Daily News

11/02/2024

Between the options of absentee voting and early voting, Montcalm County voter turnout is already almost at 27% and Ionia County turnout is at more than 27%, according to the state of Michigan, with two more days of early voting remaining before election day on Tuesday.

Overall, Michigan’s absentee and early voter turnout was at 35.5% as of Friday afternoon.

Montcalm County Clerk Kristen Millard called the early voter turnout “unprecedented.”

Between the options of absentee voting and early voting, Montcalm County voter turnout is already almost at 27% and Ionia County turnout is at more than 27%, according to the state of Michigan, with two more days of early voting remaining before election day on Tuesday. Overall, Michigan’s absente...

11/02/2024

The Belding City Council voted at Tuesday evening’s meeting to form a design committee consisting of three city hall employees and two others who will work on a cheaper plan for the renovations of a new city hall/police station at 115 E. Main St.
At its previous meeting, after discussing the matter for more than an hour and expressing shock at the project’s high price, the council tabled consideration of a $5,567,100 plan created by Grand Rapids firm C2AE Architecture and Engineering for the new facility.
This Tuesday, the City Council only needed 40 minutes of discussion before making their decision to create a committee that would pare that down.

The Belding City Council voted at Tuesday evening's meeting to form a design committee consisting of three city hall employees and two others who will work on a cheaper plan for the renovations of a new city hall/police station at 115 E. Main St. At its previous meeting, after discussing the matter....

11/02/2024

It was a battle of the offenses at Rudness Field on Friday night in what was a high-scoring football playoff game.

The Belding Black Knights (9-1) finished off the regular season last week with a perfect OK Silver record, a conference title and a fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

With the intent of getting another bonus week of football, they hosted Saginaw Swan Valley (6-4) in the opening round of Division 5 postseason play.

A 30-point lead acquired early on in the first half gave the Black Knights the cushion they needed to maintain control of the scoreboard for the entire game. The Vikings made an attempt to overcome them, but the Black Knights were too much for their competition as they went home with the victory, 52-30, their sixth 50-point plus game this season.

It was a battle of the offenses at Rudness Field on Friday night in what was a high-scoring football playoff game. The Belding Black Knights (9-1) finished off the regular season last week with a perfect OK Silver record, a conference title and a fifth consecutive playoff appearance.

11/02/2024

TODAY: ‘Unprecedented’ early voter turnout in Montcalm, Ionia counties
* Ionia Community Library shares survey results
* Grattan Township Board rejects zoning moratorium proposal, 3-2
* Greenville Athletic Boosters donates $10K to Education Foundation of Greenville
* SPORTS: Belding football surges past Saginaw Swan Valley in opening round of playoffs
* Ionia volleyball sweeps Belding quad, Black Knights take second; both teams prepared for districts
* ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Greenville's Sulli Witt
* plus the Sports Roundup and upcoming sporting events, our weekly Views page, columns from the Amish Cook and Maureen Burns, special Senior Living pages and more inside

Pick up a copy of the Daily News today to stay informed. E-Edition subscribers can read all stories online: https://thedailynews.cc

11/02/2024

PLAYOFF FOOTBALL SCORES: Belding’s Codey Manley (21) breaks past a tackle from a defender during their home playoff game against Saginaw Swan Valley on Friday. The Black Knights knocked down the Vikings, 52-30. — DN Photo | Meghan Tripp

Other Friday night playoff football scores
Central Montcalm 36, Kent City 12
Hastings 35, Ionia 0
Frankenmuth 62, Tri County 6
Indian River Inland Lakes 46, Montabella 8

11/01/2024

An early morning Halloween fire damaged a portion of a family’s home just east of Gowen.

The Montcalm Township Fire Department responded to a wood frame structure house fire at 7501 W. Sidney Road around 6:13 a.m. Thursday.

An early morning Halloween fire damaged a portion of a family’s home just east of Gowen. The Montcalm Township Fire Department responded to a wood frame structure house fire at 7501 W. Sidney Road around 6:13 a.m. Thursday.

11/01/2024

The only banner hanging in the gymnasium at Montabella High School is from 1970, when the football team won its first and only conference title.

Ever since he saw that banner a year-and-a-half ago at his daughter’s basketball game, Tim Webb knew it was time to make a change.

In only his fifth year as head coach for the Mustangs, they were able to bring home a long-awaited championship trophy and get another banner up on the wall, ending a 54-year drought.

The only banner hanging in the gymnasium at Montabella High School is from 1970, when the football team won its first and only conference title. Ever since he saw that banner a year-and-a-half ago at his daughter’s basketball game, Tim Webb knew it was time to make a change.

11/01/2024

TODAY'S LOCAL STORIES FOR SUBSCRIBERS: MAISD bringing back one finalist for superintendent; Katie Flynn will tour district and
have second interview on Monday
* Montcalm County commissioner voices concern about how Commission on Aging director was fired; Daily News FOIA request reveals allegations of a hostile work environment
* Belding forms committee to come up with cheaper city hall renovation plan
* 5 fire departments respond to Montcalm Twp. house fire
* plus our weekly Faith page with a column from Pastor David Oliver, Church Happenings, Area Locals and more inside

Pick up a copy of the Daily News today to stay informed!E-Edition subscribers can read all stories online: https://thedailynews.cc

10/31/2024

Pairings have been announced and the stage is set for what is sure to be an entertaining postseason for high school football.

After an exciting final week of the regular season last Friday, five local teams — Belding, Central Montcalm, Ionia, Montabella and Tri County — punched their tickets for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) playoffs in their respective divisions, hoping to make the coveted trip to Ford Field.

Matchups were announced on Sunday during the MHSAA Selection Sunday Show on FanDuel Sports Network with locations and times being determined shortly after once agreed upon by the two schools.

Whether it be opponents they’ve already faced earlier this season or a team they’ve never played before, these five teams are prepared to give it all they’ve got as they head into what could very well be their last game of the season.

Pairings have been announced and the stage is set for what is sure to be an entertaining postseason for high school football. After an exciting final week of the regular season last Friday, five local teams — Belding, Central Montcalm, Ionia, Montabella and Tri County — punched their tickets for...

10/31/2024

Locals, employees and regulars swear the Oakwood Lounge is haunted by former owner Lorne Haney.

However, no evidence of the supernatural was observed by a Daily News reporter and his assistant when they spent the night at the bar at 108 E. Main St. in Pewamo last weekend.

Locals, employees and regulars swear the Oakwood Lounge is haunted by former owner Lorne Haney. However, no evidence of the supernatural was observed by this Daily News reporter and an assistant when they spent the night at the bar at 108 E. Main St. in Pewamo last weekend.

10/31/2024

Krew Brockington has ridden more than 80 bulls and has two first-place rodeo wins plus a second-place finish at worlds under his belt buckle. He’s a known presence on the national stage.

Not bad for a 6-year-old.

Krew started miniature bull riding when he was just 3 years old. He’s the oldest (and the only son) of Jeremy and Michelle Brockington’s five children.

Krew Brockington has ridden more than 80 bulls and has two first-place rodeo wins plus a second-place finish at worlds under his belt buckle. He’s a known presence on the national stage. Not bad for a 6-year-old.

10/31/2024

(this story is free for non-subscribers to read) Multiple write-in candidates have filed to run in elections in Ionia and Montcalm counties on Nov. 5, meaning their names won’t appear on the ballot and voters will need to write in the candidate’s name in order to vote for them.

The deadline for a write-in candidate to file was Oct. 25.

Multiple write-in candidates have filed to run in elections in Ionia and Montcalm counties on Nov. 5, meaning their names won’t appear on the ballot and voters will need to write in the candidate’s name in order to vote for them. The deadline for a write-in candidate to file was Oct. 25.

10/31/2024

TODAY'S LOCAL STORIES FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Are the only spirits at this bar poured into a glass? Daily News reporter investigates alleged hauntings at Pewamo tavern 👻 🎃
* Marvel Refrigeration breaks ground on $21M expansion in Greenville
* multiple write-in candidates running in local races for Tuesday's election
* COMMUNITY: ‘Dorothy in Wonderland’ mixes classic tales presented by Hans Christian Andersen Theater
* SPORTS: Champion Mustangs: Montabella football reflects on first conference title since 1970
* five local football teams prepare for first round of postseason play
* plus Mike Taylor announces his last-minute candidacy for president, lots of Halloween events in Area Locals and more

Pick up a copy of the Daily News today to stay informed!E-Edition subscribers can read all stories online: https://thedailynews.cc

10/31/2024

“To issue a retirement card when you know you fired someone is a lie. Period, end of story,” Commissioner Adam Petersen said. “So why do it and not answer a question about it? That’s just baffling to me.”

Montcalm County commissioners voiced frustration with contradictory actions taken by the sheriff regarding a former deputy, but commissioners took no action on the matter at Monday’s meeting.

The discussion ensued after Clayton Thomas once again asked the board to consider issuing a retirement certificate after the sheriff’s office declined to do so.

Montcalm County commissioners voiced frustration with contradictory actions taken by the sheriff regarding a former deputy, but commissioners took no action on the matter at Monday’s meeting. The discussion ensued after Clayton Thomas once again asked the board to consider issuing a retirement cer...

10/30/2024

The last time the Central Montcalm boys cross country team won a regional championship was back in 1975.

As of Friday afternoon, that dry spell was broken by a mere two points.

The Hornets were among several cross country teams competing in various regional competitions over the weekend, all of them eyeing a trip to the state meet at Michigan International Speedway this Saturday.

With all five scoring runners finishing in the top-20 on the boys side, the Hornets were able to edge out the defending regional champions Pewamo-Westphalia to claim the first-place spot with 48 total points, punching their third-straight ticket to the Division 3 team state meet.

The last time the Central Montcalm boys cross country team won a regional championship was back in 1975. As of Friday afternoon, that dry spell was broken by a mere two points.

10/30/2024

State Rep. Gina Johnsen discussed wages, tips and paid leave with a group of local leaders during the monthly legislative update session at Ionia’s Michigan Works office Monday morning.

Johnson said she was opposed to the 4-3 Michigan Supreme Court decision in July that will raise the state’s minimum wage to $12 per hour, plus an inflation adjustment, by 2028, and also do away with tip credits by 2029.

“It was not passed by the Legislature,” she noted. “None of us voted on this.”

State Rep. Gina Johnsen discussed wages, tips and paid leave with a group of local leaders during the monthly legislative update session at Ionia's Michigan Works office Monday morning.

10/30/2024

Green Medicine Shop celebrates new beginning; business is first and only recreational ma*****na retailer in Greenville:

Nearly five years to the day when they first began their public pursuit to see the sale of ma*****na legalized in this community, Matt and Shawnee Bonner saw their dream become reality this month. On Oct. 2, Green Medicine Shop, which originally opened in 2020 at 500 N. Lafayette St. as a CBD store....

10/30/2024

TODAY'S LOCAL NEWS FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Montcalm County commissioners debate but don’t act on former sheriff ’s deputy request
* Congressman Moolenaar concerned about costs for farmers
* State Rep. Johnsen hopes to stop upcoming wages, tips and paid leave rules
* Greenville City Council accepts $10,000 grant to aid election work
* Bridge Michigan report: As deer ravage suburbs, state urges hunters to do your part, shoot a doe
* plus Sandy Main's Once Upon a Daily column, Area Locals and more inside

Pick up a copy of the Daily News today to stay informed. E-Edition subscribers can read all stories online: https://thedailynews.cc

10/30/2024

Members of the new M-66 Corridor Committee passed a resolution while participating in their second meeting at Ionia County Road Department headquarters on Friday morning.

The committee was formed earlier this year after MDOT announced plans to redevelop M-66 between Wells Street (near Burger King) and Tuttle Road in 2027. There is no sidewalk or trail along this busy stretch of highway, but many brave pedestrians and cyclists who work or shop at the chain stores and fast food restaurants at the top of the hill make the dangerous trip on foot every single day.

The resolution approved by the committee Friday was in support of “the design, construction and maintenance” of a pedestrian/bicycle pathway along M-66 between and Tuttle Road and the Grand River, and it passed unanimously.

Members of the new M-66 Corridor Committee passed a resolution while participating in their second meeting at Ionia County Road Department headquarters on Friday morning.

10/29/2024

A local manufacturer of plastic injection molds with 37 years in the community abruptly closed its doors on Friday.

Master Precision Molds Inc., the precision builder of plastic injection molds located at 1212 Fairplains St. in Greenville, closed on Friday after owner Steve Drake informed employees that, “effective immediately,” the company was ceasing operations.

A local manufacturer of plastic injection molds with 37 years in the community abruptly closed its doors on Friday. Master Precision Molds Inc., the precision builder of plastic injection molds located at 1212 Fairplains St. in Greenville, closed on Friday after owner Steve Drake informed employees....

10/29/2024

ELECTION PREVIEW STORIES NOW FREE TO READ: With the general election one week from today, the Daily News is making all our local election preview stories free to read for non-subscribers. We hope this provides a valuable resource for those who haven’t voted yet or may be about to participate in early voting this week. We appreciate the support of our subscribers who make in-depth journalism projects like this possible. Feel free to share, and don't forget to vote!

3 competing for 2 seats on Greenville City Council: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-3-competing-for-2-seats-on-greenville-city-council/

Greenville City Council candidates work to distinguish themselves from each other at forum: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/greenville-city-council-candidates-work-to-distinguish-themselves-from-each-other/

6 running for 4 seats on Greenville school board: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-6-running-for-4-seats-on-greenville-school-board/

Greenville school board candidates educate voters at forum: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/greenville-school-board-candidates-educate-voters/

Candidate Q&A for township and village races in Ionia, Montcalm and portion of Kent County: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-township-and-village-races-in-ionia-montcalm-and-kent-counties/

Candidate Q&A for school board races in Ionia and Montcalm counties: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-school-board-races-in-ionia-montcalm-counties/

Alma business development specialist Lynch challenges longtime incumbent Moolenaar for 2nd District Congress: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-alma-business-development-specialist-challenges-longtime-incumbent-for-congress/

Williams vs. Williams: Montcalm County Sheriff Mike Williams running for re-election: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-williams-vs-williams-montcalm-county-sheriff-running-for-re-election/

Candidate forum provides chance to get to know Montcalm County sheriff challenger Chris Williams: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/candidate-forum-provides-chance-to-get-to-know-montcalm-county-sheriff-challenger/

Ionia County Commissioner Hesche challenged by Transue: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-ionia-county-commissioner-hesche-challenged-by-transue/

Dillingham challenging State Rep. Outman for 91st District: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-dillingham-challenging-outman-for-michigans-91st-district/

Dillingham and Outman talk Trump, guns, renewable energy at candidate forum: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/state-rep-candidates-talk-trump-guns-renewable-energy/

78th District state House candidates Johnsen and Terpening have differing viewpoints: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-78th-district-state-house-candidates-have-differing-viewpoints/

Filler’s retirement opens 93rd House seat to new candidates Seamon and Kelly: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-fillers-retirement-opens-93rd-house-seat-to-new-candidates/

Tri County Area Schools puts non-homestead millage renewal back on the ballot: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-tri-county-area-schools-puts-non-homestead-millage-renewal-back-on-the-ballot/

Montcalm County townships seeking millages for police, fire and road improvements: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-montcalm-county-townships-seeking-millages-for-police-fire-and-road-improvements/

Millage proposals on the ballot for Campbell, North Plains, Otisco townships: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/election-preview-millage-proposals-on-the-ballot-for-campbell-north-plains-otisco-townships/

Early voting underway now through Nov. 3 at centralized locations in Ionia, Montcalm counties: https://www.thedailynews.cc/articles/early-voting-underway-today-through-nov-3-in-ionia-montcalm-counties/

10/29/2024

Only two teams were undefeated in the OK Silver conference heading into week nine of the regular season.

In true Black Knight fashion, the Belding football team got the best of their opponent to claim the conference once and for all.

The Black Knights (6-0 OK Silver, 8-1 overall) are no stranger to winning a conference title as they’ve clinched the last two with perfect records. Hoping to go for the three-peat, they had to knock down Hopkins (5-1 OK Silver, 6-3 overall) Friday night at home to get there.

The Black Knights offense had another outstanding showing with not only another 40-point game, but establishing a 40-point lead at halftime. Courtesy of their equally dominating defense keeping the Vikings out of the end zone all night long, the Black Knights clinched their third-straight conference title with a 40-0 shutout win.

Only two teams were undefeated in the OK Silver conference heading into week nine of the regular season. In true Black Knight fashion, the Belding football team got the best of their opponent to claim the conference once and for all.

10/29/2024

TODAY'S LOCAL HEADLINES FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Green Medicine Shop celebrates new beginning; business is first and only recreational ma*****na retailer in Greenville
* Master Precision Molds in Greenville abruptly closes
* Newly formed Corridor Committee backs M-66 pedestrian/bicycle pathway
* Greenville City Council options property to Northland Corp.
* Sun Title celebrates new office in Greenville
* SPORTS: Central Montcalm boys cross country win first regional title since 1975; several local runners qualify for state meet
* Belding football blanks Hopkins to win 3rd straight OK Silver title
* plus the Sports Roundup, Athlete of the Week nominees, Area Locals with lots of Halloween events and more inside

Pick up a copy of the Daily News today to stay informed. E-Edition subscribers can read all stories online: https://thedailynews.cc

10/28/2024

Greenville DDA selects Greenville school colors for 2025 downtown hanging baskets; Greenville Assistant City Manager Heather Feazel questions whether anyone reads the Daily News, so newspaper's general manager responds:

For decades, students at Greenville High School have rallied during times of spirited events, celebrating by singing the school’s fight song and sporting the school’s colors. As those students regularly “Hold aloft the purple and the gold,” as the fight song lyrics command, so too, next year...

10/28/2024

The annual Believe Week has just wrapped up for the Belding community and the Belding volleyball team pulled out all the stops to honor it the best way they know how.

Pink jerseys and volleyballs, a decked out pink gymnasium and an important cause brought the Belding and Carson City communities together Wednesday evening to remember and commemorate those who are fighting or have been affected by cancer.

Both teams, the Black Knights at 9-18-5 and the Eagles at 7-17-2, entered their meeting with one another having achieved wins earlier in the week, the Black Knights against Saranac on Monday and the Eagles against Montabella the night before.

A big first set and a collective team effort on behalf of the Black Knights was too much for the young but mighty Eagles’ team as they went on to win the fourth set, which was forced by the Eagles, to take the match, 3-1.

The annual Believe Week has just wrapped up for the Belding community and the Belding volleyball team pulled out all the stops to honor it the best way they know how. Pink jerseys and volleyballs, a decked out pink gymnasium and an important cause brought the Belding and Carson City communities toge...