The Big Rapids boys basketball team continued their winning streak last night defeating Chippewa Hills 62-51 in CSAA action. Big Rapids was lead by Dario Williams with 24 points while Quinn Tyson had 16 points. Big Rapids is now 6-0 overall and 5-0 in the Central State Activities Association. Chippewa Hills is 3-3 overall and 2-3 in the conference. Big Rapids is back in action Thursday when it hosts Morley-Stanwood.

The City of Big Rapids is looking for five volunteers to be on a commission to determine the pay of the Mayor as well as Commissioners. Big Rapids City Commissioners approved the formation of the Compensation Commission during Monday night's meeting on a unanimous vote. Under the new city charter, a five-person compensation commission must be appointed by May to make their recommendations on salaries and expenses for those elected to the City Commission. This year, the mayor is paid $4,000 per year and commissioners are paid $3,500 per year.

In Big Rapids, a new homeless shelter is opening up tonight. Local volunteer group “Our Brothers Keeper” will welcome men and women starting at 8pm tonight at their location on 405. South Third Avenue in Big Rapids . Clients should bring a valid ID and notify staff of any medical conditions. They will be required to review the shelter rules. The shelter can hold up to 25 people, offering beds, toiletries, showers and food. Our Brothers Keeper plans to keep the facility open until April.

A happy update to report, the missing 81-year old Newaygo County man with Alzheimer's has been found alive after disappearing for three days. Police say Mervin Newville of Bitely, flagged down a passing snowmobile for help Thursday evening in Northern Newago County. The snowmobiler contacted 9-11, and deputies and a rescue team was sent. Newville was transported by ambulance to Reed City Hospital, he is expected to recover.

Newaygo County Sheriff Deputies are looking for an 81-year-old man with Alzheimer's in Newaygo County. Police say Mervin Newville from Bitely has been missing since Christmas eve. Police believe he drove to the Big Rapids area and failed to return home. He may be driving a burgundy 1992 Buick Station wagon with wood grain side panels. If you have any information on Newville's whereabouts, call Newaygo County Central Dispatch at 231-689-5288.

Winter storm watch remains in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon...
Hazardous weather...

According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids:

The Big Rapids Boys basketball team cruised to a 71-37 win over White Cloud Monday night to remain undefeated on the year. The Cardinals were led by Quinn Tyson with a season high 26-points. They are now 5-0 and will return to the hardwood Jan. 7th when they take on Chippewa Hills.

The Big Rapids Cardinals boys basketball team defeated Central Montcalm Thursday night 65-28 in Big Rapids. Quinn Tyson lead the Cardinals with a season high 24-points. Also in double figures were, Dario Williams, Jake Daugherty and Tyler Pellerito. The Cardinals forced the Hornets into 27 turnovers. This win makes Big Rapids 4-0 on the season while Central Montcalm is 0-4. Big Rapids will try to stay undefeated when they travel to White Cloud on Monday at 7pm. Image by Arvind Balaraman

Speed Limits will remain the same on Perry Avenue between U.S. 131 and Northland Drive following a study conducted by the Michigan Department of Transportation and State Police. The Study came at the request of Big Rapids Township officials last month after the death of 17-year old Cody Campagna who was hit by a car while riding his bike on Perry Avenue in September. The township currently is looking into options to install a sidewalk or multi-use path along Perry Avenue.

Officials from the Traffic Improvement Association of Michigan (TIA) and Mecosta County Sheriff's Office will speak to the students of Big Rapids High School at 2:00 PM on Tuesday about the tragic consequences of drunk and distracted driving. On Wednesday, the students of Chippewa Hills High School will receive the same presentation at 9:30 AM, followed by Morley-Stanwood High School at 12:30 PM.