Eaton Rapids

Grave deeds of kindness
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Photo by Deb Malewski - Terry Hill stands next to the Civil War monument at the Dimondale cemetery that he proudly cleaned.) “It is my cemetery now. I have kind of claimed it,” said Terry Hill as he looked out over Dimondale Cemetery...

P&K RV: Time to unhitch and relax
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Photo by Deb Malewski - Left to Right: Dave Pennell, Jody Riske, George Chemacki, and Raymond Charles.) After 51 years of selling and servicing campers and trailers, cousins George Chemacki and Dave Pennell are officially hanging up...

Dowding Industries at 60: building people, not just parts
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Photo by Deb Malewski: Christine Dowding-Metts and Jeff Metts, along with one of their robots, celebrating 60 years of Dowding Industries on June 19.) Dowding Industries may be known locally as just a factory in Eaton Rapids, but its...

Eaton Rapids Summer Camp is taking off!
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Photo by Deb Malewski: Raven Rawson, Director of Eaton Rapids new summer camp.) Get ready for a summer filled with adventure, creativity, and nonstop fun! The City of Eaton Rapids is launching its first-ever summer day camp, running...

Discovering our community, through a retiree’s eyes
Stacy Holbrook Contributing Writer (Photo provided) I found myself enjoying a visit with Rita Honeysett and John Nicholas at The Jean Bradford Senior Center located at 201 Grand St, Eaton Rapids, where walk-ins and wheelchairs are welcome. I discovered a happy,...

The Cool Store reopens with a treasure trove of unique finds
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo By Dan LaLone - Wayne Hayward is proud to show off his stock of collectibles and memorabilia.) After a brief hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eaton Rapids’ beloved “Cool Store” is back in business and better than ever....

Stronger Together: Heart and Hands Food Pantry
Jose A. Lopez Contributing Writer (Photo by Jose A. Lopez - From left to right: Donna Perry, Cathy Howell, Kat Ballard, Becky Ridler (Director of Heart and Hands), and Ida Raymond.) For many, food is a love language—and Heart and Hands has spoken it fluently since...

Devin Milheim named Eaton Rapids Athletic Director
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo provided - Devin Miheim, ERPS Athletic Director & H.S. Wrestling Coach, son Braxton & wife Ashley. Eaton Rapids Public Schools has appointed Devin Milheim as the district’s new athletic director, combining his leadership...

Blooms from the past, flowering into the future
Stacy Holbrook Contributing Writer (Photo by Stacy Holbrook - Shirley VanDorp artistically arranges florals at Hastays.) Hastay’s Greenhouse and Flower Shop; Blooms from the past, flowering into the future. Doc and Patricia Hastay wanted to share the beauty of greens...

Eaton Rapids Library seeks bond for critical renovations
Dan LaLone Contributing Writer (Photo by Dan LaLone - Staff outside the library. (Left to right (front) - Bryonna Barton, Director, Emmy Datema, Raynah Kidder (Back) Jeremy Leik, IT) The Eaton Rapids Area District Library is proposing a $6.55 million bond to fund...