Elisabeth Waldon

— The incumbent Republican state representative and his challenger, a Democratic pastor, shared thoughts about Trump, guns and renewable energy policies during Wednesday’s candidate forum. Jason Dillingham, 55, of Greenville is running against State Rep. Pat Outman, 32, R-Six Lakes, for the 91st District.

A longtime Republican Congressman is being challenged for Michigan’s wide-reaching 2nd District seat by a Democratic opponent. John Moolenaar, 63, of Kent County’s Caledonia, is the incumbent Congressman, having held the seat for five consecutive terms now (including the former 4th District, the boundaries of which have since been redrawn). The 2nd District spans 20 counties in mid, northern and west Michigan, including Gratiot, Ionia and Montcalm counties and a portion of Kent County.

Multiple coaches wrote letters to the Carson City-Crystal Area Schools Board of Education this summer expressing concerns about the superintendent’s leadership, especially pertaining to athletic programs. In response, Superintendent John Sattler says he has good reasons for the actions he’s taken and he believes the coaches just don’t like some of his decisions. The Daily News came into possession of the June 10 letters from coaches on Aug. 30. This resulting story was delayed for a month while the Daily News waited on the results of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the school.

A bank is suing Lakeside Motor Sports in Mecosta, which owns Nelson’s Speed Shop in Greenville, for nearly $1 million in debt and for allegedly refusing to turn over vehicle collateral. Union Bank filed a civil business lawsuit in Montcalm County Circuit Court on Monday against Lakeside Motor Sports, Seln LLC, Edward Richter, Nan Richter, the Edward Richter Living Trust, the Nan Richter Living Trust, the Danielle Maneke Living Trust, the Neil Maneke Living Trust and the Mitchell Richter Living Trust.

In the wake of this city’s longtime attorney retiring, a new law firm is coming on board. The Carson City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to hire Bloom Sluggett as the city’s new attorney of record. The vote came after the City Council heard presentations from Bloom Sluggett and Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes. The city accepted bids from the two law firms as longtime city attorney Thomas Wilson is resigning.

A Montcalm County sheriff’s report is now with the Prosecutor’s Office regarding an investigation into allegations of nonfeasance and willful neglect of duty by the Belvidere Township clerk regarding the Aug. 6 election. Meanwhile, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made by the Daily News reveals tensions and conspiracy theories among township officials.

The Reynolds Township Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended special land use approval by the township board for a farm and construction equipment sales and rental business to be located just northwest of the intersection of M-46 and Federal Road (old 131). The Planning Commission held a public hearing for John Hershberger’s special land use request. Hershberger, who lives just outside of Lakeview, wants to build a 60-by-120-foot building just off Reed Road across the street from Coyne Propane. The area is currently zoned commercial. Hershberger plans to store and display equipment for rent and sale inside and outside with a 6-foot-high see-through commercial fencing around the outside equipment.

Tanya Stalker and her husband purchased a house on a three-acre wooded lot in Greenville just under a year ago. The woods are one of the residence’s main features, and while the tall trees are beautiful, they can also be problematic. A tree fell onto the roof of Stalker’s home on Aug. 5, the day of a heavy rainfall and wind. Thankfully, the damage was minor, but inspired Stalker, a local Realtor, to educate her clients about the importance of obtaining a tree inspection.

Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan

Since 1854 — News from Montcalm County and Ionia County, Michigan