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Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

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What’s happening this spring around our area?

Posted by Design | April 2, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(TCJ photo – This photo is from the 2017 Eaton County Expo event, when it was held at the Charlotte High School.)

There is a lot on the calendar for spring in Eaton County.

Check our March 28 edition for area church services this Easter weekend. Remember, The County Journal/Flashes is online at www.county-journal.com.

Small business Oopsey Danesy Floral Boutique is holding BingoNight at the Studio Marketplace, 125 S. Cochran Road, Friday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.  This is a ticketed event.

Knit for Food event and fundraiser is Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. at the Yarn Garden, 131 S. Cochran in Charlotte. Area and worldwide hunger organizations will benefit.

Young author Mason Baker has a book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at the Cozy Corner Bookstore, 144 Cochran, in Charlotte.

The American Legion Post 42, 1000 Lawrence Highway, is holding a Spring Craft Sale on Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The First Congregatonal Church, 106 S. Bostwick, is hosting a dessert auction fundraiser for Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center. Appetizers at 6:30 and auction at 7 p.m.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is Tuesday, April 14.

The Eaton County Expo is April 18 and 19 at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Earth Day in Grand Ledge is Saturday, April 18 at noon, 213 S. Bridge St. This is an information event.

The Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association holds it fundraising tack sale on Saturday, April 18 beginning at 9 a.m. at the barn, 1790 Packard Highway.

Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22.

The 85th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival is April 24-26. Activities are from 5 p.m. Friday, and 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information abound is at syrupfest.org. 

A StreetHeart Neighborhood Happy Little 5K is Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m. This is in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and there is a fee.

Peace Lutheran Church, 830 N. Cochran in Charlotte, is hosting a Spring Craft and Vendor Show on Friday, May 1 from 9 a.m.

The first Farmer’s Market date for 2026 is Thursday, May 7 at the Beach Market in Charlotte, beginning at 2 p.m.

Urban Air is back in Eaton Rapids, May 7-10 featuring the Airstream-only campers event.

The Grand Ledge High School Choirs are holding a fundraising designer purse bingo on May 1 at 5 p.m., in the high school cafeteria at 820 Spring St.

The Eaton Rapids Area District Library is hosting a Mommy and Me Tea Party on Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northfork Estate. Contact the library at eradl.org for information.

The Spring Makers Fest is Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. for crafters needs at the Eaton County Fairgrounds.

If your organization wants a date and information listed, let us know: news@county-journal.com

Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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Unified BB ignites Charlotte Dome

Posted by Design | April 2, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ – The score didn’t matter. It was all about the cheering and support of the unified basketball players)

 

Sure, March college basketball madness is one thing, but, then there is Unified Basketball in Charlotte. Talk about raising the roof on the Dome and really cheering on your favorite players.

Students from the high school and the middle school were there on March 26 to cheer on athletes, playing in teams featuring peer Unified partners from the schools.

Students filled the gymnasium, sporting colors and signs to cheer on the green, red, orange, blue, pink and purple teams. There were also colorful starfish, shark and unicorn inflatables to assist as well as the Jazz Band, teachers, staff and parents.

The score at the end of about an hour’s play (including a variety of skills games in between) did not matter. The cheering did, and it never stopped until the crowd was dismissed.

By the way, the blue team won for cheering the loudest. 

Senior Sarah Bauer of the pink team said, “I am here to support the community, to be supportive. It really is nice.”

Tenth grader and trumpet player Alivia King was also cheering on the band as well as her green team members, “It’s what we’re representing,” the support, she said.

Student teacher Michael Curry wore a purple shirt to support his purple team players. “I like this small town energy,” he said. Curry studies at Michigan State University.

Special Education teacher Tami Nixon supervises the event. She was all smiles.

This was the fourth basketball game, she said. Each year she tries to add something new. It was in the second year that the middle school became involved.

“It’s definitely grown,” she said. Her Unified team of students number 30, and they gain more than athletic skills in this endeavor.

“True friendships develop,” Nixon said. She has seen that happen in school hallways, and with other Unified teams.

Another skill that is being developed is leadership, she said, by partnering students to do things they might never do alone, such as reading aloud to others. It helps them “to start thinking about other ways to do things,” she said.

Unified Sports through Special Olympics is worldwide, yet Charlotte is one of only three Unified Champion Schools in our coverage that sponsors such events. 

The Charlotte game this year was played between team visits to play at the Breslin Center and Little Caesars Arena with other Unified teams.

Olivet

Olivet

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Olivet

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Vaught pegged as Olivet’s superintendent choice

Posted by Design | April 2, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo – Robert Vaught)

Olivet Schools has chosen Robert Vaught as its newest superintendent of schools.

Vaught, who was once a principal and teacher in the Marshall Schools, was chosen over Derek Lounds, Eaton Rapids High School principal. Both were finalists from a field of 13.

In a March 26 written statement Greg O’Dell, president of the Olivet School Board, wrote, “The Olivet Board of Education worked with Dr. Rod Green a consultant with MASB to assist us in the Superintendent search. To begin with, we set out a process and timeline so everyone would be on the same page. There were multiple opportunities for stakeholder input and feedback. We received over 200 survey results. From these different inputs, a Superintendent criteria was formed. This guided what characteristics would be critical in Olivet’s next leader.

“After reviewing applications, the Board chose six candidates for first round interviews. Some of the characteristics that we were looking for were, visibility in the community, strong communication, approachable, integrity, and experience to name a few.  

After a full day of interviews, the Board narrowed the candidates down to two to return for second round interviews. The day of second interviews, the candidates took tours of the District and took part in an open house session with any community member that wanted to come to the school and meet them. All along the way there were opportunities for community members to give the Board feedback about their thoughts on each candidate.  

That evening second round interviews took place. After interviews the Board reviewed public input forms and had lengthy discussions. It came down to who fit the criteria set forth by all stakeholders in the beginning.”   

The Board voted unanimously to begin contract negotiations with Robert Vaught. O’Dell wrote that  “the intent is to approve the contract at the Boards next meeting, April 13, and for Vaught to begin sometime in June.

O’Dell continued, “The Board would like to thank all of our staff, community members, parents and students in assisting us in this process. We couldn’t have done it without them. We would also like to thank Dr. Green for his guidance. It’s always a good day to be an Eagle and we will continue to soar into the future.”

Vaught’s personal statement on his resume reads, “Student-centered, board-focused superintendent with extensive experience leading Michigan public school districts through instructional improvement, fiscal stewardship, labor relations, facilities modernization, and community engagement.

His career has taken him to DeTour Village and Drummond Island, Battle Creek, Marshall, as well as South Haven and Greenville. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Vaught will take over the superintendent’s position from interim Superintendent Dan Gilbertson.

Bellevue

Bellevue

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Bellevue

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Ch-ch-changes in Charlotte area businesses, locations just this year

Posted by Design | February 9, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo by Joanne Williams/TCJ: Once Mike’s Automotive, then home to Eaton Clothing and Furniture Center, now a business hub, anchored by Valhalla Value and Liquidations, 135 S. Washington St., Charlotte.)

 

Who cares what Punxsutawney Phil says about winter! Dairy Queen opens Saturday, February 7 in Charlotte.

And there is a lot going on in the surrounding area in terms of small business news.

Dan Riedy retires with a farewell party on February 8 at Riedy’s, 219 S. Cochran. The restaurant closes its doors after 46 years – once with three locations.

B’s Artistic Studio is now in downtown Charlotte at 111 W. Lovett. The move took place just after the holidays. 

Bella Grande clothing and more consignment boutique closes in March after almost two decades of success. Until the doors are locked, there are sales and deals inside 227 S. Cochran. Current owner Angel Fulkerson took over from founder Betsy Smith and has created lasting relationships with customers and consignment providers.

Deadtime Stories: The Sequel, opened in the Courthouse Square Museum in June 2025. Despite being open during festivals and concerts, there was not enough traffic for it to remain. The store closed before the new year, but the original Deadtime Stories flourishes in Lansing.

There is a new director at the Eaton County Humane Society Danielle Constant, who was recently a manager at the Northland Animal Hospital in Rockford.

The former Soldan’s pet supply, recently sold to Feeders Pet Supply, closed at the end of October 2025 in the Charlotte Plaza. A former manager wrote on Facebook that the staff was great, sales were underperforming, costs of brick and mortar were a factor, and other Soldan locations remain open.

Yes, it’s true, the former Reflections store at 129 S. Cochran is now Vikings’ Edge, an axe-throwing venue. Sneak a peek during the Wine Walk on February 12 (tickets required), or wait for the opening, February 27. As the Wood Turns owner John Laupp and neighbor from the Groomery, Capri Brown Dixon, are owners. Six lanes and unique designs are featured.

Richard’s Appliance, a mainstay in Charlotte at 630 W. Lawrence Ave.,  since 1983, is now Morton’s Appliance, offering appliance sales and repairs. Longtime owners Robin and Janice Richards retired and sold the building to Brad and Terri Morton.

The Riverside Café, a grand community spot, has been closed for about a year in Bellevue. Asking price is $300,000 for a spot by the riverside.

The former Bellevue Car Wash is now Steph’s Buff and Wash, and since owners Justin and Stephanie Keiffer took over in November 2025, changes and upgrades have been in progress.

It is hard to believe the transformation of the Windwalker Gallery front on 125 S. Cochran in Charlotte. Once an art, design and musical showplace, the Marketplace Studio Gallery is chocked with an eclectic mix of items from local folks, from herbs to clothing, mugs to jewelry. The back is still set up with a piano and stage and has been used for musical events. The Windwalker Antiques and Underground Gallery was started by the late Richard Turbin and his son, Rick, in 2012 and operated as such until Richard died in 2024. 

Also a part of the Marketplace is The Corner Market and Pantry, moving in from just down the road from its former location at Lovett and Cochran.

Seasonal Inspirations was a charming gift shop and community support for Olivet. Jamie Kita was the owner and operator, as well as one time Olivet Chamber of Commerce president. Ill health has forced her to close her shop.

When one business leaves a building, another moves right in. That’s the prosperity of the WestEnd Hub in Charlotte. Natural Journey to Health moved in with Agape Salon on Lawrence Avenue, leaving space for the newest West End Hub occupant, RK’s Unique Boutique to move right in at 517 W. Lovett. The shop should be up and running soon, says owner Randi-Kay Stine.

And still more moves in the West End, where Valhalla Value and Liquidations, which has done nothing but grown since its beginnings about four years ago, moves to 135 S. Washington, as Eaton Clothing and Furniture moves out and into space on 520 S. Robinson St., next to SIREN/Eaton Shelter.

Valhalla will not be alone in the budling as it is large enough to house multiple businesses, many fostered under Valhalla’s roof.

Vermontville

Vermontville

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Vermontville

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You have to have a plan, and know history to play this game

Posted by Design | April 2, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Mike LaFountain has imagined, built and packaged a game of skill with local history, “Frontier: The Old Northwest.”)

Who says you don’t learn from playing games?

Game developer Mike LaFountain would beg to differ.

He has spent the better part of a year and a half developing “Frontier: The Old Northwest,” and loading it with researched history of Eaton and Barry counties as well as life in the greater Northwest territory, including Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois in the 1800s-1840.

“It was a good way to spend my couch time,” he said .

Originally from Coldwater, his family moved to the Charlotte area to run a cattle farm. It was Mike and his father Gary who started LaFountain’s All Natural Beef, focusing on pasture-raised, naturally fed beef with a herd of about two dozen cattle. Mike built the infrastructure.

That was in 2018-2024, tough times for all. So, how does  a farmer become a board gamer?

Well, there’s another piece to this puzzle. Mike is a U.S. Navy Seabee veteran. Seabees (Construction Battalion = CB) are combat-troops with construction and repair trade skills.

He has “an analytical mind and I like history,” so, an “informative resource management game” was right up his alley and his skill set.

Mike is proud to say he “did it all himself,” from the concept to the building and design, the packaging to the marketing, which he will do at area festivals and farmer’s markets.

Mike said there are a lot of resources on the Internet to get you up and running. “It came out better than I imagined,” he said. And this was after hours and hours of testing with family and friends, mainly his wife, Chrissy and family.

Mike was especially engaged with the research for the game, which asks players to establish themselves as part of a new town in the wilderness. The game is for two to six players, ages 14 and older. 

“I did research on how much work the settlers had to do to survive,” Mike said. There was a lot to deal with, from food spoilage and illnesses to the weather to animal predators and neighbors, including the Native Americans.

“It’s unique in that it is not a mainstream game,” it’s real, Mike said, which is what resource management games are all about (remember The Oregon Trail?).

Players start out building their budding pioneer lives with negotiating for land, seed for crops and lumber to build. 

The game has its own Facebook site: Frontier: The Old Northwest. Mike plans to be at the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival and area farmer’s markets, this time, not selling meat but gaming adventure.

Potterville

Potterville

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Potterville

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Potterville finishes the year strong with 3 wins, hopes for next season

Posted by Design | March 26, 2026

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided – The Potterville Lady Vikings stood by one another through the season and finished with three wins in the final two weeks of the regular season.)

The Potterville girls basketball team finished the year with a 4-19 overall record. The Lady Vikings closed the season strong though, with three of those wins coming in the final two weeks of the regular season, including a Division 3 district opening win over Charyl Stockwell Prep, 34-14.

“We ended the season how we wanted to, winning a game in districts,” Coach Al Adams said. “All season we talked about what our goals were for the year. The number one goal was to win in the post season. Even though we didn’t take it all the way, we made a great first step with a young team.”

Having a youthful roster in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference proved to be a pretty tough task most nights, but even in games they came up short in, there was more often than not plenty of positives to take away. 

“As a young team in a tough conference, we put up some really good fights,” Adams said. “We took so many of our games right down to the last minute and came out just short. As coaches, we were able to see the growth in our freshmen players and watch them get comfortable playing varsity in one of the hardest conferences in the state. We saw our juniors step up and be leaders on and off the court. Our sophomore fifth quarter players made huge growth and gave us some really crucial minutes down the stretch. Even if the record doesn’t show it, we had a great season this year in terms of what’s next.”

The coach also pointed out some young players who helped lead the way this season.

“We had a lot of great leaders this year,” Adams said. “We leaned heavily on junior guard Aubrey Gasch and freshman guard Remmi Lienerth. Those two played almost 100-percent of the time every game. Between the two of them, we have a lot of basketball IQ on the court. They were figuring each other out this season, but once they are on the same page that will be one of the most dangerous duos in the CMAC. And we can’t wait.”

While their district loss to Stockbridge ushered in the official end of the season, Adams knows their work is just beginning in a lot of ways.

“We aren’t done yet, we have a lot to give on this team, and we are ready to put in some off-season work,” he said. “This season was a good start but there’s more to do. The end of the year is always hard. We go from seeing each other every day to seeing one another once in a while or talking over a text. Luckily, this year is a little easier than years past because we aren’t saying goodbye to any seniors. The end of the year just makes us look forward even more to the start of the next.”

Having no seniors on the roster this year means that when next winter rolls around, Adams is going to have a bunch of familiar faces in his lineup.

“We are always looking to what’s next,” he said. “We know we can be tough in the CMAC next year and we want teams to respect Potterville. In the 2026-2027 season, we can be a team other schools don’t take lightly.”

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids’ winning season leads to bigger future goals

Posted by Design | March 26, 2026

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided – Early injuries kept the Eaton Rapids’ Greyhounds on their toes as they fought their way to a 14-9 finish.)

Before the new season could ever really even get going, the Eaton Rapids girls basketball team had some major adversity thrown their way. The Lady Greyhounds reacted well to a pair of key injuries, playing the way to a solid season of 14-9 overall.

“We truly overcame so many doubts and obstacles to succeed this season,” coach Reyna Luplow said. “We started the season with two very serious ACL tears from two of our returning starters and main scorers. This caused us to rely on our underclassmen to do a lot for us, and they full-heartedly stepped up and took on the challenge. I’m just grateful for the opportunity day in and out to lead and coach these amazing student-athletes. They are a special group. I’m truly blessed.”

The Greyhounds were able to finish second place in the CAAC-White, with a solid 11-3 record in league play, finishing only behind a loaded Portland squad. 

“My favorite part was seeing this team come together and compete,” Luplow said. “We went to Portland our second time playing them and gave them a run for their money for three-quarters of the game. That right there showed the progress and grit we had grown to posess.”

They had their season ended in the first round of Division 2 district play, coming up short against Charlotte. 

“The toughest part about the year coming to an end is losing our senior, Kylie Alvarez,” Luplow said. “Though she had an ACL injury this season and could not play, she has been a vital part of the program for all four years that she has been in high school. She has been super helpful in my transition as head coach at Eaton Rapids by giving me a point guard I could trust. In the big scheme of things that is huge.”

With Alvarez’s absence from the court, that opened the door to a handful of other players to make their impact.

“Delaney Collins (freshman first team all-conference) was our leading scorer this season averaging 12.5 points a game and also 3.5 assists per game,” Luplow said. “To be a freshman and come in to lead a varsity team is no easy task. Delaney is one of the most high IQ freshmen I have ever coached, and she certainly proved it on the floor this season. Elle Lorente (junior, 1st team all-conference) was our sole returning leader and starter. She was phenomenal for us on and off the court this season. Elle averaged about 11 points a game and eight rebounds.However, her impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Whether it was a key three-point shot, an and-one or a block to get momentum going – we could constantly count on Elle to do big things for us.

“Addyson Schultz was our lockdown defender. She held some of the best scorers in the league to their lowest scoring games all season. Leading in deflections and steals, she brought great defense to create offense for us. Other key contributors were Devyn Winkelman, Cheyenne Drinkwater and Remie Ellis (honorable mention all-conference).”

All told, the year felt like a success; especially considering injuries like the ones they sustained can often derail a season.

“I’m very happy with the progress shown this season especially when the cards seemed to be stacked against us,” Luplow said. “This team learned what it means to be a team and compete together for one goal. That is a lesson that will carry with them for the rest of time.”

With the way this season went, there’s a belief that it can serve as a springboard for what’s to come in the future.

“My hope is we continue to grow as a team, get stronger, keep playing together and growing,” Luplow said. “The sky’s the limit next season; what we are capable of will directly result in the work we put in in the offseason. We have some big goals, so I’m excited for what could be.”

Sunfield

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