‘How much do we need a park ordinance?’
After months of debate, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners is leaning toward repealing its county parks ordinance. The ordinance was adopted in September 1995, but apparently hasn’t been used much, if at all, over the last 30 years until this summer, when a local Pride group rented out McCarthy Park in Montcalm Township for a Saturday in June.
‘Real and honest’
From vast improvements in math and reading scores to rising concerns over behavioral issues and chronic absenteeism, Jen Mahar held nothing back as she presented the state of her elementary school building last month. During the Oct. 20 meeting of the Greenville Public Schools Board of Education, the Walnut Hills principal was the first district administrator of this school year to present the state of her school to the board, and in doing so, she made it clear she wouldn’t be glossing over any details.
Montcalm County treasurer to step down mid-term
The Montcalm County treasurer is planning to step down one year into her most recently elected four-year term. JoAnne Vukin, 72, of Pierson Township has worked for the county 24 years, the last 14 as the elected treasurer. She announced on Tuesday that she plans to retire effective Dec. 31 after being elected to her fourth term in last year’s elections.
Greenville school board meets in closed session to discuss mental health funding
The Greenville Public Schools Board of Education met for a special meeting Monday, with the majority of the meeting occurring in closed session. Members of the board called the meeting for the purpose of discussing 31aa funding and any other business necessary.
JUST IN: Ionia voters narrowly approve school bond issueFree Access
Voters within the Ionia Public Schools district narrowly passed a bond issue Tuesday, with 1,602 in favor and 1,551 opposed - a difference of only 51 votes.
JUST IN: Voters shoot down Tri County school sinking fundFree Access
Tri County Area Schools voters in Tuesday’s election shot down a decade-long $10.8 million sinking fund ballot proposal, according to unofficial results with most precincts reporting.
Johnson, Mangus elected to Greenville City CouncilFree Access
Incumbent city councilperson Claude Johnson and write-in candidate Mike Mangus were elected to the Greenville City Council among a field of five total candidates Tuesday evening.
JUST IN: Voters decline Home Twp. police millage ballot requestFree Access
Voters in Tuesday’s election declined to double the police millage in Home Township to expand the tiny police department. The ballot proposal to increase the millage from 1.25 mills ($1.25 per each $1,000 of taxable value) to 2.50 mills for five years (2025 through 2029) to raise funds for police department operations failed by 172 votes to 105 votes, or 62% to almost 38%.
Persistence and passion
After 20 seasons, countless performances, and an established legacy of excellence, the Belding High School marching band has made the Motor City a familiar home away from home. However, entering the Michigan Competing Band Association State Finals competition on Saturday, the band faced arguably the highest set of expectations it had encountered.
Grace, grit and growth
As cheers from the crowd steadily overtook the final ringing notes played by the Tri County marching band, Kasey Westerbrink, 17, was overcome with emotion as she stepped down from her podium, touching her toes to the turf of Ford Field. The senior drum major had just finished conducting the 76-member band at Saturday’s Michigan Competing Band Association State Finals in the Flight V division (schools with enrollment of fewer than 627 students) as it performed its championship-worthy show, “Uncaged,” 190 miles from home.
From injury to inspiration
As a standout senior athlete at Greenville High School, Trevor Zamarron had been preparing himself to live the dream, working toward an opportunity few ever receive — the chance to take his game to the collegiate level. Entertaining college offers from several schools, Zamarron, coming off a productive football season as a wide receiver, was in the process of switching his focus back to the varsity basketball team, where he would help run the court as a guard with plenty of talent and experience.
Ionia County commissioners hear hours of public comment after voting to slash MSU Extension budget by nearly 70%
In Ionia County, one of the top five counties in agricultural sales in Michigan, home to three agriculture companies and more than 500 youth participating in 38 local 4-H clubs, the once unthinkable has happened. The Ionia County Board of Commissioners, earlier this month at a budget meeting, voted to slash funding for Michigan State University Extension by nearly 70%.
State, federal dollars to support new $40 million Sheridan Community Hospital project
At a time when rural hospitals may be more at risk for consolidation and closure than ever before, with potential to be swallowed up by the network of larger healthcare operations, Sheridan Community Hospital is remaining committed to its community. For 81 years, patients in the area have sought care at the small, independent hospital, and now hospital officials plan to continue offering care for decades to come with the announcement of plans to construct a new $40 million hospital. During Monday’s monthly Legislative Update session held in Greenville, Rep. Pat Outman, R-Six Lakes, announced that as part of the...
Chinese national sentenced to time served for local marijuana grow
A Chinese national convicted of delivering or manufacturing a large amount of marijuana plants locally was sentenced to time served and non-reporting probation on Thursday. Weida Liu, 38, was charged with delivery/manufacturing a controlled substance involving 45 kilograms or 200 or more marijuana plants and conspiracy to deliver/manufacture a controlled substance, both felonies.
Central Montcalm school board receives good audit, considers fund balance policy
The Central Montcalm Public School Board of Education considered creating a fund balance policy during their Oct. 20 meeting, but decided to send the topic to a committee for further review.
Belding, Montabella football advance to round 2
Only two area teams remain following Friday night’s opening round of the Michigan high school football playoffs. In their respective divisions, the Belding, Tri County and Montabella football teams went against some of the best teams in the state, each of them wanting to keep their seasons alive for another week.
‘They’re going to be remembered forever’
When qualifying for the state meet, Most athletes want nothing more than to compete at the best of their ability. For the Central Montcalm cross country teams, that wasn’t their only mission for Saturday’s Division 3 state final at Michigan International Speedway (MIS). They also wanted to celebrate their accomplishments this season in the best way possible.
Athlete of the Week nominees for Nov. 4, 2025Free Access
Athlete of the Week nominees for Nov. 4, 2025
Upcoming sports (Nov. 5)
Upcoming sports (Nov. 5)
Central Montcalm football falls to Montague in district semifinal
This year’s rendition of the Central Montcalm football team will go down as one of head coach Scott Cripe’s most treasured. “This is one of my favorite groups that I’ve ever coached,” he said. “They just kept getting better and exceeded a lot of people’s expectations.”
Greenville volleyball sweeps Aviation Academy in last home game, prepared for district play next week
An hour was all the Greenville volleyball team needed to sweep its competition Tuesday night. In their final home game of the season, the Jackets (21-12-1) went head-to-head with West Michigan Aviation Academy (9-18-1) with the intent to finish the regular season as strong as possible before turning their attention to district play next week.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Alex CulverFree Access
Alex Culver of Tri County boys cross country was voted this week’s Daily News Athlete of the Week. Culver broke the school record with an 11th-place finish at their Division 2 regional at Benzie Central on Saturday with a time of 16:12.
Upcoming Sports for Nov. 1, 2025
Check out the upcoming sports schedule for the coming week!
Playoff preparation
Brackets have been built and all 144 matchups have been announced, marking the beginning of what’s expected to be another exhilarating postseason for Michigan high school football. Following last Friday’s regular season finale, four area teams — Belding, Central Montcalm, Montabella and Tri County — all locked up spots in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) playoffs in their particular divisions with the end goal of making an appearance at Ford Field next month in mind.
Several individuals qualify for cross country state finals
Every year, hundreds of runners get the opportunity to compete amongst the best in the state at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Brooklyn for the coveted Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state final. Competing at different regional meets around the area over the weekend, several individuals across seven local teams — Carson City-Crystal, Greenville, Belding, Ionia, Lakeview, Tri County and Vestaburg — punched their tickets to the biggest stage in Michigan high school cross country.
