Caleb Gulick Benefit A raffle drawing to benefit Caleb Gulick will take place at 10 a.m. at Goldstar Read more [...]
Belding Area Schools bond construction starting soon
While today marks the last day of the school year for students at Belding Area Schools, the grounds around several school buildings will remain busy throughout the summer as construction and renovation projects begin. On May 17, district administrators, members of the Board of Education, teachers, students and more celebrated a groundbreaking event at Ellis Elementary School, acknowledging the start of the district’s $21.5 million tax-neutral bond proposal with no increase to the current millage rate.
Stanton Police Department grows to 4 full-time officers, plus reserves
The Stanton Police Department is growing and flourishing with many new faces on the force, all of whom are dedicated to a community policing approach. The city department now has four full-time police officers, one of whom is a resource officer for Central Montcalm Public School, plus three reserve officers.
Thwaites Trail closing on Friday for repairs
The three-mile long Fred Thwaites River Trail in Ionia will be closed for a seven-week construction project, from Friday until July 24. Last week, the city of Ionia was awarded a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund to undertake the $532,316 improvement project. The city’s $240,000 portion will come from the Parks Improvements Fund.
Benn trial adjourned after defense attorney tends to family emergency
The trial of an Ionia woman charged with a double fatal, was originally scheduled for today through June 2, but was adjourned at a status hearing Tuesday morning after a motion from Assistant Public Defender John English was granted by Ionia County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Schafer. At about 11:15 a.m. on July 30, 2022, Mandy Benn, 43, allegedly struck five bicyclists with her SUV while attempting to pass a UPS truck on Stage Road, killing Edward Erickson, 48, of Ann Arbor, and Michael Salhaney, 57, of Bloomfield Hills and severely injuring three others. Witnesses on the scene described Benn...
GHS seniors bookend final year of high school with ‘Senior Sunset’
Eight months ago, a handful of Greenville High School seniors started the first day of their last year of high school standing atop the bleachers of Legacy Field, watching the sunrise together over the eastern horizon. On Wednesday evening — the night prior to their commencement ceremony — those same seniors came together a final time at the school’s practice soccer fields to embrace one another, taking in yet another emotional experience as they watched the sunset over the western horizon.
Refurbished bench installed to honor Belding class of ’66 veterans
Late last month, a group from Belding High School’s class of 1966 arranged for a bench in Denny Craycraft Veterans Freedom Park to get new slats that are permanently etched with a dedication honoring their classmates who served in the military. A bench already existed in that location, but the slats were made of wood and looked rather weather-beaten. Retaining the metal parts, new bench slats were made by Poly Products in Mulligan out of recycled plastic milk jugs, and purchased through Mike Eden, owner of Preservation Materials International in Ionia.
Perfect weather greets Sheridan Springfest
Kicking off the summer season, the Sheridan Springfest 2023 had perfect weather and great attendance at events throughout the weekend. With events for kids like the tractor pull and the new sidewalk chalk drawing, events for teens like Michigan GellyBall and more carnival rides and events for adults, like yard sales, arts and craft show, beer tent and live music, it was a family-oriented, fun weekend.
Pitch perfect
If one were to sum up Ryan Binge’s high school academic performance in baseball pitching terms, the Montabella senior would have pitched a perfect game, earning his team the win and leading the club to a World Series. The 17-year-old starting pitcher has been doing well on the mound for the Mustangs varsity baseball team this year. But it is in the classroom where he’s been most impressive, posting a pristine 4.0 grade point average throughout his high school career.
A community in his corner
Standing before his fellow graduates and a packed gymnasium of spectators at Central Montcalm High School, Connor Pung approached the podium to deliver a speech he never would have conceived of a year ago. As valedictorian of his class of 2023, the 18-year-old had earned the right to speak on behalf of his fellow graduates; however, he made it clear that if it weren’t for his classmates, teachers and community members, he likely wouldn’t have been celebrating the occasion.
The class of 2023: Lakeview High School
CLASS INFO Number of graduates: 61 Student speakers: Allison Davis and David Swartzfager (valedictorians), Trenton Cole and Natalie Parsons Honors graduate recognition: Cynthia Fettig Keynote speaker: Todd Barton Class motto: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” — Dr. Seuss Class song: “My Wish” — Rascal Flatts Class Flower: Daisy Class color: Blue THEY SAID IT … “Parents, […]
‘Iron Man of Metz’ turns 100
Ceo Bauer Jr., known as “J.R.” by his friends and family, recently celebrated his 100th birthday with two public parties last weekend. Bauer earned his Purple Heart as one of the “Iron Men of Metz” during World War II. His military service was cut short by a severe shrapnel injury and 17 months recuperation in the hospital. After returning from the war, Bauer earned his engineering degree and worked to create the state highway system during as 31-year career with the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Frontier Days returns to Carson City on June 2-4
Frontier Days will return to Carson City from June 2-4 for a weekend of free family fun, featuring old favorites and many new events. As always, the Community Picnic will kick things off at 5 p.m. Friday in Haradine Park. The festival partners with Harvey’s in Carson City to offer the free picnic, a duck race and other fun events.
Ionia baseball earns 8-3 win over St. Johns in predistricts behind Ethan Bowen’s complete game, faces Portland in district semis
Ionia baseball had one goal in Tuesday’s predistrict game against St. Johns. Make it to Saturday. Check it off the list. The Bulldogs earned an 8-3 win over the Redwings on Tuesday at Belding in a Division 2 predistrict matchup featuring two teams that had just played one another last week.
Greenville softball no-hit in district opener against Rockford, lose 15-0
For the fourth season in a row, the Greenville varsity softball team drew a familiar foe to start district play — the Rockford Rams. Geographically, the pairing makes sense. Enrollment-wise, Rockford’s enrollment of 2,469 students vastly outweighs the Yellow Jackets’ enrollment of 1,082.
Playing with power
Sutton Schroeder stood tall on the ninth tee at Kent Country Club back on May 3. Playing in an O-K White jamboree, Schroeder was struggling in this particular round as the No. 1 for Greenville. Schroeder was 4-over par after three holes and made a bogey on No. 8. He’s used to playing as the No. 1, he’s been that top player on the roster for both of his high school seasons. His freshman year ended in a berth in the state finals, has the “Competitor” bag tag to prove it. This year, he’s still playing at an outstanding level.
Carson City-Crystal girls soccer team better than on paper
Nathan Walker looked around the soccer field at Carson City-Crystal’s home game on Thursday. The Eagles were playing nearby Fellowship Baptist Academy, where he attended high school. The local soccer rivalry created a buzz around the soccer field at CC-C. The cars were extended almost all the way out to South Gratiot Road, which is about another 60 yards, give or take, from the goal line on the east end of the field. He loved the buzz around the game on Thursday — having the community out in force to see two local soccer teams — man, he absolutely loved...
Area baseball stat leaders for May 30, 2023
Area baseball stat leaders for May 30, 2023
Area softball stat leaders for May 30, 2023
Area softball state leaders for May 30, 2023
Daily News Track Invitational participants
The Daily News track Invitational, sponsored by the Michigan National Guard, features Greenville, Belding, Central Montcalm, Carson City-Crystal, Lakeview, Montabella and Tri County and will be held at Greenville’s Yellow Jacket Stadium on May 31.
CC-C girls soccer falls valiantly to Ithaca in D4 predistrict game, 4-0
All 11 players on the field for the Carson City-Crystal girls soccer team walked off the field Friday night feeling somber, yet prideful. While the Eagles had just lost their Division 4 predistrict game to Ithaca at home, 4-0, they had plenty to hold their heads up high for.
CC-C baseball claims single-season stolen base record
Mason Smith is one quick dude. His footwork is excellent, and it’s helped propel him to some lofty heights in his senior season at Carson City-Crystal. Smith was an excellent quarterback in the Eagles’ run-and-gun system and he was a solid point guard for the basketball team in playing the front of that diabolical 2-3 zone defense. Now, to this point, Smith leads the baseball team, and the area, by a wide margin with 54 stolen bases.
