GREENVILLE, Mich.— For the first time in decades, Montcalm County's special education millage is about to increase.

In a 3,596 to 2,764 vote Tuesday night, voters approved hiking the tax from 2.1878 mills to 3.5 mills. Supporters say Montcalm County had the lowest special education millage in the eight-county area. The millage rate had remained the same for 24 years.

Montcalm County voters also approved maintaining a $2.85 monthly surcharge for  9-1-1 service for five years.  The proposal passed by 3,890 votes to 1,422 votes.  The money will go toward maintaining and operating the emergency dispatch system within the county.

The Montcalm County millage for Commission on Aging was also approved by voters.  To see the complete election results, visit the WZZM 13 homepage here.

GREENVILLE, Mich.— The superintendent of Greenville Public Schools is asking students and parents to be vigilant, after a suspicious encounter involving a middle school student.

Superintendent Peter Haines says the girl was on her way home from school Thursday when she was approached by the driver of a green van on Montcalm Street between Barry and Franklin streets.  Haines says the man offered the girl a ride and when she refused, he followed her for some distance, frightening her.

The district notified Greenville Public Safety about the encounter and sent a message to parents about the incident yesterday.  In it, Haines asks parents to remind their children about safety precautions they should be taking when strangers approach and to report any suspicious situations.

GREENVILLE, Mich.—Greenville Public Schools will hold two community meetings today about a millage up for public vote next month.

The district is asking voters to approve a hike in the Montcalm County special education millage, from 2.1878 mills to 3.5 mills. Supporters say Montcalm County has the lowest special education millage in the eight-county area.  A special election will take place May 6.

The special education millage informational meetings are scheduled for Monday, April 21, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. inside the Central Services Facility, located at 1414 Chase Street in Greenville.