‘More than a backyard game’
In the middle of the pandemic, with few options for recreation available, Justin Rees turned to a long-beloved pastime to bring people together. Gathered in a spacious pole barn on his property, Rees invited a handful of adults for a day of cornhole, where they began tossing bags back and forth onto angled boards, kept score, but more importantly, enjoyed each other’s company amid a world of uncertainty.
Howard City pole barn destroyed in Saturday morning fire
A Howard City pole barn burned down apparently due to a woodstove that caught on fire early Saturday morning. The Howard City Fire Department was dispatched to 20356 W. Church Road where a 20-by-40 pole barn was on fire.
CC-C to have operating millage proposal on May ballot
Voters in the Carson City-Crystal Area Schools district will be asked to decide whether to renew a non-homestead operating millage ballot proposal in the May 2026 election. The CC-C school board on Dec. 8 voted 6-0, with Vice President Gregg McAlvey absent, to approve ballot language for the millage, with the official wording compiled by the school district’s legal counsel, the Thrun law firm in East Lansing.
Toys for Tots giving to 1,800 local children
As 9-year-old Brantley Blackmer made his way through the toy aisles of Meijer on Thursday, there was no shortage of excitement in his eyes. Sandwiched between an endless sea of Legos, action figures, games and so much more, the Lakeview Middle School fourth-grader was overwhelmed with options, shopping just a few weeks out from Christmas.
Wakeley appointed interim Montcalm County treasurer
Ashley Wakeley is taking the next step in her career, making the transition from Ionia County chief deputy treasurer to interim Montcalm County treasurer. After being interviewed by a panel comprised of Montcalm County Probate Court Judge Charles Simon III, Clerk Kristen Millard and Prosecutor Tom Ginster on Friday morning, Wakeley was unanimously appointed interim treasurer effective Jan. 3, 2026.
‘Focus on the future’
The Montcalm County Election Commission on Friday appointed a temporary clerk and treasurer to restore quorum to the troubled Belvidere Township Board. The Election Commission is comprised of Montcalm County Clerk Kristen Millard, Treasurer JoAnne Vukin and Probate Court Judge Charles Simon III. Millard told the Daily News she can’t ever remember the Election Commission having to do such a unique appointment during her nearly 30 years as county clerk.
Haist named interim principal of Greenville High School
Following the announced "retirement" of Greenville High School principal Danelle Nauta on Monday, an interim principal has been selected to lead the students and staff for the remainder of the school year. On Thursday, Greenville Public Schools Superintendent Wayne Roedel announced high school Assistant Principal Mark Haist will serve as the interim principal following Nauta’s exit, effective Dec. 31.
Former Central Montcalm PTO prez will likely plea to embezzlement charge
The former president of the Central Montcalm Public School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) charged with embezzling from the fundraising group is expected to enter a plea in coming weeks. Jennifer Marie Richmond, 36, of Crystal Township is charged with embezzlement from $1,000 to $20,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization, a felony.
Ionia County ISD Board approves amended budget
The Ionia County Intermediate School District (ISD) Board on Thursday approved the final amended budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. ISD Finance Director Marvin Van Nortwick explained to board members that this year's amendments were “abbreviated” as compared to previous years because of the delay in adoption of the state budget.
Saranac camper destroyed in fireFree Access
A reported structure fire was actually a collapsable camping trailer worth $7,500 that burned early Monday morning, along with contents worth $1,000. According to a report supplied by Berlin-Orange Fire Department Chief Matt Bennett, the incident occurred at 4:58 a.m. at 4800 Portland Road in Saranac, across the street from the I-96 Speedway.
‘Mind-blowing’ enrollment growth
When the pandemic struck five years ago, Montcalm Community College observed its lowest level of enrollment in decades as it adapted to online learning and remote communication. This fall, however, the college continued an upward rebound that has left President Bradley Barrick nearly speechless in terms of how far the college has come in recent years.
‘Magical season’
As the National Tree Lighting Ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., among those present to witness the event were four representatives from Lakeview Community Schools. Superintendent Kelly Nielsen, Lakeview Elementary School Principal Tiffany Jackson and teachers Kris Kirshman and Marney Ryan made the nearly 700-mile journey to the nation’s capital on Dec. 4.
Recall attempt initiated against Maple Valley Twp. treasurer, clerk
A former member of the Maple Valley Township Planning Commission has initiated a recall attempt against the township treasurer and clerk. Tricia Wells filed proposed recall language on Tuesday against Treasurer Meg Booth and Clerk Andi Knapp. Wells provided information to back up her proposed language, including video recordings of township board meetings, as well as meeting minutes and statements from residents.
Ionia County approves early voting agreement
The Ionia County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted 7-0 to approve a countywide early voting agreement for election services in 2026 and 2027, as requested by Ionia County Clerk Greg Geiger.
‘Lots of healing ahead but what a miracle’
ODESSA TOWNSHIP — A Lake Odessa man faces a long recovery after suffering a plethora of injuries as a result of a car-train accident on Dec. 4. The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to reports of a vehicle versus train crash at about 4:40 p.m. near the intersection of Huddle Road and Jordan Lake Street in Odessa […]
Getting in the zone
Greenville boys basketball continues strong season start with commanding road win over Belding
A ‘new brand’ of basketball
Friday night basketball is back and there’s no better way to kick things off than with a rivalry game. The Greenville and Belding girls basketball teams have an established tradition of producing entertaining and competitive matchups against one another.
Upcoming Sports for Dec. 13, 2025
Check out the local sports schedule for the upcoming week.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: ‘Restarting a program’
There are many instances in high school sports where teams undergo a rebuilding year based on a handful of factors. For the Carson City-Crystal girls basketball team, this year isn’t much about rebuilding as it is about restarting an entire program. After having to cancel the varsity girls basketball season last year due to low player numbers, the Eagles are excited to make their return to the varsity level.
Upcoming sports (Dec. 12-13)
Upcoming sports (Dec. 12-13).
Sports roundup for Dec. 11
Sports roundup for Dec. 11.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: ‘We have leaders everywhere’
The Montabella boys basketball team has already tasted tremendous triumph this season, and it’s barely even started. While other teams were kicking off their season early last month, all 11 of the Mustangs’ varsity players were busy setting a new precedent for Montabella athletics by becoming the first football team in school history to play for a state championship in Division 1 of 8-player football.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: Ionia girls basketball returns quality experience, leadership into new season
Laurie Hoppough has had her fair share of memorable teams since taking over the Ionia girls basketball program in 2021. Before any games have even been played, she claims this year’s group will be her most special one yet.
Upcoming sports (Dec. 10 and 11)
Wednesday, Dec. 10 Girls Basketball Central Montcalm at Big Rapids, 7 p.m. Vestaburg at Tri County, 7 p.m. Northpointe Christian at Montabella, 7 p.m. Carson City-Crystal at Saranac, 7 p.m. Wrestling Carson City-Crystal at Ithaca, 4 p.m. Greenville at Byron Center Quad, 5 p.m. Greenville (B) at Mt. Pleasant, 5 p.m. Ionia at Lakewood Quad, 5 p.m. Montabella/Holton at Lakeview, […]
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: CM boys basketball ready to build off of last year’s competitive season
The Central Montcalm boys basketball program has been on the rise for the last couple of years. Since the 2022-2023 season, the Hornets have progressively improved each year, with a steady increase in their win total. A considerable group of returning talent, paired with determined attitudes, have the Hornets in a position to have another successful season for the program.
