An appreciation for our veterans
After spending more than a year fighting in Vietnam, Roger Blumberg didn’t know what kind of country he’d be returning to after serving two years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Having enlisted in 1966 and been sent to war at the young age of 19, those two years serving his country would forever shape the man he would become.
‘Get this off the books’
After months of debate, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners has repealed an unused and outdated county parks ordinance. The ordinance was adopted in 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.
Sticky sewer situation
Certain residents of this township have been wreaking havoc on the local sewer system by flushing all sorts of items, including tremendous amounts of grease, articles of clothing and, perhaps worst of all, “flushable wipes.” The topic came up for discussion at Monday evening's township board meeting when Supervisor Frank Force noted that there was only one “emergency call out” on this month's sewer report.
Ionia hands over small piece of land for Free Fair entrance
The Ionia City Council voted last Wednesday to sell a small parcel of city-owned land to the Ionia Free Fair Association for $1 via quit claim deed. The parcel is 0.14 acres in total area, is 170 feet long and 28 feet wide and is identified as “34-051-140-000-360-00” in city documents.
Greenville jogger severely injured after being struck by vehicle on M-57Free Access
A 25-year-old Greenville woman was severely injured when a vehicle struck her while she was jogging on Monday evening. An off-duty Michigan State Police Lakeview Post officer was pumping gas at a gas station on M-57 just west of Lincoln Lake Road in Oakfield Township around 6:40 p.m. A woman had just walked out of the store and the officer observed the woman jog into the roadway, where she was hit by an eastbound vehicle.
The legend of the trail
Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” That quote was paraphrased as saying that though she was small in stature, she stands tall.
Rotary Club of Ionia honors Corrections Officers of the Year
Five local corrections officers were honored by the Rotary Club of Ionia on Wednesday at the annual Corrections Officers of the Year ceremony. This year’s group of exceptional officers were Ronald Hooson, Jane Johnson, Colin Machado, Adam Most and the late Joe Diaz.
Local food pantries rally to meet surging demandFree Access
In the final week of October, upon opening the doors of the Bread of Life food pantry at Greenville Community Church, Susanne LeFeve waited anxiously as a few patrons trickled in to pick up their monthly supply of food. “It’s the calm before the storm,” she recalled. As funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits was set to expire on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, LeFeve had predicted that there would be an influx of people rushing to the pantry — many for the first time.
Greenville parents questions culture, safety of school athletic programs
In the final week of this year’s varsity football season, fans and players took in the last performance of the Yellow Jackets, filling the stands of Legacy Field. While the team finished with a record of 2-7 for the third consecutive season, the Yellow Jackets persevered through a mixed schedule, one that saw their opponents finish with a combined record of 35-37, with three of the seven losses consisting of playoff teams. The team completed its second season with head coach Scott McDougall at the helm.
No attorney fees for local gov units selling foreclosed properties
Local government units disbursing the sales of tax-foreclosed properties are not entitled to recoup attorney fees or other costs, according to a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling. The court case was initiated by the Montcalm County Treasurer’s Office.
Leveling out the lake
Six decades ago, a legal level was established for Cowden Lake, but the needed assessment and infrastructure for the project were never completed. Lake residents are now working to rectify the situation, with the assistance of the Montcalm County Drain Commission.
Ionia to place future MSU Extension funding on ballot
The Ionia County Board of Commissioners continued the discussion of their recent decision to slash the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension budget by nearly 70% during a budget workshop on Wednesday. After debating the issue for about 45 minutes, the board voted 5-2, with commissioners Phillip Hesche of Saranac and Larry Tiejema of Saranac opposed, to recommend approving to the full board a $67,106 budget for MSU this year.
‘I was born to do this’
GREENVILLE — Just a few short years ago, struggling as a nursing student at Grand Valley State University, David Genslak found himself adrift, unsure if he was on the right path toward a career in the medical field. However, after following a winding path that saw him trade his green nursing scrubs for a police badge, Genslak, 27, could only […]
6 fire departments respond to barn blaze near SheridanFree Access
Nearly three dozen firefighters from six fire departments responded to a barn blaze on Wednesday afternoon near Sheridan. The Sheridan Fire Authority was dispatched to 7325 S. Carlson Road at 4:38 p.m. after Montcalm County Central Dispatch received reports of a barn on fire containing equipment, shop tools and an unknown number of bales of hay with flames and heavy smoke.
‘Honored’ and ‘ecstatic’
The results of Tuesday’s election will see the return of a familiar face, joined by a newcomer, on the Greenville City Council this January. With all four precincts in the city reporting, incumbent Councilperson Claude Johnson, 75, and write-in candidate Mike Mangus, 35, were elected among a field of five total candidates Tuesday.
Belding football falls in district final to undefeated Kent City
Competing in a different division brings a whole new playing field when it comes to the football postseason. The Belding football team found themselves in a thrilling situation Friday night at Rudness Field, but one they didn't shy away from.
‘It’s not over’
Running has been a part of Kamryn Salladay’s life since she was in the sixth grade. What started as a new hobby that involved running through town with her parents has turned into a passion.
Upcoming Sports for Nov. 12, 2025
Check out the local high school sports schedule for the upcoming week.
Sports Roundup for Nov. 12, 2025
Check out the local Sports Roundup for Saturday, Nov. 12, 2025.
Mustangs run over Merrill
History was made under the stadium lights of Montabella’s football field Friday night. It’s been an exciting year of firsts for this year’s team of Mustangs, their most recent accomplishment was an opportunity to play in their first-ever regional final.
‘We’re unstoppable’
Grace Droste is finishing out her senior season with the Ionia volleyball team the same way she did her freshman year … as a district champion. “It’s been so crazy,” she said. “It was a lot of hard work, a lot of emotions, a lot of ups and downs. It’s been three years since we won this and I’m just really happy for my team and also super proud of myself for how much I’ve worked. I’m just really excited.”
Belding volleyball ends season in district semifinal loss to Portland
The Belding volleyball team set out to do one thing this season, and that was to embrace their roots. Although their season came to an end earlier than they would’ve hoped, head coach Kelly Groenenboom believes they accomplished exactly that. “This has got to be one of the most improved groups of girls that I’ve coached,” she said. “From day one, they just had so much trust in the coaching staff and in the vision we saw that they could get to.”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Austin JensenFree Access
Austin Jensen of Montabella football was voted this week’s Daily News Athlete of the Week. Jensen, a junior, scored six touchdowns for the Mustangs in their 64-26 win over Breckenridge Friday night, their first-ever home playoff game.
Upcoming Sports for Nov. 8, 2025
Check out the local high school sports schedule for the upcoming week.
‘Enjoy every moment’
The biggest and brightest stars of high school cross country took the stage at the desirable Michigan International Speedway (MIS) for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state finals races. Of the hundreds of athletes in participation, 24 of them were area superstars who represented eight of the nine local districts. Between first-time qualifiers and seasoned veterans, several athletes got their chance to shine and ended their respective seasons in their own exciting ways.
