Montcalm County officials continue to work on budget Montcalm County officials are continuing to hammer out the upcoming fiscal year budget, even as they wait on official revenue sharing news from the state of Michigan. Controller-Administrator Brenda Taeter reported at Monday’s Finance & Personnel Committee meeting that the state didn’t give Montcalm County its $220,000 in revenue sharing for the most recent quarter of this current fiscal year. The state is giving Montcalm County the option of Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act funding as a sort of replacement for the revenue sharing loss, but Taeter doesn’t think Montcalm County will be eligible.

Tattoo artist sets up shop in Belding salon Christian North has spent the better part of the past decade dedicating himself to the art of tattooing. Originally from the Flint area, North got involved in designing unique ink drawings approximately seven years ago.

Volunteer works to revitalize Ionia Farmers Market If Elisabeth Haight has her way, in the not-too-distant future downtown Ionia will have a thriving farmers market bursting with vendors and buzzing with activity. “A farmers market is an essential part of the community,” Haight said. “You can shop there, meet friends there, meet new people there, things to do for kids. A lot of people live downtown, and they don’t have to drive.”

Planners approve more Frugthaven Farm ventures With excavators shifting soil, contractors erecting walls and employees serving coffee and doughnuts, Frugthaven Farm is bustling with energy as owners April and Mike Petersen navigate through a sea of business and construction.

Carson City approves police school sponsorship Carson City Police Chief Tony Keller knows it is not an easy time to be a police officer. He also knows it is not easy to recruit — and keep — new officers on the force of small towns like Carson City. Keller and Carson City Mayor Tom McCrackin recently presented to the City Council a proposal for a police academy sponsorship.

Upcoming and pending services for Sept. 18, 2020 Upcoming and pending services for Sept. 18, 2020

Greenville City Council discusses possibility of permitting sale of marijuana in city With multiple factories and businesses long established in this community, ranging from manufacturing, health care, retail and more, could another form of industry — marijuana — now be on its way as well? That’s the discussion that came forward during Tuesday evening’s Greenville City Council meeting during a presentation on options to consider regarding the sale of marijuana in the city.

Belding approves recreational marijuana growing license The Belding City Council has approved its first recreational marijuana-related license. The City Council on Tuesday voted 3-2 to amend its current marijuana ordinance to allow Botanical Biologics to grow plants for recreational use in its facility at 1331 W. State St.

Edmore Village Council discusses options for police coverage The Edmore Village Council is considering alternatives to its contract with the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office for additional police coverage when the contract expires Dec. 31. Edmore Village Manager Justin Lakamper told council members at Monday’s meeting via Zoom that the village pays the sheriff’s office $80,000 for 2,000 hours a year, which is almost 38.5 hours a week.