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Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

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85th annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Fest continues to grow

Posted by Design | February 26, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo – This year’s 85th Festival will include a drone show in place of a traditional fireworks display.)

Can you imagine what those 1940s farmers who sat around, in a barbershop, jawing about some sort of syrup festival would say today?

Sweet!

The festival, concocted to help area farmers earn money for much-needed spring seeds, was a no brainer. Maple syrup flowed in the Maple Valley area, and early settlers from Vermont knew how to tap the natural bounty. The rest is history.

A town of about 750 swells to more than 20,000 the last full weekend of April to host the three-day event, which some Michigan event planners call the “granddaddy” of all such Michigan Festivals.

Festival Presidents Mary Ann and Steve Hayes know the history and promise the occasion presents. That’s why, this year, they have added an extra piece: a drone show.

Fund-raising has been going on since the beginning of the year, Mary Ann said. “We’re down to the bits and pieces” of the $10,000 needed. “It’s been quite an endeavor.”

Mary Ann learned about the growing popularity of drones versus fireworks at a state fair and festival planners gathering. She thought it would add a special kick to this year’s event.

She also explained to volunteers that they would not have to get up a “5:30 Saturday morning to pick up shrapnel,” she said. That, and the more environmentally friendly aspects of drones, made the decision easier.

Funds are still appreciated for the spectacle, which happens April 24, 25 and 26.

The weekend schedule and all things Festival are on the website syrupfest.org.

Other aspects of this year’s event include some fund-raising opportunities for the dancers from Step in Time of Nashville, who will be traveling to Disney this June. There is also going to be a designated food truck area.

There are not many obstacles that festival planners have not overcome, from finding parking space for visitors as well as space for vendors in a small town, to providing handicapped accessible porta-johns.

The first big tapping of trees happened at the start of February, as well as the crowning of this year’s Festival Court: Queen McKenzie Soper, Aubree Roth and Kiylee Kirby.

Next, the naming of the grand marshal for the parade, and a full schedule of events. Information can be found at syrupfest.org.

Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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The way to a neighbor’s heart may be through their stomachs

Posted by Design | February 26, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided – Food preparation, family time and neighborhood fellowship brought more than 52 neighbors together for Rock the Crock.)

 

Lasagna, baked ziti, chicken and dumplings, black bean chili, pork roast, pulled pork, and turkey roast with cranberry sauce.

No, not a restaurant menu, rather, the main meals for a unique community building event called Rock the Crock, a result of Charlotte’s StreetHeart program, facilitated through Eaton Community Health (ECH).

The approximately two-month event was attended by neighbors wanting to get to know their neighbors, and to better their family culinary skills. This was the second round for the event.

The program is overseen by Kalli Brady, ECH Executive Director. The neighborhoods participating in the program, by choice and contribution. This neighborhood project included the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church within its boundaries, and if anyone knows Pastor John Messner, they know he loves to cook.

The initial gathering and end celebration of the program were held at the church. 

At the beginning, neighbors met and were challenged to make the “world’s biggest burrito” together.  The 12-foot result was not verified but was eaten.

Afterward, and for the next six weeks, participating families were provided with a crockpot and all the fixings for the meals. They were encouraged to make the meals as a family and record the results to a shared, private online site. Supplies and support came from StreetHeart, the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church and the Charlotte Lions Club.

“They had a lot of fun” planning online and in person,” Brady said.

StreetHeart has been in place since March 2020 and has produced a number of neighborhood initiatives, led by seven block captains and families.

“It’s about what we can do together that we cannot do alone,” Brady said of the program. 

Neighbor April Meyers learned that. She and her husband and two children participated in this Rock the Crock project. Their favorite meal? The pork dish, she said. “It was amazing. It had vinegar in it,” and Meyers had her doubts, but it turned out to be a hit. Recipes, and other items are also included in the crock pot and meal ingredients supplies.

“I usually don’t like doing things…with new people. But I am trying to go outside of my comfort zone,” Meyers said. She is glad she did it, and as a result, became a block leader/planner for future StreetHeart efforts.

According to program statistics, Rock the Crock 2026 provided  the makings for 72 meals at an average cost of $10. Twelve families participated with the help of 20 volunteers.

Brady said the whole idea of the program is to “put things in the hands of residents” because they know what’s best for their neighborhoods. There are no requirements to become part of the program, Brady said. At Eaton Community Health, “We believe your health is directly connected to the place that you live.”

For information, visit the website at ech-eaton.org or contact Brady at kalli@ech-eaton.org.

Olivet

Olivet

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Olivet

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Former Olivet student earns teaching recognition in Georgia

Posted by Design | February 19, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo- Teacher of the Week honors went to Olivet College graduate and stellar softball player Jessica Davenport Creager (right), shown here with her mother, Ponja Dye.)

“By their fruit you shall know them.”

Life seldom provides a straight path to adulthood. It is often the people along the way that make the journey worthwhile – a teacher, a parent, a coach.

For Jessica Davenport Creager, it was all three.

The path in life brought her to Olivet College in the late 1990s. Mother, Ponja, began work at the College (now The University of Olivet), and Jessica dove in to all things college, rather, she pitched in.

A stellar softball player, she won admiration in Michigan and at tournaments and play across the land. A member of the Olivet Athletic Hall of Fame, she was “the first woman in school history to earn Most Valuable Player honors from the MIAA (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association). You earned first team All-MIAA honors in 1999 and 2000 and first-team All-Region honors in 2000.”

It was not all sports for Jessica, who was also a solid student, member of the prestigious insurance chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, a member of the Sigma Beta Sorority, and, of course, 1999 Homecoming Princess.

Her accolades continue, “After graduating from Olivet in 2000, you taught in the Lansing School District for five years and were the varsity softball coach at Everett High School.”

 A life move spirited her to Savannah, Georgia, where she has spent more than 20 years of teaching while raising her two sons.

Recently, she was recognized as teacher of the week by the local media.You can be sure her first-grade students at Spencer Elementary in the Savannah/Chatham County School District, cheered her on.

In an interview, Jessica quoted storied Olivet wrestling coach and mentor Jare Klein, who often told his students about teaching others, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Bellevue

Bellevue

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Bellevue

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Ch-ch-changes in Charlotte area businesses, locations just this year

Posted by Design | February 9, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo by Joanne Williams/TCJ: Once Mike’s Automotive, then home to Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, now a business hub, anchored by Valhalla Value and Liquidations, 135 S. Washington St., Charlotte.)

 

Who cares what Punxsutawney Phil says about winter! Dairy Queen opens Saturday, February 7 in Charlotte.

And there is a lot going on in the surrounding area in terms of small business news.

Dan Riedy retires with a farewell party on February 8 at Riedy’s, 219 S. Cochran. The restaurant closes its doors after 46 years – once with three locations.

B’s Artistic Studio is now in downtown Charlotte at 111 W. Lovett. The move took place just after the holidays. 

Bella Grande clothing and more consignment boutique closes in March after almost two decades of success. Until the doors are locked, there are sales and deals inside 227 S. Cochran. Current owner Angel Fulkerson took over from founder Betsy Smith and has created lasting relationships with customers and consignment providers.

Deadtime Stories: The Sequel, opened in the Courthouse Square Museum in June 2025. Despite being open during festivals and concerts, there was not enough traffic for it to remain. The store closed before the new year, but the original Deadtime Stories flourishes in Lansing.

There is a new director at the Eaton County Humane Society Danielle Constant, who was recently a manager at the Northland Animal Hospital in Rockford.

The former Soldan’s pet supply, recently sold to Feeders Pet Supply, closed at the end of October 2025 in the Charlotte Plaza. A former manager wrote on Facebook that the staff was great, sales were underperforming, costs of brick and mortar were a factor, and other Soldan locations remain open.

Yes, it’s true, the former Reflections store at 129 S. Cochran is now Vikings’ Edge, an axe-throwing venue. Sneak a peek during the Wine Walk on February 12 (tickets required), or wait for the opening, February 27. As the Wood Turns owner John Laupp and neighbor from the Groomery, Capri Brown Dixon, are owners. Six lanes and unique designs are featured.

Richard’s Appliance, a mainstay in Charlotte at 630 W. Lawrence Ave.,  since 1983, is now Morton’s Appliance, offering appliance sales and repairs. Longtime owners Robin and Janice Richards retired and sold the building to Brad and Terri Morton.

The Riverside Café, a grand community spot, has been closed for about a year in Bellevue. Asking price is $300,000 for a spot by the riverside.

The former Bellevue Car Wash is now Steph’s Buff and Wash, and since owners Justin and Stephanie Keiffer took over in November 2025, changes and upgrades have been in progress.

It is hard to believe the transformation of the Windwalker Gallery front on 125 S. Cochran in Charlotte. Once an art, design and musical showplace, the Marketplace Studio Gallery is chocked with an eclectic mix of items from local folks, from herbs to clothing, mugs to jewelry. The back is still set up with a piano and stage and has been used for musical events. The Windwalker Antiques and Underground Gallery was started by the late Richard Turbin and his son, Rick, in 2012 and operated as such until Richard died in 2024. 

Also a part of the Marketplace is The Corner Market and Pantry, moving in from just down the road from its former location at Lovett and Cochran.

Seasonal Inspirations was a charming gift shop and community support for Olivet. Jamie Kita was the owner and operator, as well as one time Olivet Chamber of Commerce president. Ill health has forced her to close her shop.

When one business leaves a building, another moves right in. That’s the prosperity of the WestEnd Hub in Charlotte. Natural Journey to Health moved in with Agape Salon on Lawrence Avenue, leaving space for the newest West End Hub occupant, RK’s Unique Boutique to move right in at 517 W. Lovett. The shop should be up and running soon, says owner Randi-Kay Stine.

And still more moves in the West End, where Valhalla Value and Liquidations, which has done nothing but grown since its beginnings about four years ago, moves to 135 S. Washington, as Eaton Clothing and Furniture moves out and into space on 520 S. Robinson St., next to SIREN/Eaton Shelter.

Valhalla will not be alone in the budling as it is large enough to house multiple businesses, many fostered under Valhalla’s roof.

Vermontville

Vermontville

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Vermontville

Featured Story

85th annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Fest continues to grow

Posted by Design | February 26, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo – This year’s 85th Festival will include a drone show in place of a traditional fireworks display.)

Can you imagine what those 1940s farmers who sat around, in a barbershop, jawing about some sort of syrup festival would say today?

Sweet!

The festival, concocted to help area farmers earn money for much-needed spring seeds, was a no brainer. Maple syrup flowed in the Maple Valley area, and early settlers from Vermont knew how to tap the natural bounty. The rest is history.

A town of about 750 swells to more than 20,000 the last full weekend of April to host the three-day event, which some Michigan event planners call the “granddaddy” of all such Michigan Festivals.

Festival Presidents Mary Ann and Steve Hayes know the history and promise the occasion presents. That’s why, this year, they have added an extra piece: a drone show.

Fund-raising has been going on since the beginning of the year, Mary Ann said. “We’re down to the bits and pieces” of the $10,000 needed. “It’s been quite an endeavor.”

Mary Ann learned about the growing popularity of drones versus fireworks at a state fair and festival planners gathering. She thought it would add a special kick to this year’s event.

She also explained to volunteers that they would not have to get up a “5:30 Saturday morning to pick up shrapnel,” she said. That, and the more environmentally friendly aspects of drones, made the decision easier.

Funds are still appreciated for the spectacle, which happens April 24, 25 and 26.

The weekend schedule and all things Festival are on the website syrupfest.org.

Other aspects of this year’s event include some fund-raising opportunities for the dancers from Step in Time of Nashville, who will be traveling to Disney this June. There is also going to be a designated food truck area.

There are not many obstacles that festival planners have not overcome, from finding parking space for visitors as well as space for vendors in a small town, to providing handicapped accessible porta-johns.

The first big tapping of trees happened at the start of February, as well as the crowning of this year’s Festival Court: Queen McKenzie Soper, Aubree Roth and Kiylee Kirby.

Next, the naming of the grand marshal for the parade, and a full schedule of events. Information can be found at syrupfest.org.

Potterville

Potterville

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Potterville

Featured Story

Potterville boys seeing growth under ‘new’ coach Kemp

Posted by Design | February 12, 2026

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer 

(Photo provided – Coach Kyren Kemp is happy to be back in Potterville.)

The head coaching gig for the Potterville boys basketball team has been a bit of a revolving door in recent years. Kyren Kemp is in his first year leading the Vikings, and he is their third different coach in the last three years. 

“That’s going to be tough on any program,” Kemp said. 

The coach is hoping though, that the way he does things can start to make a difference.

“(We have) different expectations and higher standards than most of them were accustomed to,” Kemp said. “We had success early, have been faced with a lot of adversity since then but the light at the end of the tunnel is bright. We’re being transformational instead of transactional in our leadership. It’s heading in the right direction.” 

The Vikings are 4-13 overall this season (as of February. 4). They began the season with three straight wins: 70-67 over Eaton Rapids, 68-59 over Lansing Christian, and 57-45 over Dansville. Since that time, they’ve added one more victory –  when they topped Saranac 69-46 in the middle of January. They’ve run through a tough stretch of games, but Kemp believes his group is still getting to where they need to be. 

“Handling adversity (is key),” he said. “We’ve struggled and lost more than a fair share of games because of it. There’s a mental toughness that we have to display, and we are working every day to get there. (We’re showing them) that nothing is given; if you want something you have to earn it, take it and protect it. To be winners you have to do the things that winners do. It’s a sacrifice that’s not for everybody. Standards must be upheld, no one person, no one coach, no one player is bigger than the program. That’s how we will be successful.”

The coach mentioned a few players that have helped through things in what has been a bit of a transitional year.

“Tooker Harris is amazing kid and great leader,” Kemp said. “He is what I call the ‘puppy’ of the team being only a sophomore. He leads by example and always makes sure guys are in the right spot. Andrew Morales leads the way as our starting point guard, which I’m very transparent in saying is the hardest position to play for me. He has taken his bumps and hard conversations and really matured in that role over the season. Blake Collern is the most unselfish and hardest working player we have. He’s versatile simply because he’s willing to be. He never knows how many minutes he’ll play or what he’ll be asked to do but he is going to do it 100-percent and never complains. These guys are examples of exactly what we want our program to be.”

The coach is hoping that by learning through their adversity this season, they can end the year on a high note.

“We want to finish the season strong while creating a solid foundation. I think a lot of the people on the outside have counted us out, but there’s a lot of belief in this program and a lot of hunger,” Kemp said. “We want to be clicking on all cylinders leading into district play and make our run.”

From there, the coach is banking on building a program that churns out productive teams year after year.

“The future is bright here, but greatness won’t happen overnight,” Kemp said. “You have to go through the dark to appreciate the light. We are building over here, and I am proud of the young men I have here and happy to be back in Potterville.”

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

Featured Story

Eaton Rapids wrestling ends year in second place state

Posted by Design | March 5, 2026

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer

(Courtesy photo – One proud coach, in Devin Milheim and one proud city, as the Greyhounds gave a great run toward the state championship, finishing second in Division 2.)

An amazing run for the Eaton Rapids wrestling team didn’t end until the state championship match. The Greyhounds lost their bid for a Division 2 state title to powerhouse Lowell on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, but the 62-4 loss didn’t take any luster off what was an otherwise remarkable season.

“It is huge for our program,” Coach Devin Milheim said. “E-R wrestling is special to this community with its rich history of success. This creates excitement for our program and only will make more people want to be a part of it. As a coach I cannot be any more proud of our wrestlers and their dedication.”

In the finals, Maiko Sherman had the team’s lone victory, a 16-5 major decision in the 106 weight class.

“Lowell has now won Division 2 team states 13 years in a row,” Milheim said. “The score does not show it but, we battled Lowell.  Of all state final duals Eaton Rapids versus Lowell was the last one, which shows we battled hard. Lowell has a great program and that gives us something to work towards.”

In the semi-finals, they defeated Three Rivers 39-30, rallying from an early deficit to get the victory. 

Winning their matches in this one was Mike Chapates (157) in a 3-0 decision, Donny Hoyt (215) via pin, Jamison Brown (285) via pin, Sherman (106) in a major decision, JJ Hackworth (113) via pin, Jameson Onstott (120) in a sudden victory, Nicholas Wade (126) in a tech-fall and Brayden Thorn (132) via pin.

The Greyhounds also won a thriller in their quarterfinal match, slipping by Algonac, 33-32; a dual that proved every point matters. 

Winners here were Hoyt (190) on a major decision, J. Brown (285) via pin, Sherman (106) on a decision, Onstott (113) with a tech-fall, Wade (120) on a decision, C. Brown (126) via pin, Thorn (138) via pin, Gavin Pickott (150) on a decision and Chapates (157) on a decision. Nolan Saltman (165) lost his match, but kept from getting pinned, saving the dual from going to tiebreaker criteria after losing on a tech-fall. 

Overall, it was quite the showing for the Greyhounds, who were able to win two close matches at the state’s biggest stage. 

“Just incredibly proud of how our kids battled this weekend,” Milheim said. “We get compliments almost every weekend, either from a parent from another school, another coach, or an official. About what great kids we have and how they do things the right way.”

There’s some good news when it comes to the Greyhounds too; although their opponents might not like to hear it. 

“I’m already excited for next year, with returning 13 out of 14 starters,” Milheim said. 

Sunfield

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Mulliken

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Dimondale

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