| Local schools back in session |
Sept. 7 was a date students and parents had either been dreading or eagerly anticipating for weeks.
But the first day of school seemed to go fairly smoothly at schools all across the area.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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| Greenville airport to close for construction |
GREENVILLE - The Greenville Municipal Airport will be closing for a few weeks beginning later this month after the Greenville City Council approved an agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to begin improvements on the runway and taxi streets around the hangars.
The city is partnering with the state and federal governments to rehabilitate the 4,300-foot runway, along with several cracked and deteriorating taxiways.
The total project is slated to cost $473,790, with the runway overlay costing $180,000.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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| Lakeview village manager wants proposed Winfield Township pier |
STANTON - Winfield Lake residents have made it clear they do not want a 112-foot fishing pier.
That's fine by Lakeview Village Manager James Freed.
He gave a presentation to the Montcalm County Parks & Recreation Committee on Tuesday proposing the pier be located at 323-acre Tamarack Lake instead.
The committee voted 7-0 to look into the possibility.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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| UPDATE: Pony saved, barn and supplies destroyed in rural Stanton fire |
PINE TOWNSHIP - A rural Stanton family didn't know their barn was on fire Tuesday morning until a passing driver alerted them to the blaze.
The Lakeview District Fire Department responded to the fire at 8:30 a.m. at 6901 W. Stanton Road just east of M-91. The Maple Valley Fire Department was called in to assist and the Stanton Community Fire Department was placed on standby.
The 20-by-25-foot barn contained a 7-year-old pony named Little Danny, who was rescued by the passerby and Alex Phillips, 18, who was staying at the residence. The pony was quite upset and ran away after being freed, only to return a short time later.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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| JUST IN: Man nabbed after short chase in downtown Greenville |
GREENVILLE - The Greenville Department of Public Safety nabbed a young white male after a short chase that began in downtown Greenville.
Police received a tip that someone possibly wanted by authorities on a warrant was at the Wesco gas station at the corner Washington and Franklin streets. A Greenville public safety officer located the suspect's black Pontiac Grand Am at Cass and Lafayette streets minutes later.
(1 comments)
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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| UPDATE: Power to be restored to Montcalm County residents by 5 p.m. |
High winds are taking their toll on tree limbs and power lines throughout Montcalm County.
According to Consumers Energy Spokesman Tim Pietryga, 430 Montcalm County residents remain without power this morning. That number is down from 3,100 people beginning Tuesday morning.
Pietryga said all power is expected to be restored by 5 p.m. today.
"The outages are very widely scattered, mostly due to tree limbs falling onto power lines," Pietryga said.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
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| WATCH: Trufant Jubilee parade draws crowd |
TRUFANT - Cool windy weather didn't keep crowds away from the 32nd annual Trufant Jubilee parade Saturday afternoon.
People lined the streets downtown, bundled up in coats, hats and mittens, standing or sitting in lawn chairs. Spirits were high and expectant as sirens filled the air, signaling the start of the parade.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
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| Belding Labor Day festival overcomes Mother Nature |
BELDING - Despite the sudden weather change that brought rain and wind over the weekend, eager crowds still came out for Belding Labor Day Homecoming Celebration festivities.
"I guess we can never control the weather," said Mayor Roger Wills with a chuckle. "It seemed like it was always too cold or too wet."
(3 comments)
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
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| WATCH: Belding Labor Day Parade |
BELDING - If you weren't able to brave the rain and make it to the 2010 Belding Labor Day Parade on Monday, enjoy a snippet of the parade, including some 'interesting' characters and the 2010 Belding Queen float.
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
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| Wheatland Music Festival scheduled for Sept. 10-12 |
REMUS - " Happy Wheatland!" will be the call and response next weekend as the 37th annual Wheatland Music Festival gets underway.
The festival attracted about 11,000 people last year on the 160- acre former centennial farm two miles west and two miles south of the M-66 and M-20 intersection near Remus in southern Mecosta County, according to Publicity Chairwoman Kim Croy. About 12,000 people are expected this year.
(1 comments)
Monday, September 06, 2010
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| WATCH: Belding Labor Day Classic Car Show |
BELDING - Some oldies and goodies were rolling through downtown Belding for the annual Classic Car Show during the Belding Labor Day Homecoming Celebration.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
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| VIDEO: Cold, rainy weather dampens Belding Labor Day festivities, but not spirits |
BELDING - Belding Labor Day Homecoming Celebration got off to a chilly and wet start, as the first events of the weekend rolled out Friday night under cloudy skies and a steady drizzle that became a downpour at times.
Crowds were sparse on the midway, which opened at 5 p.m., as pedestrians in coats and mittens tried to keep warm and dry in the 60 degree, rainy weather.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
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| WATCH: Belding Labor Day 6th annual Twilight Parade |
BELDING - Despite the brisk, rainy weather, the crowds enjoyed the 6th annual Twilight Parade through downtown Belding during the 105th Annual Labor Day Homecoming Celebration.
Here's a clip of the unique, colorful parade...
(2 comments)
Saturday, September 04, 2010
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| WATCH: "Flashback" band performs at Belding Labor Day |
BELDING - A great line up of musical talent is scheduled for this weekend at the Belding Labor Day Homecoming Celebration.
"Flashback" got the crowd bouncing to classic rock during Friday evening's opening concert.
Check out a snippet of their performance...
Saturday, September 04, 2010
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| WATCH: Tunnel project moving along |
Maplewood Street just south of M-57 was a buzz of activity Thursday as construction crews worked on two parts of the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail tunnel project.
Davis Construction crews were digging a deep hole in front of Isabella Bank to hold the tunnel structure. They were using special instruments to make sure the hole is at the proper depth.
(5 comments)
Friday, September 03, 2010
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| Properties up for grabs at annual county land auction |
STANTON - The annual Montcalm County public land auction features numerous properties up for bid this year.
Montcalm County Treasurer Marcia Sawdy will host the public land auction at 9:30 a.m. Thursday on the third floor of the Montcalm County Administrative Building (the old courthouse) at 211 W. Main St. in Stanton.
A total of 48 foreclosed properties will be auctioned, some with several parcels bundled together. The properties were foreclosed on due to back taxes.
Friday, September 03, 2010
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| Texas man set for court hearings in Hubbardston murder |
IONIA - A Texas man is scheduled for two court hearings next week in the 2006 murder of 80-year-old Bernita "Billie" Cunningham of Hubbardston.
However, Ionia County Prosecutor Ron Schafer said Tuesday's pretrial hearing and Thursday's preliminary examination in 64A District Court likely will be adjourned so the defense has more time to prepare.
Justin Dewayne Stephens, 21, is charged with open murder, felony murder and second-degree home invasion. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Stephens was extradited from the Nacogdoches County Jail in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he was incarcerated on unrelated charges. The Michigan State Police transported Stephens back to Michigan via federal air travel.
Friday, September 03, 2010
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| Miller aims to spread the 'wellness' |
GREENVILLE - Sue Miller still remembers the immense depression and despair that consumed her when she woke up one morning and looked in the mirror.
Being overweight and unmotivated, coupled with the layoff from her job at Electrolux, where she had put in 25 years of her life before it closed in 2005, and hope seemed futile to Miller.
Today, however, the 1979 Greenville High School alumnus is lighter than she was in high school and now aims to help others who are going through what she did.
Friday, September 03, 2010
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| Harvest Festival honors MacTavish couple as grand marshals |
HOWARD CITY - This isn't the first go as grand marshals for Bill and Betty MacTavish.
The couple led the now defunct Charity Fest parade in Howard City years ago.
Now they have been given another chance to grace the village's parade.
The Harvest Festival Committee has chosen Bill, 81, and Betty, 79, as grand marshals of this year's annual autumn celebration.
Friday, September 03, 2010
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| Chelsey Christie reigns as Miss Trufant Jubilee |
TRUFANT - The 32nd annual Trufant Jubilee Pageant had a "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme, and 17-year old Chelsey Christie dove right in.
Christie, a Trufant resident, won the title of Miss Trufant Jubilee at a pageant Thursday night, the kick-off event for the four-day celebration.
"My mom and my aunt (Jessica Rausch-Howey) are the pageant coordinators this year, and they wanted to talk me into doing the pageant. So my best friend Mariha (Roger) decided to go ahead and do it together," said Christie, the daughter of Casey Christie Struble and Jason Struble, and Brent and Angie Christie.
(7 comments)
Friday, September 03, 2010
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| Greenville businesses react to break-ins |
GREENVILLE - Luis Rivera, the owner of Baby Bloomers, left his cell phone at work Monday afternoon.
He returned to pick it up at about 1 a.m. Tuesday.
In doing so, Rivera may have scared away some burglars.
Baby Bloomers at 701 S. Greenville West Dr. in Hathaway Properties' Marketplace Shoppes was one of three businesses broken into late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| $50,000 hope |
SIX LAKES - The former Six Lakes Elementary School has a lengthy history.
William and Ella Wood donated the property to Belvidere Township in 1889 so a school could be built. Six Lakes had been platted about a decade earlier.
A school was built in 1956 and became part of the Montabella Community Schools district. The building was added onto in 1978. However, the school closed in the early 1980s due to the district's financial problems.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| Emmons wins Senate nomination |
ALMA - Former State Rep. Judy Emmons of Sheridan will be the Republican Party's nominee for the 33rd District State Senate seat on Nov. 2.
Executive committees from the Clinton, Ionia, Isabella and Montcalm county Republican Parties elected the former three-term representative to replace State Rep. Brian Calley, R-Portland, on the ballot. He withdrew his name for the Senate race last weekend to run for lieutenant governor.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| BREAKING NEWS: Emmons secures GOP nomination for senate seat |
ALMA - Judy Emmons of Sheridan successfully garnered the Republican Party's nomination for the 33rd District State Senate seat tonight.
(3 comments)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| Trufant Jubilee set for weekend
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TRUFANT - The Stump Fence Capital will host the 32nd annual Jubilee festival this weekend and Trufant Chamber President Ralph Kranz has lofty aspirations.
"We look forward to being bigger and better than ever this year," he said. "We want to make sure everybody has a good time, especially the way the economy is."
Kranz is in charge of hosting the seventh annual car show - his first - for which he is anticipating 200 vehicles to be featured all day Sunday. Numerous awards will be given out at the show.
(3 comments)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| Edmore man headed to trial for copper theft
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STANTON - An Edmore man was bound over for trial Tuesday after a judge heard testimony in an irrigation pivot wire theft case.
Candy Cole, 31, of Greenville, Billy Lake, 31, of Edmore, and Matthew Hoaglin, 25, of Lakeview, each are charged with one count of felony larceny.
The trio were arrested early the morning of Aug. 3 for stealing 1,300 feet of copper wire span cable from Sackett Ranch Inc. at Deja and Fleck roads in Home Township.
Cole and Hoaglin both waived their preliminary hearings.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| JUST IN: Black bear hit, killed on U.S. 131 near Howard City |
REYNOLDS TOWNSHIP - A black bear was hit by a vehicle and killed Sunday night near Howard City.
According to Howard City Police Chief Steve DeWitt, a 34-year-old Grand Rapids man was driving a 2010 Ford van southbound on U.S. 131 near Cutler Road at approximately 9:17 p.m.
The driver struck a small black bear as it was attempting to cross the expressway. The collision caused "significant damage" to the vehicle.
(2 comments)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| 'He knows what he did' |
STANTON - A Six Lakes man was bound over for trial Tuesday on eight charges of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) after an emotionally charged preliminary examination.
Harold Clinton Dolson, 71, is charged with three counts of first-degree CSC, one count of third-degree CSC and four counts of fourth-degree CSC. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| WATCH: Meet the new CEO of Habitat for Humanity |
GREENVILLE- Newly elected Habitat for Humanity CEO Sandra Pearson paid a visit to Greenville Tuesday during her "meet and greet" tour across the state.
Pearson met with Montcalm County's Habitat for Humanity board Tuesday afternoon, sharing her vision for Habitat, new programs offered, initiatives that the community can expect to see, and answer any questions from the board.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| New Harvest Festival princess is crowned |
HOWARD CITY - Princesses are pretty.
Princesses are role models.
Princesses get breakfast in bed.
Those were some of the reasons given by young contestants when they were asked why they wanted to be a princess.
(3 comments)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
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| JUST IN: Delegates to pick Senate candidate Wednesday |
ALMA - Republican Party leaders from Clinton, Ionia, Isabella and Montcalm counties are scheduled to gather tonight to pick a new candidate for the 33rd District State Senate race.
According to a memo from Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser obtained by The Daily News, delegates from the four counties that make up the 33rd District will meet at 7 p.m. at Alma High School. It is not clear whether the meeting is open to the public.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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| Motion fails to appeal Winfield Lake pier decision |
STANTON - A motion to appeal the Winfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) decision regarding a proposed fishing pier on Winfield Lake failed Aug. 23 by a vote of 2-7.
The motion was made at the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners meeting.
District 5 Commissioner Carl Paepke and District 1 Commissioner Ron Blanding voted "yes" while District 6 Commissioner Ron Baker, District 8 Commissioner Roger Caris, District 7 Commissioner Patrick Q. Carr, District 9 Commissioner Steve Crouse, District 4 Commissioner John Johansen, District 2 Commissioner Tom Lindeman and District 3 Commissioner Ron Retzloff all voted "no."
(1 comments)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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| County postpones fire supression vote |
STANTON - Gary Templar breathed a sigh of relief.
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved postponing a vote on hiring a fire supression company Aug. 23 after Templar, owner of Mid-Michigan Fire & Safety in Greenville, pointed out several misunderstandings in the submitted bids.
The Finance & Personnel Committee on Aug. 9 had voted to recommend to the full board that a bid from Fire Pros Inc. in Grand Rapids be selected as the county's new fire supression provider.
Fire Pros Inc. provided an annual bid of $637, which was $100 less than a bid of $737 from Mid-Michigan Fire. The Greenville company has been Montcalm County's fire supression provider since the mid-1980s.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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| Central Montcalm caboose staying put |
STANTON - One week ago, Central Montcalm High School's caboose was leaving the station.
After a special board of education meeting Monday evening, it will be staying - under specific conditions.
With nearly 60 people in attendance, many of whom protested outside prior to the meeting, the board voted 7-0 to rescind their previous vote to sell the caboose to Anderson & Girls Orchard.
However, someone in the community must step up to form and lead a caboose committee by Sept. 17 for it to remain at the school permanently.
(12 comments)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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| JUST IN: Business owners find break-ins |
GREENVILLE - Businesses on Greenville's west side are cleaning up this morning after an apparent string of break-ins.
The Greenville Department of Public Safety (GDPS) is investigating break-ins at Great Clips in the Hathaway Circle Business Park at 1925 W. Washington St. and Arnie's Arts & Crafts in the Marketplace Shoppes at 701 S. Greenville West Dr.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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| VIDEO: Motorcyclist hurt after collision with car |
PINE TOWNSHIP - A Six Lakes man was injured after crashing his motorcycle into a car Monday afternoon.
Montcalm County Sheriff's deputies Randy Hansen and Mike Williams responded to the scene at 3:35 p.m.
(1 comments)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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| Going Strong at 91 |
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CARSON CITY - Shirley Ceasar Allen doesn't act 91 years-old - at all.
In her white house in Carson City, Allen lives alone. Her door is open for family, visitors and the cool summer breezes.
The spry lady still does her own grocery shopping and still finds relaxation by creating masterpieces - whether that be a colorful quilt in her sewing room, a basket of flowers in her front yard or a poignant short story or poem in her spiral-bound notebook.
Lansing Native
Allen was born in 1919 in Lansing, the youngest of six children belonging to Julius and Lera (Stevens) Ceasar.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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| Belding queen wins her third honor |
BELDING - She pulled a hat trick, but she will be wearing a crown.
Rikki Valentine, 16, the daughter of Rick and Kristin Valentine, was named Miss Belding at the Miss Belding Scholarship Pageant on Saturday. She has previously served as Young Miss Belding and Junior Miss Belding.
(2 comments)
Monday, August 30, 2010
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| WATCH: Edmore Potato Festival goes to the dogs |
EDMORE - The first time Jennifer Hecker participated in an Ultimate Air Dogs (UAD) show, it was not planned.
The Ionia woman and her giant schnauzer, Baxter, were visiting friends in Ohio and decided to go watch UAD, a national dock jumping organization in which dogs jump for distance and height over a swimming pool.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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| JUST IN: Accident at tunnel construction site |
GREENVILLE - Greenville Department of Public Safety responded to a one-vehicle accident in the tunnel construction zone on Maplewood Drive Monday.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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| UPDATE: Calley survives Tea Party's challenge at GOP convention |
EAST LANSING - On Wednesday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder announced his selection for lieutenant governor at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids.
However, on Saturday at the Michigan Republican Party's nominating convention, when final questions about the party's ticket for the general election are typically answered, new questions were raised about the party's unity.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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| BREAKING NEWS: Anger erupts at GOP convention over Calley nomination |
EAST LANSING - The Michigan Republican convention is erupting into anger as tea party activists insist on a roll call vote for lieutenant governor.
The Tea Party of West Michigan is supporting Fruitport businessman Bill Cooper against state Rep. Brian Calley for the lieutenant governor nomination. GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder named Calley as his running mate Wednesday, but some aren't happy with his choice.
(6 comments)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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| 11 local retailers sell alcohol to minors |
STANTON - Montcalm County's first alcohol sting provided some enlightening results.
A total of 66 alcohol retail sites received vendor compliance checks from April 20 through July 27.
The Montcalm Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking (MCPUD) worked with local law enforcement agencies in the county on the project. Accompanied by police officers, three 18-year-olds at
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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| GRCC composites class seeking workers |
HOLLAND - If you're looking for a job in a fast-growing industry with good pay and benefits, Grand Rapids Community College may have a place for you.
The college is looking for 40 students to fill a four-week composites manufacturing training program that begins on Sept. 13. Graduates from the program are eligible for jobs in the rapidly-expanding composite materials industry at companies such as Energetx in Holland.
(2 comments)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
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| Candidates 'campaign' for Senate |
GREENVILLE - The race is on for the Republican nomination in the 33rd District State Senate seat.
Normally, a campaign is a marathon lasting months. For former state representatives Judy Emmons of Sheridan and Scott Hummel of DeWitt, and St. Johns resident Michael Trebesh the campaign is a sprint race to contact the small group of people who will decide the race.
Friday, August 27, 2010
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| 'Handshake agreement' is allowing Crystal Township to operate sewer |
CRYSTAL TOWNSHIP - A four-month-long sewer district saga may finally be coming to a close.
Montcalm County Drain Commissioner Don Cooper said he has a "handshake agreement" allowing Crystal Township to continue administrating and operating the Crystal Sanitary Sewer District while legal counsel drafts a long-term contractual agreement for the township to continue in that capacity.
(2 comments)
Friday, August 27, 2010
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| Buildings on former fairgrounds find new homes at bargain prices |
GREENVILLE - Less than two months after the final Montcalm County 4-H Fair wrapped up at the Hillcrest Street fairgrounds, pieces from facility are finding new homes.
On Aug. 14, the Montcalm County 4-H Fair Board hosted an auction to sell a majority of the fairgrounds' buildings. Local and some not-so-local residents gathered to snatch up deals on used lumber, sheet metal and fencing.
Friday, August 27, 2010
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| County chooses animal crematory |
STANTON - A crematory has been chosen to dispose of animal carcasses from the Montcalm County Animal Shelter.
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on Monday voted 7-2 to hire Noah's Pet Cemetery & Pet Crematory in Grand Rapids at a cost of $295 per month.
District 1 Commissioner Ron Blanding, District 6 Commissioner Ron Baker, District 8 Commissioner Roger Caris, District 7 Commissioner Patrick Q. Carr, District 9 Commissioner Steve Crouse, District 4 Commissioner John Johansen and District 3 Commissioner Ron Retzloff all voted "yes" while District 5 Commissioner Carl Paepke and District 2 Commissioner Tom Lindeman voted "no."
(1 comments)
Friday, August 27, 2010
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| Greenville man gets prison for Wal-Mart theft, assault |
STANTON - A Greenville man was sentenced to up to five years in prison Thursday after stealing from Wal-Mart, then assaulting three employees.
Andrew Brown, 23, was charged with unarmed robbery, assault and battery, aggravated assault, malicious destruction of a building and being a habitual offender. He pleaded guilty to attempted unarmed robbery.
(5 comments)
Friday, August 27, 2010
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| New owners, new look, new
attitude for Old Mill Party Store |
GREENVILLE - Work is Lenn Stark's hobby and lately he's been enjoying his hobby even more, now that he has reopened Old Mill Party Store on Greenville's east side.
(2 comments)
Friday, August 27, 2010
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