‘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.
Montcalm County Election Commission denies proposed Maple Valley Twp. recall language
The Montcalm County Election Commission on Friday voted to deny proposed recall language for two Maple Valley Township officials, ruling that the language was unclear. Tricia Wells, a former member of the township Planning Commission, filed proposed recall language against Treasurer Meg Booth and Clerk Andi Knapp earlier this month.
Seppala selected to fill Greenville City Council vacancy
A longtime banker and member of numerous boards and nonprofits has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Greenville City Council. During Tuesday’s meeting, council members voted unanimously to appoint David Seppala, 64, to the seven-member governing body.
Linton bids farewell to Greenville City Council after eight years
After more than eight years of serving on the Greenville City Council, Jay Linton bid farewell during his final meeting Tuesday. After choosing not to run for reelection this past November, Linton’s time on the council came to an end during its final meeting of the year.
Montcalm County committee to create new parks ordinance
After repealing an outdated, unused parks ordinance, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners is now considering creating a new one. At their final meeting of 2025, commissioners voted 4-2 to create a committee to look into using existing park rules to create a new parks ordinance.
Ionia County Hope and Recovery reflects on another year of helping
Leaders of Ionia County Hope and Recovery hosted their annual holiday party Wednesday afternoon to show their appreciation to the coalition's members after another year helping residents deal with the harmful effects of excessive substance use.
5-vehicle crash shuts down M-57 in Greenville
A driver allegedly running a red light caused a five-vehicle crash — including an oil tanker semi — that left three people with minor injuries Thursday morning.
Bringing ‘stability to the wild West’
In a unique local government situation, despite only one “permanent” township board member being present Tuesday night, the Belvidere Township Board was able to make a quorum for a very necessary meeting. A quick recap: In the last three years, the township has gone through four supervisors, seven clerks, two treasurers and four trustees. Three officials have resigned in the last month alone: Tim Anstett as clerk (after just a month and a half on the job), Leigh Murray as supervisor and most recently Yolanda Lane as treasurer, effective immediately on Dec. 9 with no reason given.
Ionia school board encouraged by survey results
The Ionia Public Schools Board of Education had a productive final meeting of 2025 on Monday evening. The board discussed community survey results, approved the sale of bonds and purchased playground equipment for the Bulldog Beginnings preschool at Boyce Elementary.
Belding updates ordinance for storage spaces
During an efficient meeting on Tuesday that lasted less than 30 minutes, Belding City Council members voted to amend an ordinance related to the construction of basements, crawlspaces and sheds. Council members had the second reading of an amendment to section G of section 2.13 of the city's code of ordinances.
Belding superintendent earns top marks in annual evaluation
A decade into leading Belding Area Schools as superintendent, Brent Noskey has been tasked with numerous responsibilities — from maintaining a strong financial standing and ensuring quality curriculum to hiring staff, implementing policy and fostering community relations. In the eyes of the school board, Noskey, 56, continues to receive high marks for his job performance.
Montcalm County board declines to reconsider MPC funding request
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on Monday declined to reconsider a funding request for the Montcalm Prevention Collaborative (MPC), a local agency which recently lost its federal funding. The MPC has been funded through the Drug-Free Communities Grant administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at a rate of $125,000 per year for five years. Funding had been approved for years six through 10, however, that continuing funding was withdrawn in mid-November due to budget cuts made by President Donald Trump’s administration.
JUST IN: David Seppala appointed to Greenville City CouncilFree Access
The Greenville City Council voted unanimously this evening to appoint Greenville resident David Seppala to fill a vacancy on the seven-member governing body. Seppala was selected among eight candidates who applied to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former council member Mark Lehman in November; though two candidates did not attend tonight's in-person interviews.
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.
Sports roundup for Dec. 18
Sports roundup for Dec. 18.
Upcoming sports (Dec. 19-20)
Upcoming sports (Dec. 19-20).
Defying expectations
The Ferris State University football team is headed back to the NCAA Division II National Championship game, though head coach Tony Annese said that’s not what he expected at the start of the season. “No chance did I think that was going to happen,” Annese said in the postgame press conference on Saturday, reflecting on his state of mind after losing key players through the transfer portal, including quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, now a star at University of Mississippi.
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW: Lakeview girls basketball prepared to build off first winning season in 10 years, under guidance of new head coach
Having a new head coach can present its challenges for any high school sports team, but not for Lakeview girls basketball. Over the past few years, the Wildcats have done an exceptional job of maintaining and excelling with an open mind after having two new head coaches since the 2021-2022 season as of last year.
