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.

From June 27 through July 1, 2011, MCC is holding a voter registration drive.  Former MCC student, Joshua Stump, has organized this event to promote voter activity for the August 2nd ballot.  This event is being held at MCC's Cyber Cafe from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.  The cafe is located in the Activities Building at MCC's Sidney campus. 

For further inquiries, contact Joshua Stump at joshuas@montcalm.edu.

By Jessica Dudenhofer and Brad Klosner, Daily News staff writers
From The Daily News

The Belding and Greenville school districts are the only two in the area with contested Board of Education elections in Tuesday's school elections.

Two new candidates passionate about Belding Area Schools are vying for the seat to be left vacant by Deborah Wagner at the end of her term this spring - Scott McNeal and Matt Stahlin.

There are two seats open on the Greenville Public Schools Board of Education on Tuesday and three people - Rocky Hansen, Ron Billmeier and Doreen Reynolds - are trying to get them.

Billmeier and Hansen are seeking re-election to new four-year...

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