There’s no secret much has been given to Montcalm Community College (MCC) — and by extension its administration, faculty and staff — over the past several years.
Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm was a strong believer in the role of community colleges and was reluctant to cut their budgets commensurate with other state-funded agencies and programs during her tenure. MCC and its peers around the state survived eight years of steady state budget cuts for eight years largely intact, aside from a cut in Renaissance Zone reimbursements a few years ago that cost MCC $300,000.

CARSON CITY — Being organized enough to own and run one business in today’s economy is a challenge.
Keeping three afloat is something Mark Sopel has managed successfully for several years thanks in part to keeping to a steady business plan.

GREENVILLE — Lower than anticipated spending this fall is allowing Greenville Public Schools to reinstate some bus routes in the city for at least the coldest months.
Superintendent Pete Haines said the district is running significantly below its projected fuel budget, allowing buses to transport some students who had to walk to and from school beginning this fall.

The Carson City-Crystal Eagles are off to one of their better starts in recent years.
At 2-2 overall, there is room for improvement, but the Eagles are hoping momentum from a last-second win at Belding carries over to today and the new year.

After 52 mute swans were murdered at Lincoln Lake on Dec. 13, I wondered what is wrong with the people in this world?
I wonder why someone would start a petition or sign a petition to kill a beautiful animal because they get in the way of their pontoon boat or Jet Ski, or because they swim near their dock. They should feel blessed to be graced with the presence of such a beautiful animal. They choose to live on a lake where these animals were in residence.

GREENVILLE — A woman was injured after an attempted robbery near the Fred Meijer Flat River tunnel last weekend.

BELDING — Police responded to 49 complaints Saturday through Tuesday. Incidents included: Saturday • Hit and run, Ann and Bridge. Sunday • Assault and battery, Orchard. • Suicidal subject, Bridge. Monday • Larceny, E. State. • Drug seizure, State. • Driving while license suspended/warrant arrest, Leroy. • Hit and run, Morton. Tuesday • Breaking and entering, 11:33 a.m., McKinley. • Warrant arrest, 10:50 p.m., [...]

Read The Daily News Funeral Notices for Monday, Dec. 28, 2011

EDMORE — Dean Voss, owner of A&O Forklift in Edmore, believes people should never start a business they know nothing about.
Voss knows a lot about beekeeping. He operated a successful apiary business of 2,000 to 3,000 hives for 33 years. His business produced 100 to 150 tons of honey each year and rented 3,000 hives to apple and blueberry farms for pollination.

CRYSTAL — The third annual Crystal Lake Winter Festival is approaching quickly and looks to feature some new events, as well as original fan favorites, such as the polar plunge.
The polar plunge involves taking a chilly dip into a frozen-over Crystal Lake.