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...
Veteran’s Day presentation provides poignant lesson for students at Charlotte High School
Jeff Braatz’s voice cracked as he talked about the quality of character possessed by his brother. He fought back tears as he addressed a Charlotte High School lecture room full of students, teachers, veterans and guests during a special Veteran’s Day presentation...
Bellevue’s Thanksforgiving Dinner feeds close to 1,200
The Good Samaritan food pantry in Bellevue is used to providing food for close to 300 people each month. On Monday, Nov. 3 the organization, along with a small army of volunteers, fed close to 1,200 people during its annual Thanksforgiving Dinner. The event is one of...
Local girls forgo birthday presents to give to children in need
Mara Manning and Kaylee Rickerd share more than just a birthday, they share the same generous spirit. The two Charlotte residents turned 10 years old Monday, Oct. 27 and instead of a big long wish list, the girls asked for one thing — board games. The games, they...
Effort ongoing to return missing elf to Courthouse Square in honor of DPW supervisor
Nick Andreau had obviously made an impact on people over the course of his 21-year career with the City of Charlotte DPW Dept. So much so, that many community members are coming together to honor his memory and service by righting what he considered a terrible wrong....
Vietnam hero’s medals to go on display at Charlotte High School
Tom Braatz remembers how great his older brother Curtiss was. “He was like a dad, you know, we thought he was 10-feet tall, that he was invincible,” Tom said. “He was always very cool to us.” Tom was only 13 when reality set in. His older brother, his friend, was...
Crosswalk Teen Center serves as bridge between schools and community
The name captures the intent perfectly — Crosswalk Teen Center. Founder Rick Todd envisioned opening a facility that could safely bridge the gap between school and home for teens, a safe place for kids to “come, learn, be and do.” A crosswalk is intended to provide...