A ‘secret mission’ for Christmas
As Lakeview Elementary School third-graders were learning about Michigan’s history this past spring, they drew and colored bulb-shaped Christmas ornaments highlighting many of the state’s special treasures, such as robins and loons, Great Lakes beaches and the Mackinac Bridge, colorful sunsets, white pine trees and winter nights. Now, fourth-graders, the class was surprised with a special announcement on Friday morning: Their ornaments will be hung on the Michigan Christmas tree beside the National Christmas Tree in President’s Park at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Debate over Greenville athletics continues as coaches, parents, board members weigh in
Three weeks after parents voiced concerns regarding culture, communication and fairness within Greenville Public Schools athletic programs, the discussion returned to the forefront Monday evening — this time with parents and a coach offering perspectives. On Oct. 20, two parents addressed the school board, bringing forth concerns that ranged from allegations of a lack of transparency in coaching decisions, inconsistent communication about evaluations and playing time, and concerns over physical safety and mental health across the district's athletic programs. The subject came forward once again Monday, and what began as a response to earlier criticisms evolved into a broader conversation...
Belvidere Twp. Board holds brief special meeting
The Belvidere Township Board, with the supervisor absent and the clerk position vacant, held a special 17-minute meeting Thursday night with 20 residents in attendance. Trustee Wayne Watts chaired the meeting in the absence of Supervisor Leigh Murray, while Treasurer Yolanda Lane took minutes in the absence of a clerk; Trustee Brent Dietrich was also present.
Maple Valley Twp. approves public comment policy, preferred vendor list
The Maple Valley Township Board, during a half-hour meeting on Monday, unanimously voted to adopt a public comment policy as well as a list of preferred vendors. Supervisor Bruce Deur said he learned from Michigan Townships Association training, as well as from speaking with an attorney, that all townships should have a public comment policy to show compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act (OMA).
Chasing the lights
Sitting among constituents within Montcalm Township Hall, my laptop open, listening and taking notes, business was going as usual for this reporter on Wednesday evening. From the approval of special land use requests to the township clerk receiving a “sunlight” award for her diligent work identifying redundant registrations from the voter rolls, there was no shortage of important township business for me to cover in the public interest.
Ionia planners OK final site plan for Steele Street Park
Members of the city's Planning Commission discussed and approved the final site plan for Steele Street Park on Wednesday. The final design for the 7.7-acre parcel includes paved parking, a performing arts pavilion, a building with restrooms and storage, two pickleball courts, a grass volleyball court and pedestrian pathways throughout, including a connection to the Fred Meijer Grand River Valley Rail Trail.
Montcalm County construction ordinance amended to allow ADUs
After years of expressing displeasure with having to handle secondary housing units requests in non-zoned townships, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners have amended the county’s construction ordinance. The ordinance previously stated, “No single parcel of property shall be allowed to have more than one dwelling on that parcel, whether or not the dwellings are occupied.”
Greenville DDA narrows search for new fall-themed banners
Members of the Greenville Downtown Development Authority are narrowing their search for an ideal banner to best represent the fall season. During Monday’s meeting of the DDA, which clocked in at just 19 minutes, the majority of discussion centered around the desire to purchase decorative banners specific to the fall season to be hung on poles throughout the city’s historic downtown district on Lafayette Street (M-91).
Northside Sports Complex closes less than a month after opening
Less than a month after opening the doors to a new recreation hub in the community, Northside Sports Complex unexpectedly closed last week. The family-owned venture, run by husband and wife Jeff and Dana Jensen, along with their daughter, Kennedy Jensen, celebrated its grand opening in the former Magnum Sports building on Oct. 9. The business closed during the first week of November.
‘Thank the vets every day’
About 50 veterans and some of their family members attended Ronald “Buzz” Possehn's 10th annual Veterans Day luncheon on Tuesday, which took place in the pole barn next to his home on Johnson Road outside of Saranac. Aside from the free catered lunch, this year's program included a children's choir performance, a lone trumpeter playing “Taps,” a 21-gun salute, a release of doves, a quilt raffle and a presentation on veteran suicide prevention by Ionia VFW Post 12082 quartermaster Shane Houghton.
Yet another Belvidere Twp. clerk resigns
Something is very wrong in Belvidere Township. After seven clerks in less than three years, as well as frequent turnover in the supervisor, treasurer and trustee positions, the Six Lakes-centered community is quickly becoming a cautionary tale for how not to run a local government unit.
‘A lasting impact’
When John and Candy Kerschen first arrived in Greenville 34 years ago, they were outsiders with little-to-no knowledge about the small, rural community. “Candy and I lived in Chicago at the time, I got a job here in West Michigan for a bank, and somewhere along the way, they said, ‘we’re sending you to Greenville,’” John recalled. “We got out the paper map and searched around to figure out where Greenville was.” But it didn’t take long for the husband and wife to not only establish Greenville as their new home, but to become involved in ways that would make...
Hubbardston barn fire may result in arson charge
A Tuesday night barn fire in Hubbardston will be referred to the Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office for a possible arson charge. The Hubbardston Fire Department and the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a barn fire at 8:12 p.m. on Schaeffer Road.
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.
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.
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.
