News across Montcalm County
Shakespeare for kids
Most people would think of Shakespeare as being meant for adults ... the Old English, the complicated themes and the tragedies. Yet the Hans Christian Andersen Theater is proudly presenting “Midsummer(ish): A play totally not borrowed from Shakespeare.” The post Shakespeare for…
A decade of Dicastal
Ten years ago, Trever Jensen walked into a new manufacturing plant in Greenville’s industrial park with little idea where the opportunity might take him. He had no real manufacturing experience. The paint line was about the only operation in place when he was hired in January…
Building from the ground up
With every successful serve, the celebration began almost immediately: “A-C-E, ace!” For the fifth-grade members of the Volley Jackets, there was plenty to cheer about Saturday as volleyballs sailed over the net, teammates scrambled across the court and a gymnasium filled with…
Answering the call
At 16 years old, Dale Miller picked up a fire hose and began answering calls for people who needed help. Forty-four years later, he hasn’t stopped. Now, at 60 years old and facing stage 4 esophageal cancer, Miller is the one who could use some help. The post Answering the call…
Purple for a purpose
Donations are still coming in for this year, but since 2010, Ionia Community Awareness (ICA) has raised more than $422,000, helping more than 175 area families fight cancer. ICA hosts a variety of events annually, culminating in Purple Week in September, when Ionia High School…
GENERAL ELECTION PREVIEW: Barrus and Wellman seek seat on Greenville City Council
Seven years of experience on the Greenville City Council is being weighed against the perspective of a newcomer as voters decide who will fill a seat in the Nov. 3 general election. Incumbent Jim Barrus, 57, is seeking another term, while Lesa Wellman, 51, is challenging him for…
GENERAL ELECTION PREVIEW: Belding City Council candidates outline priorities
Two incumbents, two former officials and one newcomer are all vying for three seats on the Belding City Council. Current council members Linda Curtis and Shelley Gladding-Visser are running for re-election, along with former council members Bruce Meyers and Jorel Davis, who are…
GENERAL ELECTION PREVIEW: Stanton voters to choose among Basom, Holloway, Kuhn and VanHolstyn for City Commission
Three incumbents and one challenger are seeking three seats on the Stanton City Commission in the Nov. 3 general election, with experience, community involvement and the future of the city's amenities among the issues raised by candidates. Incumbents Jane Basom, Ray Holloway and…
GENERAL ELECTION PREVIEW: 3 seek 2 seats on Vestaburg school board
Two longtime members of the Vestaburg Community School Board of Education are seeking another term, while a local business owner and youth coach is hoping to bring a new perspective to the board. Incumbents Renae Caudill and Brian Zinn are seeking re-election, while Dustin Cook…
‘Bigger than any game’
The Belding volleyball team got off to a strong start Thursday night, but couldn’t hold onto its early advantage against Northpointe Christian, falling 3-1 in OK Silver conference play. The Black Knights (11-6-1) claimed the opening set to take an early lead, but the Mustangs…
After quiet summer, Greenville Planning Commission could see new proposals
After nearly four months without a meeting, members of the Greenville Planning Commission may soon find themselves considerably busier. The commission met on Sept. 24 for the first time since May 28 — a span of 119 days — and City Manager George Bosanic told them several…
Lakeview boys soccer drops rematch to Newaygo, finds positives heading into postseason play
The Lakeview boys soccer team had Newaygo on the ropes at halftime Wednesday afternoon, but the Wildcats couldn’t hold onto their lead in the second half. They fell to the Lions, 2-1, in the quarterfinal round of the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) conference…