Really? Earn a tuition-free college degree while in high school? This tagline has been used in advertisements for the new Early College at Montcalm Community College that have been sent around the county, but what is an early college? This unique educational program is designed to fully immerse high school-aged students into the post-secondary learning environment. The institution expects high achievement and realistic planning from all students. It is designed so that students cannot finish the program without completing the coursework of their Educational Development Plan.

Heavier than average rainfall probably won’t have too great an influence on most crops grown in the area, according to Montcalm County Extension Field Crops Educator Fred Springborn, though it is likely to be responsible for some crops getting in the ground later than they would during a warmer, drier spring.

Drug Free Montcalm has seen an increase in success during yearly tobacco checks throughout the county. During the month of April, 71 stores that sell tobacco in Montcalm County received compliance check to determine if the store would sell tobacco to minors.

When Tabitha Schaub put on her backpack for the very first time, she did so like everyone else, full of wonder, excitement, fear and every other emotion that goes through a young child’s mind as they take their first steps into the world of education. The 16-year-old junior from Lakeview High School made friends, learned from teachers, played on the playground and eventually made her way to where she is now as she prepares to enter the world of adulthood.

Howard City residents have less than one week to get rid of junk vehicles. On Monday and Tuesday, Howard City police officers will begin checking every property in the village for enforcement of the village’s junk car and general trash/debris ordinance.

Montcalm County sheriff’s detectives are investigating an embezzlement of funds from the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) union, Montcalm County Chapter, by one of their own.

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing James Young of country group The Eli Young Band, who returned to Grand Rapids on Thursday night as part of Kenny Chesney’s “No Shoes Nation” tour.

A week after massive flooding throughout Montcalm County, things are starting to get back to normal and roads are being reopened. “We are in pretty good shape,” said Mark Christensen, managing director of the Road Commission for Montcalm County. “It was a challenging week.”

Hailey Olger wants to be a doctor when she grows up. The aspirations of this 12-year-old are due in part to watching her little sister Kelly struggle with heart defects. Kelly is 5 years old and has already had three open heart surgeries.

Construction work and how a majority of projects are funded were popular topics during the Greater Greenville Transportation meeting Wednesday evening. The committee met at Courtland Township Hall during its quarterly meeting just in time to talk about the upcoming construction season.