4-H continues to be an important part of Rebecca McCafferty’s life as the new Michigan State University (MSU) Extension 4-H program instructor for youth development in Ionia and Montcalm counties. McCafferty will divide her time between the two counties to recruit, interview and orient new volunteers and leaders, help with the fair and promote 4-H club activities and events.
MSU Montcalm Extension Educator Pat Dignum believes McCafferty is a good fit for the job.
“I am excited about the skills and experiences that Rebecca brings to this position,” Dignum said.

The Montcalm County Business Resource Center (MCBRC) — located in the Home Township Library in Edmore — was created specifically for entrepreneurs who need a place to investigate potential business concepts prior to launching a new business.

Twelve teachers at Vestaburg Community School received Android tablets for training purposes as part of a three-year plan to provide one-to-one technology to the district’s 700 students. About 220 tablets will be purchased during each of the next three years, starting this fall with 220 Asus Transformer TF101s.

The Montabella Community Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a one-year lease to Endeavor to use the gymnasium located in the Montabella Central Office facility at a special meeting last week. The decision came at the recommendation of facilities committee members Dennis Stratton, Mike Rasmussen and Sheri Miel. Credit references and a security deposit were secured prior to accepting the lease agreement.

The Crystal Community Center was filled to capacity at Wednesday night’s public hearing to discuss the new Crystal Township dock and boat ordinance drafted by township attorney Clifford Bloom. The proposed ordinance replaces existing Ordinance 15-A, which currently controls lake access at Crystal, Duck and Loon lakes.

Visitors to the Robert Lee Davis Memorial Park in McBride are in for a change of scenery. The village of McBride received a letter last December that it was among those recommended to receive a $132,300 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) development grant.

An audience of about 40 gathered Tuesday evening at Lakeview High School to hear law enforcement officials and drug-free coalition members from Gratiot and Montcalm counties talk about the dangers of current drug trends. Teens and adults are turning to synthetic drugs when regular marijuana isn’t accessible and to avoid the legal ramifications. These drugs are marketed as everyday products — incense, potpourri, plant food and bath salts.

Mike McGonigal took over Montcalm County 4-H Fair Board presidential duties last November, replacing six-year president Pat Schuster, who is now chairman of finance and fundraising. “I would never have stepped aside if he hadn’t taken over,” Schuster said. “I think very strongly he’s a perfect fit.”

Kids seem to grow like weeds and many families shop consignment and resale shops to cut costs. The Mom 2 Mom Sale is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at Greenville Community Church is a practical way to buy and sell children’s clothing and essentials.

Palm trees, bamboo mats, surf boards and hammocks set the scene for a reading at Montabella Elementary School. It is one of the many ways elementary schools are motivating pupils to get into reading during the month of March.