November 1, 2011

Things have been very busy for the staff and students at Belding Area Schools and yet, it somehow feels as if the school year just began. In reality, we are already nearing the end of first trimester. Fall sports seasons are wrapping up, the fall play is fast approaching, our band is once again off to Ford Field and MEAP is over. As we continue to be faced with the many challenges of public education, our goal remains to accept them, overcome them, and offer the best education possible to the students of Belding.

By Jessica Dudenhofer-Staff Writer

BELDING - The city is one step closer to establishing a proposed historic district.

With Mayor Roger Wills casting the lone opposing vote, Belding City Council approved the first reading of the proposed "Downtown Belding Historic District" ordinance during Tuesday evening's packed council meeting.

The council met at the Belding Area Schools Administration Building to accommodate the expected large crowd. There were about 75 people - and few available chairs - at the gathering.

The historic district has been controversial because it would encompass Electrolux's historic silk mill and clock tower, known as the Gibson Building. The Swedish appliance manufacturer is suing the city to block the historic district and for the right to tear down the iconic buildings, which it says pose a hazard and a liability.