Montcalm Community College Board Concludes Summer Tour in Howard City
In a concluding meeting for the summer season, the Montcalm Community College (MCC) Board gathered in Howard City on August 15, 2023, to engage with local officials and community leaders. This event marked the final stop in a series of outreach meetings held across Montcalm and Ionia counties, aimed at fostering connections with the communities the college serves.
The meeting took place at The Forager, a historic venue in Howard City, following previous gatherings at locations such as The Rusty Nail in Carson City and Candlestone Resort in Belding. The initiative began in 2023, with the board seeking to enhance its visibility and engagement outside the typical setting of the college’s Donald Burns Administration Building on the Sidney campus.
Community Growth and Collaboration
During the meeting, Howard City Village Manager Mike Falcon shared positive updates on the village’s development since his appointment in 2017. He highlighted a steady increase in both the residential and commercial sectors. According to recent estimates, the village population has risen to approximately 1,924 from 1,835 as recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census.
“We have done a lot of good things as a team here in Howard City and we’ve come a long way,” Falcon stated, emphasizing the community’s continuous growth.
Falcon noted that new businesses, including McDonald’s and Taco Bell, are establishing locations in the village, reflecting a thriving commercial environment. He pointed out that despite the influx of new residents, the village is nearing capacity for business development, saying, “Businesses are coming here, but we’re full and we don’t have any more room.”
Strengthening Educational Ties
Addressing the board, Falcon also referenced the closure of the college’s satellite campus at the Panhandle Area Center, which occurred shortly before his tenure began. He expressed a desire for renewed educational opportunities in Howard City, questioning whether the college might consider re-establishing a presence in the area.
Carol Deuling-Ravell, MCC Board Vice Chair and a Howard City resident, acknowledged the challenges faced by the Panhandle region in accessing educational resources. She noted that despite historical disconnection, there remains a strong desire to strengthen the relationship between the village and the college.
“I would love to see a group come out of this, where the purpose is to discuss how MCC can serve this part of the county effectively,” Deuling-Ravell said, advocating for collaborative discussions moving forward.
Ryan Biller, Superintendent of Tri County Area Schools, echoed these sentiments. He reported on recent improvements within the school district, including the addition of a new elementary school and ongoing upgrades to athletic facilities. Biller also expressed interest in expanding dual enrollment options for students, particularly in skilled trades, which have seen increased demand.
As the board concluded its summer tour, the focus remained on fostering dialogue and collaboration among local officials, educational institutions, and community members. The overarching goal is to enhance support for students and residents in the region, ensuring that the opportunities provided by Montcalm Community College align with the evolving needs of the community.
