Eaton Rapids
Eaton Rapids Girl is Sparrow’s 2021 Miracle Child
A four-year-old Eaton Rapids girl who has fought and beat cancer twice in her young life is nothing short of a miracle and so it makes sense that she is Sparrow’s Miracle Child for 2021. Delilah Steiner-Zehender will be the face of the Sparrow Children’s Center – the...
The Craft Company Continues
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer After a seven-month break, the Eaton Rapids Craft Co. bar and restaurant has re-opened with a new chef, a new menu, and a refreshed attitude and perspective on the business. The restaurant, like all others in the state, is bound by the...
Smithville Dam Returns to Producing Electricity
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer Roy Davis, of Eaton Rapids, is the new owner of the historic Smithville Dam in Hamlin Township, just outside of Eaton Rapids. “I’m just a blue-collar mechanic that fixes things,” Davis said. “If it deals with hydroelectric, I can do...
Getting to know Linda Kelley, the “Bike Lady”
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer At age 13, Linda Kelley went with her parents, who were missionaries, from their home in Titusville, Pennsylvania to live in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This life-changing experience helped shape Kelley into the person she is today. PNG is...
ERFD Purchases New Pumper Truck
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer A fire fighter’s first duty is to answer every call with skill, efficiency, and speed. The equipment that firefighters use can make a difference in the fire they are battling and in their own personal safety. The Eaton Rapids Fire...
Little Eaton Rapids on the Big Screen
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer “The prospect of returning to my hometown to make this movie is a dream come true,” said Travis Burgess, director and writer of “Hayseed the Movie.” He, along with Jacob Cleeves, cameraman, and Michael Brown, producer, all hail from...
Getting to Know… Pastor Jenny
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer “She brings a spark to any room she walks into,” said Janell Colgan, a member of the First Congregational Church of Eaton Rapids, about her new pastor, Jennifer Rouble. “She’s a great addition to the church.” After serving as interim...
Remember When… The Horner Fire, 1964
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer The three-story Horner Retail Store was considered a landmark of the community. It was known as the tallest building in Eaton Rapids at 65 feet plus another 12 feet for the cupola on the roof. The building stood 60 feet long and 40...
Donna Ruggiano, HealthCap Hero
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer Donna Ruggiano, MSN-Ed, RN, and Director of Resident Care at Island City Assisted Living (ICAL), was recognized as a HealthCap Hero in January 2021. HealthCap is a Risk Management and Insurance company specializing in senior care...
It’s a Dirty Job, but Someone Has to do it
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer We hear many stories about how the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt businesses, but Harley Swan, of Eaton Rapids, found a way to use the situation to create a thriving and needed business. She will wash, dry, fold and organize your laundry,...