Harper Creek board names high‑school basketball court for Gary Lincoln; approves funding, hires and budget resolution

The Harper Creek Board of Education voted 6-0 Monday to name the high‑school basketball court in memory of Gary Lincoln after a naming‑committee recommendation and discussion that included a pledged $250,000 donation from Lincoln’s son, Benjamin Lincoln.

The board meeting, held Sept. 8, also included approvals of two new hires, a $40,000 allocation to offset sixth‑grade camp costs, a $7,500 allocation for fourth‑grade trips to Binder Park Zoo, and a unanimously adopted resolution calling on state leaders to finalize the Michigan school‑aid budget earlier.

Superintendent Rob Ridgeway introduced the naming request, saying the district had received “a request to name the high school gym basketball court in memory of Mister Gary Lincoln,” and described Lincoln’s long service to the district. Ridgeway said Lincoln taught at Harper Creek for 31 years, served as a coach and athletic director, served 13 years on the school board (including terms as trustee, treasurer and secretary) and was active with the Waddles Park men’s club for decades. Ridgeway told the board that a district naming‑of‑facilities committee — made up of community members, school staff, teachers, coaches, parents and a principal — had met Aug. 6 and recommended the naming by a 5‑of‑7 vote.

Ridgew…