Residents of Reed City, Michigan recently rallied together to protect a beloved landmark in their community, the Dairy Depot, from being replaced by a Dollar General store. The 64-year-old ice cream server, Teri Dudley, who had worked at the Dairy Depot for 40 years, became the face of the community’s fight to preserve its legacy.
The battle to keep the Dairy Depot is just one example of the decisions reflecting the local economy and community in Osceola County, a lower-income, rural, and working-class county. With employment rates still recovering and recent inflation, residents in Osceola are paying close attention to politics and the upcoming presidential election.
After a passionate plea from Dudley and over 40 other residents at a city planning commission meeting, the commission unanimously denied rezoning the parcel for the Dollar General store. This decision was a victory for the community and a testament to their dedication to preserving their town’s character.
While some residents, like substitute teacher Tiffany Wygant, are hopeful for change and economic growth in Reed City, others, like business owner Kristopher Cross, are concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the county’s employment rate.
As the 2024 election approaches, residents like Wygant are considering their economic concerns when casting their vote. The cost of groceries and gas are top of mind for many, as they navigate the challenges of a recovering economy.
This story is part of a collaboration between The Free Press, a Michigan State University course, and the American Communities Project to highlight the voices and experiences of voters in communities across Michigan leading up to the election. Residents of Reed City are just one example of the diverse perspectives and challenges facing voters in the state.