With construction mainly in the rearview, Olivet businesses anxious for rebound
There were some really quiet days in downtown Olivet the past four months — inside downtown Olivet businesses anyway. Outside was a completely different story as the rumble of new construction could be heard for months. “It was a long summer,” said Lisa Stewart, owner...
LOCALS in Business lead the way for holiday clothing project
By Cynthia Johnson A Charlotte area network of local business owners is taking action to help out the local food bank and Charlotte schoolchildren. The group recently donated more than $250 to Helping Hands Food bank and is now planning another donation in...
Familiar name looks to revive Charlotte boys varsity hoops
If there were ever a golden era in Charlotte High School’s boys varsity basketball program, the Ernst name would be first on the list. From coach Jerry Ernst, whose teams battled year in and year out for Capital Circuit titles, to his sharp shooting son, Steve Ernst,...
100-year tradition gets a boost from modern technology
For decades, folks in Charlotte could count on seeing the red canisters pop up at their favorite local business the Friday before Thanksgiving. The canisters served as the lifeblood of the Charlotte Fire Department’s Christmas Kiddies tradition — one that has existed...
Local photographer shares unique view at Dec. 6 gallery opening
Some people have the ability to look at the world in a unique way. Vincent Brady is certainly one of them. Brady, however, has the tremendous ability to share his view of the world around us through his camera’s lens. Specializing in what can be described as...
Eaton Rapids set to celebrate Hometown Family Christmas
By Carla Bumstead Eaton Rapids’ annual celebration of the Christmas season, known as the Hometown Family Christmas, will take place Saturday, Dec. 6. A variety of activities — including Lunch with Santa, a Christmas bazaar, story telling at the library, a light parade...
Eaton Rapids youth finds joy in giving to others throughout the year
As the holiday season approaches, Morgan Scrarbro has much for which to be thankful. What fills her heart this time of year however, is not everything she has, but rather, everything she can give. Morgan, an 11-year-old student at Eaton Rapids Middle School, loves to...
Positive Post-It Day lifts spirits at Charlotte Upper Elementary
Students at Charlotte Upper Elementary walked into a flurry of color throughout the halls Tuesday, Nov. 25. The color came from bright Post-It notes that were stuck to walls, lockers, doors and windows as part of the school’s first Positive Post-It Day, a project put...
Cork and Bottle’s strength found in its great selection
The difference is noticeable as soon as you step through the doors at Cork and Bottle Liquor, formerly Felpausch Xpress Mart. “We’ve probably tripled the inventory,” said Sam Shango, who along with his brother, Eddie purchased the business close to a month ago. “I’m...
Downtown revitalization finds new focus with strategic plan
The blueprint for revitalizing Charlotte’s downtown business district is in place. What is required next is local buy in from stakeholders. The Downtown Development Authority got the first glimpse of a proposed Downtown Development Strategy at its Thursday, Nov. 13...