City declines to give $10K to gnome event
A request to use up to $10,000 in city finances to fund a world record attempt, described by its organizers as “an excellent advertising and promotional event for the city of Greenville and its Danish culture,” was not approved by city leaders. However, in discussing the request at its May 6 meeting, members of the Greenville City Council issued a consensus of support for the “Gnomegeddon” event, presented by residents Jeff Hines — otherwise known as his persona “Joe Knight” of the Montcalm Vibe online radio station — and Gerald Wellman, otherwise known as “Papa Gnome” of Papa Gnome Delivers.
Daily News RCA winners celebrated with awards ceremony
In its sixth year of publishing the Readers Choice Award, the Daily News celebrated winners of this year’s contest with an inaugural awards banquet on Wednesday. Held at the Greenville Area Recreation and Community Center, about 115 guests attended the presentation, which celebrated the more than 200 winners and runners up over a variety of categories voted on by readers of the Daily News.
Montcalm Care Network director voices concerns about Michigan health department
May is Mental Health Month, and the leader of Montcalm County’s mental health agency is speaking out against what she calls the state health department’s effort to privatize mental health, while funding is also being withheld. Montcalm Care Network Executive Director Tammy Warner addressed the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners at their May 12 meeting regarding the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS).
Ionia fifth-graders plant eastern redbud tree for Arbor Day
Fifth-graders from Dane Schafer's and Beth Johnson's classes at Jefferson Elementary School were joined by Mayor John Milewski and Julie Kronewitter from Horrock's Garden Center last Friday in planting “Jerry," an eastern redbud tree.
Ionia High School assistant principal hired as Emerson Elementary principal
The Ionia Public Schools Board of Education voted to approve hiring Dustin Gill as the new Emerson Elementary School principal at Monday's meeting. Gill is currently the assistant principal of Ionia High School.
Montcalm County approves dog training program with prison inmates
Some of the dogs available for adoption through the Montcalm County animal shelter will have better manners than most thanks to a new training program involving prison inmates. The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners on May 12 voted unanimously to approve a partnership between Montcalm County Animal Control and the Central Michigan Correctional Facility in Gratiot County’s St. Louis for a program called Pawsitive Futures.
Belding City Council appoints new DDA and ZBA members
After the Belding City Council interviewed three candidates for seats on two boards Tuesday, they voted unanimously to make the appointments in question. First, the council interviewed Robert Leppink, the single candidate, for a seat on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
Belding revives landfill voucher program
This city is bringing back a popular landfill voucher program after a 17-year hiatus. Vouchers will be available at Belding City Hall to city residents starting June 1 and can be used from July 1 through Sept. 30.
172-unit housing plan returns before Greenville planners tonight
With a responsibility to advise city leaders on planning matters — such as a major amendment to a development that calls for the construction of 172 new homes — the Greenville Planning Commission met without fulfilling that obligation this month. Tonight, the commission will take another crack at providing a recommendation of approval or denial to the Greenville City Council for the proposed Hathaway Woods Site Condominium and the proposed major amendment to the Hathaway Green Planned Unit Development submitted by Green Development Ventures of Portage.
‘Keep rolling forward’
Wilder DeGood took his last step on his 10th birthday. Born with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness, Wilder is now 17 years old and in a wheelchair. He has pituitary dwarfism and rods are installed from the base of his neck down his back due to developing scoliosis. He needs the help of his mother Autumn for dressing, eating and most basic activities. Wilder has a distinct memory of the last time he was able to walk.
Seeking ‘deeper details’
A Lakeview High School senior plans to study sociology and work in a law enforcement job at the federal level. She’s already making Montcalm County a safer place.
Hornets ‘dialed in’
Putting an emphasis on winning conference games this season was something the Central Montcalm baseball team wanted to do from day one. Of the 12 league games they’ve played this season, they’ve won 11 of them to clinch the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) White division for the first time since 2019, only the second since 2003.
Wildcats showing yes mindset
Although the record may not entirely reflect it, the Lakeview softball team has seen moments of success this season. Despite having had four different head coaches since 2021, the Wildcats (9-23) have learned to adapt and overcome the obstacles they face.
Athlete of the Week nominees for May 27, 2025Free Access
Athlete of the Week nominees for May 27, 2025
Upcoming sports (May 28 and 29)
Upcoming sports (May 28 and 29)
‘She’s been our rock’
Kendall Pearson has played a crucial and central role in the development of playing defense for the Lakeview girls soccer team over the last few years. Helping lead her team to their second consecutive winning season this year, including the best 10-game start to the season they’ve had in at least seven years, the senior has set a standard for the program to uphold in the coming years.
MCC basketball’s Gabe Daniel plans to sign with Kuyper College to continue career
Coming from the southeast side of the state, Gabe Daniel is still learning about the higher learning institutions in the West Michigan area. The Erie native said before he signed with Montcalm Community College, he’d never heard of the college. The same can be said for his next stop.
Daily News Track Invitational rankings
Daily News Track Invitational rankings
Upcoming sports (May 27)
Upcoming sports (May 27)
Shooting for the top
Three area golf teams found themselves competing in a stacked field of competition Tuesday afternoon for their league championship tournament. The Tri County, Lakeview and Central Montcalm golf teams wrapped up their conference season at The Links at Bowen Lake in Gowen to see who would claim the top spot in the Central State Activities Association (CSAA). Pockets of rain throughout the day made for a wet and windy 18 holes of golf, presenting challenges for all participants along the way.
