Independent Bank, Boy Scouts team up to support Operation Popcorn

Independent Bank offices across the state are collecting donations for Boy Scouts of America to support “Operation Popcorn,” a program that raises money for the Boy Scouts and sends popcorn to our troops overseas for the holidays. Donations can be made at any Independent Bank office through December 30. The donations will be given to [...]

Tale of tenacity—Eagle Scout has had long journey since Lakes Elementary

Andrew Manning has completed the requirements to be an Eagle Scout.

by BETH ALTENA Future Eagle Scout Andrew Manning, 17, a senior at Rockford High School, thought of his former elementary school when it was time for his last Boy Scout project. The strides he’s made in his career with the organization are nothing short of amazing, as few Scouts ever make it to Eagle Scout, [...]

Scouts prepare gardens for Memorial Day

Scouts and veterans pay tribute to the American Flag during the playing of “Taps.”

Local Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts gathered on Thursday, May 27 at Blythefield Memory Gardens for the annual decorating of the veterans’ graves for Memorial Day. The event opened with a memorial flag ceremony conducted by local veterans as “Taps” was played. The young people then gathered handfuls of flags and went row [...]

Belmont Veterans Day service the largest by far

Plainfield Township Supervisor George Meek speaks during a ceremony at the Belmont veterans memorial on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov.11. Behind him are State Representative Vern Ehlers, Representive Tom Pearce and Senator Mark Jensen.

  A ceremony in Belmont for veterans on this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, was by far the largest held there, said Plainfield Township Supervisor George Meek. Meek read a description he found defining a veteran. He said a veteran is someone who has written a blank check in service of his country, payable up [...]

Scouts camp out at Whitecaps stadium

PLAY BALL—Rockford’s Crestwood Pack 3285 is led by Jason Andrus carrying the pack flag during the Scout parade at the Whitecaps game.

Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts were honored by the West Michigan Whitecaps at their home game on Friday, August 28, for the service they give to our community. To begin the night’s festivities, leaders and kids joined together for a parade around the field. Various Scouts continued to assist with game-opening activities by [...]