CASSOPOLIS — The year 2017 was wild ride for anyone who was paying attention. With a new president, national political news dominated mainstream headlines, though that does not mean small town news took a back seat to people who live in villages like Cassopolis. With the new year just around the corner, Leader Publications is taking time to remember our top five most important stories of 2017

5. Medical Marijuana

Medical marijuana was a hot topic in the state of Michigan, especially with nearby communities like Niles and Buchanan adopting medical marijuana friendly ordinances. In November 2017, the conversation brought itself directly to Cassopolis, with representatives from Zaad, a medical marijuana dispensary and processing business, proposing to bring medical marijuana facilities to the Cassopolis Village Council.

Medical marijuana is likely to continue to be a hot-button issue in Cassopolis in 2018, as the village council has plans to decide its official stance toward medical marijuana in the new year.

4. Playoffs

In October, the Ranger football team took themselves to the Michigan High School Athletic Association playoffs, with the help of Coach Dan Purlee.  The 2017 season marked the fifth consecutive year that the rangers made a playoff appearance. While the Rangers did not take home the state championship, the coach was pleased that their players made it as far as they did and have high hopes for the next season.

3. New faces

The year 2017 was a year of new faces in Cassopolis.

Cassopolis Public School superintendent Angela Piazza took over for longtime leader Tracy Hertsel in June. Since taking over, Piazza has been working toward creating a new curriculum that is technology and project focused.

Police Chief Brian LaValle is also a relatively new face in the area. Though he began in his position in May 2016, 2017 has been the year that he has been making a name for himself in the community, most notably for pushing for police officers to be able to carry Narcan, a life-saving drug that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

2. New fire department

The Central Cass Fire Department moved into a new building on M-60 in January 2017. The new facility is more spacious than the old facility, which officials say allows them to work better. The new building cost $469,552 and took more than five years of planning to make it a reality. Officials said they are extremely happy with the new space and that it is able to house all the department’s fire trucks.

1. Business ventures

This year saw many stories for the village of Cassopolis, but perhaps business growth was the biggest. In the summer, Midwest Energy and Communications opened a new location on Decatur Road in Cassopolis. The new state-of-the-art facility features a functioning smart home and room for the business to grow. 

The facility was just the beginning for Midwest, as the company rolled out fibre internet, a video streaming service and a new thermostat system this year. In 2018, the company is looking toward adding a solar power element to its services.

Gardening supply store Green Iguana Hydroponics also opening in the summer on Broadway Street and discount shopping store Shop 4 Less opened on Spencer Road.