Montcalm Township OKs pact with Stanton police
Contracting with an agency outside its own jurisdiction, Montcalm Township is moving forward to enforce its zoning laws. During the Dec. 10 meeting of the township board, members voted unanimously, with Trustee Brian Cousineau absent, to approve a law enforcement services agreement between the township and the city of Stanton.
‘We can’t sit on our hands’
After that project came in under budget, County Commissioners voted Tuesday to use some of the money leftover from the recent courthouse portico renovation to engage Restore Consulting LLC of Holland to create design drawings, bidding documents and contract materials for the eventual renovation of the County Administration building at 101 W. Main.
MCC receives clean audit
Montcalm Community College again earned a clean fiscal audit, though delays in the auditing process forced the college to submit the report late and address a material weakness identified, prompting the college to take corrective action.
A community connection
Attending the Grateful Hearts Community dinner for the first time, Belding resident Carmen Punches marveled at the generosity that surrounded her in the cafeteria of Belding High School on Friday evening. Having just finished a traditional holiday meal, complete with ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and more, Punches barely had time to push her chair back before a member of the Collective Impact student club politely took her plate.
MAISD opting in ‘subject to rescission’ for mental health and safety funding
As school districts throughout the state continue to debate whether to opt in to receive additional funding for mental health and safety — with strings attached — the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District is in, for now. During Friday’s meeting of the MAISD Board, held at the Seiter Education Center in Greenville, members voted unanimously to approve a resolution to “Opt-in, subject to rescission” related to allocation of Section 31aa funding, in accordance with Public Act 15 of 2025.
Hark Up holiday
The greater Greenville community was treated to a Christmas-themed performance Dec. 18 with the sixth annual showing of the “Hark Up Christmas: Hometown Style” show at the Greenville Performing Arts Center. From big band performances, dance numbers, vocal ensembles and solo performances, the audience experienced a nonstop mix of traditional and original holiday tunes, with proceeds from the concert benefiting the Education Foundation of Greenville.
An artful Nativity
Creating an artful Nativity scene is a labor of love for a local artist. Cindy Reyner has created a life-sized mixed media representation of a Nativity scene within the River of Life Free Methodist Church, a 151-year-old sanctuary in Saranac.
City of Ionia transit scores $400K grant
The city will receive a $409,318 grant consisting of both federal and state money that will be used to improve facilities and acquire new vehicles. Earlier this week, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced $133 million in funding from the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Low or No Emission Grant program and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities program, plus matching state funds.
City of Greenville receives clean audit
In receiving its annual audit presentation Tuesday evening, the Greenville City Council embraced another positive, clean report of its city finances. Council members voted unanimously to accept a report that once again delivered an “unmodified, clean opinion,” which is the highest an entity can receive.
Shaping financial futures
As a high school student, seemingly unaware of the complexities of adulthood that would await her, Ramie Barczak can recall one of the key moments in her teens when she received a fresh and welcome perspective on how to properly “adult.” “That started about 30 years ago, when I lived in Grand Rapids as a little high school student in my little maroon car,” she recalled.
Baldwin Buddies
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Michigan was having a hard time bringing their Lunch Buddies program to Greenville, but some creative scheduling led to the launch of Baldwin Buddies. Mid-Michigan BBBS serves Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Mecosta, Montcalm, Osceola and Roscommon counties, primarily through the Lunch Buddies program, where mentors go into schools to meet with children once a week during the lunch and recess period.
Kent Co. commish running for 33rd District State Senate
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners at their final meeting of the year heard from a Kent County commissioner, one who is running for State Senate. Katie DeBoer, who lives just outside of Greenville, introduced herself as a candidate for Michigan’s 33rd District in what is becoming a busy field of Republicans, including current State Rep. Gina Johnsen, R-Portland, current State Rep. Joseph Fox, R-Fremont and Tom Norton of Rockford.
‘Bowls of cheer’
After five weeks of time and effort, brainstorming numerous ways to collect donations in the form of boxes of breakfast cereal, the "Bowls of Cheer" food drive came to life Wednesday in a way students at Walnut Hills Elementary School never imagined. To collect 1,000 boxes of cereal — with the intent to donate those boxes to the food pantry at City Church Greenville — the nine fourth- and fifth-grade students who make up the school’s student council celebrated with the entire student body after successfully collecting 1,491 boxes of cereal.
‘Montcalm County is very proud of you’
The front row at Monday’s Montcalm County Board of Commissioners meeting featured a younger (and blonder) audience than usual. The Montabella Mustangs were present at the county board’s final meeting of 2025 to be honored with a special resolution in recognition of their outstanding football season.
Sand Lake notifies townships of intent to cease fire services
The Sand Lake Village Council on Monday voted to notify three townships that the village intends to cease providing fire services when contracts expire in March and to enter into negotiations with Cedar Springs for Sand Lake fire service.
Ferris State plans ‘Bulldog Spirit Day’
Ferris State University is calling on the entire community to come together in celebration as Jan. 12, 2026, is declared “Bulldog Spirit Day.” The campus-wide and community celebration will honor the Ferris State football team’s fourth national championship and the volleyball team’s incredible postseason success.
Cruising at Cornerstone
Since its first loss of the year a few weeks ago, the Greenville boys basketball team has been climbing its way back to the top. The Yellow Jackets (5-1) have been riding out a three-game win streak after a three-point loss to Forest Hills Northern on Dec. 5, including a four-point victory over Division 1 titan Northview two weeks ago.
Central Montcalm girls fall to Kent City in season’s first loss
While it may be difficult for some to find the silver lining in suffering a loss, the Central Montcalm girls basketball team has no trouble finding the positives. The Hornets (3-1) had their toughest task of the season to date Friday night when they hosted similarly undefeated Kent City (4-0) in their last contest before the holiday break. The Eagles won the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) White last year at 7-1 with their lone loss coming from the Hornets.
Athlete of the Week nominees for Dec. 23, 2025Free Access
Athlete of the Week nominees for Dec. 23, 2025
Belding wrestling opens conference action with pair of commanding wins at home quad
Finding improvement in every match they wrestle is the primary goal this year’s Belding wrestling team wants to achieve this season. In a matter of two weeks, they’re already accomplishing those goals and much more. The Black Knights have faced some tough competition the last couple of weeks across a handful of invitationals and tournaments.
Greenville girls basketball falls in conference opener to reigning champs Cedar Springs
There’s no better way to open up a conference schedule in any sport than going head-to-head with the reigning conference champion. That was the reality for the Greenville girls basketball team Thursday night and a true test to what their next few weeks of games could look like. The Yellow Jackets (3-1) have already seen plenty of excitement so far this season through their first few games, securing their second consecutive 3-0 start to the season.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Olivia FancettFree Access
Olivia Fancett was voted this week’s Daily News Athlete of the Week. Fancett, a junior, led the Jackets basketball team to a commanding win over Belding on Friday night with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. She also recorded 10 points for the Jackets in their win over Northview last Tuesday.
Upcoming sports schedule for Dec. 20, 2025
Check out the upcoming local high school sports schedule.
Staying hopeful
An aggressive defense wasn’t enough to lift the Carson City-Crystal boys basketball team over their opponent Monday night. The Eagles (3-2) were looking to get back in the win column following a narrow five-point loss to Coleman on Friday in league action. They hosted Lansing Christian (2-2) for their first of three matchups before the holiday break.
Playing together
Tuesday’s conference contest went all the way down to the wire for the Ionia girls basketball team. Putting the first points on the board, the Bulldogs (2-1) took the lead against Eaton Rapids, a lead they held onto for the majority of the game. But a three-point shot put the Greyhounds back in the running for the win in the final minute, which ultimately led to the Bulldogs’ demise by the end in a one-point battle, 39-38.
