As 9-year-old Brantley Blackmer made his way through the toy aisles of Meijer on Thursday, there was no shortage of excitement in his eyes. Sandwiched between an endless sea of Legos, action figures, games and so much more, the Lakeview Middle School fourth-grader was overwhelmed with options, shopping just a few weeks out from Christmas.
Local News
Toys for Tots giving to 1,800 local children
Need has grown by 300 in Montcalm County from last year
Wakeley appointed interim Montcalm County treasurer
Ashley Wakeley is taking the next step in her career, making the transition from Ionia County chief deputy treasurer to interim Montcalm County treasurer. After being interviewed by a panel comprised of Montcalm County Probate Court Judge Charles Simon III, Clerk Kristen Millard and Prosecutor Tom Ginster on Friday morning, Wakeley was unanimously appointed interim treasurer effective Jan. 3, 2026.
‘Focus on the future’
Montcalm County Election Commission appoints clerk, treasurer to Belvidere Twp. Board to restore quorumThe Montcalm County Election Commission on Friday appointed a temporary clerk and treasurer to restore quorum to the troubled Belvidere Township Board. The Election Commission is comprised of Montcalm County Clerk Kristen Millard, Treasurer JoAnne Vukin and Probate Court Judge Charles Simon III. Millard told the Daily News she can’t ever remember the Election Commission having to do such a unique appointment during her nearly 30 years as county clerk.
Haist named interim principal of Greenville High School
1999 GHS graduate will transition from high school assistant principal for remainder of school yearFollowing the announced “retirement” of Greenville High School principal Danelle Nauta on Monday, an interim principal has been selected to lead the students and staff for the remainder of the school year. On Thursday, Greenville Public Schools Superintendent Wayne Roedel announced high school Assistant Principal Mark Haist will serve as the interim principal following Nauta’s exit, effective Dec. 31.
Former Central Montcalm PTO prez will likely plea to embezzlement charge
The former president of the Central Montcalm Public School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) charged with embezzling from the fundraising group is expected to enter a plea in coming weeks. Jennifer Marie Richmond, 36, of Crystal Township is charged with embezzlement from $1,000 to $20,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization, a felony.
Ionia County ISD Board approves amended budget
The Ionia County Intermediate School District (ISD) Board on Thursday approved the final amended budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. ISD Finance Director Marvin Van Nortwick explained to board members that this year’s amendments were “abbreviated” as compared to previous years because of the delay in adoption of the state budget.
Saranac camper destroyed in fire
FREEA reported structure fire was actually a collapsable camping trailer worth $7,500 that burned early Monday morning, along with contents worth $1,000. According to a report supplied by Berlin-Orange Fire Department Chief Matt Bennett, the incident occurred at 4:58 a.m. at 4800 Portland Road in Saranac, across the street from the I-96 Speedway.
‘Mind-blowing’ enrollment growth
MCC enrollment up 44% in five yearsWhen the pandemic struck five years ago, Montcalm Community College observed its lowest level of enrollment in decades as it adapted to online learning and remote communication. This fall, however, the college continued an upward rebound that has left President Bradley Barrick nearly speechless in terms of how far the college has come in recent years.
‘Magical season’
Lakeview teachers, superintendent visit Washington, D.C., to view students’ Christmas tree ornamentsAs the National Tree Lighting Ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., among those present to witness the event were four representatives from Lakeview Community Schools. Superintendent Kelly Nielsen, Lakeview Elementary School Principal Tiffany Jackson and teachers Kris Kirshman and Marney Ryan made the nearly 700-mile journey to the nation’s capital on Dec. 4.
Recall attempt initiated against Maple Valley Twp. treasurer, clerk
A former member of the Maple Valley Township Planning Commission has initiated a recall attempt against the township treasurer and clerk. Tricia Wells filed proposed recall language on Tuesday against Treasurer Meg Booth and Clerk Andi Knapp. Wells provided information to back up her proposed language, including video recordings of township board meetings, as well as meeting minutes and statements from residents.
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