Take-and-bake for the holidays
Hundreds of local families enjoyed a free pepperoni pizza dinner this Christmas Eve thanks to the owner and employees of Your House of Pizza, made possible with donations from the community. “People really like to have a hot meal during the holidays,” said restaurant owner Shawn Kline. “Not everybody gets all the bells and whistles of ham and turkey and all the other things, or they have to work and don’t have time to make all that. These are take-and-bake pizzas, so they can cook it whenever they want to.”
Greenville accepts grant for Flat River Community Players
For more than 50 years, the Flat River Community Players have entertained the community through countless plays and musicals on the stage of the Greenville Area Recreation and Community Center. While the organization’s presence has been felt through local actors performing dramas, comedies, tragedies and more, there’s one thing that’s been lacking: A permanent home.
Fairplain Township home destroyed in early-morning blaze; resident escapes safelyFree Access
A woman safely escaped without injury after a suspected gas leak sparked a fire that destroyed her modular home just as Christmas Day had concluded.
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.
Clicking into place
Not even a threatening fourth-quarter comeback from the opposing team could spoil the Central Montcalm boys basketball team’s spotless season record Monday night. The Hornets’ (7-0) quest for greatness continued after a thrilling three-point victory over conference rival Kent City last Friday to remain at the top of the league untouched, 51-48.
Belding boys fall to Jenison at Cornerstone
The Belding boys basketball team has made a lot of games interesting this season, yet a 20-point halftime deficit was too much for them Friday night. While most other teams were enjoying their Friday night off the day after Christmas, the Black Knights (3-4) went back to work to see if they could bust their way back into the win column after a narrow loss to Western Michigan Christian the week before.
‘We can play with anyone’
The last time the Greenville boys basketball team defeated Forest Hills Central was Valentine’s Day 2012. Thanks to another exhilarating team performance on Tuesday morning that had four players break into double-digit point totals, the Yellow Jackets (6-1) ended the Rangers’ (6-2) streak with a convincing victory at the Cornerstone Holiday Tournament, 71-56.
Sports roundup for Dec. 27, 2025
Monday, Dec. 22 Boys Basketball Central Montcalm 48, Ionia 44: Evan Rolston led the Hornets with 22 points, followed by Peyton Marks with 11 and Daniel Zableckis with seven. Colt Piercefield led the Bulldogs with 21 points, followed by Ethan Wenzel with 13 and Carter Ralston with six. Central Montcalm record: 7-0. Ionia record: 2-5. Central Montcalm next: 7 p.m. […]
Upcoming sports (Dec. 28-29)
Upcoming sports (Dec. 28-29)
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.
