STANTON — Montcalm County union employees want one of their paid holidays reinstated. In December 2011, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners and Local 3067.03 approved a three-year labor contract good from Jan. 1, 2012, through Dec. 31, 2014. Local 3067.03 is affiliated with Michigan Council No. 25 American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees [...]

Samantha Slater Benjamin Wilkins STANTON — 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 [...]

The Daily News has obtained three telephone call recordings from a Greenville child abuse case via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). 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 [...]

Lakeside Park, located on the banks of the Tamarack Lake in Lakeview, will see a host of proposed improvements this summer, including a new fishing and boat pier, parking enhancements and a professional amphitheater to host the annual Music in the Park series. There will also be upgrades to park lighting and walkways so that [...]

Samantha Slater, right, is overcome with emotion after a judge dismissed child abuse charges against her involving Slater’s daughter Brooklyn. Slater’s attorney Monica Tissue-Daws holds her client’s hand. — Daily News/ Kelli Ameling   STANTON— Child abuse charges were dismissed Thursday against the mother of a toddler who remains on life support. Samantha Slater and Benjamin [...]

SAND LAKE — The Tri County Area Schools Board of Education has voted to privatize another service. The school board voted Monday to contract custodial and related services with Grand Rapids Building Supply. The school board previously voted in August 2011 to privatize transportation. The Tri County Custodial/Maintenance Association, along with the Michigan Education Association (MEA) [...]

Samantha Slater, right, looks at documents with her defense attorney Monica Tissue-Daws during a preliminary examination today in 64B District Court. — Daily News/Kelli Ameling STANTON— A child abuse court hearing was adjourned again Tuesday after a witness passed out while testifying on the stand in 64B District Court. Samantha Slater and Benjamin Wilkins, both 26 [...]

STANTON — Retirements in the Montcalm County Clerk’s Office and Sheriff’s Office are likely leading to promotions and new hires. Montcalm County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve Russell will retire on May 31. He was hired in May 1982, promoted to sergeant in August 1996 and promoted to lieutenant in May 2010. Sheriff Bill Barnwell updated the Montcalm [...]