Only a parent, teacher or caregiver of an autistic child can truly understand the challenges presented by this condition — the incremental cognitive and physical advances, sometimes too small to even be noticeable to the casual observer; the waiting for diagnoses, for slots to become available on favored programs.

After the success of last year’s inaugural New Beginnings Fashion Show in Sheridan, it was a given that organizers would provide an encore performance. They weren’t disappointed by the turnout Saturday at Central Montcalm Community Church. Seating for the show, held to raise funding for the New Beginnings Upscale Resale Shop in Sheridan, was sold out well in advance of the actual event.

Few people know the problems associated with multiple sclerosis better than Kelly Finger McNeela. The former Belding High School student was first diagnosed with MS when she was only 15, yet graduated after being voted homecoming queen, then went on to earn her degree from Michigan State University.

Things are definitely looking up for students and staff at Lakeview High School, both in the academic and extra-curricular areas. At Monday evening’s school board meeting, board members got a chance to hear firsthand from some of the students who — for the fifth year in a row — brought home the CSAA League Championship. The forensic program, under the leadership of Chris Bayne and Carolyn Gleason, consistently shines in competitions.

For Jamie Klinker, putting in long hours at the Sheridan gas station/convenience store she co-owns with her mother, Mary Anna Klinker, is old, comfortable habit. She has, after all, been involved with the store for the past 30 years.

Anyone living in Edmore can tell you how lovely the pond in front of the community building on main street can be … sometimes. Along with the pavilion there, the pond makes a stunning backdrop for wedding photos, which are frequently taken at the site.

The Masons are the oldest fraternal organization in the world. The first Grand Lodge was established in London in 1717, but its history goes back much further. In recent years, however, membership has not only fallen off for the Masons — as well as its sister organization, the Order of the Eastern Star — it has grown progressively older. According to Carolyn Kane, who is helping spearhead a membership drive for both organizations in Edmore, neither group is seeing the “new blood” they once did.

Residents of Edmore will soon see a slight jump in their water and sewer rates, adding about $2.59 per quarter to their water bill. The increase was set to go up automatically to keep pace with the consumer price index, which rose 1.7 percent during the past year. According to Village Manager Karl Kluwe, the incremental increases are designed to prevent sudden, larger spikes in Edmore water bills.

Area residents stopping by the Greenville Secretary of State’s Office on Tuesday had the chance to learn a little bit about Michigan’s Gift of Life organ donor program, thanks to the efforts of local volunteer Larry Alman. Alman, a Greenville resident who suffers from glaucoma, has received six cornea transplants, procedures without which he would be totally blind.

The issue of possible pay raises for some village employees was an unexpected entry under the “new business” portion of Sheridan’s village council meeting Tuesday evening. Although some employees received 2 percent raises earlier this year, Councilman Pete Gehoski contends those raises — when considered in tandem with increased insurance premiums — actually constituted a pay cut. Gehoski said he has contacted several other area municipalities and all of them pay their Department of Public Works employees significantly higher wages than does the village of Sheridan.