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.
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.
GUEST VIEW: Bottled water companies get a (nearly) free ride in Michigan
Michigan’s abundant water has turned into a cash cow for private bottled water companies. They’re making large profits off publicly owned water, while paying next to nothing to the state for water extraction.
MAUREEN BURNS: The elusive promise of peace
I remember when I was a child and my mother was beside herself with frustration. She would look at us and say, “Would you kids just give me a little peace and quiet.” I was young. I wasn’t sure why that was so coveted but I understood that it must be something precious.
AMISH COOK: Sleeping in crowded quarters
Who sleeps where? Should the top bunk be reserved for the oldest, or should the younger ones take a turn in it? The novelty of sleeping in the top bunk deteriorated some years ago.
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