Schools districts with too many snow days will not have to extend the school year under a bill signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder. The legislation Sponsored by House Republican Phil Potvin of Cadillac allows school districts that have exceeded their allotted six days of school closure to extend the length of remaining school days instead of adding days to the year in order to meet the required minimum 1,098 hours of instruction.

Let the orange barrel season begin in Mecosta County! Michigan Department of Transportation officials say lane closures for road repair will take effect today from 9am to 3pm on M-66 (30th Ave) between 6 Mile Road and 7 Mile Road in Wheatland Township. MDOT Officials say both directions of traffic will be maintained on a single lane under flag control. The road work is weather dependent.

It was a small voter turnout yesterday, only 1,885 residents cast their ballot during a special election but it was enough for two local school districts to get their proposals passed. On the ballot, voters easily renewed operating millages for Big Rapids Public Schools and Morley-Stanwood Community Schools which will bring in $3.3 million and $1.5 million dollars respectively to their districts.

A 54-year old Morley man was arrested Friday on charges connected to a criminal sexual conduct case. Police say the charges are in connection to a series of sexual assaults that took place between 2001 and 2005 in the City of Big Rapids. The arrest stems from an investigation by Big Rapids Department of Public Safety after a adult family member came forth about incidents that took place when they were a juvenile. The suspect is charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. He also is a habitual offender.

A motorcyclist was taken to a hospital in Grand Rapids and is listed in critical condition after being thrown off his bike Thursday. Mecosta Co. Sheriff Deputies say the crash happened at Ash Dr. and 20 Mile Rd. in Green Township where they say motorcyclist 47-year old Patrick Haney failed to make the curve turning northbound onto Ash Dr. Haney was thrown from the motorcycle and was found unconscious with extensive injuries. Deputies were assisted by Big Rapids Department of Public Safety rescue and Mecosta County EMS.

In an update to a story we told you about in March, a 21-year old Grand Rapids man was arraigned in Mecosta County District Court this week on felony charges he told photographs of women at a Big Rapids tanning salon. Matthew Allen Marshall was charged with two counts of capturing or distributing images of an unclothed person. If convicted, he could face a maximum five-year sentence. Police say Marshall is alleged to have taken photographs of female clients at B-Tan Tanning Salon with his cell phone. Marshall freed on bond.

A ceremonial ground breaking was held for the new Isabella Bank branch on the east side of Big Rapids Tuesday. Representatives from the bank, City, County and other local businesses attended the event. Isabella Bank Division President Keith Kenny told attendees, "We are extremely pleased and proud to be adding on a new office when in this day and age, there are many banks that are closing offices.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says the flood warning continues for the Little Muskegon River above Morley from Friday at 12:30pm to 2am Monday morning. According to officials, the flood stage is 6.0 feet. * forecast... The river is forecast to have a maximum value of 6.4 feet early Saturday morning. * impact... At 6.0 feet... Widespread minor flooding of low lying areas with homes isolated by high water. A Tornado watch is also in effect until 6pm for Mecosta Co.

A Beaverton man was arraigned in Mecosta Co. District Court on charges of fleeing and alluding police from an incident two months ago. Mecosta Co.

Local Big Rapids business Kelley's Deer Processing is preparing to send troops overseas and state side a little piece of home when they will hold it Jerky for Troops event on this afternoon from noon until 2pm. Colin Kelly of Kelly's Deer Processing says they are hoping to send 100 packages stuffed with venison or beef jerky and other items. The event will be held at CK's Place on Northland Drive just south of Big Rapids. Additional donation's will be accepted to cover the cost of shipping.