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Former Belding High School student and Daily News music critic Rick Moore recently published his first eBook, “Bringing in the Sheep.” Now living in Nashville, Moore hopes to see the book turned into a major Hollywood film. — Courtesy photo

Nashville author, songwriter got his start locally

For Rick Moore, the journey from Belding High School student to Nashville songwriter and author of a recently released eBook has been a long one, filled with unexpected twists and turns. And though the road hasn’t always been an easy one, at least it hasn’t been boring. Moore’s new eBook, “Bringing in the Sheep,” is the culmination of years of work and decades of writing.

The Belding High School Concert Band performs Sunday afternoon on the main stage in the new Belding Performing Arts Center at Belding High School during the annual Holiday Band Concert. — Daily News/Cory Smith

Belding bands premiere new performing arts center with concert

When visitors arrived to the reveal of the new Belding Performing Arts Center Sunday afternoon, an atmosphere of professionalism took hold of each and every child, student and adult as they placed their first steps into the vast 550-seat auditorium. People shuffled slowly to their armchairs, feeling the texture of the wooden handrails under their palms while staring in amazement at the giant suspended sound reflectors hanging from the ceiling.

Woodview Elementary School fifth-grader Lauren Barker, right, hands a cup of tomato soup to Belding resident Scott Gillespie during a free dinner for the community put on by students at the school. Students provided a warm cup of tomato soup, along with sandwiches and fruit punch, for those who took advantage of the free dinner at Woodview Elementary School.

Belding fifth-grader organizes free dinner to feed the hungry

With the thought in her mind that a single member of her community could go without a meal simply because they might be saving money to buy a gift for a loved one during the holiday season, one fifth-grade student at Woodview Elementary School took it upon herself Monday night to give back in a way that might feed anyone who was in need of a warm meal.

Deb Jones, the new director of the Alvah N. Belding Library, reaches for a book Friday afternoon at the library at 302. E. Main St. in Belding. — Daily News/Cory Smith

New library director believes she’s ‘lucky’ to be working in Belding

Amending budgets, managing employee hours and taking on the many challenges that face public libraries today, the responsibilities of the new Alvah N. Library director add up quickly, but ask Deb Jones about her duties and she’ll tell you she’s glad to be doing it in a community like Belding.

loc 1206 cs Central Riverside Park parking lot-1

Belding City Council discusses grant to restore parking lot

In its current state, the parking lot adjacent to Central Riverside Park in Belding is in severe disrepair, and has been for some time. The future of that parking lot, used by parents driving children to soccer games, families meeting in the park for reunions and other various activities throughout the park, may very well be determined by a potential grant that was discussed in heavy detail during a work session at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

Belding City Councilman Jon Bunce reads his letter of resignation Tuesday night to members of city council and the public at the Pere Marquette Depot in Belding. — Daily News/Cory Smith

Jon Bunce resigns from Belding City Council

Citing more time to spend with his children and family, Belding City Councilman Jon Bunce officially submitted his letter of resignation at Tuesday night’s Belding City Council meeting. Bunce began his statement of resignation by offering a formal apology to Otisco Township resident Jeff Hunter, who was in attendance and spoke during the public comment period.

Patty, a 5-year-old Labrador retriever, rests her head on a witness chair in the Ionia County courtroom. — Daily News/Cory Smith

Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office implements Canine Advocacy Program

Even the most mature adults, when talking about being victimized by a crime, are reduced to a queasy stomach, sweaty palms, stammering answers and unwelcome tears while testifying in the sterile environment of an imposing courtroom in front of unsmiling, suit-wearing strangers. Imagine how it feels for a child.

Belding Clock Tower — Daily News/Cory Smith

Belding council talks about decision to let Electrolux tear down buildings

Three weeks ago, the city of Belding and Electrolux Inc. came to an agreement on a consent judgement that will, when officially signed by a judge, serve as a guideline when Electrolux begins to decommission the original silk mill building, clock tower and other Gibson buildings at the corner of Bridge and Main streets — the oldest of which have stood since 1903.

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New program makes exercise fun for Belding Middle School students

The first 10 minutes of a middle school physical education class, a time set aside for stretching and preparing for activities, are not always the most exciting, but at Belding Middle School students now eagerly wait to see what warm-up routine is coming their way. Consisting of stretching, balancing, running, jumping and other exercises to loosen up one’s muscles, warming up can be considered an annoyance or a chore when a basket of balls is waiting for you on the other side of the gym. But thanks to the Hopsports Mini Training System recently implemented at Belding Middle School, students now start their class by following along with a virtual instructor to as many as 50 different warm-up routines.

Belding resident and World War II veteran John Giesen points to his own name on the new Belding Freedom Wall memorial Sunday. Giesen was one of 10 Belding area veterans who served in World War II who helped dedicate the new memorial. — Daily News/Cory Smith

Belding Freedom Wall dedicated in honor of World War II veterans

For several moments Sunday morning, Belding resident and World War II veteran John Geisen stood quietly just a few feet in front of the new Belding Freedom Wall memorial as people shuffled around him. Staring at the newly dedicated wall, built in memory of area WWII veterans, Geisen’s eyes began to glass over with tears. With a deep breath, he then took a few steps closer to the wall.