Kent County voters sent Grand Rapids Community College the same message Tuesday that they’ve sent three times since 2007: NO NEW TAXES.

The college had asked for a $98 million bond proposal to upgrade facilities, and it was soundly defeated by a vote of 26,417 (no) to 19,856 (yes). While Grandville, Northview and Lowell also had millages on the ballot, most communities had nothing else on the ballot, which led to low voter turn out.

Voters in Grandville nixed a $22.85 million bond proposal by a narrow margin—only 38 votes. There were 2,508 no votes, to 2,470 yes votes.

Lowell renewed their operating millage, and Northview passed an $11.9 million bond proposal.

In Montcalm County, Pierson Village President Karl VanHaren survived a recall election by three votes—24 to 21. He has filed a recall petition against three of the trustees involved in the recall against him: Rebecca Starr, Duane Grifes, and Verna Smigiel. That vote will take place in August.

A Sand Lake man ran a stop sign in Pierson last Saturday, causing an accident that sent a 4-year-old to the hospital with serious injuries.

According to the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office, a Chrysler Town and Country minivan driven by 35-year-old Michael Hallman, of Sand Lake, was northbound on West County Line Rd (Newcosta) about 10:11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, when he failed to stop at the stop sign at 104th (Kendaville Rd) in Pierson Townhip. He struck a Volvo semi truck, driven by Billie Roebuck, of Sand Lake, who was traveling east on Kendaville Rd.

A four-year-old child seated in the left rear seat of the minivan in a child restraint seat was seriously injured and transported to Butterworth Hospital via AeroMed. The driver of the minivan suffered minor injuries, but did not require hospitalization. The driver was of the truck was not injured. All occupants were wearing seatbelts, and there was no sign of alcohol or drugs. Hallman was cited for running the stop sign.

Montcalm County Emergency Services and the Howard City Fire Department assisted at the scene.

By Judy Reed
Last Friday, October 28, marked the one-year anniversary of the murders of Michael and Kathleen Greene, of Pierson. One year, and still no answers.
The bodies of Michael Thomas Greene, 59, and his wife, Kathleen Marie Greene, 56, were found in the basement of their smoldering residence Thursday evening, October 28, 2010 at 3063 Shore Crest Drive, on Big Whitefish Lake, in Pierson Township. The Howard City fire department and Montcalm County Ems responded to the scene about 11:18 p.m. on a fire call and reported finding the two bodies inside the house. The couple had been stabbed to death.
According to Montcalm County Sheriff Bill Barnwell, there are some items that are unaccounted for from within the home (including cash and prescription pain killers) that may have been taken by the suspects.
Barnwell said that officers and investigators with the Montcalm Sheriff Office and the Michigan state police have spent countless hours investigating the deaths. Numerous search warrants have been issued and large amounts of evidence gathered. They discussed the case with both the FBI and ATF. Calls and tips are still coming in, and are being followed up on.
Police are still searching for a larger white vehicle, possibly a SUV-style vehicle, and an individual seen in the area prior to the homicides (see sketch).
To throw another monkey wrench into the mix, another man named Michael Greene and his wife were murdered in Eaton County in September 2011. In that case, Michael Greene, 62, was found inside the home, and his wife, Terry, 46, was found in a pond behind the house. Police don’t know if the murders are connected, or a case of mistaken identity, but plan to check on the case with Eaton police.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sgt. Tom Goerge of the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office at 989-831-7516, the Sheriff tip line at 989-831-7593, or Silent Observer at 866-774-2345.

A Cedar Springs man suffered severe injuries after the car he was driving was hit head on by another vehicle early Sunday morning.

Montcalm County Sheriffs deputies were called to the scene of the accident at Federal (Northland Drive) and Cannonsville Road in Pierson shortly after 2 a.m. August 7. They found that a 2002 Dodge Dakota, driven by Michael James McGarry, 49, of Rockford, had been traveling south on Federal when it crossed the centerline and struck a northbound vehicle, a 2002 Buick, driven by Cory Glen Brown, 23, of Cedar Springs.

Brown suffered severe injuries and was taken to Butterworth Hospital by ambulance. AeroMed had been requested but was unable to fly due to dense fog. McGarry was also taken to Butterworth for treatment of minor injuries.

Police said alcohol may have been a factor in the accident. The accident is still under investigation.

Deputies were assisted by Montcalm County Emergency Medical Services and the Howard City Fire Department.

Police are seeking this man as a person of interest in the murders of Michael and Kathleen Greene, of Pierson.

The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office has released a composite drawing of a man who may have been in the area the day Michael and Kathleen Greene were murdered in their home at Whitefish Lake in Pierson. The couple was found in their burned out home on October 29, but did not die from the fire. Police are not yet releasing how they died. The man was seen in the area in the early evening driving a light-colored passenger vehicle.

Anyone with information should call Detective Sergeant Tom George with the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office at 989-831-7516 or 989-831-7590.