A Big Rapids man accused of stabbing his wife in the neck over the weekend with a carving fork was officially charged Monday in Mecosta County District Court. 40-year old Lamont Simmons faces two felonious assault charges as well as two violations under the Michigan Sex Offenders Registration Act. Simmons could face up to 14-years in prison if convicted on all charges. He is being held on $1-million dollars bond.

Ferris State University students gave a presentation to the Big Rapids City Commission to make the city more bike and pedestrian friendly. The students from professor Paul Long’s Small Town Studio class presented ideas to commission members and the public that focuses on a multi-use path surrounding Big Rapids. The students proposed ideas that included dedicated bike paths, roundabout intersections as well as a second foot-bridge across the Muskegon River.

A 21-year-old Big Rapids man died in a one vehicle accident early Sunday morning in Chippewa Township. Mecosta County Sheriff Deputies say the accident happened around 7:30 AM on 90th Avenue, North of 19 Mile Road. Police say Adam Raines was heading north on 90th avenue, when his vehicle left the road, struck a guardrail and overturned. Raines died of injuries sustained in the crash.

Ferris State University Police are searching for a man they say attempted to sexually assault a female student on its Big Rapids campus last night. The incident occurred after 8pm, Police say that a white male grabbed the female walking on the sidewalk near lot 25 and South Street and pulled her into the bushes and attempted to assault her. The male suspect did have a possible knife during the attack. Ferris State DPS Director Marty Bledsoe says he has put out extra patrols to look for the male suspect in question to bring him to justice.

Two men are in jail awaiting arraignment in Mecosta County after being arrested on charges of breaking into a two homes in Big Rapids. Police say a 41-year old Big Rapids man and a 22-year old Muskegon man will be arraigned today in Mecosta County District Court on two counts of breaking and entering for crimes allegedly committed during the weekend of October 12th. Authorities say the two men are accused of breaking into a home on Olaf and another residence on the 300th block of Warren Ave. They say a Television, laptop computer and jewelry were stolen.

Better late than never...Big Rapids resident Mark Solis, a former Mecosta County Corrections and courthouse officer and now, coordinator of the Muskegon River Youth Home, will run as a write-in candidate for Mecosta County Sheriff. Solis a democrat will challenge current Sheriff Todd Purcell who is running as a republican. Solis says If elected, he would like to Improve relationships between community members and deputies, increase security at the Mecosta County Courthouse by having metal detectors and more camera installed and strengthen relationships with the schools and students.

A 40-year old man from Spokane, Washington man has been brought back to Mecosta County accused of more than a handful of felony criminal sexual conduct charges. Paul Clinton Mahaffey Jr. of Spokane Washington was arraigned this week, charged with three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13; three counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct for having a relationship with a minor; and one count of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under the age of 13. Mahaffey was previously convicted in 1991 of second degree CSC.

Aspiring entrepreneurs young and old came out to Bigby Coffee in Big Rapids Wednesday night to take part in a four- part networking series organized by Michigan Works! West Central and the Entrepreneurs Institute at Ferris State University. Michelle Herron of Michigan Works! says the four part event is a way to bring people together looking to start up their own business and give them tools and show them what local resources are available to take that next step.

West Michigan retail store chain Meijer is going to add 12,000 jobs to their locations for the holidays. The Walker-based company says workers will be needed to meet demand at their locations in five states across the Midwest. Each store will average approximately 60 new employees as part of the plan. Those interested is applying for one of the jobs available can do so online at www.meijer.com. Prospective employees can also fill out an application inside the store.