A rainy Wednesday gave way to a clear and pleasant evening, just in time to honor a longtime Montcalm County commissioner and emergency rescue advocate. Montcalm County Emergency Services employees gathered at the Stanton base for a dedication ceremony for the late Carl Paepke, along with Paepke’s two daughters, Priscilla Heimbecker and Jeanne Poulsen, both of Trufant.

Montcalm County union employees want one of their paid holidays reinstated. In December 2011, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners and Local 3067.03 approved a three-year labor contract good from Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2014.

A man awaiting trial on criminal child abuse charges has pleaded no contest to an abuse/neglect charge in a related civil case. Samantha Slater and Benjamin Wilkins, both 26 and both of Greenville, were each charged with first-degree and second-degree child abuse of Slater’s 2-year-old daughter Brooklyn Weimer, who has been hospitalized in intensive care since March 24 with severe abdominal and brain injuries.

The Daily News has obtained three telephone call recordings from a Greenville child abuse case via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Samantha Slater and Benjamin Wilkins, both 26 and both of Greenville, were each charged with first-degree and second-degree child abuse of Slater’s 2-year-old daughter Brooklyn Weimer, who has been hospitalized in intensive care with severe abdominal and head injuries since March 24.

Lakeside Park is about to receive $200,000 worth of improvements thanks to a private donation and a contribution from the Lakeview Downtown Development Authority. Lakeside Park, located on the banks of the Tamarack Lake, will see a host of proposed improvements, including a new fishing and boat pier, parking enhancements and a professional amphitheater to host the annual Music in the Park series. There will also be upgrades to park lighting and walkways so that the entire park will be handicap accessible, including the new pier.

Child abuse charges were dismissed Thursday against the mother of a toddler who remains on life support. Samantha Slater and Benjamin Wilkins, both 26 and both of Greenville, were each charged with first-degree and second-degree child abuse of Slater’s 2-year-old daughter Brooklyn Weimer, who has been hospitalized in intensive care with severe abdominal and head injuries since March 24.

The Tri County Area Schools Board of Education has voted to privatize another service. The school board voted Monday to contract custodial and related services with Grand Rapids Building Supply. The school board previously voted in August 2011 to privatize transportation.

A child abuse court hearing was adjourned again today after a witness passed out while testifying on the stand in 64B District Court. Samantha Slater and Benjamin Wilkins, both 26 and both of Greenville, are each charged with first-degree and second-degree child abuse of Slater’s 2-year-old daughter Brooklyn Weimer.

Retirements in the Montcalm County Clerk’s Office and Sheriff’s Office are likely leading to promotions and new hires.

Two-year-old Brooklyn didn’t want to play with her toys. According to court testimony, that’s why her mother’s boyfriend put the toddler in the bathroom for a timeout, which ended with an ambulance rushing to the home of the little girl who was barely clinging to life.