News

The Daily News Publisher Julie Stafford, left, and Julie Devereaux unveiled this year’s One Book One County selection, “The Language of Flowers,” a novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. — Daily News/Mike Taylor

One Book One County title revealed

The wait is over and this year’s One Book One County selection has been revealed at a banquet held Thursday afternoon at the Stanley & Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center. Maureen Burns, who brought the One Book One County program to Greenville nearly a decade ago, spoke to a capacity crowd prior to the unveiling. Burns gave the audience a quick history of the program and explained is goal.

Petra Mark of Lakeview Elementary School dances to “Accidentally in Love” during the Make a Difference awards Wednesday night. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling

Making A Difference: Annual event honors teachers and students

The seventh annual Make a Difference Awards was held Wednesday to recognize those who have gone above and beyond in helping students with special needs. About 100 people were in attendance at the Greenville High School Performing Arts Center to show their support for those who were nominated and honored for going beyond what the job description states.

Grattan Academy seniors wait to enter a packed gymnasium during graduation prelude Wednesday. — Daily News/Lori Hansen

Grattan Academy marks graduation with 32 seniors

Kimberly Kleck attended Grattan Academy 13 years and Maria Heffron attended six years, while other students like Dena Campbell and numerous foreign exchange students attended only one year. But it didn’t matter Wednesday night when they started — there were 32 seniors together, wearing red and black caps and gowns, all graduating together.

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Greenville rescinds lawn bid from non-responsive company

The Greenville City Council made a change to a motion from its May 7 meeting and awarded a bid for a lawn mowing contract to a different business. During Tuesday’s meeting, City Manager George Bosanic recommended the council rescind a previous award of a bid for option two of the mowing contract of city property to Wolverine Landscaping Inc. of Stanton and award it to First Class Seasonal Solutions instead.

Karen Bailey, Hair on Fire facilitator, talks with teachers Tuesday from Montcalm and Ionia counties who are participating in Hair on Fire. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling

Ionia and Montcalm county school districts collaborate to benefit students

Two counties are coming together to develop a student-focused system called Hair on Fire. School districts in Montcalm and Ionia counties are working on the program that focuses on the needs of students.

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Student asks city of Greenville to adopt a nondiscrimination ordinance

The Greenville City Hall was more full than normal Tuesday, after many people came to support a student who asked the City Council to help him make a difference. Justin Barr, a junior at Greenville High School, spoke to council members during public comment.

Benjamin Wilkins

Greenville man pleads no contest in abuse/neglect case

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.

Catherine “Kate” Hansen has been named the 49th annual Danish Festival grand marshal for 2013. Her granddaughter Trisha Freize wrote her nomination letter to the Danish Festival board of directors. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling

Kate Hansen named 2013 Danish Festival grand marshal

A lifelong Montcalm County resident who has not only taken pride in her family and its heritage, but has celebrated it with the start of the Danish Festival, has been announced as the 49th Danish Festival grand marshal for 2013. Catherine “Kate” Hansen (Larsen) has been selected to represent this year’s festival.

Jessica Riste, who served for the past 10 years as assistant manager at Julie’s Coffee House, at 6722 S. Greenville Road in Greenville, reopened the establishment under its new name — The Coffee House — Tuesday.

BUSINESS BEAT: Greenville’s coffee house reopens under new ownership

Regulars at the recently-closed Julie’s Coffee House in Greenville will continue to get their caffeine on there. The coffee house (now called simply “The Coffee House”) reopened Tuesday with former assistant manager Jessica Riste at the helm.

Cranbrook Institute of Science Director Michael Stafford explains to
Baldwin Heights Elementary School students how the new deep-space
telescope system works. Courtesy photo.

Greenville students enjoy visit to science institute

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Fifthgraders from Baldwin Heights Elementary School had the opportunity to spend a day at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills on Monday — expense free.