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Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

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80 Years of conservation for natural resources, residents

Posted by Design | February 19, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo – The Van Aken farm in Eaton Rapids stands the test of time as a Michigan Centennial Farm.)

Land preservation has long been a tradition in this soon to be 250-year-old country. President Ulysses S. Grant began with Yellowstone in 1872, and public, private, trusts, and farmland preservation quickly followed. Why? 

Land is a valuable resource, and protection is the key that includes land in Michigan and all around us. The USDA says about 70% of U.S. land is privately owned.

According to the Eaton Conservation District, on July 7, 1946, the Thornapple Grand Soil Conservation District was formed as a local unit of government with a five-member elected board. In the wake of the Dustbowl, the worst ecological disaster in known history, Michigan had passed legislation to form locally-led ‘Soil Conservation Districts’ to teach farmers practices that would help them protect their soil.”

One of the local organizers was the late Herbert Van Aken of Eaton Rapids. He retired in 1975 after 28 years of service as a director on that board, according to family records.

Eighty years later, the name has changed to Eaton Conservation District (ECD), and the mission has expanded to include all natural resources and all residents.

The work remains as urgent as ever with new challenges. That is why the board and staff of ECD are proud that in the last 80 years, the District has helped to plant more than a million trees, improve soil health and water quality, combat habitat loss, enhance urban green spaces, educate generations in the community, deliver millions of dollars to Eaton County through a close partnership with NRCS, and most importantly, build trust with landowners.

The urgency is the protection piece of the land preservation puzzle. Land is living and evolving. Rachel Cuschieri-Murray, executive director of the ECD, wishes “there was more time in the day” to address all issues environmental.

The district, which receives no direct federal funding, counts on grants and donations and “so many awesome” partners to accomplish the work that they do. The work being done is essential and conservation districts are a state-mandated form of local government. Therefore, according to the ECD, the District financially operates as a non-profit, through project-based grants and appropriations, and fundraising efforts, such as the Spring Tree Sale/Reforestation Fundraiser (now underway), a Native Plant Sale, sponsorships and donations. 

Cuschieri-Murray writes that supporters of local conservation can help continue the mission by buying trees, donating, and volunteering.

Also, in this 80th year of service, the community is invited to share its stories and photos on the website at www.eatoncd.org or drop them off at the office at 551 Courthouse Drive, Ste. 3, Charlotte. Photos and stories that are collected will be shared with the community and then sealed into a time capsule to be opened in 2046 on 100th birthday of the District.

That’s just like the ECD, always looking ahead.

Looking back, the ECD does have folks like Van Aken to thank. The served at state and national levels of the District movement and was an organizer and president of the Michigan Association of Soil Conservation Districts.

Family remember him being called “Mr. Conservation” in Michigan. He was particularly on the side of the farmer, family remember, because he witnessed the devastation of the Dust Bowl era on America’s land and people. Daughter Ruth Abbott conveys, “As Herb sees it, soil and water conservation is really the conservation of people.”

Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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Coaches McDonald, Heimes retire, recognized with Texas gymnasium named in their honor

Posted by Design | February 19, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided- Former Charlotte area students, athletes and coaches Marsha McDonald (left) and Charmaine Heimes were honored with a gymnasium named after them as they retired after 40 years of coaching in Texas.)

The band played, the students cheered, the gym was packed, but this time, not for a game.

Rather, it was a dedication ceremony at the Cigarroa Middle School, in Laredo, Texas, for two former Charlotte coaches.

The Marsha McDonald and Charmaine Heimes Gymnasium was dedicated on February 11, as the coaches, friends since college, retired after 40 years of teaching and coaching there.

The coaches are 1980s graduates of Olivet College. McDonald and Heimes credit Coach Sue Bujack as a mentor there. She got McDonald into field hockey in addition to her softball play. Bujack was named to the Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.

In their last two years of study at Olivet, McDonald and Heimes student taught in Charlotte, coaching volleyball and softball. McDonald started her student teaching at Marshall Middle school, then coached in Charlotte

They graduated and looked for coaching jobs in Michigan, where McDonald was a Charlotte native, and Heimes was from Detroit. They found none. So, the job hunt began and landed them in Texas in 1984.

McDonald said they wanted to coach together, and the middle school in Texas agreed, as long as they taught as well. So, they tackled physical education and racked up the wins. Within five years there, they had 100 wins. They coached basketball, volleyball and track.

“We liked middle school,” McDonald said. “We had offers for high school,” she said, but middle schoolers were “awesome.”

Over the years, the two gained supporters, friends, and saw dozens of former students return or keep in touch, many going into coaching themselves. The dedication ceremony drew school officials as well as “40 to 50” former athletes. It did not include McDonald’s popular pet bulldog, Hazel, who visited students later in the week. The Cigarroa athletes are known as the Mighty Bulldogs.

The two visit Michigan often. McDonald’s mother Nancy, has passed, but father Roger now lives in Texas. Roger was a bus supervisor for the Charlotte Public Schools and mother Nancy was a bus driver. McDonald said there are many family members to visit in Michigan, including cousins who were also athletes in school.

McDonald’s uncle, Bill Groleau, remembers  her as athletic. She was a “golf buddy,” he said, and he remembers McDonald and Heimes going on trips up north with him and his late wife, Linda, to golf and shop.

Olivet

Olivet

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Olivet

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Former Olivet student earns teaching recognition in Georgia

Posted by Design | February 19, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Courtesy photo- Teacher of the Week honors went to Olivet College graduate and stellar softball player Jessica Davenport Creager (right), shown here with her mother, Ponja Dye.)

“By their fruit you shall know them.”

Life seldom provides a straight path to adulthood. It is often the people along the way that make the journey worthwhile – a teacher, a parent, a coach.

For Jessica Davenport Creager, it was all three.

The path in life brought her to Olivet College in the late 1990s. Mother, Ponja, began work at the College (now The University of Olivet), and Jessica dove in to all things college, rather, she pitched in.

A stellar softball player, she won admiration in Michigan and at tournaments and play across the land. A member of the Olivet Athletic Hall of Fame, she was “the first woman in school history to earn Most Valuable Player honors from the MIAA (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association). You earned first team All-MIAA honors in 1999 and 2000 and first-team All-Region honors in 2000.”

It was not all sports for Jessica, who was also a solid student, member of the prestigious insurance chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, a member of the Sigma Beta Sorority, and, of course, 1999 Homecoming Princess.

Her accolades continue, “After graduating from Olivet in 2000, you taught in the Lansing School District for five years and were the varsity softball coach at Everett High School.”

 A life move spirited her to Savannah, Georgia, where she has spent more than 20 years of teaching while raising her two sons.

Recently, she was recognized as teacher of the week by the local media.You can be sure her first-grade students at Spencer Elementary in the Savannah/Chatham County School District, cheered her on.

In an interview, Jessica quoted storied Olivet wrestling coach and mentor Jare Klein, who often told his students about teaching others, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

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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85th Maple Valley Syrup Festival court crowned

Posted by Design | February 12, 2026

Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided-  The 2026 Vermontville Syrup Festival Court (from left): Queen McKenzie Soper, Kiylee Kirby, and Aubree Roth. The court was crowned at  a February 11 ceremony.)

The taps are open. The syrup is running. Good news for the 85th Annual Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival.

Planning is continuous, and parts of the event are set in place weeks before the actual weekend. 

For example, the Maple Syrup Festival queen and her court were crowned just last week. This year’s queen is 16-year-old McKenzie Soper. The Maple Valley High School student wants to be a third-grade teacher and loves to draw, sing, and is a member of the choir. She is the oldest of five children.

Soper writes, “I would say my favorite part about the festival is seeing how many people go. It really brings our community together.”  Organizers have estimated more than 20,000 in festivals past.

Joining Soper are Kiylee Kirby and Aubree Roth.

Kirby, 17, also attends Maple Valley High School, where she participates in volleyball and soccer. Kirby loves to write and take photographs. She wants to major in nursing. Kirby is the middle child of six in her family. Kirby writes, “I enjoy and am thankful for the ones who made this a thing where towns around us come and celebrate and enjoy.”

Sixteen-year-old Roth, also attending Maple Valley, wants to pursue a career in law enforcement. At the high school, she is active in volleyball and basketball and would like to continue basketball in college. She is also a great supporter of 4-H.

Roth writes, “I also enjoy seeing how everyone is out and enjoying themselves (at the festival) and it really shows how close our community is.”

The court has a number of responsibilities, including attending parades to represent Vermontville and experience collecting maple syrup. 

The February 11 crowning event was held at the First Congregational Church in Vermontville and was hosted by the Maple Syrup Festival Corporation and the Vermontville Lions Club.

Last year’s court was also represented by queen Madison Trowbridge, who shared a scrapbook of the year’s activities.

The April 24-26 festival includes activities from parades to pancake breakfasts, entertainment and vendor booths. This year, drones will fill the skies in place of fireworks.

Potterville

Potterville

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Potterville

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Potterville boys seeing growth under ‘new’ coach Kemp

Posted by Design | February 12, 2026

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer 

(Photo provided – Coach Kyren Kemp is happy to be back in Potterville.)

The head coaching gig for the Potterville boys basketball team has been a bit of a revolving door in recent years. Kyren Kemp is in his first year leading the Vikings, and he is their third different coach in the last three years. 

“That’s going to be tough on any program,” Kemp said. 

The coach is hoping though, that the way he does things can start to make a difference.

“(We have) different expectations and higher standards than most of them were accustomed to,” Kemp said. “We had success early, have been faced with a lot of adversity since then but the light at the end of the tunnel is bright. We’re being transformational instead of transactional in our leadership. It’s heading in the right direction.” 

The Vikings are 4-13 overall this season (as of February. 4). They began the season with three straight wins: 70-67 over Eaton Rapids, 68-59 over Lansing Christian, and 57-45 over Dansville. Since that time, they’ve added one more victory –  when they topped Saranac 69-46 in the middle of January. They’ve run through a tough stretch of games, but Kemp believes his group is still getting to where they need to be. 

“Handling adversity (is key),” he said. “We’ve struggled and lost more than a fair share of games because of it. There’s a mental toughness that we have to display, and we are working every day to get there. (We’re showing them) that nothing is given; if you want something you have to earn it, take it and protect it. To be winners you have to do the things that winners do. It’s a sacrifice that’s not for everybody. Standards must be upheld, no one person, no one coach, no one player is bigger than the program. That’s how we will be successful.”

The coach mentioned a few players that have helped through things in what has been a bit of a transitional year.

“Tooker Harris is amazing kid and great leader,” Kemp said. “He is what I call the ‘puppy’ of the team being only a sophomore. He leads by example and always makes sure guys are in the right spot. Andrew Morales leads the way as our starting point guard, which I’m very transparent in saying is the hardest position to play for me. He has taken his bumps and hard conversations and really matured in that role over the season. Blake Collern is the most unselfish and hardest working player we have. He’s versatile simply because he’s willing to be. He never knows how many minutes he’ll play or what he’ll be asked to do but he is going to do it 100-percent and never complains. These guys are examples of exactly what we want our program to be.”

The coach is hoping that by learning through their adversity this season, they can end the year on a high note.

“We want to finish the season strong while creating a solid foundation. I think a lot of the people on the outside have counted us out, but there’s a lot of belief in this program and a lot of hunger,” Kemp said. “We want to be clicking on all cylinders leading into district play and make our run.”

From there, the coach is banking on building a program that churns out productive teams year after year.

“The future is bright here, but greatness won’t happen overnight,” Kemp said. “You have to go through the dark to appreciate the light. We are building over here, and I am proud of the young men I have here and happy to be back in Potterville.”

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

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A monumental task: Sorting Rosehill Cemetery records

Posted by Design | February 19, 2026

Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Deb Malewski/FAN- Robin Webb has spent more than a year and a half with her Eaton Rapids’ team cataloging Rosehill Cemetery and uncovering some of the history buried there.)

Robin Webb probably didn’t realize the scope of what lay ahead when she became Eaton Rapids City Clerk in the fall of 2023.

She almost immediately launched into a 93-week deep dive through history, headstones, and handwritten ledgers at Rosehill Cemetery, the city-owned burial ground on West Street, documenting which plots are occupied and which remain available.

Webb and her team have now inventoried more than 12,850 graves. A part-time temporary assistant, Liz Titus-Hunter, was hired by the city to help with the monumental task, making numerous visits to Rosehill and spending countless hours entering data into the system. Leigh Tyler, the city’s finance specialist, also assisted with the project.

“It’s been a challenge to enter it all, but it will be very handy when it’s up and running,” Tyler said.

The project marks the first comprehensive cemetery inventory in the city’s history. It modernizes records for future planning, streamlines the sale of burial spaces, preserves long-neglected information, and improves public access for genealogical research.

City clerks oversee public records, elections, and administrative operations that keep a city running smoothly, including maintaining cemetery records. 

The job requires precision, organization, and the ability to manage countless moving parts at once. For Webb, a former accountant, the cemetery challenge proved surprisingly satisfying, as she enjoys working with numbers and organizing things.

The project required countless trips to Rosehill and paging through the city’s oldest burial records. Some of the earliest entries are preserved in fragile ledger books, their ink faded with time, but still telling their stories. Headstones also posed challenges, as many older markers are now difficult or impossible to read.

The project also revealed the large number of graves that were relocated to Rosehill in 1874 from an earlier cemetery located at what is now Howe Field. The original burial ground sat close to the Grand River and was prone to flooding, making the move necessary. 

According to local historian W. Scott Munn, author of “The Only Eaton Rapids on Earth,” families were responsible for moving their own loved ones, and not all did so carefully.

“I’m just thrilled to be so close to finishing this project,” Webb said with a smile. “I can’t wait to see it in action, and I’m looking forward to printing a new cemetery map for my wall.”

The current map, measuring approximately seven feet by four feet, was found rolled up in storage at City Hall.

As records were updated, the area long referred to as “Babyland,” where many of the city’s youngest residents were laid to rest, was renamed Section S. The change reflects a more standardized and respectful approach to cemetery documentation. The process also required adding six new cemetery sections.

All information is now being uploaded into Pontem Software, a Jackson-based cemetery mapping and management system that tracks plots, burial records, and interment history while integrating digital maps for easier administration and public searches. Though the new system replaces paper documentation, the city will retain all original records.

What began as a record-keeping assignment has become a remarkable preservation effort, bridging Eaton Rapids’ past with its future one grave, one name, and one page at a time.

Rosehill Cemetery is located at 1210 West Street in Eaton Rapids. The cemetery sexton is John Nobach.

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