The 26th annual Spectrum Health United Hospital Tree of Lights ceremony took place Sunday and recognized honored memorials with donations to the cause. The Tree of Lights events raised funds to help the Spectrum’s Maternal Infant Health Program, which assists at-risk pregnant women and infants from birth to age 1.

The Greenville City Council approved a tax abatement application from Huntington Foam as its expansion, which began in July, is coming to an end. Huntington Foam, located at 1323 Moore Street, is a custom foam shape molder for applications, plumbing, furniture, electronics and automotive industries. The company is based in Jeanneatte, Pa., and also has facilities in Fort Smith, Ark., Greer, S.C., Guadalupe, Mexico, and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

A once promising industrial gem for Montcalm County now sits nearly empty as almost all employees at the United Solar Ovonic facility in Greenville have been permanently laid off and nearly all of the assets have been liquidated and auctioned off. Energy Conversion Devices Inc., the parent company of United Solar Ovonic, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and has slowly been winding down operations at the Greenville facilities as the last remaining assets that were auctioned off are picked up by their buyers. The two plant buildings of the now dissolved company remain in Greenville under operation of just three employees who now work for the auctioneers and trustees handling the sales of the buildings’ assets.

Upon receiving his award as the 2013 Fred and Lina Meijer Spirit of Caring Award, the Rev. Jerry Jones was at a loss for words. Jones discovered he was the recipient by surprise Thursday evening when family members from Ohio, who had been hidden from view as not to spoil the surprise, entered the dining room at the Winter Inn in Greenville to greet and congratulate him. In a pleasant state of shock, the reverend at First Congregational Church in Greenville hadn’t prepared to deliver any words about himself, so in a matter most fitting, he appropriately turned to God.

In an effort to hear, in their own words, their vision for the state of Michigan, including ideas and current projects in the works, The Daily News editorial board sat down with State Sen. Judy Emmons, R-Sheridan, and State Rep. Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes, on Monday morning for a question and answer session.

The Danish Festival started off Friday fun with crafts, food, music and a day packed full of activities. The people attending the 48th annual festival had plenty to choose from on the first full day of events. The downtown was full of vendors selling novelties and unique gifts, including some products special only to Michigan. There was plenty of food to keep people fueled up for a day with lots of things to do and see.

The Miss Danish Festival Queen’s Pageant will take place 7 p.m. Saturday at the Greenville Performing Arts Center.

The owners of the anticipated 57 Brew Pub and Bistro plan to open their doors this fall. Co-owner Robert Olsen said things are moving along with the development of the new business located at 1310 W. Washington St. (M-57), where the former J.R.’s Roller Castle once stood.

The grandstand dirt was moved, corners were shaped and more than 4,0000 gallons of water were spread on the track to prepare for Demolition Derby events Saturday evening at the Montcalm County 4-H Fair.

A variety of fast and colorful rides are being featured at this year’s Montcalm County 4-H Fairgrounds.