Eaton Rapids
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,...
Getting to Know…Laura DeLong
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer Laura DeLong is quite well known in Eaton Rapids. She is the broker and owner of Laura DeLong Realty located in the heart of downtown. Known for her generosity to the community and her compassionate actions, Laura can often be found...
Remember When…There Were Cows in the River?
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer Many have heard the story of the cows that drowned in the Grand River at the State Street dam but weren’t sure if it was true or just one of those urban legends. It actually did happen almost 40 years ago and to this day it is one of...
Club Fitness Works Out New Location
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer In December, Josh Gibbs, the owner of Club Fitness gym, took on a very heavy task: that of moving the workout equipment from his building on Main Street to his new location, at 111 West Hamlin Street, right behind City Hall. It was not...
Toughest Job for an Elected Official
I have a unique opinion on this that I hope will cause you to take pause. I think a school board member’s job is the toughest elected job that there is. I write this as we typically recognize them for their efforts in January, Board Member Recognition Month. Years...
Civil War Soldiers Slowly Identified
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer Being such a small town in the north, it’s surprising to discover how much Eaton Rapids and Eaton County contributed to the American Civil War. The Michigan Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Memorial Hall and Museum has started a...
Shopping with Khai
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer With the COVID-19 pandemic around us, more people are hesitant to spend too much time in the grocery stores, but still need groceries. Or maybe they’re just too busy or have a new baby at home, or simply dislike shopping, period. This...