The Daily News | News from Greenville, Belding and Montcalm County, Michigan (original) (raw)
Man stabbed near Gowen Post OfficeFree Access
| June 9, 2026
Michigan State Police Lakeview Post troopers responded to a report of a stabbing at approximately 11 p.m. Monday near the Gowen Post Office. The victim, a 34-year-old man, reported that he was stabbed by a 41-year-old man. Troopers determined that both parties are known to one another.
Lakeview’s ‘Pickle Docks’ plant marks 10 year milestone
Elisabeth Waldon | June 9, 2026
A power and data solutions manufacturer is marking 10 years of operations at its Lakeview manufacturing facility, known as the “Pickle Docks” in a nod to the location’s history on Tamarack Lake. Based in Rockford, Byrne serves contract furniture, hospitality, retail, healthcare and educational environments. The company was founded in 1970 when Norman Byrne began manufacturing wire harnesses for the marine and auto industry. Byrne relocated to Grand Rapids in 1975 as Ford Motor Company’s primary supplier of speaker leads; the company is now global with locations in Mexico and China.
Central Montcalm school board approves MAISD budget, but voices concern about special ed funding
The Daily News Staff | June 9, 2026
The Central Montcalm Public School Board of Education voted to approve a controversial Montcalm Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) budget, but attached a letter of concerns regarding special education funding. President Brennan Bowen, Vice President Bill Simpson Sr., Treasurer Rob Train, Secretary Jamie Hansen-Hopkins and trustees Jim Lingeman and Betty Wakefield were all present for the May 18 school board meeting while Trustee Lisa Lund was absent.
Sheridan water safe to drink againFree Access
The Daily News Staff | June 8, 2026
The water is safe to drink again in Sheridan, according to village officials. “Our second test passed,” stated an email from the village on Saturday. “The boil water advisory is over, you may go back to your usual routines. There is no longer a need to boil your drinking water.”
Dewitt man dies in motorcycle crash at Grattan Raceway Free Access
The Daily News Staff | June 8, 2026
A 39-year-old man from Dewitt died in a motorcycle crash at the Grattan Raceway on Sunday. At approximately 3:15 p.m., Kent County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the raceway for a report of a motorcycle crash that occurred on the race track.
Preventing the ‘summer slide’
Elisabeth Waldon | June 8, 2026
More local families are turning to summer meal programs to help feed their children when school is out of session. The majority of school districts across Montcalm and Ionia counties are once again offering free breakfasts and lunches this summer, with some reporting steady growth in participation and preparing to serve hundreds of children each week.
Girl power
Cory Smith | June 6, 2026
Nervous at first, 11-year-old Lyla Cleveland wasn't sure what to expect when she stepped onto Legacy Field for Greenville Rocket Football’s spring flag football tournament. It was her first time attempting the sport, and with parents and friends gathered in the stands, the venue built for varsity competition felt intimidating.
MCC exploring bringing Early College program in-house after MAISD phase out
Cory Smith | June 6, 2026
Less than two months after the Montcalm Area Intermediate School District voted to phase out its Early College program, officials at Montcalm Community College are exploring whether a new college-operated model could keep the program alive.
Red, white and blue
Elisabeth Waldon | June 6, 2026
This year’s Lakeview Summerfest will be extra patriotic. The festival of family fun will return to downtown Lakeview with nearly a full week of events from June 14-20.
Belle Tower Group launching community mental health education series
Cory Smith | June 6, 2026
A free mental health education event scheduled for June 18 is intended to be more than a one-time presentation for Belle Tower Group.
MDOT shares update regarding $28M M-66 reconstruction project
Tim McAllister | June 6, 2026
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Products and Contracts Engineer David Kent presented the latest updates on a $28 million M-66 corridor reconstruction project to the Ionia City Council on Wednesday.
Lingeman resigns from Central Montcalm school board
Elisabeth Waldon | June 6, 2026
A longtime member of the Central Montcalm Public School Board of Education has resigned, citing lack of passion and enthusiasm for the job.
Ionia approvals pave way for start of housing development
Tim McAllister | June 5, 2026
The Ionia City Council held several public hearings on Wednesday that will finally allow construction to begin on the Austin Pines West planned unit development (PUD), submitted by Allen Edwin Homes.
Montabella offers top job to Alvesteffer
The Daily News Staff | June 5, 2026
The Montabella Community Schools Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously voted to offer the job of superintendent to Andrew Alvesteffer, the current leader of a school district in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Greenville approves Coffren Street reconstruction funding agreement, purchases new Taser units
Cory Smith | June 5, 2026
One of Greenville's next major road reconstruction projects is moving forward after the City Council approved a funding agreement tied to a nearly $2 million overhaul of E. Coffren Street.
Tri County boys XC, track reflect on championship seasons
Meghan Tripp | June 9, 2026
For the Tri County boys cross country and track and field programs this year, success wasn’t limited to a single season. Stretching from the opening miles of the fall to the final races and events in the spring, the Vikings accomplished something that showcased the depth and consistency of their athletes. After claiming the Central State Activities Association (CSAA) Red championship in boys cross country last fall, the Vikings carried that momentum into the track and field season, where they once again rose to the top of the league standings with an undefeated record to win their first conference title...
‘The perfect fit’
Meghan Tripp | June 9, 2026
After building a strong foundation as a distance runner at Greenville, Gracelin Martin is preparing for the next chapter of her athletic career. The Yellow Jacket senior will be making her goal of running at the collegiate level a reality by heading to Cornerstone University in the fall, where she plans to compete on both their cross country and track and field teams.
‘Raise the bar’
Meghan Tripp | June 6, 2026
A season that began with high expectations ended with the Ionia girls soccer team making program history. Behind a veteran core that spent years building toward this particular season, the Bulldogs finished the season with a program-best 10 victories, posting a 10-7-2 overall record while establishing a new benchmark for future teams to chase. They set the record with an 8-0 win over Waverly in their last game of the regular season.
Ionia girls record season
Cory Smith | June 6, 2026
Collegiate Wildcats
Meghan Tripp | June 6, 2026
For most high school athletes, graduation marks the end of their competitive careers. But for five members of the Lakeview High School Class of 2026, it serves as the starting line for their next chapter.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: James RodriguezFree Access
The Daily News Staff | June 6, 2026
James Rodriguez of Montabella boys track and field was voted this week’s Daily News Athlete of the Week. Rodriguez, a sophomore, won an individual state title in the 100-meter dash at the Division 4 state finals last Saturday.
Montabella’s Rodriguez wins 100m state title
Meghan Tripp | June 4, 2026
Montabella sophomore James Rodriguez made the most of his trip to the Division 4 track and field state finals on Saturday, turning in a trio of performances that placed him among the state’s top athletes. Rodriguez not only captured an individual state championship in the 100-meter dash, but also added two more All-State finishes in the long jump and 200-meter dash to cap off a memorable day. With his performances, he became the Mustangs’ first individual male state champion in more than 20 years, following Dave Messer’s 400-meter dash championship in 2004.
Viking girls soccer end season in regional semifinal to No. 10 TC St. Francis
Meghan Tripp | June 4, 2026
For 40 minutes Tuesday, the Tri County girls soccer team stood toe-to-toe with one of the state’s best programs. Facing No. 10-ranked Traverse City St. Francis in a Division 3 regional semifinal, the Vikings battled through a warm evening to keep the match within reach, trailing just 2-0 at the half. The second half proved much more difficult as the Gladiators increased their pace of play after the break and pulled away with six additional goals, including hat tricks from two players, to defeat the Vikings, 8-0.
Central Montcalm’s Kooistra crowned two-time state champion
Meghan Tripp | June 2, 2026
Among the 1,781 athletes who competed at Saturday’s Division 3 track and field state finals in Kent City, Central Montcalm sophomore Zade Kooistra found himself on top of the podium not once, but twice. Kooistra turned in championship performances in both the adaptive 100-meter dash and adaptive shot put, capturing state titles in both events to cap off a remarkable debut season for the Hornets track and field programs.
Vestaburg and Montabella softball teams end seasons in state-ranked district bracket
Meghan Tripp | June 2, 2026
The postseason road came to an abrupt end for both the Vestaburg and Montabella softball teams Friday afternoon as each fell to highly ranked opponents in their respective Division 4 district semifinal matchups at Beal City. Kicking the afternoon off, the Wolverines ran into the hosting Aggies who are currently ranked No. 7 in the Division 4 standings. The Aggies scored early and often to shut out the Wolverines, 14-0, to advance to the district title game.
Athlete of the Week nominees for June 2, 2026Free Access
The Daily News Staff | June 2, 2026
Athlete of the Week nominees for June 2, 2026
Sports Roundup for Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Meghan Tripp | June 2, 2026
Check out the local Sports Roundup for Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
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