Stampede to state
In the 58 years of the school’s existence, no Montabella sports team has ever made a run at a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state championship. Thanks to a group of 29 kids, a new bar has been set for the future of Mustang athletics.
Belding City Council to restart search for city manager
City leaders continued their discussion on Tuesday about how to find a new city manager after experiencing some bad luck recently with the hiring process. The current situation originated in October 2024, when Jon Stoppels announced his intention to retire as city manager, which he did soon after. The City Council hired the Michigan Municipal League (MML) for $18,500 to search for his replacement, and ended up hiring Belding native Keven Krieger.
‘We have a lot of questions’
Three townships in three counties have been left scrambling for a solution after the village of Sand Lake unexpectedly proposed a major cost increase for fire contracts. Montcalm County’s Pierson Township, Newaygo County’s Ensley Township and Kent County’s Nelson Township all contract with the Sand Lake Fire Department for fire coverage (Pierson Township contracts with Sand Lake for the southern half of the township and with the Howard City Fire Department for the northern half).
Ionia Dept. of Public Safety responds to pair of house fires this week
The Ionia Department of Public Safety responded to two structure fires within three days. The Ionia DPS responded to a house fire at 446 Lafayette St. at 2:12 p.m. on Sunday. Ionia DPS was also called to a structure fire at 1890 W. Main St. at 2:21 p.m. on Tuesday.
Korson’s Christmas trees make their way to D.C.
As the official White House Christmas tree was harvested Tuesday afternoon — tumbling to the ground with a loud shouting of “timber” as it steadily creaked over — Jessica and Rex Korson could hardly process the historic moment. After their farm, Korson’s Tree Farms, was named grand champion of the National Christmas Tree Association’s contest earlier this year, a tree on the property was selected in September by Dale Haney, chief groundskeeper of the White House, to be placed in the White House Blue Room this holiday season.
Mark Lehman closes 26-year chapter on Greenville City Council
After more than a quarter-century of shaping city policy, Mark Lehman attended his final meeting as a member of the Greenville City Council on Tuesday evening. During the meeting, Lehman submitted his resignation, effective the following day, which was accepted by his fellow council members via unanimous approval of the meeting’s consent agenda. Lehman was most recently re-elected to the council in November 2024.
Finance Committee sends proposed budget to Ionia Co. Board
The five members of the Ionia County Finance Committee met on Tuesday to take one last look at next year's budget before sending it to the county Board of Commissioners for final approval. County commissioners Terence Frewen and David Hodges, Administrator Chad Shaw, Finance Director Roxy Craton and Road Department Managing Director Linda Pigue attended the discussion. No members of the public attended, other than the Daily News, so there was no public comment.
MSU Extension opens ‘Blessings Pantry’ in Stanton office
"Take what you need, leave what you can.” That’s the motto of the new Montcalm County Blessings Pantry at the local Michigan State University Extension office.
‘Our dear friend’
When Lance Gates left this world, it was quick and unexpected, but he was surrounded by friends and doing something he loved. The Pierson Township man has gone deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula’s Ironwood with buddies since he was 17 years old, and this year was no different. Lance met up with some friends last week. One flew in from Florida, another came from Wyoming. They were all excited for another round of deer camp.
Belding school board votes to accept mental health, security funding from state despite ‘strings attached’
As school districts across the state review whether to accept state funds for mental health and security — now with “strings attached” — Belding Area Schools has decided to move forward and accept the funding. During Monday’s meeting of the school board, members voted unanimously, with Vice President Shannon Hummel and Trustee Jennifer Lien absent, to accept Michigan Section 31aa funding.
Ionia school board discusses next steps after bond approval
The Ionia Public Schools Board of Education on Monday discussed a new bond which was approved by just 51 votes in the Nov. 4 election. Superintendent Benjamin Gurk indicated that the new wing at Boyce Elementary would be completed in “at least two school years,” after which point Emerson Elementary would close permanently.
Ionia County ISD purchases new Dodge van at special meeting
The Ionia County Intermediate School District (ISD) Board of Education met on Nov. 13 for their monthly meeting. Due to some unexpected conflicts, a quorum of the board was not able to attend the meeting and therefore no formal actions were taken.
Greenville City Council rejects big rate hike request from GFL
Residents of this city will face higher waste disposal fees beginning next month, albeit well below steep hikes originally requested by the community’s contracted trash hauler. During the Nov. 4 meeting of the Greenville City Council, members voted unanimously to approve a 5% waste-hauling rate increase for all residential, commercial and industrial clients in the city, which will take effect Dec. 1
‘A second bite at the apple’
In a rare double jeopardy argument in Montcalm County court, a judge ruled that the concept did not apply to the defense’s request that a man be barred from being retried after his first trial ended in a mistrial. Michael David Cook, 55, of Stanton is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct causing injury and unlawful imprisonment/kidnapping stemming from an alleged event this past March in Sidney Township. Cook’s first trial ended in a mistrial on Oct. 28.
Montcalm Twp. clerk honored for her election integrity work
In her role as Montcalm Township clerk, Christine Foley never set out to make headlines, but her careful review of voter registration rolls has earned her recognition as a “responsive advocate” in safeguarding local elections. During the Nov. 12 Montcalm Township Board meeting, Foley informed the public she had recently received a “Sunlight” award from the Michigan Fair Elections Institute. The organization is made up of grassroots groups, leaders and activists supporting free and fair elections in Michigan.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: ‘Take care of business’
It’s only been a week since boys basketball practices began and Ty Warczinsky is already optimistic about his team’s chemistry. “I think we’re going to be super connected,” he said. “We’ve stacked some really good practices together so far.” The Wolverines saw a positive uptick in their overall team success last year in that it was their first winning record (12-9) since the 2021-2022 season, finishing fourth in a very competitive Mid-State Activities Conference (MSAC) league with an 11-6 record.
Magical Mustangs
For the first three quarters of Saturday’s state semifinal game, things were looking questionable for the Montabella football team. In the 8-player Division 1 state semifinals, the Mustangs were trailing by 20 points heading into the fourth quarter, knowing they’d need to play the best football of their lives if they were going to keep their season alive one more week.
From Greenville to Team Michigan
For most high school cross country runners, the season ends at the state finals. Greenville senior Gracelin Martin, on the other hand, got an opportunity to end hers in a very unique way.
A golfer’s dream come true
Since she was a freshman, Lila Redder has had one ultimate goal for herself when it comes to her golf career: To play in a state finals. Just two years later, as a junior, she was able to accomplish that goal and so much more.
Former Montabella assistant RaDeric Guy takes over Lakeview boys basketball program
Changes are in store for the Lakeview boys basketball team this upcoming season, the biggest of which is at the helm of their program. For the first time since the 2019-2020 season, the Wildcats will be under the leadership of a new head coach, but one who's been around the local basketball scene for quite some time.
Sports Roundup for Nov. 15, 2025
Thursday, Nov. 13 Girls Swim Ionia at St Johns for MSHAA Diving Regional: Evelyn Kleibusch and Mara Mastrobattista both competed for the Bulldogs against some tough competition, but unfortunately, did not advance past the second cut after eight dives. Next: TBA on Friday at MHSAA Division 3 Finals at Holland Aquatic Center.
‘A phenomenal team’
A record-breaking season for the Ionia volleyball team has come to an end. The Bulldogs have seen plenty of excitement the last couple of weeks, most recently earning their fourth Division 2 district championship in program history, their first since 2022, with a clean sweep over league rival Portland last Thursday. With their championship victory came yet another opportunity to keep their remarkable season of only four losses alive as they went head-to-head against Fruitport in the regional semifinal at Fremont on Tuesday night.
‘Something to strive for’
Sept. 20, 2024, is a date that Jayden Button will remember forever. Week four of the regular season brought forth an exciting matchup for the Tri County football team as they had a perfect record through their first three games and were lined up to play conference rival Newaygo at home, who also had an undefeated record. Down by five in the fourth quarter, the then-junior defensive back made a tackle that changed his life in more ways than one.
Belding Area Community Fund announces inaugural Turkey Trot
The Belding Area Community Fund is inviting runners, walkers, and community supporters to lace up for the inaugural Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, in downtown Belding. The event will follow the same route as the popular Belding Labor Day 5K, offering participants a familiar and scenic course. Organizers anticipate the Turkey Trot will be one of the largest community fundraisers of the year, combining healthy activity, local pride and holiday cheer.
Sports roundup for Nov. 13
Sports roundup for Nov. 13.
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.
