became trapped when the flatbed portion of a tow truck was being lowered.
Historic and modern voices recognized with induction into GPS Performing Arts Hall of Fame
From a professor of music who conducted choirs collegiately for four decades to a prima donna who entertained audiences throughout the early 20th century, Greenville Public Schools has inducted another talented class into its Performing Arts Hall of Fame. During the annual Greenville High School collage concert in December, five individuals were celebrated as they were inducted into the Hall of Fame’s 2026 class.
Ionia County Connect: Chamber and Economic Alliance team up for new monthly gathering
Starting this month, a local legislative update gathering will take on a new identity: Ionia County Connect. Formerly hosted solely by the Ionia Area Chamber of Commerce, it will now be a joint venture between the Chamber and the Ionia County Economic Alliance (ICEA). That means the focus will also change. Instead of concentrating on the activities of legislators in Lansing and Washington, D.C., the meetings will now start with a guest speaker and then transition to a round-table discussion.
1 plea, 1 pending in separate PTO embezzlement cases in Montcalm County
The former president of the Central Montcalm Public School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) entered a plea related to an embezzlement charge on Thursday, while the former treasurer of the Vestaburg Elementary School PTO also appeared in court and is expected to enter a plea soon.
City of Greenville replaces IT provider, upgrades phone system
A new provider will be handling technology services for city government in this community following frustrations with a previously contracted company. During Tuesday’s meeting of the Greenville City Council, members voted unanimously to award a three-year contract for information technology services to Dewpoint LLC in Lansing, beginning for $87,044.61 in year one, $88,879.81 in year two and $90,770 in year three.
Free Narcan vending machine now available at UM Health-Sparrow CarsonFree Access
There are now free Narcan (naloxone) vending machines available for public use at University of Michigan Health Sparrow hospitals in both Carson City and St. Johns, with more likely to be installed, expanding access to a critical tool to combat the opioid epidemic.
‘What’s going on with the fire?’
Whether in providing conflicting information or a lack of response altogether, the Sand Lake Village Council continues to mystify in its handling of fire contracts and financials. A special meeting of the Village Council on Tuesday evening attracted dozens of residents who packed into the council’s tiny meeting room across from Salisbury Park.
Second half surge propels Montabella boys over CC-C
Nine different lead changes were had during Thursday’s conference matchup between the Montabella and Carson City-Crystal boys basketball teams. Both teams were looking to cap off their first week back from the holiday break with a win in Mid-State Activities Conference (MSAC) action with the Eagles seeking additional excitement in picking up a win to match their win total from last season.
TC boys suffer first league loss of new year
The Tri County boys basketball team’s can-do mindset just wasn’t enough to lift them to victory Friday night. The Vikings (2-6) returned to Central State Activities Association (CSAA) Red conference action against a consistent Chippewa Hills (5-2) team just before the weekend to see if they could snap their two-game losing streak.
Upcoming sports (Jan. 14-15)
Upcoming sports (Jan. 14-15)
‘Little bit of every dynamic’
Saturday’s home wrestling invitational was an exciting one on many different levels for the Lakeview wrestling team. Eighteen wrestling teams from three of the four divisions gathered together inside Cook Gymnasium for a day full of individual and refreshing competition. Of those 18, three of them were area teams, including the hosting Wildcats, Ionia and Carson City-Crystal.
Athlete of the Week nominees for Jan. 13, 2026Free Access
Athlete of the Week nominees for Jan. 13, 2026
Tri County girls basketball falls short against Chippewa Hills
Though it may not have been the result they wanted, the Tri County girls basketball team continued to build on their newfound rhythm Friday night. The Vikings (3-4) had an exciting end to their holiday break last week as they not only snapped a three-game losing streak, but they were also crowned the Lakeview Holiday Hoops tournament champions with wins against Holton and Ithaca.
Scoring machines
Lily Johnston has become a scoring machine for the Vestaburg girls basketball team this season, especially in the new year. Johnston’s leading performance Monday lifted the Wolverines (3-2) to an 80-41 victory over Baldwin, for their second win of the season and second 60-plus point game of the season. This gave them plenty of positive momentum as they returned to Mid-State Activities Conference (MSAC) action Wednesday night on the road at Carson City-Crystal (1-4). A commanding presence on both sides of the ball paired with Johnston’s game-leading 30 points, enabled them to pick up their second-straight win by at least...
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Selina StalkerFree Access
Selina Stalker of Ionia girls basketball was voted this week’s Daily News Athlete of the Week. Stalker, a freshman, led the Bulldogs with 21 points, 12 rebounds and three steals in their 58-25 win at Hastings.
Upcoming sports for Jan. 10, 2026
Check out the local high school sports schedule for the upcoming week!
Making a statement
If there’s one thing that Zayne Cooper is an expert in, it’s coming in clutch for the Central Montcalm boys basketball team. Nine seconds remained on the clock during their game against Alma on Tuesday night, and the Hornets (8-0) were trailing by two when a questionable foul on what would’ve been their game-tying basket turned the ball over to the Panthers (6-3). A critical steal from senior Jamison Johns gave the Hornets a fighting chance as Cooper secured the offensive rebound from Johns’ shot to score with 1.2 seconds left in regulation play to tie things up and send...
Lakeview boys basketball falls short against Ithaca in first post-break contest
It’s the start of a new year and the Lakeview boys basketball team is looking to turn the page. Though the record may not show it, the Wildcats have been working diligently so far this season to find their groove and improvement in every game they play. Their first game back from the holiday break found them going head-to-head against Ithaca Monday night, both teams eager to pick up their first win of the season.
