Thursday, March 23, 2023
Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan
Every Monday at Belding High School, students and staff come together for five to 10 minutes to place a focus on mental health and social-emotional needs.
According to Principal Michael Ostrander, those few minutes for every “Black Knight” in the building has led to a greater impact than anyone might have anticipated.
As the winter cold slowly seeps in, and the land falls into its frosty slumber there is a time between prime hunting and great ice fishing that while short feels like an eternity.
The deer have now fully felt the pressure of hunters making them wary of their surroundings, and while the temperatures have fallen well below the freezing mark the lakes have yet to freeze over, but within this lull in outdoor possibilities, comes a time to cherish the things in life even more important than a good day in the field- friends and family.
Who are you? It’s your favorite sports editor, Alex Freeman. Born and raised in Greenville (GHS class of 2011), enjoying the last year of my 20s.
By the time you read this, you will be recovering from Thanksgiving and have found yourself careening forward with ever-increasing momentum on the Christmas track.
For some, a welcome relief from the political trauma and ubiquitous culture wars toward an opportunity to find a reset. For others, it becomes somewhat of a melancholy time of reminiscence and longing over times past. Then there are the many who will forge ahead, living for the moment. Yet even for all, if you could in some way listen to the very heart of their humanity, you might hear the deep murmurings of what Solomon referred to as the tiresome and withering properties of life. Essentially, a life without any real resolution and hope.
As Montcalm County officials debate how to restructure its Animal Control department, one local village is weighing in.
Howard City Village President Randy Heckman wrote an Oct. 25 letter to the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners, three days after an Oct. 22 article in the Daily News detailed the events leading up to the October resignation of previous Animal Control officer Autumn Pumford (Montcalm County Controller-Administrator Brenda Taeter had recommended that Pumford be promoted to director of Animal Control, but then rescinded that recommendation due to a personnel issue).
The Ionia Public Schools Board of Education did some hiring, approved security improvements and received a financial audit during Monday’s meeting.
The board voted to approve installing more Aviglion security cameras and vape detection systems in all buildings throughout the district. The additional units will cover areas not currently surveilled remotely.
Many laps before she became a four-time All-State swimmer, Madeline McGee was just a bright-eyed 10-year-old enjoying the water.
McGee started competing in swimming about eight years ago. The Ionia senior never thought it would take her to the heights she’s reached today or the opportunities it has afforded her.
