The former Video City location in Big Rapids is being transformed into a new at-cost grocery store.

A group of St. Peter's Lutheran Church members, along with Common Good Ventures, are heading the project at 816 Maple Street. The store will be named "Market on Maple."

"St. Peter's purchased the building with the intention of renovating it," Rev. Tyson Bentz said. "Some members of Common Good Ventures started from people from the church, so it's a collaboration. We are renovating the building, then give the space to Common Good (Ventures) to run the grocery store." 

The building is currently in remodeling stages, with a new peaked roof being the current task. According to Bentz, the group is targeting an opening in Spring 2027.

For the store's model, the group isn't looking to make a high profit; instead, they want to make it an at-cost grocery store.

"Our aim with this partnership is create a grocery store that can lower grocery costs for the middle class and A.L.I.C.E working families," Bentz said. "By offsetting operating costs with a volunteer crew of people from the area and a rental in the back portion of the renovated building, we will be able to offer core groceries at cost. The only addition is something like a five cents to cover payment transactions. One point is to retain the dignity of shoppers by not giving away groceries, instead creating a lower-cost option for people already working hard to care for themselves and their families.

When asked about the idea, Bentz said the inspiration came from a church visit in Midland and his previous experience with Feed America.

"I've personally had this idea since COVID," Bentz said. "One of the things that kind of bothered us (with Feed America giveaways) was how many people came through and kind of didn't enjoy the experience. (With this store), we're not interested in just giving out things for free in that regard. We want to help people do more with what they've earned. And it's really cool to have a whole group of people helping support it."

St. Peter's has shared the progress of the store at various services this year already. Contact them for additional information on supporting the store.

In a formal release on Thursday, the MHSAA announced that Grand Rapids Catholic Central has been removed from the football postseason.

The ruling comes after findings that the school used an ineligible player during six of the team’s regular-season games. Five victories were consequently forfeited, putting the team below the requirements to reach the postseason.

“Throughout the investigation, Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s administration has been fully cooperative and highly professional,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said.

Catholic Central published a release on Thursday night outlining the school’s disappointment in the timing of the issue. The release said the student-athlete enrolled at the school in January and was confirmed eligible in August after his family moved out of the previous school district. The former school filed an official complaint, which the MHSAA found unsupported in May.

The MHSAA contacted the school on Oct. 15, outlining an additional investigation after new findings regarding the athlete’s former residence. GRCC held the player out of competition during the final two weeks of the season while the association’s review continued.

“Last Friday, the MHSAA informed us that an investigation related to the student-athlete’s eligibility would continue, but our team was cleared to participate in the postseason,” GRCC said in a release. “We are in disbelief that this decision was issued today, just over 24 hours before kicking off the postseason. Catholic Central intends to appeal this decision through the established MHSAA process."

Catholic Central finished the regular season 7-2, accumulating 65.194 playoff points and securing the top spot in Division 5. Because of the decision, Comstock Park, which was scheduled to face the Cougars on Friday, will advance to the district final to face the winner of No. 4 Berrien Springs or No. 5 Lake Odessa Lakewood.

The Cougars have won six state titles since 2016 across Division 4 and Division 5 and had won nine straight regional championships prior to last season.

Local Division 5 teams, including Reed City, Tri County and Chippewa Hills, would have faced the winner of Catholic Central’s region in the state semifinal. Rankings now suggest No. 2 Grand Rapids West Catholic or No. 3 Hopkins would be the new favorites to win the region following GRCC’s removal.

On Friday evening, Kuzin’s Equipment in Morley will host a Halloween-themed event.

From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., families and children can enjoy a safely fenced-in trick-or-treat area, bounce houses, tractors, fire trucks and other fun activities. Food and drink vendors will also be on site.

“Everyone does the trunk-or-treat, so we wanted to do something different,” Kuzin’s Equipment owner Charlie Walch said. “The kids will be able to see fire trucks, a food truck and lots of candy.”

Kuzin’s Equipment is located at 519 North Cass Street in Morley, just north of downtown.

“Halloween is our favorite time of year,” Walch said. “It’s all about bringing the community together to have a free, safe event to enjoy.”

The event is also presented by Big Country 100.9, Felde Realty, Biller Insurance and Homeworks Connect.

To follow the event live, listen to Big Country 100.9 FM and WWBR.com between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You can also follow their Facebook page for more information here: BIG COUNTRY 100.9 FACEBOOK PAGE.

It's time for the General Election this November! For those living in Newaygo County, see our voting guide below to help you know what's going to be on the ballot.

 

NEWAYGO COUNTY BALLOT GUIDE

Date: Tuesday, November 3

Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Additional Resources:

• POLLING PLACE
• EARLY VOTING INFO
• GENERAL VOTING INFO

 

*STATE OFFICIALS*

 

State Governor & Lieutenant Governor (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Jocelyn Benson & Winnie Brinks, Democrat

• John James & Jay DeBoyer, Republican

• Anthony Hudson & Beau Parmenter, Libertarian

• Donna Brandenburg & Robert Cowper II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Campbell & Bobbie Clay, Green

Secretary of State (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Garlin Gilchrist II, Democrat

• Anthony Forlini, Republican

• Christine Sloan, Libertarian

• Scott Aughney, U.S. Taxpayers

• Eric Borregard, Green

Attorney General (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Eli Savit, Democrat

• Doug Lloyd, Republican

• Jason Dye, Libertarian

• John Perry Ludtke Jr., U.S. Taxpayers

• Jeff Polonowski, Green

• Doug Dern, Natural Law

 

*CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

U.S. Senator (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Abdul El-Sayed, Democrat

• Mike Rogers, Republican

• Lydia Christensen, Libertarian

• Tim Long, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Marsh, Green

• Walter Kristy, Natural Law

U.S. Congress - 2nd District (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Ben Ambrose, Democrat

• John Moolenaar, Republican*^INC

• Charlotte Magoon, Green

• Richard Sills, Natural Law

State Senator - 33rd District (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Stan Opal, Democrat

• Gina Johnsen, Republican

State Representative - 101st District (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Christopher Crain, Democrat

• Jaxon Deur, Republican

 

*STATE EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

State Board of Education (2)

All TWPs and Cities

• Judith Pritchett, Democrat

• Tiffany Tilley, Democrat

• Terence Collins, Republican

• Bree Moeggenberg, Republican

• Charles Essner, Libertarian

• William Mohr II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Christine Schwartz, U.S. Taxpayers

• Wissam Charafeddine, Green

• Mary Anne Hering, Working Class

• Kelli Monroe, Natural Law

Regent of the University of Michigan (2)

All TWPs and Cities

• Paul Brown, Democrat

• Amir Makled, Democrat

• Lena Epstein, Republican

• Michael Schostak, Republican

• Andrew Chadderdon, Libertarian

• Kyle Maas, U.S. Taxpayers

Trustee of Michigan State University (2)

All TWPs and Cities

• Brianna Scott, Democrat

• Kelly Tebay Zemke, Democrat

• Julie Maday, Republican

• Roger Victory, Republican

• Daniel Patterson, Libertarian

• Will Tyler White, Libertarian

• Janet Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Anthony La Pietra, Green

• Yaz Ozbek, Working Class

Govenor of Wayne State University (2)

All TWPs and Cities

• Shereef Akeel, Democrat

• Richard Mack, Democrat

• Andy Anuzis, Republican

• Christa Murphy, Republican

• Alex Avery, Libertarian

• Jami Van Alstine, Libertarian

• Jeff McDonald, U.S. Taxpayers

• Paul Ragan, Green

• Suzanne Roehrig, Working Class

• Kathleen Oakford, Natural Law

 

*JUDICIAL OFFICIALS*

 

Justice of Supreme Court (2)

All TWPs and Cities

• Megan Kathleen Cavanagh*^INC

• Noah P. Hood*^INC

• Thomas W. Howe

• Casandra Morse-Bills

• Michael Warren

• Jody White

Judge of Court of Appeals - District (2)

All TWPs and Cities

• Mark Boonstra*^INC

• Daniel Korobkin*^INC

Judge of 78th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and Cities

• Ellsworth Stay Jr.

 

*CITY, TOWNSHIP, & VILLAGE OFFICIALS*

 

Barton Township Clerk (1)

Barton TWP

• No candidates on ballot.

Big Prarie Township Park Commissioner (3)

Big Prarie TWP

• Timothy Polasek, Republican

• Edward C. Rubringer, Republican

Bridgeton Township Treasurer (1)

Bridgeton TWP

• Charity Jimenez, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Bridgeton Township Trustee (1)

Bridgeton TWP

• Kathleen Clough, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Denver Township Clerk (1)

Denver TWP

• Nicki McWilliams, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Denver Township Treasurer (1)

Denver TWP

• Sherrilee Craner, Democrat (partial term until 12/01/28)

City of Fremont Mayor (1)

City of Fremont

• Phil Deur

• Dawn C. Finch

• Rod Glupker

City of Fremont Council Member (2)

City of Fremont

• Eric Johnson

• Marla Kolk

• Dan Powell

Goodwell Township Clerk (1)

Goodwell TWP

• Leona Harvey, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Village of Hesperia President (1)

Denver TWP

• Mike Farber

Village of Hesperia Trustee (3)

Denver TWP

• Don Bostrom

• Danny E. Herin

• Joyce McDonald

Home Township Clerk (1)

Home TWP

• Theresa Ouderkirk, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Home Township Trustee (1)

Home TWP

• Austin Snyder, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Merrill Township Supervisor RECALL (1)

Merrill TWP

• Shain Routley, Democrat (partial term until 12/01/28)

• Peter Morgan, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Merrill Township Trustee (1)

Merrill TWP

• Charles Dryer, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Monroe Township Supervisor (1)

Monroe TWP

• Jacob Bills, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

Monroe Township Clerk (1)

Monroe TWP

• Gabriela Urbane, Republican (partial term until 12/01/28)

City of Newaygo Mayor (1)

City of Newaygo

• Ed Fedell

City of Newaygo Council Member (3)

City of Newaygo

• Denise DeVries

• Jim Engemann

• Robert Walker Jr.

Sheridan Charter Township Trustee (1)

Sheridan Charter TWP

• Theodore Rancour, Democrat (partial term until 12/01/28)

Troy Township Treasurer (1)

Troy TWP

• Susan Hollar, Democrat (partial term until 12/01/28)

City of White Cloud Mayor (1)

City of White Cloud

• Brian J. Miller

• Lori L. Shears

City of White Cloud Council Member (3)

City of White Cloud

• Amy S. Barnhard

• Adam Chiles

• Chad S. Fetterley

• Brendan Gray

• Jeffery Murchison

 

*LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

Baldwin Community Schools Board Member (3)

Lilley TWP, Merrill TWP

• Joseph W Brooks Jr

• Diamond Burrell

• Mary Ann Pieske

Big Jackson School District Board Member (2)

Barton TWP, Home TWP, Merrill TWP, Monroe TWP, Norwich TWP

• Ross Fulton

• Michelle Ruelle

Big Rapids Public School District Board Member (2)

Barton TWP, Goodwell TWP, Monroe TWP, Norwich TWP

• Pete Kent

• Jeremy Mishler

Cedar Springs Public School District Board Member (4)

Ensley TWP

• Heidi Armock

• Richard Bell

• Mistie Bowser

• Jenna Hess

• Alexandra I. Hudson

• April Patin

• AnneMarie Slater

• Brent Willett (partial term until 12/31/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Fremont Public Schools Board Member (1 each)

Ashland TWP, Bridgeton TWP, Brooks TWP, Dayton TWP, Denver TWP, City of Fremont, Garfield TWP, Lincoln TWP, Sheridan Charter TWP, Sherman TWP

• Steven Paulsen

• Matthew Goebel (partial term until 12/31/28)

Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees Member (2)

Ensley TWP, Grant TWP

• Jamie Gordon

• Brandy Lovelady Mitchell

• Tim Russ

• Adriana Almanza (partial term until 12/31/30)* ^{seperate from 6-year}

Grant Public Schools Board Member (3)

Ashland TWP, Bridgeton TWP, Ensley TWP, Garfield TWP, City of Grant, Grant TWP

• Ken Longstreet

• Jason McKinley

• Tami Roeters

Hesperia Community Schools Board Member (3)

Beaver TWP, Denver TWP

• Barbara Maynard

• M. Scott Rumsey

• Ryan Good (partial term until 12/1/30)* ^{seperate from 6-year}

Holton Public Schools District Board Member (3)

Bridgeton TWP, Dayton TWP

• Amy M. Brookhouse

• Sarah Hippler

• Andy O'Riley

• Eric Rothoff

Kent City Community Schools District Board Member (3)

Grant TWP

• Glenn A. Crabtree

• Rick Stockhill

• Sandra Vanderhyde-Volkers

Montcalm Community College Board of Trustees Member (2)

Croton TWP, Ensley TWP

• Robert Byram

• Joshua Stamp

Morley Stanwood Community Schools Board Member (4)

Big Prarie TWP, Goodwell TWP

• Greg Babbitt (4-year term)
• Emily J. Bongard (4-year term)
• Mary L. Engelsman (4-year term)
• Matthias Stevens (4-year term)
• Michelle R. Frisbie (6-year term)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Muskegon Oakridge Public Schools District Board Member (3)

Bridgeton TWP

• Douglas DeWitte

• Jeff Kartes

• Craig A. Scott

• Roger Lee Taylor

Newaygo Public Schools Board Member (2)

Ashland TWP, Big Prarie TWP, Brooks TWP, Croton TWP, Everett TWP, Garfield TWP, Grant TWP, City of Newaygo

• Janet Breen

• John Bull

• Chris Cronk

• Steve Cronk

• Bruce Gracik

• Erica Herwig

Reed City Area Public Schools Board Member (3)

Barton TWP

• Troy Alan Bowling (4-year term)
• Jamie Eichenberg (4-year term)
• Christine Mund (4-year term)
• Dustin Robbins (4-year term)
• Maggie M. Walcott (partial term until 12/1/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Tri County Area Schools Board Member (2)

Croton TWP, Ensley TWP

• Heather J. Shadley

West Shore Community College Board of Trustees Member (4)

Beaver TWP, Troy TWP

• Daniel LaMore
• Thomas Voss

Walkerville Schools Board Member (4)

Beaver TWP, Troy TWP

• John Kirwin

• Albert Tanner

• Michelle Tanner

• George Wolgamott

• Janaya Hood (partial term until 12/31/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

• Mark Riggs (partial term until 12/31/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

White Cloud Public Schools Board Member (2 full & 1 partial)

Big Prarie TWP, Denver TWP, Everett TWP, Goodwell TWP, Lincoln TWP, Merrill TWP, Monroe TWP, Norwich TWP, Sherman TWP, City of White Cloud, Wilcox TWP

• Jim Jones

• Harry Stevens

• Keri Collins (partial term until 12/31/30)* ^{seperate from 6-year}

• Victoria Nader (partial term until 12/31/30)* ^{seperate from 6-year}

 

*STATE & COUNTY PROPOSALS*

 

Proposal 2026-1: Convene A Constitutional Convention For The Purpose Of Drafting A General Revision Of The State Constitution?

All TWPs and Cities

• Shall a convention of elected delegates be convened in 2027 to draft a general revision of the State Constitution for presentation to the state’s voters for their approval or rejection?

Proposal 2026-2: Proposed Law To Prohibit Campaign Contributions From Certain Regulated Utilities And Government Contractors And Apply Campaign Finance Laws And Regulations To Additional Types Of Political Communications?

All TWPs and Cities

• Prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to these utilities/contractors from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them. 

• Expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring disclosing donor information, to apply to communications clearly identifying candidates or ballot questions, even if they do not expressly advocate voting for/against them. 

• Expressly apply the law requiring disclosure of who paid for political communications to internet political communications. 

• Should this proposal be adopted?

Newaygo County Veterans' Services Millage Renewal Proposal

All TWPs and Cities

• Shall the County of Newaygo, Michigan, be authorized to levy annually an amount not to exceed 0.0940 mill ($0.0940 per each $1,000 of taxable value), which is a renewal of the millage rate that expires in 2027, against all taxable property within Newaygo County for a period of ten (10) years, 2028 through 2037, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for any veterans’ services authorized by law? The estimate of the revenue Newaygo County will collect if the millage is approved and levied in the first year (2028) is approximately $226,000. By law, a portion of the revenue collected may be subject to capture by the Downtown Development Authorities of the Cities of Fremont, Newaygo, and White Cloud; the Local Development Financing Authorities of the Cities of Fremont and Newaygo; and the Newaygo County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

 

*CITY, TOWNSHIP, & SCHOOL PROPOSALS*

 

Big Jackson School District Operating Millage Proposal

Barton TWP, Home TWP, Merrill TWP, Monroe TWP, Norwich TWP

• This proposal will allow the school district to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance.

• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Big Jackson Public Schools, Newaygo County, Michigan, be increased by 1.1934 mill ($1.1934 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 9 years, 2026 to 2034, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2026 is approximately $3,127 (this millage is to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963)?

Big Prarie Township Marijuana Ordinance Proposal

Big Prarie TWP

• This proposal, if approved, would amend the Big Prairie Township Recreational Marijuana Establishments Licensing Ordinance, Ordinance No. 2022-004, adopted June 14, 2022, to authorize, in addition to the other marijuana establishments authorized under that ordinance, not more than one (1) adult-use designated marijuana consumption establishment to operate within the Township at any one time, provided the establishment is licensed by the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, or its successor, in accordance with the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act and relevant municipal regulations.

• Shall the proposal be adopted?

Big Prarie Township Park Commission Dissolution Proposal

Big Prarie TWP

• Shall the Big Prairie Township Park Commission be dissolved, with all the powers, duties, assets, and liabilities of the Park Commission transferred to the Township Board?

Everett Township Fire Protection and First Reponder Service Millage Proposal

Everett TWP

• Shall Everett Township increase the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution and levy a new additional millage of 0.75 mills ($0.75 per $1,000 of taxable value) on taxable property within Everett Township annually for two (2) years, 2026 through 2027, inclusive, for the purpose of funding fire protection and Medical First Response services in the Township? If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $55,818 in the first year of the levy.

Lincoln Township Fire Protection and First Reponder Service Millage Proposal

Everett TWP

• Shall Lincoln Township increase the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution and levy a new additional millage of 0.75 mills ($0.75 per $1,000 of taxable value) on taxable property within Lincoln Township annually for two (2) years, 2026 through 2027, inclusive, for the purpose of funding Fire Protection and Medical First Response services in the Township? If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $47,628.00 in the first year of the levy.

Wilcox Township Fire Protection and First Reponder Service Millage Proposal

Wilcox TWP

• Shall Wilcox Township increase the tax rate limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution and levy a new additional millage of 0.75 mills ($0.75 per $1,000 of taxable value) on taxable property within Wilcox Township annually for two (2) years, 2026 through 2027, inclusive, for the purpose of funding fire protection and medical first responder services in the Township? If approved and levied, this millage would raise an estimated $29,690 in the first year of levy.

Reed City Area Public School District Bond Proposal

Barton TWP

• Shall Reed City Area Public Schools, Osceola, Mecosta, Newaygo and Lake Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Ten Million Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($10,780,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: 

• Remodeling and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; and preparing, developing, improving and equipping structures, sites and lighting at the high school athletic field? 

• The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 0.20 mill ($0.20 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is nine (9) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.83 mills ($1.83 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). 

• The school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $2,260,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. 

• (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Tri County Area Schools District Operating Millage Proposal

Croton TWP, Ensley TWP

• This proposal will replace expiring millage and allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 20 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 2 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction.

• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Tri County Area Schools, Montcalm, Kent and Newaygo Counties, Michigan, be increased by 20 mills ($20.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 4 years, 2027 to 2030, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $3,377,472 (this millage replaces millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?

Tri County Area Schools Sinking Fund Millage Proposal

Croton TWP, Ensley TWP

• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Tri County Area Schools, Montcalm, Kent and Newaygo Counties, Michigan, be increased by and the board of education be authorized to levy not to exceed 1.5 mills ($1.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2026 to 2035, inclusive, to create a sinking fund for the construction or repair of school buildings, including career-technical spaces and workforce readiness spaces; for school security improvements; for the acquisition or upgrading of technology; for the acquisition of student transportation vehicles; for the acquisition of parts, supplies, and equipment used for the maintenance of student transportation vehicles; for the acquisition of eligible trucks and vans used to carry parts, equipment, and personnel for or in the maintenance of school buildings; for the acquisition of parts, supplies, and equipment used to maintain such trucks and vans; and all other purposes authorized by law; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2026 is approximately $11,101,859?

Ferris State University closed three pedestrian crossings near the Timme Center for Student Services, the Center for Virtual Learning and Hallisy Hall after crews fenced the Hallisy Hall site Oct. 22 ahead of the building’s demolition.

Pedestrians now cross through the Robinson Quad. New crosswalk markings and signs guide foot traffic between Parking Lot 5H, Stadium Hall and nearby campus destinations.

A route accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act follows the west side of Campus Drive from the Center for Virtual Learning to the Timme Center for Student Services.

Crews begin removing hazardous materials during the week of Oct. 26, and demolition starts Dec. 21. A second phase will add a parking lot and road improvements, closing more roads and sidewalks beginning in March 2027. The university expects to finish the project by July 2027.

“Demolishing Hallisy removes one of our older buildings to create additional parking,” said Karen Simmon, project manager for Facilities Management. “It will also create safer pedestrian walkways by minimizing vehicular and pedestrian interactions at this busy area of campus.”

The fencing does not affect vehicle traffic. Drivers should use extra caution on South Street, Stadium Drive, Campus Drive and West Drive, which construction trucks use to reach and leave the site.

Facilities Management asks pedestrians to follow detour signs, use only marked crosswalks and walkways, stay out of the fenced area and allow extra travel time. Direct questions to Facilities Management at 231-591-2920.

This Saturday is the annual Big Rapids downtown Fall Fest event, put on by the Downtown Business Association and RE/MAX Together.

Here are 10 essential tips to prepare for the festivities:

1. Temperatures will be on the cooler side.
   • Starting around 10 a.m., conditions will be in the low 40s and gradually increase towards the 50s by 2 p.m. Skies project to be cloudy and a slim chain of rain is possible.
2. Michigan Avenue will be blocked off.
   • Michigan Avenue will be closed between Linden Street and Grand Traverse Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking will be available on nearby streets and in adjacent lots.
3. The Skeleton Skurry 5K starts at 10 a.m.
   • The Skeleton Skurry 5K run/walk/roll begins at 10 a.m. near City Hall, with the course starting and finishing at the same location. Registration fees support Angels of Action. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers and for the best costume. Online registration is $33.85.
4. There will be a competitive pumpkin roll.
   • A pumpkin roll competition will take place at 11 a.m. near the Elks Lodge to benefit local nonprofits. The first-place winner receives a trophy and $500 to donate to the charity they represent; second place receives $350 and third place receives $150 for their chosen organizations.
5. Bring a team to pull a bus for charity.
   • The Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority and Area 5 Special Olympians will host a pull-a-bus charity event beginning at 10 a.m. in the City Hall parking lot. The cost is $25 per person or $250 for a team of up to 10. The team that pulls the bus 50 feet in the fastest time will receive a trophy.
6. Candy will be given out trunk-or-treat style.
   • Local businesses and organizations will distribute candy in a trunk-or-treat format along Michigan Avenue from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
7. There will be games and kids inflatables on site.
   • The kids' fun area returns, like years past, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Michigan Avenue. There will be inflatables and festive games for kids and the whole family to participate.
8. Downtown businesses will be open.
   • Various doors will be open for food, retail, and shopping during the four-hour time period. Some stores may have seasonal or special day discounts.
9. Pie eating contest slated at 1 p.m.
   • A competitive pie-eating contest, hosted by RE/MAX, is scheduled for 1 p.m. Participants must eat their pies as quickly as possible without using their hands.
10. Food trucks and vendors will be present.
    • Other vendors and food trucks will be on Michigan Avenue between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with various festive foods and other goods.

Monday, October 19

• An officer was requested by an Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy to assist with a theft investigation. 
• An officer was dispatched to investigate a two-vehicle property crash that injured three people. 

Tuesday, October 20

• An officer stopped a subject for a traffic violation. The subject was arrested for a warrant and the vehicle was turned over to a family member.

Wednesday, October 21

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a two-vehicle crash with property damage.
• An officer was dispatched to investigate a single-vehicle crash involving a deer.
• An officer assisted the Evart Fire Department with a hazmat incident.
• An officer assisted the Evart Fire Department with a medical call.

Thursday, October 22

• No incidents reported.

Friday, October 23

• An officer received found property. It is being held until contact can be made with the owner.

• An officer was dispatched to investigate an incident on private property with damage.

• An officer was dispatched to a threat's complaint.  While investigating, the officer determined that a Domestic Assault had taken place. The subject was arrested and lodged on multiple offenses.  

• An Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy requested assistance from the K-9 unit regarding a narcotics search.

Saturday, October 24

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a fail to pay at a local business.  

• An officer was dispatched to investigate an animal complaint.

Sunday, October 25

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a suspicious situation with a juvenile.

Monday, Oct. 19

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 8

 

Tuesday, Oct. 20

• At 8:08 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Mecosta Township. The traffic stop resulted in the female driver being arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and other warrants. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

 

Wednesday, Oct. 21

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 0

Traffic Accidents: 0

 

Thursday, Oct. 22

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 4

 

Friday, Oct. 23

• At 8:30 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Colfax Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and Child Endangerment. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 4

 

Saturday, Oct. 24

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 2

Traffic Accidents: 6

 

Sunday, Oct. 25

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 7

Traffic Accidents: 6

It's time for the General Election this November! For those living in Osceola County, see our voting guide below to help you know what's going to be on the ballot.

 

OSCEOLA COUNTY BALLOT GUIDE

Date: Tuesday, November 3

Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Additional Resources:

• POLLING PLACE
• EARLY VOTING INFO
• GENERAL VOTING INFO

 

*STATE OFFICIALS*

 

State Governor & Lieutenant Governor (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Jocelyn Benson & Winnie Brinks, Democrat

• John James & Jay DeBoyer, Republican

• Anthony Hudson & Beau Parmenter, Libertarian

• Donna Brandenburg & Robert Cowper II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Campbell & Bobbie Clay, Green

Secretary of State (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Garlin Gilchrist II, Democrat

• Anthony Forlini, Republican

• Christine Sloan, Libertarian

• Scott Aughney, U.S. Taxpayers

• Eric Borregard, Green

Attorney General (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Eli Savit, Democrat

• Doug Lloyd, Republican

• Jason Dye, Libertarian

• John Perry Ludtke Jr., U.S. Taxpayers

• Jeff Polonowski, Green

• Doug Dern, Natural Law

 

*CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

U.S. Senator (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Abdul El-Sayed, Democrat

• Mike Rogers, Republican

• Lydia Christensen, Libertarian

• Tim Long, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Marsh, Green

• Walter Kristy, Natural Law

U.S. Congress - 2nd District (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Ben Ambrose, Democrat

• John Moolenaar, Republican*^INC

• Charlotte Magoon, Green

• Richard Sills, Natural Law

State Senator - 34th District (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Roger Hauck, Republican*^INC

• Tyler Landgraf, Democrat

State Representative - 100th District (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Tom Kunse, Republican*^INC

• Tracy Ruell, Democrat

 

*STATE EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

State Board of Education (2)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Judith Pritchett, Democrat

• Tiffany Tilley, Democrat

• Terence Collins, Republican

• Bree Moeggenberg, Republican

• Charles Essner, Libertarian

• William Mohr II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Christine Schwartz, U.S. Taxpayers

• Wissam Charafeddine, Green

• Mary Anne Hering, Working Class

• Kelli Monroe, Natural Law

Regent of the University of Michigan (2)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Paul Brown, Democrat

• Amir Makled, Democrat

• Lena Epstein, Republican

• Michael Schostak, Republican

• Andrew Chadderdon, Libertarian

• Kyle Maas, U.S. Taxpayers

Trustee of Michigan State University (2)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Brianna Scott, Democrat

• Kelly Tebay Zemke, Democrat

• Julie Maday, Republican

• Roger Victory, Republican

• Daniel Patterson, Libertarian

• Will Tyler White, Libertarian

• Janet Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Anthony La Pietra, Green

• Yaz Ozbek, Working Class

Govenor of Wayne State University (2)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Shereef Akeel, Democrat

• Richard Mack, Democrat

• Andy Anuzis, Republican

• Christa Murphy, Republican

• Alex Avery, Libertarian

• Jami Van Alstine, Libertarian

• Jeff McDonald, U.S. Taxpayers

• Paul Ragan, Green

• Suzanne Roehrig, Working Class

• Kathleen Oakford, Natural Law

 

*JUDICIAL OFFICIALS*

 

Justice of Supreme Court (2)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Megan Kathleen Cavanagh*^INC

• Noah P. Hood*^INC

• Thomas W. Howe

• Casandra Morse-Bills

• Michael Warren

• Jody White

Judge of Court of Appeals (3)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Michael J. Kelly*^INC

• Allie Greenleaf Maldonado*^INC

• Michelle M. Rick*^INC

Judge of 49th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Dennis L. Duvall Jr.

Judge of 77th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Peter Michael Jaklevic*^INC

 

*COUNTY OFFICIALS*

 

Osceola County Road Commissioner (1)

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Terry Robert Wanstead, Republican

 

*CITY, TOWNSHIP, & VILLAGE OFFICIALS*

 

City of Evart Mayor (1)

City of Evart

• Roger Elkins

• Sandra Szeliga

City of Evart Clerk (1)

City of Evart

• Andrea Grupido

City of Evart Council Member (2)

City of Evart

• Ralph Carlson

• Bruce Robinson

• Tina Young

City of Reed City Council Member (4)

City of Reed City

• James C. Anderlohr

• Trevor Guiles

• Timothy Locker

Hersey Township Supervisor (1)

Hersey TWP

• Marco Menezes (partial term until 12/1/28)

Hersey Township Treasurer (1)

Hersey TWP

• Susan Martinez (partial term until 12/1/28)

Village of Hersey President (1)

Hersey TWP

• Karen Huisman

Village of Hersey Treasurer (1)

Hersey TWP

• Christopher Hurst

Village of LeRoy President (1)

LeRoy TWP

• Adam Johnson

Village of LeRoy Trustee (3)

LeRoy TWP

• DJ Goines

• Julia Lockhart

• James Seavey

Village of Marion President (1)

Marion TWP

• David Swiler

Village of Marion Trustee (3)

Marion TWP

• Bonnie Tenney

Village of Tustin President (1)

Burdell TWP

• Ryan Erickson

Village of Tustin Clerk (1)

Burdell TWP

• Jessica Coykendall

Village of Tustin Treasurer (1)

Burdell TWP

• Kayla Erickson

Village of Tustin President (4)

Burdell TWP

• Lou Ann Anderson

• Alexandrea Dickinson

• Christie Dunlop

 

*LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

Cadillac Area Public Schools Board Member (3)

Sherman TWP

• Zachary A. Anderson

• Anne Engels

• Nicole Schultz

Chippewa Hills School District Board Member (4)

Orient TWP

• Katie Bazaire (4-year term)

• Amanda Cornell (4-year term)

• Melissa E. Denslow (4-year term)

• Tony Gibson (4-year term)

• Shauna M. Livermore (4-year term)

• Jesse Steele (4-year term)

Evart School District Board Member (2)

Cedar TWP, City of Evart, Evart TWP, Hartwick TWP, Hersey TWP, Middle Branch TWP, Orient TWP, Osceola TWP, Sylvan TWP

• Bre Grabill (6-year-term)

• Eric Schmidt (6-year-term)

Marion Public Schools Board Member (1)

Hartwick TWP, Highland TWP, Marion TWP, Middle Branch TWP, Rose Lake TWP, Sherman TWP, Sylvan TWP

• Renaye Fewless

• Thomas Krause

McBain Rural Agricultural Schools Board Member (3)

Highland TWP, Marion TWP

• Karen J. Abrahamson

• Doug McLain

• Rebecca Voelker

Pine River Area Schools Board Member (2 each)

Burdell TWP, Cedar TWP, Hartwick TWP, LeRoy TWP, Lincoln TWP, Rose Lake TWP, Sherman TWP

• Derek Brock (6-year-term)

• Wendy Ragatzki (6-year-term)

• Rob Kulpa (4-year-term)

• Susan Stoll (4-year-term)

Reed City Area Public Schools Board Member (3)

Cedar TWP, Hersey TWP, Lincoln TWP, City of Reed City, Richmond TWP

• Troy Alan Bowling (4-year term)
• Jamie Eichenberg (4-year term)
• Christine Mund (4-year term)
• Dustin Robbins (4-year term)
• Maggie M. Walcott (partial term until 12/1/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

 

*STATE PROPOSALS*

 

Proposal 2026-1: Convene A Constitutional Convention For The Purpose Of Drafting A General Revision Of The State Constitution?

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Shall a convention of elected delegates be convened in 2027 to draft a general revision of the State Constitution for presentation to the state’s voters for their approval or rejection?

Proposal 2026-2: Proposed Law To Prohibit Campaign Contributions From Certain Regulated Utilities And Government Contractors And Apply Campaign Finance Laws And Regulations To Additional Types Of Political Communications?

All TWPs and Cities of Reed City & Evart

• Prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to these utilities/contractors from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them. 

• Expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring disclosing donor information, to apply to communications clearly identifying candidates or ballot questions, even if they do not expressly advocate voting for/against them. 

• Expressly apply the law requiring disclosure of who paid for political communications to internet political communications. 

• Should this proposal be adopted?

 

*CITY, TOWNSHIP, & SCHOOL PROPOSALS*

 

Chippewa Hills School District Bond Proposal

Orient TWP

• Shall Chippewa Hills School District, Mecosta, Isabella and Osceola Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Nine Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($29,900,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:

  • Remodeling, including safety and security improvements, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and reequipping existing school buildings; erecting, furnishing, and equipping school support buildings; acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings; purchasing school buses; and equipping, developing, and improving playgrounds, athletic fields and facilities, parking areas, driveways, and sites?

  • The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 1.04 mills ($1.04 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty (20) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.03 mills (1.03 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

  • (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

City of Evart Fire Millage Proposal

City of Evart, Evart TWP

• Shall the City of Evart, Osceola County, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 2.0 mills ($2.00 per each $1,000 of taxable value), of which 1.8422 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2025 and .1578 mill is new additional millage, for six (6) years, 2026 through 2031, inclusive, to provide funds for operating, equipping, constructing, and purchasing for the Evart Area Joint Fire Department or for any other purpose authorized by law for fire service purposes? 

• The estimate of the revenue the City will collect in the first year of levy (2026) if the millage is approved is approximately $95,500. A portion of the revenue collected may be subject to capture by the City of Evart Downtown Development Authority.

LeRoy Community Library Millage Proposal

LeRoy TWP, Rose Lake TWP

• Shall the LeRoy Community Library, County of Osceola, Michigan, be authorized to levy annually a new additional millage in an amount not to exceed .70 mill ($0.70 per each $1,000 of taxable value) against all taxable property within the LeRoy Community Library district for a period of five (5) years, 2026 through 2030, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all district library purposes authorized by law?

• The estimate of the revenue the LeRoy Community Library will collect if the millage is approved and levied by the LeRoy Community Library in the first year (2026) is approximately $105,000.

Hartwick Township Road Millage Proposal

Hartwick TWP

• Road Maintenance increase in the tax limitations imposed under article, sec 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Hartwick Township, of 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000) taxable value) and levied for 4 years, 2026 through 2030 inclusively, for road maintenance and improvements, raising an estimated $42,575 in the first year the millage is levied?

Hartwick Township Operating Millage Renewal Proposal

Hartwick TWP

• Shall Hartwick Township restore its general taxing capacity previously established at 1.0 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) by MCL 211.211(4) which was reduced to 0.7301 ($0.7301 per $1,000 of taxable value) by Headlee Amendment rollbacks, through an additional millage of 0.2699 mills ($0.2699 per $1,000 of taxable value) to restore, and not to exceed, the full 1.0 mill limit established by law, each year beginning in 2026 inclusively, for duration of five (5) years, for general township operating purposes? it is established that the additional millage of 0.2699 mills will raise $ 11,491 in the first year of the levy, which is perpetual, subject to future reductions by the Headlee amendment.

Lincoln Township Fire Millage Proposal

Lincoln TWP

• Shall the Lincoln Township, County of Osceola, Michigan, be authorized to levy a new millage in an amount of 1.75 mills (!1.75 per each $1,000 of taxable value) against all taxable property within the limits of Lincoln Township for a period of ten (10) years, 2026 through 2035, inclusive, for the purpose of providing funds for all purposes authorized by state statute and law, including operating and equipping the Lincoln Township Fire Department? The estimate of the revenue the Lincoln Township of Osceola County will collect if the millage is approved and levied by the Lincoln Township Board in the first year of levy (2026) is approximately $199,682.

Middle Branch Township Millage Proposal

Middle Branch TWP

• Shall Middle Branch Township renew up to 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000.00 of taxable value in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution and levy it for two years, 2026 through 2027, inclusive, for road improvements in Middle Branch Township, raising an estimated $28,576 in 2026, the first year the millage is levied?

Orient Township Fire Millage Proposal

Orient TWP

• Shall Orient Township, Osceola County, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 2.0 mills ($2.00 per each $1,000 of taxable value) of which 1.8905 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2025 and .1095 mill is new additional millage, for six (6) years, 2026 through 2031 inclusive, to provide funds for operating, equipping, constructing, and purchasing for the Evart Area Joint Fire Department or for any other purpose authorized by law for fire service purposes? The estimate of the revenue the Township will collect in the first year of the levy (2026) if the millage is approved is approximately $103,000.

Osceola Township Fire Millage Proposal

Osceola TWP

• Shall Osceola Township, Osceola County, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 2.0 mills ($2.00 per each $1,000 of taxable value), of which 1.8908 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2025 and .1092 mill is new additional millage, for six (6) years, 2026 through 2031, inclusive, to provide funds for operating, equipping, constructing, and purchasing for the Evart Area Joint Fire Department or for any other purpose authorized by law for fire service purposes?  The estimate of the revenue the Township will collect in the first year of levy (2026) if the millage is approved is approximately $92,000.

Richmond Township Millage Proposal

Richmond Township

• Shall Richmond Township impose a renewal of up to 2 mills ($2.00 per $1,000.00 of taxable value) in the tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution and levy it for 4 years, 2026 through 2029 inclusive, to be allocated and placed in a special account for road construction and maintenance, which shall be allocated at the complete discretion of the Richmond Township Board. This 2-mill renewal will raise an estimated $160,604.63. in the first year the millage is levied?

Reed City Area Public School District Bond Proposal

Cedar TWP, Hersey TWP, Lincoln TWP, City of Reed City, Richmond TWP

• Shall Reed City Area Public Schools, Osceola, Mecosta, Newaygo and Lake Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Ten Million Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($10,780,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: 

• Remodeling and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; and preparing, developing, improving and equipping structures, sites and lighting at the high school athletic field? 

• The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 0.20 mill ($0.20 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is nine (9) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.83 mills ($1.83 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). 

• The school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $2,260,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. 

• (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Sherman Township Meeting Abolishment Proposal

Sherman Township

• Shall the annual meeting of the electors of Sherman Township be abolished?

Sylvan Township Fire Millage Proposal

Sylvan Township

• Shall Sylvan Township, Osceola County, be authorized to levy a millage annually in an amount not to exceed 2.0 mills ($2.00 per each $1,000 of taxable value), of which 1.8418 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2025 and .1582 mill is new additional millage, for six (6) years, 2026 through 2031, inclusive, to provide funds for operating, equipping, constructing, and purchasing for the Evart Area Joint Fire Department or for any other purpose authorized by law for fire service purposes?  The estimate of the revenue the Township will collect in the first year of levy (2026) if the millage is approved is approximately $102,000.

Today, after years of sustained investment in local policy, community violence intervention and efforts to keep illegal guns off the streets, Governor Whitmer announced that violent crime in Michigan is the lowest it’s been in seven years. Murders are down more than 40% since 2021, robberies have been cut in half since the governor took office, and more than 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods. 

“Every Michigander deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community,” said Governor Whitmer. “We’ve invested nearly $2 billion in public safety to put more officers on the street, support proven violence intervention programs, and take illegal guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them. I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers and community partners who work every day to keep our communities safe.” 

Since 2018, Michigan has invested nearly $2 billion in public safety, including: 

• $100 million for Public Safety Revenue Sharing grants over the past two fiscal years, to provide cities, villages, and townships with additional resources for police services and to support community violence intervention efforts. 
• $25.2 million for community violence intervention grants that work to stop violence before it starts. 

• $2.5 million for the statewide gun violence prevention task force, to save lives, reduce violence, and work to keep Michiganders safe. 

• A 20% pay raise for Michigan State Police Troopers and Sergeants to attract and retain the men and women who keep communities safe. 

The governor has also signed commonsense gun safety laws, including universal background checks and safe storage requirements, extreme risk protection orders and a ban on firearm possession by convicted domestic abusers. 

“Every day, our troopers across Michigan work alongside community partners to make our neighborhoods safer, and it’s yielding results,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “Governor Whitmer’s investments have given us the resources to protect Michiganders, take illegal guns off our streets and build real trust with the communities we serve. We’re proud of this progress, and we’re not slowing down.” 

“Every Michigander deserves to feel safe at home, at work, and everywhere in between. That’s why we’ve driven historic investments into evidence-based public safety initiatives,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), chair of the Senate committee responsible for the Michigan State Police budget. “With this funding, we’re making sure our public safety departments have the training, personnel, and equipment they need to protect our communities. And with crime being at a 7-year low, it’s clear that our approach is working.” 

"The investments we've made in public safety over the last several years, like higher trooper pay and providing sustainable revenue sharing for local departments, are delivering real, tangible results,” said state Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). “This seven-year low shows that when Lansing invests directly in public safety, it pays off in dividends for the safety of our communities." 

Nearly one in three reported violent crimes in Michigan involve a firearm. Earlier this year, Governor Whitmer announced over 1,000 illegal guns have been taken off the streets as part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods. Since the operation began, law enforcement officials have conducted more than 11,000 check-ins with felony offenders. During sweeps, officers have also recovered illegal drugs and ammunition.

This initiative builds on Governor Whitmer’s MI Safe Communities program that she launched in 2021 to invest in local police, get illegal guns off the street and fund expanded opportunities in jobs, education and the justice system. 

^{The following is a game recap courtesy of Senior Writer Tim Twentyman & DetroitLions.com.}

Recap: The Detroit Lions got their first crack at an NFC North opponent Sunday at Ford Field and got the division slate of their schedule off to a great start with a 20-17 win over Green Bay.

Kicker Jake Bates stayed perfect kicking field goals on the season, hitting a 22-yarder as time expired to give Detroit a huge win at home.

The win improves the Lions' record to 4-2 on the season and gives them back-to-back wins for the first time since early October of last season.

Detroit's dynamic receiving duo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams proved too much for the Packers to contain all contest and helped spearhead the Lions' win. Williams caught two touchdowns (16 & 10 yards) for the second straight week and finished with 91 receiving yards on five receptions. St. Brown caught nine passes for 153 yards.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was also big in this one, rushing for 116 yards on 29 attempts and catching five passes for 27 yards.

Detroit led 17-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, but Green Bay tied it midway through the quarter on a 43-yard field goal.

On the next Lions' possession, Detroit couldn't convert a 4th & 1 at their own 22-yard line, giving Green Bay terrific field position with a chance to take the lead. The Packers eventually lined up for a 35-yard field goal try that was blocked.

Detroit's offense took over and never gave the football back.

They marched 71 yards down the field in 10 plays, taking off the last three minutes and 21 seconds and setting up Bates for the winner.

The Lions also got a huge fourth-quarter interception from safety Brian Branch, who was playing in his first game since tearing his Achilles last December.

QB comparison: Jared Goff registered his 29th consecutive game with a touchdown pass and completed 22 of his 32 pass attempts for 303 yards and those two touchdowns to Williams. He finished with a 119.7 passer rating. Goff has now gone six straight games to begin the season without throwing an interception. He has 14 touchdowns and no picks. He was credited with a lost fumble Sunday on a bad exchange with center Cade Mays, who started his first game of the season coming off Reserve/Injured.

Jordan Love finished 27-for-45 passing for 274 yards with two touchdown passes to tight end Tucker Kraft and running back Josh Jacobs. He also threw an interception and finished with an 83.0 rating.

Impact moment: After Green Bay missed a chance to take a 20-17 lead late with the failed 35-yard field goal attempt, Goff led the Lions down the field with the critical play being a 2nd & 8 dart to tight end Sam LaPorta over the middle to Detroit's 45-yard line. The Lions got 15 yards tacked on via Karl Brooks' roughing the passer penalty.

Detroit marched down to the Packers' 20-yard line where they faced a 3rd & 5. Green Bay gifted the Lions a first down with an offside penalty, jumping on a hard count. Detroit ran the clock down from there thanks to two unselfish runs by Gibbs, turning down touchdowns to get downs and run the clock.

Key stat: Detroit held Green Bay to just 60 yards rushing and no rushing touchdowns.

Injury report: Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left the game in the second half with an ankle injury and did not return.

Next week: vs. Minnesota (6-0), Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. (FOX)

Local Realtor Brittany Felde was recently featured on Inside Success TV as part of the “Women in Power” series.

The show, which was filmed in Miami, Florida, features Felde sharing parts of her life story and the inspiration that led her into real estate.

“I was on Facebook and saw some casting opportunities on Netflix,” Felde said. “When I submitted my application, they saw my business and everything. That’s when they called to see if (Women in Power) would be something I would be interested in.”

She launched Felde Realty in 2021. The company, based in Morley, has 14 listing agents and serves seven area counties. Brittany has won multiple awards, including RateMyAgent’s Agent of the Year in 2025.

While she changed career plans multiple times, Felde fell in love with the real estate process while purchasing her first home at 21 years old. She then obtained her real estate license while holding two other jobs and sold 60 houses in her first year.

When asked what inspired her to start her own company, she said she wanted to maximize license capabilities for agents to buy and sell houses.

“I created my company to help everybody and service the entire state. I’ve also been able to give back to the community that I’m a part of, and that’s been really big.”

Along with her real estate venture, Brittany operates Felde Fun Houses, a party inflatable rental business that also includes party supplies and a hall rental. She also has multiple Airbnb rental properties and has co-authored and contributed to a pair of real estate and financial success books.

“I definitely feel like (the episode) is empowering a lot of women,” Felde said. “When they first cast me, they were really trying to stick my story to its small-town roots, but now, it’s really focused on that you can be a mom and a successful business owner. I think that is encouraging for people to know that you can be a mom and still chase your dreams.”

To watch the episode, visit here: Built From Courage: Inside Success TV Episode.

_{Photo courtesy of Brittany Felde and Inside Success TV.}

It's time for the General Election this November! For those living in Mecosta County, see our voting guide below to help you know what's going to be on the ballot.

 

MECOSTA COUNTY BALLOT GUIDE

Date: Tuesday, November 3

Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Additional Resources:

• POLLING PLACE
• EARLY VOTING INFO
• GENERAL VOTING INFO

 

*STATE OFFICIALS*

 

State Governor & Lieutenant Governor (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Jocelyn Benson & Winnie Brinks, Democrat

• John James & Jay DeBoyer, Republican

• Anthony Hudson & Beau Parmenter, Libertarian

• Donna Brandenburg & Robert Cowper II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Campbell & Bobbie Clay, Green

Secretary of State (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Garlin Gilchrist II, Democrat

• Anthony Forlini, Republican

• Christine Sloan, Libertarian

• Scott Aughney, U.S. Taxpayers

• Eric Borregard, Green

Attorney General (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Eli Savit, Democrat

• Doug Lloyd, Republican

• Jason Dye, Libertarian

• John Perry Ludtke Jr., U.S. Taxpayers

• Jeff Polonowski, Green

• Doug Dern, Natural Law

 

*CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

U.S. Senator (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Abdul El-Sayed, Democrat

• Mike Rogers, Republican

• Lydia Christensen, Libertarian

• Tim Long, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Marsh, Green

• Walter Kristy, Natural Law

U.S. Congress - 2nd District (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Ben Ambrose, Democrat

• John Moolenaar, Republican*^INC

• Charlotte Magoon, Green

• Richard Sills, Natural Law

State Senator - 34th District (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Roger Hauck, Republican*^INC

• Tyler Landgraf, Democrat

State Representative - 100th District (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Tom Kunse, Republican*^INC

• Tracy Ruell, Democrat

 

*STATE EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

State Board of Education (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Judith Pritchett, Democrat

• Tiffany Tilley, Democrat

• Terence Collins, Republican

• Bree Moeggenberg, Republican

• Charles Essner, Libertarian

• William Mohr II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Christine Schwartz, U.S. Taxpayers

• Wissam Charafeddine, Green

• Mary Anne Hering, Working Class

• Kelli Monroe, Natural Law

Regent of the University of Michigan (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Paul Brown, Democrat

• Amir Makled, Democrat

• Lena Epstein, Republican

• Michael Schostak, Republican

• Andrew Chadderdon, Libertarian

• Kyle Maas, U.S. Taxpayers

Trustee of Michigan State University (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Brianna Scott, Democrat

• Kelly Tebay Zemke, Democrat

• Julie Maday, Republican

• Roger Victory, Republican

• Daniel Patterson, Libertarian

• Will Tyler White, Libertarian

• Janet Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Anthony La Pietra, Green

• Yaz Ozbek, Working Class

Govenor of Wayne State University (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Shereef Akeel, Democrat

• Richard Mack, Democrat

• Andy Anuzis, Republican

• Christa Murphy, Republican

• Alex Avery, Libertarian

• Jami Van Alstine, Libertarian

• Jeff McDonald, U.S. Taxpayers

• Paul Ragan, Green

• Suzanne Roehrig, Working Class

• Kathleen Oakford, Natural Law

 

*JUDICIAL OFFICIALS*

 

Justice of Supreme Court (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Megan Kathleen Cavanagh*^INC

• Noah P. Hood*^INC

• Thomas W. Howe

• Casandra Morse-Bills

• Michael Warren

• Jody White

Judge of Court of Appeals (3)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Michael J. Kelly*^INC

• Allie Greenleaf Maldonado*^INC

• Michelle M. Rick*^INC

Judge of 49th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Dennis L. Duvall Jr.

Judge of 77th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Peter Michael Jaklevic*^INC

 

*COUNTY OFFICIALS*

 

Mecosta County Road Commissioner (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Michael Wernette, Republican

Mecosta County Commissioner - 5th District (1)

Aetna TWP, Austin TWP, Big Rapids TWP, Mecosta TWP

• Randy LaPreze, Republican

Mecosta County Commissioner - 6th District (1)

City of Big Rapids

• Wendy Nystrom, Democrat

• Allitta Hren, Republican

 

*CITY, TOWNSHIP, & VILLAGE OFFICIALS*

 

Austin Township Treasurer (1)

Aetna TWP

• Laurie Brockway, Republican

Austin Township Trustee (1)

Aetna TWP

• Kayla Iltis, Republican

Deerfield Township Treasurer (1)

Deerfield TWP

• No candidates on ballot.

Fork Township Treasurer (1)

Fork TWP

• Patti McNeilly, Republican

Sheridan Township Clerk (1)

Sheridan TWP

• Bridget Hahn, Democrat

Village of Barryton President (1)

Fork TWP

• Dan Cross

• Terah Eaton

• Jeff Nelson

Village of Barryton Trustee (1)

Fork TWP

• LaVonne Horstman

• Amy MacKersie

Village of Mecosta President (1)

Morton TWP - P1

• Jonathan Squires

• Ann Marie Wrobbel

Village of Mecosta Trustee (2)

Morton TWP - P1

• Terrie Caswell

• Deb Stieg

Village of Morley President (1)

Aetna TWP, Deerfield TWP

• Austin Korpal

Village of Morley Trustee (3)

Aetna TWP, Deerfield TWP

• Paul D. Block

• Teresa Fay Utter-Knight

• Katlyn Korpal

• Henry W. Petersen

• Steven C. Troost

• James Lewis (partial term until 12/1/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Village of Stanwood President (1)

Mecosta TWP

• Cody Stilson

Village of Stanwood Trustee (2)

Mecosta TWP

• Jessica Routley

• Harmony Stilson

• No candidate for partial term until 12/1/28*

 

*LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

 

Big Rapids Public School District Board Member (2)

City of Big Rapids, Colfax TWP, Grant TWP, Green TWP, Martiny TWP

• Pete Kent

• Jeremy Mishler

Chippewa Hills School District Board Member (4)

Austin TWP, Chippewa TWP, Colfax TWP, Fork TWP, Martiny TWP, Millbrook TWP, Morton TWP, Sheridan TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Katie Bazaire (4-year term)

• Amanda Cornell (4-year term)

• Melissa E. Denslow (4-year term)

• Tony Gibson (4-year term)

• Shauna M. Livermore (4-year term)

• Jesse Steele (4-year term)

Evart School District Board Member (2)

Chippewa TWP, Grant TWP

• Bre Grabill (6-year-term)

• Eric Schmidt (6-year-term)

Lakeview Community School District Board Member (3)

Hinton TWP, Millbrook TWP

• David Hansen

• Brad Peasley

Montabella Community Schools Board Member (2)

Hinton TWP, Millbrook TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Kaylee Closson

• Erica Vincent

• No candidate for partial term until 12/31/28*

Montcalm Community College Board of Trustees Member (2)

Hinton TWP, Millbrook TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Robert Byram

• Joshua Stamp

Morley Stanwood Community Schools Board Member (4)

Aetna TWP, Deerfield TWP, Mecosta TWP

• Greg Babbitt (4-year term)
• Emily J. Bongard (4-year term)
• Mary L. Engelsman (4-year term)
• Matthias Stevens (4-year term)
• Michelle R. Frisbie (6-year term)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Reed City Area Public Schools Board Member (3)

Grant TWP, Green TWP

• Troy Alan Bowling (4-year term)
• Jamie Eichenberg (4-year term)
• Christine Mund (4-year term)
• Dustin Robbins (4-year term)
• Maggie M. Walcott (partial term until 12/1/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

 

*STATE PROPOSALS*

 

Proposal 2026-1: Convene A Constitutional Convention For The Purpose Of Drafting A General Revision Of The State Constitution?

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Shall a convention of elected delegates be convened in 2027 to draft a general revision of the State Constitution for presentation to the state’s voters for their approval or rejection?

Proposal 2026-2: Proposed Law To Prohibit Campaign Contributions From Certain Regulated Utilities And Government Contractors And Apply Campaign Finance Laws And Regulations To Additional Types Of Political Communications?

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to these utilities/contractors from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them. 

• Expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring disclosing donor information, to apply to communications clearly identifying candidates or ballot questions, even if they do not expressly advocate voting for/against them. 

• Expressly apply the law requiring disclosure of who paid for political communications to internet political communications. 

• Should this proposal be adopted?

 

*CITY & SCHOOL PROPOSALS*

 

City of Big Rapids Proposition for Revised City Charter

City of Big Rapids

• Shall the revised city charter proposed by the City Charter Commission be adopted?

Chippewa Hills School District Bond Proposal

Austin TWP, Chippewa TWP, Colfax TWP, Fork TWP, Martiny TWP, Morton TWP, Sheridan TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Shall Chippewa Hills School District, Mecosta, Isabella and Osceola Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Nine Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($29,900,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:

  • Remodeling, including safety and security improvements, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and reequipping existing school buildings; erecting, furnishing, and equipping school support buildings; acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings; purchasing school buses; and equipping, developing, and improving playgrounds, athletic fields and facilities, parking areas, driveways, and sites?

  • The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 1.04 mills ($1.04 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty (20) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.03 mills (1.03 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

  • (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Fork Township Road Maintenance Renewal

Fork TWP

• Shall the previous voted increase in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Fork Township of 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) be renewed and levied at up to .9739 mill ( $0.9739 per $1,000 of taxable value) for four (4) years, 2028 through 2031 inclusive, for the Purpose of providing funds for the maintenance and repair of roads within Fork Township boundaries, raising an estimated $71,723 in the first year the millage is levied?

Reed City Area Public School District Bond Proposal

Grant TWP, Green TWP

• Shall Reed City Area Public Schools, Osceola, Mecosta, Newaygo and Lake Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Ten Million Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($10,780,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: 

• Remodeling and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; and preparing, developing, improving and equipping structures, sites and lighting at the high school athletic field? 

• The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 0.20 mill ($0.20 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is nine (9) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.83 mills ($1.83 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). 

• The school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $2,260,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. 

• (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Megan Somsel got through Ferris State University on food assistance and Medicaid, living in low-income housing as an independent student. Now, she stocks a free vending machine built for students in her old shoes.

The basic needs vending machine stands outside the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive, and gives students hygiene and wellness items around the clock at no cost. Ferris State, Corewell Health and District Health Department No. 10 held a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.

“I tell my students all the time that I was in your shoes,” said Somsel, Ferris State’s basic needs care coordinator in the Office of Student Life.

Somsel grew up in Blanchard, about 30 minutes from Big Rapids, and became emancipated from her parents at 17. She graduated from Ferris State in 2017 without knowing the Office of Student Life or the Personal Counseling Center existed, though she carried childhood trauma she said she would have taken to counseling. Ferris State had no food pantry then.

“I wish we had a food pantry back then when I was here because I definitely would have used it,” she said.

Somsel later worked as a case worker for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Now she processes Ferris Cares emergency fund applications, helps students apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and builds monthly budgets with them.

“I truly believe that I was put in this role to connect with those students,” she said.

Andy Slater, director of Counseling and Anti-Violence Prevention Programming at the Personal Counseling Center, brought Somsel onto the machine project last December. Corewell Health offered Ferris State a $20,000 grant from opioid settlement funds administered by Mecosta County. Slater managed the grant. Somsel bought the contents, helped design the machine and joined every meeting with Corewell and the manufacturer.

The settlement required naloxone and other risk-reduction items. Corewell left the rest to Ferris State. When full, the machine holds 300 to 500 items across nine categories, including shampoo, toothpaste, menstrual and personal hygiene products, hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Students enter the code 123 and their student ID number, then choose up to one item per category per hour.

Somsel’s office already hands out hygiene care packages, but only 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The machine covers nights and weekends, and it offers privacy.

“Not all students want to be seen taking a bag full of stuff out with them in the middle of the David Eisler Center,” Somsel said.

Slater sees the machine as a companion to the campus food pantry, which also operates in the Eisler Center.

“They get the food that they need, they get the hygiene stuff they need, they can go home and they can go pass their classes,” he said.

About $8,000 of the grant remains for restocking. Corewell partners told Slater that Ferris State can apply for more, and Somsel’s office holds Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance funds as a backup.

Slater set no usage target. He wants students to know the machine exists. For Somsel, who didn’t know about these resources as a student, that awareness is the point.

“These resources are here and you can utilize them as much as you need to,” she said. “Do it. There’s no shame in it.”

_{Release and photo courtesy of Ferris State University.}

Late Thursday night, Oct. 22, 2026, law enforcement responded to multiple reports of shots fired in Martiny Township.

At approximately 8:08 p.m., Mecosta County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on 13 Mile Road for a report of shots fired. While en route, an additional call reported others rounds being fired into a nearby residence on the same road. Deputies made contact with the second caller, who showed them a bullet hole in the east side wall of the house.

While inside the residence, deputies heard several gunshots outside. They exited in an attempt to locate the source of the gunfire and heard several more shots, some of which struck the residence. The sergeant on scene requested assistance from the emergency response team and declared a barricaded gunman situation. Deputies held the perimeter and evacuated nearby citizens until additional resources arrived.

A search and arrest warrant were quickly secured by the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office. It was executed by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team, which established communication with the suspect and negotiated his surrender from an armored vehicle. 

“The suspect was taken into custody without further incident,” Sgt. Shawn Stallard of the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office said. “Several firearms, including high-powered rifles, a shotgun and a pistol, as well as a stockpile of ammunition, were seized from the target residence. No injuries were reported.”

The suspect has been charged with two counts of discharging a firearm at or into an occupied dwelling and two counts of felony firearm.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team, the Morton Township Fire and Rescue Drone Team, Meceola Central Dispatch, and Michigan State Police from the Isabella and Lakeview posts.

_{Release information courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}

Last week, 41-year-old Gregory Hite and 41-year-old Bridget Bureau were bound over felony charges for an alleged criminal enterprise.

The couple, from Lake (Station) stole the identity of a local excavation business to obtain financing to resell equipment without a title. 44 pieces of equipment were illegally sold for a value of nearly $2 million. They were also charged with multiple counts of filing a false tax return.

"Identity thieves can target anyone, including businesses, for their own personal financial gain,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I want to thank the Clare County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Treasury for their investigative work on this case. We will continue to work with our state and local partners to hold accountable those who steal from Michigan residents.”

Hite was bound over:

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000;
• Three counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $25,000;
• One count of False Pretenses $100,000 or more, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $35,000;
• One count of False Pretenses $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $25,000;
• One count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a felony punishable by 10 years and/or $10,000; and
• Five counts of Taxes- False Return, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $5,000.

Bureau was bound over on:

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000;
• Three counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $25,000; and
• Six counts of Taxes- Failure to File/False Return (tax years 2019 through 2024), a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $5,000.

The case is in the 55th Circuit Court in Clare County.

After more than four years in Russian custody, 74-year-old Stephen James Hubbard was released on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Hubbard grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. He taught in Japan for nearly 25 years and moved to Izium, Ukraine, in 2014.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was involved in the announcement on Wednesday. Major news outlets reported that Hubbard was aboard a jet that landed in Texas late Wednesday night.

“Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family,” President Donald Trump said via Truth Social. “The United States was not required to give anything in return — an unprecedented situation for Russia.”

Trump also said he contacted Putin directly by phone to negotiate the release.

Hubbard was detained by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2022 and was sentenced two years later on allegations of being a Ukrainian mercenary.

The United States designated Hubbard as “wrongfully detained” in January 2025, saying there was no evidence of him being a combatant. He was the oldest American held in Russia with that designation at the time of his release.

A 67-year-old man is missing after he was last seen in Howard City on Friday, Oct. 16. Brent Braford is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 190 pounds. He also needs medication.

Initial reports say he could be in Howard City, Sparta, Big Rapids, Kent City or White Cloud. Braford drives a dark-colored 2017 four-door Chevrolet Silverado truck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Ouwinga at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 689-7303. Please reference Report No. 162-2266-26.

_{Release information and photo courtesy of Newaygo County Sheriff's Office.}

Ferris State University men's basketball will hit the hardwood this week in an exhibition against Calvin University to start a new era under the leadership of head coach Brooks Miller.

The tilt is set for Thursday, Oct. 22 with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for all attendees.

A two-time National Coach of the Year, Miller was hired as the 15th head coach in Bulldog men's basketball history. He brings championship experience to the program after leading Trine University to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship, and more recently served at the NCAA DI level as the associate head coach at Central Michigan.

Thursday’s contest includes a special meeting for Miller that features two legendary Ferris State coaches: Ed Douma and Bill Sall.

Douma will be honored before the start of Thursday’s contest, as his successful career that spanned 34 years included serving as an assistant coach for Ferris State under Sall’s leadership from 2009-13 before retiring.

Before joining the Bulldogs, Douma served with multiple institutions - including Central Michigan University - while leading Calvin to the 1992 NCAA DIII National Championship to go along with multiple conference regular season and postseason titles. Douma was also inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.

Miller emphasized what will be a special moment between the trio this week, as he noted that Douma gave him his first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level.

"Coach Douma opened doors for me that no one else could and challenged me in a way that forced me to find something in myself that I did not know I had," Miller said. "He provided opportunities for many of us that never would have been possible without his guidance.”

Sall was the Bulldogs’ head coach from 2002-13 and now enters his eighth season as the head coach for the Calvin Knights. He claimed four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and made three trips to the NCAA DII Tournament while coaching for Ferris State.

The relationship between the three coaches goes deeper, as Miller was coached by Douma and Sall during his collegiate playing career at Hillsdale College.

“My family and I will be forever grateful for the impact both coach (Douma) and Carolyn have had in our lives, and I will work tirelessly to share many of the lessons he taught me to those I am fortunate enough to coach,” Miller said.

Ferris State will look to return to its winning ways under the leadership of Miller as the Bulldogs will have four straight regular-season matchups to open the season between Nov. 4 and 14. Their first GLIAC contest is slated for Dec. 3 against Saginaw Valley State at home.

_{Release and photos courtesy of Ferris State University & Athletics.}

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that her office will intervene in a new natural gas rate case filed by Consumers Energy.

On Oct. 15, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a roughly 4.3% rate increase that will allow Consumers Energy to collect an additional $139.2 million annually. The utility had requested about $240 million. The approved amount is more than 42% lower than the request.

Four days later, on Oct. 19, Consumers Energy filed notice of its intent to seek another natural gas rate increase. The full application is expected in December.

“Major utilities like Consumers Energy and DTE employ entire teams of staff to craft rate hike applications to file one right after another, and their bill-paying customers pay all the costs to craft these massive proposals,” Nessel said in a release. “In the past, we have asked the MPSC to require both companies to track their costs associated with rate hike cases and, as long as their customers are paying for the process, I hope someday soon we’ll know just how much.”

Starting Nov. 1, a typical residential customer using 75 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month will see an increase of about $3.92. These rate increases generally cover capital investment costs such as gas mains, pipes and service lines.

Consumers Energy received approval for a $157.5 million natural gas rate increase on Sept. 30, 2025. The company also has a separate electric rate case pending in which it is seeking roughly $456 million. It serves approximately 1.8 million natural gas customers in Michigan.

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that a 40-year-old man has been extradited from Texas to Mecosta County to face charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Freddie Patterson was transported by the U.S. Marshals Service on Thursday, Oct. 15, to the Mecosta County Jail. He was arraigned the following day in the 77th District Court on the charge and is being held without bond.

According to the department, the case stems from an investigation originally reported in 2021. Investigators have been working since 2024 to locate and extradite Patterson, who had been incarcerated in a Texas prison on unrelated charges.

"The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety would like to thank the Mecosta County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and United States Marshals Service for their assistance and cooperation throughout the extradition process," Big Rapids DPS said. "The charges referenced are allegations, and Patterson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."

_{Release information courtesy of the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.}

 

Monday, October 12

• An officer was dispatched to a well-being check. The officer made contact with the subject who requested medical assistance. The officer stood by with the subject until medical personnel arrived on location. 
• An officer was dispatched to a residence for a civil dispute between siblings. The complainant was advised they needed to contact the Probate Court for further court involvement.
• An officer was contacted regarding a child abuse complaint. It was determined that the incident occurred outside of the city limits. The officer took a brief statement and completed a referral to Children Protective Services. The complaint was also turned over to the Osceola County Sheriff's Department.
• An officer assisted Osceola County Sheriff's Department with a domestic assault complaint.

Tuesday, October 13

• An officer was requested to do a standby for a community event.
• An officer was dispatched to a retail fraud complaint. The subjects were identified, and the complaint remains open pending further investigation.

Wednesday, October 14

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a traffic complaint.
• An officer was requested for VIN inspection and verification.

Thursday, October 15

• An officer was dispatched to an open phone line with no one on the line and no answer on an attempt to call back. Upon investigating the incident, it was found that 911 was mistakenly dialed. 

Friday, October 16

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a private property accident with damages.

Saturday, October 17

• An officer was dispatched to check the well-being of a child. The child was found to be okay.

Sunday, October 18

•  An officer was dispatched to investigate a hit and run accident. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.

• An officer was requested by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office to assist with a suspicious situation complaint involving multiple suspects who were involved in a recent theft. 

• An officer was requested by an Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy to assist them with a harassment/threat's complaint between two subjects. 

More than $1.4 million is heading to rural parts of Michigan for broadband expansion projects.

As part of Michigan’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, 23 subgrantee agreements have been made to help connect about 200,000 homes to high-speed internet. These agreements will move the process forward toward construction for nearly 20,000 homes around the greater Big Rapids area.

Here are the number of homes in each county:

• Clare: 4,055
• Isabella: 1,233
• Lake: 1,844
• Mecosta: 2,863
• Montcalm: 2,832
• Newaygo: 2,886
• Osceola: 3,633

“Reliable high-speed internet means a student can complete homework, a parent can work from home, a small business can reach new customers and a family can access healthcare without leaving home,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Thanks to the commitment of our BEAD subgrantees, who are investing their own funds alongside this effort, we’re bringing more communities closer to these opportunities and building a stronger, more connected Michigan.”

The subgrantees include:

• 123NET
• Brightspeed
• CMS Internet
• Frontier
• Great Lakes Energy/Truestream
• Michigan Bell
• Midwest Energy & Communications
• Point Broadband Fiber Holding
• Spectrum
• Strategic Management, LLC

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) also anticipates five more subgrantees will sign agreements in the near future. Subgrantees have four years to complete their projects once agreements are made.

To see a map of projects, visit here: MICHIGAN BROADBAND MAP.

_{Release information courtesy of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.}

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking tips on a suspect and vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that occurred in Webber Township on Oct. 9.

According to a post, the rear-end crash happened around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 10 and M-37 in Baldwin. The suspect is described as a white woman with light-colored hair who was driving a dark gray or navy blue Chevrolet Cruze.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle is encouraged to contact Sgt. Botello by phone at 231-745-2711 or by email at rbotello@co.lake.mi.us.

_{Information and images courtesy of Lake County Sheriff's Office.}

 

Monday, Oct. 12

• At 3:13 p.m., deputies responded to Big Rapids Township for an assault that occurred on October 11. This incident is under investigation. 

• At 7:15 p.m., a report was filed for a stolen motorcycle. The vehicle is described as a grey colored Kawasaki KLX230. Anyone with information can contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

• At 10:22 p.m., deputies assisted with a warrant arrest. The female was located and arrested on an outstanding warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail without incident.

Calls for Service: 33

Traffic Accidents: 4

 

Tuesday, Oct. 13

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 0

 

Wednesday, Oct. 14

• At 7:25 hours, deputies made a traffic stop in Millbrook Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on several warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 5

 

Thursday, Oct. 15

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

 

Friday, Oct. 16

• At 7:52 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Hinton Township. The male driver was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

 

Saturday, Oct. 17

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 6

Traffic Accidents: 3

 

Sunday, Oct. 18

• At 7:54 a.m., deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in Fork Township. A male subject was arrested for Resist/Obstruct. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 7:54 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Wheatland Township. A male subject was arrested on warrants out of Isabella County. He was turned over to Isabella County.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 3