Over 30 area non-profits are expected to join virtually and in-person today at the Big Rapids Eagles Club for the 2021 Community Giving Day sponsored by the Big Rapids Rotary and Lions Clubs.

The event will take place from 11am-6pm.

Event organizer Robyn Stratton says this is a day that highlights how important these non-profits are to the area.

Last year's event raised over 47,000 for 29 non-profits.

For a list or participating organizations and to donate go online at Communitygivingday.org.

@ 12:02pm PDA Fuller/ Clark, at the 4 way stop. Unclear who had right of way no citations

@ 12:54pm PDA Cedar / State 

@ 1:19pm ASSIST FIRE 1100 block Catherine St Stood by for traffic control.  Under investigation.

@ 3:25pm PDA State / Locust, 1 vehicle failed to stop for flashing red light, 2nd vehicle turned into wrong lane

@ 5:57pm Fail to pay 600 block Maple St, same vehicle as 40-2102198 dark blue Dodge truck no plate, suspect backed out of store and fled.

@ 6:52pm 1100 block Catherine St Probation Violation. Anonymous caller advised that male was in violation of his probation by being in contact with a female at the residence. Upon arrival the male was located in a back bedroom with the female and arrested for Parole Violation.

@ 1:14am 100 block S Michigan. Suspicious while doing property checks found open door. Nothing appeared to be disturbed keyholder notified.

Consumers Energy is celebrating the holidays by helping shoppers and Michigan's local businesses.

The utility is providing $750,000 in matching gift cards in 63 communities through its Our Town effort where holiday shoppers can get a dollar-for-dollar match for gift cards they buy through local Chambers of Commerce and downtown organizations.

Area organizations participating include, Clare Chamber, Fremont Chamber and River Country Chamber in Newaygo.

Consumers Energy officials say the Our Town" program made an impact across Michigan last year with the programs dollars and shoppers giving a major boost to shops and restaurants in their hometowns.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested the person suspected in taking the vehicle.

Troopers say they got a call last week about a vehicle taken from a home in Isabella County.

Witnesses told police they observed the suspect on the property where the stolen vehicle was located.

On November 24^th troopers spoke with several of the suspect’s family members. Troopers then interviewed and obtained a confession from the suspect, a 26-year-old Harrison man, while he was lodged at the Clare County Jail on several warrants including absconding on parole.

He is awaiting arraignment on new charges.

11/24

40-2102187 @ 0637 Civil 300 block Morrison. Roommates not getting along.  Threw each other's property around and outside the apartment. Advised to contact management about different living arrangements.

40-2102188 @ 0712 Disorderly 1100 block Catherine. Female called advising that male was intoxicated at her residence, in violation of his probation. Male left prior to our arrival and was unable to be located. Report taken and will be forwarded to probation for review.

40-2102189 @ 1444 Civil at 1100 block Catherine, Female reported that her ex-boyfriend had a title to a motorcycle that belonged to her, and that he would not return it until she paid him for property of his that she had damaged.  Unable to contact male.

40-2102190 @ 1459 Found bike 1200 block Perry Ave

40-2102191 @ 1545 PDA State/Morrison.

40-2102192 @ 1601 Civil 100blk W. Madison. Disagreement between two males over leaf raking.

40-2102193 @ 1732 Found wallet turned into office.

40-2102194 @ 2228 Mental 1100 block Catherine Male called dispatch all in a panic and hung up.  Male and female residents appeared to be under the influence of a narcotic.  Male was arrested on a couple of warrants out of Grand Rapids. 

40-2102195 @ 0109 Maple & Fourth OWI, CCW, Possession of firearm while intoxicated.  A traffic stop was conducted after seeing a truck driving down the trail from Sawmill parking lot.  The driver performed field sobriety exercises but refused PBT and breath test.  Located two firearms in the truck.  They were seized. 

40-2102196 @ 0227 State & Knollview.  Traffic stop resulted in the driver from Howard City arrested on a warrant.

40-2102197 @ 0336 100 block S Third Ave Loud noise.  The downstairs apartment tenants began to have a loud argument because the one roommate would not fix the other food after getting home from the bar.  Written warning to be served tonight.

11/25

40-2102198 @ 0816 Fail to pay 600 block Maple St. Blue Dodge pickup pulled into pump, pumped gas, then backed onto Maple and left east toward S. Third. Unable to get plate or suspect description.

40-2102199 @ 1518 Traffic stop Stewart/Locust.  Driver cited for no license; passenger arrested for warrant.  Vehicle turned over to a licensed driver.

40-2102200 @ 1624 Disorderly at 500 block S. Michigan. Female that was highly intoxicated was yelling at her son and his girlfriend along with refusing to leave the residence when he asked her to. While on scene mother of girlfriend showed up and boyfriend’s mother began yelling at her, pushed past officer, and started across the driveway of the residence toward the other female. She was arrested for disorderly conduct.

40-2102201 @ 1749 Disorderly 400 block S Third Ave, male advised he had items missing from his tent that he was moving out of and was trying to confront resident about the property. Male was trespassed from the property by us.

40-2102202 @ 2154 No Insurance Fourth & Jackson.  Driver was cited for driving without insurance.  Vehicle towed by BR Tow.

11/26

@ 08:31am PDA State/Pine

@ 11:19am Traffic stop State/Perry led to arrest of driver on a Failure to appear warrant.

@ 6:00pm PDA State/Perry.

@ 6:57pm 700 block Clark St Civil/Loud argument  Male and female were arguing.  Neighbors heard a lot of screaming, yelling, pounding, and slamming of doors.  They saw male chasing the female. Female claimed it was a verbal argument only.  Male was gone on arrival. 

@ 9:01pm Hemlock Park Found bike under the pavilion.

@ 10:21pm 400 block N State St Civil Mother was called by her daughter who stated that father was extremely intoxicated and passed out.  Mother came to pick up daughter with current boyfriend.  Tempers began to flare as things were said in the direction of the father

@ 11:14pm Mill & State Traffic Stop resulted in a Reed City male cited for NO Insurance and speed.  Vehicle towed by Curries. 

11/27

@ 1:00pm Welfare check 800 block Bjornson on female. She is in Kent City with her daughter

@ 1:51pm PDA Woodward Ave. at Waldron Way Assist county with PDA no citation issued due to road conditions

@ 2:38pm PDA 1200 block Perry Ave.

@ 4:24pm MENTAL 500 block Marion Ave.  98 yr old female could hear voices in the basement and thought they were getting in through the tunnel.

@ 5:47pm 1800 block Milton Ave Suspicious. Female reported her prescription missing. No evidence that entry was made into the apartment. Half full bottle of another medicine and bottle of remaining medicine also located in same spot where bottle was taken from. Believe that caller moved the pill bottle after getting upset about taking a pill out of it the previous evening before all last month’s prescription was gone.

@10:24pm 200 block Pemberton Civil. Female and ex-husband got into a verbal argument about son telling father to “Frick off.” Female’s mother inserted herself into the verbal argument which escalated the yelling but nothing physical occurred. Father who still maintains residency and is allowed to stay at the incident location periodically by ex-wife, let himself in to retrieve son’s property that he had paid for, led to another verbal confrontation with ex-mother-in-law. Ex-wife was advised to evict male and not allow him to stay overnight any longer.

11/28

@ 2:07pm 300 block S Third.  Complainant called about male being extremely intoxicated.  He was transported home.

@ 2:47pm 800 block N. State.  Male had attempted to stab female with a screwdriver.  Female was uncooperative on scene and was unable to describe the tool.  Occurred in the county.  MCSO was contacted and responded for the call.

@ 5:15pm 800 block N State Called in as a domestic by neighbor.  Caller heard neighbor yelling.  Officers arrived on scene and found uncooperative female.  Male was not on scene, and she stated that she had been arguing with him on the phone. 

@ 2:49pm 1400 block Bjornson Threats 15 y/o Cadillac male was texting his 14 y/o gf about harming her mother.  Mother has text monitoring software on her phone and read the graphic texts and wanted to notify law enforcement.  Contact was made with males' parents. 

@ @ 5:02pm 600 block Hutchinson Civil. Mother was upset over how son had been acting since she let him come back and live in the house.  She was stating that he's using alcohol (18) and has suspicious looking subjects show up.  She was unable to describe these subjects. 

@ 9:46pm 300 block Morrison.  Tenants heard a cat crying in the eave trough drainage pipes running underneath the sidewalk.  The cat looked to have fallen though the broken pipes at ground level.  Officers were unable to see the cat.  BRFD responded to help us "flush" the cat out.  The cat crawled by another broken pipe and Ofc. Butts was able to stick her hand down the pipe and grab the cat and pull it out.  The kitten then fled on foot and was unable to be located.

This past weekend, and next weekend are the most popular times to buy Christmas trees in the state.

Amy Start, the Executive Director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association, says 75% of the trees will be sold by the end of next weekend, so you'll want to buy yours soon.

“There is a reduction in the amount of pre cut trees that are going to be available from the wholesalers, so some tree farms off set some of their inventory with pre cut trees and because they weren't able to get as many as they've had in the past you know they may be closing early this season.” Smart said. 

Start says the price of a Christmas tree is based it's height and grade, which is determined by how full it looks. On average, Christmas trees cost $10 a foot.

She adds Michigan is ranked third in the country for Christmas tree production, with about 2-million trees harvested each season.

Here is a list of local christmas tree farms: 

Duddles Tree Farms- Reed City

Barkley Tree Farm- Howard City

Swan's Christmas Tree Farm- Weidman

Vander Sys Tree Farm- Weidman

Rainbow's End Christmas Tree Farm- Stanton

Stilson Family Farm- Morley

Church's Tree Farm- Grant 

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for a stolen pickup truck.

Deputies say they received a call on November 25^th for a stolen vehicle complaint near the intersection of 9-Mile Road and 20th Ave in Wheatland Township as a vehicle was taken from a local business in that area.

The vehicle is described as a 2006 Ford F-350 4-door short bed truck that is silver in color. The truck had several distinctive features which included a sticker in the back window, black fender flares, black step sides and had LED headlights.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident or has information on the whereabouts of the truck is urged to contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

The Spectrum Health Reed City Walk-In Clinic is reopening Monday, November 29.
Hours for the clinic, located at 300 N. Patterson Road in Reed City, will be Monday
through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. The Saturday hours begin
December 4.

The clinic temporarily paused services in October due to staffing levels and consolidated
with the Big Rapids Walk-In Clinic at 650 Linden Street, Suite 1, in Big Rapids.

The Big Rapids clinic hours are the same as in Reed City.

Patients seeking a COVID-19 screening should utilize MyChart or contact their primary
care provider. Once a patient has a valid provider order after a screening, they can
schedule their COVID-19 test with the Big Rapids Drive-Thru, or other testing site, in their
MyChart account or by calling 833.755.0696.

In a medical emergency, patients are reminded to call 911 or visit their nearest hospital
emergency department.

Spectrum Health continues to seek essential team members to fill several open positions
in several departments, many with sign-on bonuses available. Please encourage friends
and family to consider a career at Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals by viewing job
postings at www.spectrumhealth.org/careers.

For the second year, CranHill Ranch is hosting their Star of Wonder: Journey to the Manger drive-thru live nativity. This free event is open to the public and will take place from 6pm-9pm on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th at CranHill located at 14444 17 mile rd. Rodney, MI. The event is free and open to the public.

Organizers ask all attendees to arrive at the event from the west, via 160th ave. and 17 mile rd. to help with the flow of traffic at the event.

Star of Wonder attendees will stay warm while enjoying the live performance of the nativity story, as they listen to audio recordings along the way.

“We want to give families a chance to learn about and remember the true story of Christmas,” says CranHill president Scott Barger. “Star of Wonder is a great opportunity for the community to come out and experience the life transforming power of that story. While staying warm and dry of course!” 

The Star of Wonder event is perfect for individuals and families, along with church and social groups and no registration is required.

“This event is all about giving our community a place to gather together safely for a special evening. We know folks are looking for ways to spend quality time together. This is a great chance to do that.” added Barger.

CranHill’s barn store will be open as well, offering a place for groups to gather and connect over the experience. 

While the Nativity portion of the event is free for everyone to attend, there will be an opportunity for guests to make a donation to CranHill’s camper scholarship fund. This fund helps families who are facing financial hardships to send their children to a life changing week at camp. 

If you would like to learn more about CranHill’s Star of Wonder: Journey to the Manger event, visit www.cranhillranch.com/star or call the office at 231-796-7669. The event is also listed on their facebook page, where updates will be posted in case of inclement weather. For more information on CranHill Ranch and their summer youth camp, retreat group, family campground and adventure experience programs, visit www.cranhillranch.com. 

The season of giving started a bit early at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety as gift donations have already began rolling in for a December 11^th event to benefit Eagle Village.

Big Rapids Officer William Sell says they have already had a few visitors looking to donate. 

"We’ve gotten a bunch of toys and there's a woman coming up from Kalamazoo to bring us 50 blankets.” "Last year we collected a lot of toys and gifts for the kids at Eagle Village, so I'm just hoping that we can get even more this year.” Sell said.

Eagle Village is a 681-acre campus in Hersey that serves hundreds of kids each year through residential
treatment, adoption and foster care, short-term interventions, and specialized summer camps. In 2020
they had 110 kids in residential care, they placed 62 kids in foster care, completed 20 successful
adoptions, and had 225 kids either attend summer camps or complete Challenge Weekends. They have
been doing this for over 53 years.

2021 Eagle Village Youth Christmas List
Fidgets – bubble pops, squishy balls, koosh or Arggh balls
Bullet Journals and supplies, Gel Pens, Notebooks (not spiral bound)
Headphones, ear buds
Weighted Blankets
Duffle Bags
Books – nature, adventure tales, heroic stories

Clothing
• Winter Gloves, Hats
• Fuzzy Sock
• Socks
• Sweatshirts

Personal Hygiene Items
• Hairbrushes
• Hair Ties – Scrunches, wraps
• Body Spray
• Lotion
• Nail Polish

Art Supplies
• Craft Kits
• Coloring Books
• Crayons
• Canvases
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Diamond Art
• Scrap Books
• Picture Books
• Sketch Pads (not spiral bound)
• Glue Sticks
• Playdough
• Stickers

Games
• Board Games
• Card Games
• Decks of Cards
• Puzzles
• Game Books
Musical Equipment
Sports Equipment
• Softball
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Fishing Kits
Tabletop games
• Air Hockey
• Ping Pong
• Foosball
• Basketball
Toys
• Dolls
• Stuffed Animals
• Toy Trucks
• Sand Equipment
• Flashlights
• Bubble lights – battery operated
• Kites

While the Big Rapids Cardinal and Cadillac Viking hockey teams face off tonight on the ice for the 131 Cup, BR Hockey Booster Krysti Kidder says the hockey team is partnering with the local AMVETS and American Legion for a great cause.

“All the donations,  non-perishable food items at the door will help the AMVETS and American Legion build 150 meal boxes for Thanksgiving for local veterans. So we're asking people to bring a few items to donate.  Active military and veterans can get in free and all students if they bring a donation can get in free. We're also going to raffle off some gift cards for anyone that brings in something to help contribute.” Kidder said.

The puck drops at 7pm at the Jim Wink Arena.

The Big Rapids hockey team is also teaming up with Mecosta County Toys for Tots for a teddy bear toss on Saturday, November 27^th at noon and 2pm.

Kidder says spectators can bring any new, unwrapped stuffed animal and get ready to throw them on the ice during the first intermission of each game.

Also spectators who bring in an unwrapped, new toy/teddy bear during the Thanksgiving Tournament games will be entered to win a gift card.

Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Spectrum Health Hospitals is restricting visitors at its facilities until further notice.   

Effective Tuesday, Nov. 23, patients are allowed only one adult visitor in the following areas: All inpatient rooms, emergency departments, urgent care, walk-in clinics, surgery, radiology and lab locations, as well as labor and delivery. Adult COVID-19-patients are allowed only one adult visitor, who must be the same person throughout the patient’s stay and must follow personal protective equipment guidelines.

"Spectrum Health is happy to welcome visitors who want to be with their loved ones,” said Chad Tuttle, senior vice president, hospital and post-acute operations, Spectrum Health West Michigan. “Like hospitals across West Michigan, Spectrum Health is experiencing high demand for our services and our hospitals are very full. While our teams focus on care, visitors can help their loved ones feel more comfortable during their stay and keep everyone healthy and safe by following our updated visitor guidelines

Spectrum Heath pediatric patients may have two adult visitors in the emergency department, urgent care, surgery and lab. Pediatric radiology patients can have one adult visitor.

Pediatric inpatient areas allow two adult visitors, who must be the same people throughout the patient’s stay. In double occupancy rooms, a pediatric patient is only allowed one parent. Pediatric COVID-19 patients are allowed two adult visitors, who must be the same people throughout the patient’s stay and must follow personal protective equipment guidelines.

Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the care teams involved based on end-of-life care or special needs. Adults are individuals ages 18 and older. Children and minors will be allowed as visitors only in limited circumstances.

Patients must identify visitors to their care teams. For pediatric patients, adult visitors’ names must be on file. Visitors will be screened. More information about visitor guidelines can be found here. Spectrum Health's COVID-19 resource center can be found here.

The restrictions apply to the following Spectrum Health hospitals and nearby physician offices and ambulatory care sites:

• Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
• Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital
• Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
• Spectrum Health Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center
• Spectrum Health Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion
• Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital
• Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial
• Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital
• Spectrum Health Pennock
• Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital
• Spectrum Health United Hospital
• Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital
• Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is looking for a suspect who is accused of breaking into the Stanwood Eagles Club recently.

According to the sheriff's office, the break-ins occurred on November 18^th and 22^nd, and during those incidents the suspect wore a mask over his face and has not been identified.

Deputies believe it's the same person who has committed both crimes due to evidence collected at the scene.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office at 231-592-0150 or through the TIP’s email address of tips@mecostacounty.org.

102nd district State House Representative Michele Hoitenga has announced her candidacy for the State Senate.
 

Hoitenga made the announcement on her Facebook page Friday. 
 

ANNOUNCEMENT: 

In my role as a State Representative, I've fought an escalation of government overreach - through mandates, executive orders, and the use of departments for political warfare - on a scale we've never seen before. Likewise, we've witnessed the heavy hand of bureaucracy shuttering businesses, making it more difficult to recruit employees, and holding jobs hostage for those in the workforce who don’t agree to let the government make their medical decisions for them. As a mom, I was horrified as concerned parents were labeled domestic terrorists. As a Michigander, I watched as those in power practiced a do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do form of government. 

These are the types of things I've been fighting against as State Representative, and it would be my privilege to continue that fight in the Michigan Senate.

Hoitenga was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2016.

11/19

@ 1:06pm 600 block Maple St, Civil. Customer attempted to pay for gas several times, but payment did not go through. Customer contacted and advised he would be back in to pay on Monday.

@ 5:18pm  2V PDA Perry/Ferris.

@ 9:05pm Cedar & State Traffic Stop A 21 y/o Big Rapids male was cited and released for driving without insurance.  Vehicle towed by BR Tow.

@ 12:55am 200 block Oak St, UIP- A 25-year-old male was cited and released for Urinating in Public. 

@ 12:55am 200 block Oak St.  This house is affiliated with a fraternity at another location.  They received a party warning for parking issues, the male urinating, and noise.  They were cooperative.

@ 3:33am Ives & Oak A traffic stop resulted in a 20 y/o male being arrested for OWI and cited for Open Intoxicant.  Big Rapids Tow impounded the vehicle.

11/20

@ 08:17am Civil 1100 block Fuller, male drove from Holland to see female, only to find out she did not want him at her apt. 

@ 4:08pm 100 block S. Third Noise, caller advised downstairs neighbor was having a loud party. Upon arrival everything was quiet.

@ 5:44pm PPDA 200blk N. Michigan.

@ 6:18pm Domestic/mental 700 block Farnsworth child was having an episode. He tore up the house, bit his mother, and scratched her arms. Report will be sent to probate for review.

@ 7:36pm T/S on Perry resulted in driver being issued a citation for no insurance. Vehicle impounded by Curries

@ 7:27pm 600 block Maple St FTP occurred at 1900 Maroon Honda pumped $30.82 and left last seen heading south on S Third. W/F wearing a yellow and black coat. unknown plate

@ 9:32pm 1600 block Milton Domestic- Male and female got into a disagreement over how to take care of male’s kids. Stories differed about how it occurred

@ 2:38am Noise 800 block Tioga resident was issued a warning for noise.

@ 5:32am 600 block State St. Retail fraud- 12 pack of Truly taken. Suspect is a W/F dark hair wearing a blue t shirt and red plaid pants.  She was last seen heading east on Cedar in a silver Honda CRV.

11/21

@ 10:04am 800 block Country Way Civil/Assault. Female reported that another resident had kicked her while they were in the hallway. Both parties spoken to and neither wanted to pursue anything.

@ 11:28am 400 block Maple St. MDOP Complainant reported his truck had been damaged sometime during the night. No leads.

@ 3:07pm 1300 block N State St. Assist MCSO with a possible B&E in progress.

@ 4:17pm Assist MCSO with a CPS referral

@ 3:57pm Natural Death 100 block Parkview Village.

@ 12:09am 1200 block Perry Ave False alarm Building was secure and no keyholder responded. Possibly weather related with the high winds.

Congressman John Moolenaar voted against the $1.7 trillion spending package passed by House Democrats on a largely party-line vote. In fact, the only bipartisanship came in opposition to the massive spending bill with one Democrat joining every Republican in voting against it.

“Michigan families are facing some of the highest inflation in the nation, fueled in part by the $2 trillion in spending Democrats passed in March. Now while Michigan families face higher costs for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Democrats are doubling down and passing another bill that costs nearly $2 trillion. Michigan families will be forced to pay the price while Democrats in Washington spend their hard-earned tax dollars," said Moolenaar.

“This legislation also contains terrible policies, including tax increases on 30 percent of middle class families and a federal takeover of child care that will limit the choices of Michigan parents while increasing costs. This radical legislation will expand the size of the federal government, creating a cradle-to-the-grave takeover of American life that will squeeze 330 million unique Americans with top-down policies that don’t fit their lives," added Moolenaar.

“Finally, at a time when we need to be attracting manufacturing back to America so we can secure our supply chains, the Democrats are raising taxes on businesses, which will cause them to look elsewhere for their manufacturing facilities. This is a disastrous policy that will harm our nation’s ability to bring manufacturing back to America," concluded Moolenaar.

There is a bipartisan consensus that the Democrats' spending this year has led to higher prices for Michigan families. Earlier this week, former Obama auto advisor Stephen Rattner wrote in the New York Times, "The original sin was the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, passed in March...That has contributed materially to today’s inflation levels."

An additional analysis of the legislation from left-of-center Brookings Institute found that "taking into account all major tax provisions, roughly 20 percent to 30 percent of middle-income households would pay more in taxes in 2022."

A person from Wyoming was taken to the hospital after an ORV they were a passenger on flipped.

It happened Saturday afternoon at a residence in Sheridan Townhip.

Deputies from the Mecosta Co. Sheriff's Office say an investigation determined a 45 year old man from Ada was operating a side by side with two passengers when they lost control and it rolled. A 47-year old passenger from Wyoming suffered an injury as a result of the accident.

The driver and second female passenger from Ada were uninjured.

The injured passenger was transported by ambulance to the hospital with non-life-threatening injury.

Ferris State University returns to in-person commencement ceremonies to close the Fall 2021 semester on the Big Rapids campus. The university expects to graduate approximately 860 students with degrees and certificates – including more than 641 scheduled to participate during three sessions on Saturday, Dec. 18, in Jim Wink Arena of the Ewigleben Sports Complex.

The featured commencement speaker is Patrick Bishop, a professor of Public Relations and Marketing in the College of Business. Traditionally, the fall commencement ceremony speaker is the most recent recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award in Spring 2021.

Commencement features three sessions. The morning ceremony begins at 9 a.m. and recognizes College of Arts, Sciences and Education graduates. The 12:30 p.m. ceremony celebrates College of Business graduates, and a 4 p.m. ceremony features graduates from the College of Engineering Technology and College of Health Professions to close out the day. Fall 2021 graduates and facility guests must be prepared to wear a mask from when they arrive until they depart the commencement venue. The only exception is graduates can remove their face coverings for their official commencement photo. Additional information could be forthcoming.

Graduating Ferris Statewide and Online students participating in the Big Rapids ceremony will walk with their affiliated college. Graduates who wish to attend a ceremony should contact their college’s commencement coordinator. Kendall College of Art and Design, the Michigan College of Optometry, College of Pharmacy and Doctorate in Community College Leadership annually honor graduates during spring ceremonies in May.

Graduates planning to participate in the Fall 2021 commencement receive six tickets. The tickets are required for admission, with exceptions made for children 2 years old and younger. No extra tickets are distributed by the Commencement Office or the college commencement coordinators. Lost tickets will not be replaced.

For people interested in but unable to attend commencement, the ceremonies are streamed live. Watch the online stream by clicking the link. That live stream will be available courtesy of Ferris Cable 22.

Click special accommodations for more information for attendees with special needs

Click ticket information to learn more about requirements to attend ceremonies in Big Rapids

Click commencement for general information about the ceremonies

@ 1:04pm 15000 block 190^th Assist- Child ran away from school, student found in woods behind school by responding officers.

@ 4:39pm PDA Dekrafft/Maple.

@ 5:38pm PDA State/South

@ 10:13pm 300 block Finley Harassment.  Female was receiving several calls from a male.  She was unable to block his number and wanted it documented.

@ 1:18am 100 block Locust Loud Noise.  Written warning given

@ 2:06am Baldwin & Fourth Traffic stop resulted in driver being cited for no insurance.

@ 2:16am 1100  block Maple Alarm.  Keypad was malfunctioning.

The 2021 Community Giving Day is just over a week away.

On November 30^th, from 11am-6pm area non-profits will get together at the Big Rapids Eagles Club and fund raise for their organizations.

Event Coordinator Robyn Stratton says this is an special day for those involved.

“This day is important because it shows who Mecosta County is as a community and highlights these non-profits who are participating and how they impact the community now and into the future.” Stratton said.

The 2020 giving day raised just ever $47,000 for 29 area non-profits.

For a list or participating organizations and to donate go online at Communitygivingday.org.

 It’s never too early to look ahead to Ferris State University’s Fall 2022 semester. Now, for new freshman and new transfer students, the Bulldog Bonus Scholarship and Bulldog Housing Bonus Scholarship, totaling up to $4,000, can make a Ferris education more affordable.

“This is an exciting new opportunity for new freshman and new transfer students,” said Jeanine Ward-Roof, vice president for Student Affairs. “We recognize these are important steps our students and their parents are already taking. Through the Bulldog Bonus Scholarships, we’ve added an incentive to get an early start. Completing these steps as early as possible allows students to focus on finishing their final high school year knowing they are ready to be a Bulldog with scholarship support to make a Ferris degree even more affordable.”

The scholarship funds are split into $2,000 for the Bulldog Bonus and $2,000 for the Bulldog Housing Bonus in this collaboration between the Financial Aid and Housing and Residence Life offices. The Bulldog Bonus requires admission to Ferris in a degree-granting program at the main campus, in Big Rapids, or at the Kendall College of Art and Design. The second requirement is to register for and attend a free virtual financial aid workshop on either Dec. 1 or Feb. 16. The final need is to file and submit a valid FAFSA for the 2022-23 academic year to Ferris State University using the Ferris school code (002260).

For the Bulldog Housing Bonus, students must be admitted to a Ferris degree-granting program on the main campus or at KCAD, attend a virtual housing information session with options available for Jan. 13, 2022; Jan. 20, 2022; and Feb. 10, 2022. The final step is to submit an on-campus housing contract for Fall 2022. The contracts for next fall open on Dec. 1, 2021.

For both scholarships, if students complete the three steps by Feb. 1, 2022, they would receive the maximum available scholarship amount.

“We want to encourage students to find and fund their future at Ferris by creating the Bulldog Bonus Scholarship,” Ward-Roof said.

For more information about the Bulldog Bonus Scholarship and Bulldog Housing Bonus Scholarship: https://www.ferris.edu/admissions/financialaid/scholarship/Incoming/bulldogbonus.htm 

@ 12:09pm 200blk Sanborn, PDA.

@ 5:46pm 400 block S Third Ave, Civil, Male advised he was being harassed all day by another male. The other male was extremely intoxicated and was told to leave for the night.

@ 5:28pm 200 block Second, CSC, occurred approximately 2 months ago. Victim advised she was assaulted by a male she met online. Unknown name on suspect. Under investigation

@ 7:37pm 400 block S Third Ave, Disorderly, two males began to get into an argument reference one being too intoxicated.  One male chased the intoxicated mail from the bike trail to the corner of the incident location.  No assault took place.

@ 10:36pm 1700 block S State St/ MCSO, Suicidal Subject- Male left a note and his wedding ring at his residence in the county.  He traveled to the incident location with two loaded pistols.  He was planning on harming himself but he changed his mind.  He was transported to ER for evaluation. 

@ 10:44 200 block S Third Ave Assist.  Male was having a difficult time with the voices in his head.  He voluntarily went to the hospital for evaluation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that it has suspended the implementation and enforcement of President Biden’s vaccine mandate following the U.S. Court of Appeals Fifth Circuit ordering the mandate be halted until further notice.

Michigan Republican Congressmen John Moolenaar and Bill Huizenga support the order. 

“President Biden’s vaccine mandate is unconstitutional, and the federal government has no business enforcing this executive overreach on businesses and workers," said Congressman John Moolenaar. "Businesses are already struggling with supply chain disruptions and a labor shortage – the vaccine mandate will only exacerbate those issues. I will continue to oppose this mandate until the courts, Congress, or the Biden Administration bring it to a permanent end."

“This mandate is an unconstitutional overreach by the Biden Administration,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Congress has a responsibility to use the Congressional Review Act to place a check on the power of the Executive Branch and its legion of bureaucrats when it oversteps as the President and OSHA have clearly done here. Americans should have the choice to take the COVID-19 vaccine, not be forced by the federal government or lose their job.”

Earlier this month, Congressman Moolenaar introduced the No Vaccine Mandate Act. This legislation would prohibit the Department of Labor from using federal funds to administer a COVID-19 vaccine mandate should it be reinstated.

Meanwhile Huizenga cosponsored a measure today, Nov.18th  that would nulify the Biden Administration order. 

In West Michigan, Spectrum Health says it's reached a new high for COVID-19 cases.

During a media briefing earlier this week, President of Spectrum Health West Michigan, Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, says what they're experiencing is unprecedented. They've seen a dramatic spike in the past week.

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital has admitted 18 kids with COVID-19, the highest number it's had .

Spectrum Health says about 85% of the COVID patients system wide have not been vaccinated.

Spectrum Health Communications specialist John Norton says locally in Mecosta and Osceola Counties, Spectrum Health continues to have high patient volume with both COVID-19 patients and other patients.

Spectrum's inpatient and ICU units (both in Big Rapids) have been at or near capacity for weeks. They have opened an overflow unit in Big Rapids to handle extra volume when necessary (currently with six patients), according to Norton.

He adds, Spectrum Health's emergency departments at both Reed City and Big Rapids have also been high, but not necessarily due to COVID.

A Howard City woman was taken to the hospital late Tuesday night in Big Rapids after being involved in a head on collision with another vehicle. Officers with the Big Rapids department of Public Safety say they responded to the scene of S. State St and Knollview Dr. around 11:50pm.

During an investigation, it was determined a 59-year-old woman from Howard City had

turned from a side street and headed south in the northbound lanes of S. State St.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 21-year-old man from Wisconsin, was heading north in the inside lane of S. State St. Both vehicles crested the hill at Knollview Dr. at the same time and were unable to avoid the head on collision.

The female driver was taken to Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital for non-life-

threatening injuries. The male driver of the other vehicle was uninjured.

@11:25am 100 block Parkview Suspicious- Complainant called reference a tenant running an extension cord to their van as they were remodeling it.  Tenant was advised to renovate camper elsewhere. 

@ 12:05pm Maple/ Second Ave PDC

@12:41pm 300 block Morrison Larceny- Complainant stated someone had stolen her card and used her pin.  Suspects are caller’s mother or Ex

@1:38pm 200 N State.  Rear end PDC

@ 4:04pm 400 block S. Third Civil- Complainant stated that male showed him a knife at laundromat.  The knife was not shown in an aggressive manner.

@ 445pm 15000 block 190^th Alarm- Unfounded supply room motion.

@7:14pm 400 block S Third Ave Check wellbeing -Staff concerned about male’s intoxication level. Male was responding appropriately and able to answer all questions.

@10:25pm 700 block Division St Assist/Check wellbeing- Complainant concerned that boyfriend was suicidal. Male agreed to go to ER with girlfriend if officers would leave. Girlfriend later contacted us confirming that they arrived at the hospital and male was receiving treatment.

@11:36pm 700 block Maple St Suspicious open door. Interior found secure.

@1154pm S State St/Knollview PIA. See attached press release

@12:48am 1100 block Fuller Ave Mental. Male was intoxicated and having thoughts of harming himself. Transported to ER for voluntary evaluation.

On the heals of the CDC announcing Michigan leading the nation in new COVID-19 cases, the Region 6 Healthcare Coalition sent out a letter Wednesday morning stating area hospitals and EMS systems in their region are at a 'tipping point'.

The Region 6 Healthcare Coalition represents area counties like, Clare, Isabella, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola.

According to the letter from the coalition' Medical Director Jerry Evans, “Hospitals and EMS systems in our region are operating at extremely high capacity - and have been for weeks. While other areas of the country have seen the number of patients with COVID-19 decline, our numbers are on the rise.” “We are also seeing more patients with other serious health issues that cannot be further delayed or ignored.”

How does that impact you?

• Wait times for emergency, urgent or primary care may be much longer than usual

• Ambulance transfers may be delayed

• Surgeries or procedures may be deferred to a later date

• Visitor restrictions remain in effect

• You may have a prolonged stay in the emergency department waiting for a bed in the hospital

In the letter to community members, Evans also noted “If more people were vaccinated, that would help reduce the number of COVID-19 patients, as most of the COVID-19 patients in the ED and admitted remain unvaccinated. This is impacting our ability to care for those who are seriously injured in a car accident, suffer a heart attack, stroke, or experience another medical emergency or issue.”

Along with COVID-19, the Region 6 Coalition is also concerned about the flu season approaching.

“We are concerned there will be a surge of influenza along with the current COVID-19 surge adding to the capacity issues. We strongly urge people to get the influenza vaccine as well.” Evans added in the letter.

The group says community members can do the following things to help reduce COVID-19 numbers:

• Get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster if you are eligible

• Get children 5-18 a COVID-19 vaccination

• Wash your hands frequently

• Wear a mask when in indoor public spaces or outdoors when unable to socially distance

• Practice healthy behaviors such as socially distancing, getting good sleep, eating well and exercising.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced drivers should expect lower costs and more savings for their auto insurance policies over the previous year.

Under the new auto insurance reform signed into law by the governor, drivers should see even greater savings on the PIP medical portion of their policies on average between 25 to 62 percent depending on which coverage options they choose this year.

Governor Whitmer also reminded drivers who have let their auto insurance lapse that time is running short take advantage of purchasing insurance penalty-free before the January 1, 2022, deadline.

The lower premiums will save drivers more money on top of the expected refund that will be distributed after the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association voted unanimously to grant the governors request to deliver refund checks to every Michiganders with auto insurance.

A changing campus landscape and operational adjustments, put in place at Ferris State University, find School of Criminal Justice faculty working from offices in the Interdisciplinary Resource Center (IRC), with varied bases of operation, as the program approaches its 50th anniversary.

Criminal Justice Professor and Program Director Joseph Ferrandino said one noticeable change joining the College of Business is the activity level, as they arrived in the central campus region.

“We made a quick adjustment in relocating 10 faculty members and staff into the IRC in July and August,” Ferrandino said. “Being based in Bishop Hall, it was generally our staff, the 500 CJ students on campus, and the Early Education Center’s nearby traffic. Now, we have a more complete collegiate backdrop with football players parking outside our building, hearing their music play as they practice at Top Taggart Field in the late morning. It has brought a great infusion of life, which we very much enjoy.”

Ferrandino said some instruction locales remain the same while others adjust as Bishop Hall nears a future demolition as part of the Campus Master Plan.

“Our Criminal Justice Academy classes continue in the Southwest Commons while all other elements of CJ learning take place elsewhere on campus,” Ferrandino said. “It is a new learning experience for all of us. At this time, the School of Digital Media continues in Bishop Hall awaiting construction of the Center for Virtual Learning. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) staff are also based in Bishop.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Spring 2020 semester found Academy students adjusting to each determination from campus leaders and state education officials to continue coursework.

“We resumed face-to-face instruction at the first possible opportunity,” Ferrandino said. “It was necessary to meet the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) requirements. At this time, all of our instruction has returned to in-person learning, as is applicable.”

The School of Criminal Justice faculty has a unique ability to offer students insight from career experience. Ferrandino said their service as prosecutors, judges, county sheriffs, defense attorneys, police officers, a warden and corrections officers is a significant element of Ferris’ CJ curriculum.

“Their ability to impart what they have experienced in the field, or the courts, along with real-life scenarios is an uncommon level of expertise, in terms of Criminal Justice instruction,” Ferrandino said. “It is a definite point of pride for our school.”

Students can prepare for their careers by pursuing a minor in Criminal Justice, an associate degree in CJ, and Bachelor of Science degrees focused on Law Enforcement, Corrections, or as a Generalist. Ferrandino said the school also features a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Frequently, the master’s degree is pursued by officers and other professionals.

“I understand that people hear Criminal Justice, presuming that our students are seeking roles in law enforcement,” Ferrandino said. “That is how our program began, in the 1970s. Around 25 years ago, to address a broader view of this profession, we began our Generalist track. Soon after that, we established a Corrections curriculum to allow students to train for an area with significant demand for professionals.”

Added Ferrandino, “Students who take up our Master of Science program in Criminal Justice Administration may seek administrative roles with their department, and we have seen great success on the regional, state and national levels. Tim Murphy went into the private sector after serving as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Kim Koster and Vernon Coakley head up public safety departments in Wyoming and Kalamazoo, respectively. Several Michigan county sheriffs are among our graduates. We also see Criminal Justice Administration alumni teaching in community college CJ programs and serving as leaders in probation departments. There is a significant emphasis on assisting victims of crime, and our alumni have found success there. Enforcement is important, but so are these other aspects of pursuing and assuring justice in our communities.”

Ferrandino said a mid-October fair for Criminal Justice students was a success, as there were more than 50 law enforcement agencies, governmental departments and other job opportunities to consider.

“The marketplace for our students is promising, as there is a significant push at this time for new CJ professionals,” Ferrandino said. “Whether graduates are seasoned alumni or simply wrapping up their studies, I would say they have the best job market before them I have ever seen.”

As the 50th anniversary of Ferris’ CJ program approaches, Ferrandino said plans are in development to make a note of and celebrate the occasion.

“Woodbridge Ferris said, well before our program came to be, that this was a place seeking ‘to make the world better,’” Ferrandino said. “We look forward to considering our school’s contribution to that goal and our future.”

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying and locating two men they say were involved in the theft of over $3,000.00 of merchandice from Menards in Big Rapids Township on Monday, November 15th. 

According to a press release, the alleged retail fraud happened around 2pm when two male suspects, pictured below, are videoed loading a shopping cart with over $3000.00 worth of merchandise and pushed out the door without paying for the items.

If you know who these suspects are or know where they live, call the Mecosta County Shierff's Office. 

Public advisory: If you receive a phone call stating that a family member was injured in an accident and is in jail in another state and the person instructs you to send cash to help them. This is a scam. There should never be a reason to send a large amount of money through the mail or other shipping service. 

Monday…11/8?

Officers investigated a Domestic Assault complaint from a female involving an ex-boyfriend, who was out on bond from a previous charge for assault against this particular victim.  The case has been turned over to the Prosecutor’s Office for review, as well as the Osceola County District Court for review of criminal charges and bond revocation.

Officers received a complaint from a local business owner regarding the larceny of scrap metal from his property. After viewing video footagefrom the business, a suspect has been identified. The matter is under further investigation.

An Officer made contact with 2 female individuals after receiving a tip that there seemed to be a heated disagreement occurring.  After making contact with them, they assured it was just a discussion between family members. The case is closed.

An Officer responded to a complaint of a person loitering in a local park after closing hours.  A 31-year-old man was arrested on an outstandingwarrant from a neighboring county. He was turned over to the agency that held the warrant.

A wallet was found and turned over to an Officer.  Due to an ID and other cards inside the wallet, the Officer was able to locate the owner and the case is closed.

Tuesday …11/9

Officers responded to a call of an individual who was thought to be using binoculars to look in homes from his parked vehicle.  It was determined the male was actually playing a game on his cell phone. The case has been closed.

An Officer responded to a call where the owners had observed a ferret in their home.  The Officer was able to capture the animal and the ferret was returned to its owner, who lived next door.

Officers issued a 31-year-old male an appearance citation for Trespassing and Disorderly Conduct

Wednesday …11/10

Officers were dispatched to a report of a woman acting strange and the caller thought she should be checked on. It was determined that the woman was either having medical problems or having a reaction to medication. She refused treatment by EMS. Family was contact who arrived and took her to the hospital. 

Officers made contact with a homeless man. He has previously been directed to services to help but refuses to utilize them. Officers were able to get him to agree to lodging at a homeless shelter. 

Officers responded to a man burning leaves in his yard. He extinguishedthem and was given a verbal warning. He was advised the City picks up leaves and stated he was not aware of that. 

Thursday …11/11

Officers were dispatched to a complaint of fraud. A male had contacted the victim stating he was her grandson, had been in a car accident, and was in jail in another state. Believing it was her grandson she shipped cash to an address given by the scammer. The matter is under investigation but recovering the money is unlikely. 

Officers responded to a disagreement between a landlord and tenants. The argument was calmed and the landlord advised of the eviction process if he wished them gone. 

Friday …11/12

The School Liaison Officer issued a citation to a teen for being in possession of a vape device. 

Officers were dispatched to a threats complaint. A disagreement between a landlord and tenant from the previous date flared up when thetenants were served eviction paperwork. The matter has been turned over to the Prosecutor’s office for review. 

Officers were requested to assist Parole with a check on a parolee. Theman admitted to the parole agent he had used drugs a few days prior. He was given a drug test and advised his parole agent would be in contact regarding the matter. 

Officers took a report regarding personal documents that have been missing for over a year prior to being reported. 

Saturday …11/13

Officers took a report of an assault. The individual had confronted another male about alleged drug sales. The other man shoved him and yelled at him. When officers made contact with the man who had been shoved, he did not wish to pursue any charges. 

Officers were requested to perform a check well being on a man who was believed to be acting strangely. The man was found to be okay and upset over a family matter. 

Officers took a report of a residential burglar alarm. Upon arrival contact was made with the home owner and it was determined to be a false activation. 

Officers took a report of a found bicycle. If you are missing a bicycle,contact the Reed City Police to identify and claim it.

11/12/21

@ 11:03am 600 block Adams St Missing Person- Caller advised her adult son never arrived on the bus from Chicago.  Son was located here in town.

@ 12:40pm 100 block S Third Ave Suspicious- Caller saw someone at her door on her doorbell camera.  She thought they were trying to break in. Everything appeared secure.

@ 3:50pm Chestnut/State- PDA

@ 3:56pm 600 block S. State- PDA

@ 4:02pm 600 block S. State- PDA

@ 4:04pm 300block Perry Ave- PDA

@ 1:21am 200 block Oak St Threats- While shutting a party down a group of males were refused admittance to the house.  They took offense to this.  A resident kept looking at the other males and they took offense to this as well and threatened to come back. 

@ 02:29am 54.  Male walked into MCSO to turn himself in for violating his conditional bond release.  He was lodged.

11/13

@ 11:40am 600 block Maple St.  Civil- Female stating that male was harassing her.  Both parties are texting back and forth.

@ 1:08pm PDC State Linden

@ 1:52pm Hit and Run 100 Blk E. Bridge.  Happened sometime last night.

@ 6:54pm 500 block S. Michigan Suspicious- Mother called thinking her child had been kidnapped.  Contact was made with the father.  He had the child, and it was in good health.    

@ 11:14pm 800 block N State Alarm.  While on a traffic stop, an audible alarm was heard from building.  Building was secure.

@ 11:28pm 700 block Fuller Ave Assist.  Disorderly patient.  Transported by EMS.

@ 1:27am 400 block S Third Civil.  Male was not happy that staff asked him to go to bed while he was studying for his night classes.  Male went to bed and agreed to speak with management in the morning.

11/14

@ 4:00pm 700 block Rose.  Civil between mother and father of child.  Father stated mother wouldn't let him take their child to the ER.  Male took their child to the ER after the verbal disagreement was settled.

@ 4:13pm BOL in the County on NLD.  Female was having her boyfriend’s ex-wife following her around the city from the county after she was parked outside her Ex’s house and watched new girlfriend leave the residence.  Ex-wife was not located however MCSO got called to a trespassing complaint after she showed back up at her Ex’s house.  She was trespassed and advised of stalking her Ex-husband’s new GF.

@ 6:30pm PDC 1200 block Perry.  The not-at-fault subject however was cited for no insurance.

@ 632pm 400 block S. Third.  Info Only.  Male subject had a warrant but no longer does. 

@ 8:49pm 400 block S. Third Suspicious- Caller reported an assault had just occurred.  After reviewing video, it was determined an assault had not occurred.

11/15

@ 12:06pm Maple/ S. Third- PDA.

@ 5:02pm 1200 block Darwin.  Noise warning issued to female after she came outside and yelled obscenities at her neighbor over her loud behavior in her house and dogs always barking.

@ 6:53pm 700 block S. State. Check wellbeing.  Dispatch received a 911 text for a suicidal male.  The male was identified and contacted.  He wasn't a threat to himself or others at the time of call. 

@ 7:49pm State and Perry Hit and run. Suspect vehicle fled southbound on State St.  Vehicle was identified as a Honda Accord with heavy front-end damage.

@ 8:23pm Hours.  300 block S Michigan.   Female had her tire slashed Saturday.  Area canvassed and unable to locate any suspects.

@ 10:30pm 1100 block Catherine St Assault- Female stated that roommate pulled her hair to get her out of her room.

@ 11:58pm 1100 block Catherine St 911 Hang-up.  Contact was made with homeowner who was sleeping.  Everything fine

@ 3:57am S State St/Maple T/S for red light violation led to driver being cited for DWLS. Vehicle Owner responded and took possession of the vehicle.

A Stanwood woman was taken to the hospital with injuries following a two vehicle crash in Mecosta County.

It happened Monday just after 6pm on northbound US-131 near exit 134.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office says a vehicle driven by a 20-year old Mecosta woman was trying to pass another vehicle but lost control and struck the vehicle she was passing driven by a 23-year old Stanwood woman.

Both vehicles went into the ditch however the Stanwood woman's vehicle rolled several times before coming to a rest.

She was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Big Rapids City Commission has signed a resolution last night for Big Rapids to be more bicycle friendly.

Neighborhood Services Director Paula Priebe told commissioners the first bicycle loop is nearly completed.

“The City of Big Rapids has a goal of being active as a bicycle friendly community, this resolution will bring us one step closer to being that.” Priebe said. “The first bicycle street loop is more than halfway done now, it includes the White Pine Trail, Colburn Avenue which was recently finished, to complete this loop we need markings and signage on Bronson and Milton Avenues.”

(Bike loop map)

The Big Rapids City Commission also approved a resolution to apply to Pure Michigan seeking to have a “Trail Town” designation.

The next City Commission meeting is Dec. 6^th at City Hall.

A total of six vehicles were involved in an accident on northbound US-131 at the Little Muskegon River overpass in Aetna Township Sunday night.

Deputies with the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office received a call around 9:45pm Sunday for multiple vehicle crashes.

when officers arrived to the scene they found several vehicles lost control on the icy overpass, went off the road, three of which overturned.

One of the drivers, 24-year old woman from Indiana, suffered non-life threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A 31-year old man from Georgia was killed following a one car cash in Isabella County.

The sheriff's office says it happened around 2am Saturday on US-127 near Pleasant Valley Road in Coe Twp.

An investigation determined, the vehicle had left the roadway on the expressway and rolled over several times. The driver (and only occupant) 31-year old Cameron Brown from West Point, Ga. was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.

Deputies say alcohol was found in the vehicle and may be a factor in the crash.

The Big Rapids City Commission will be meeting tonight at City Hall.

There will be a number of items on the agenda including, a resolution accepting bids for equipment rental for snow removal services, a resolution for commitment to develop bicycle loops on city streets, a resolution to apply to Pure Michigan to be designated a Trail Town and a resolution extending the city lease of Peter VandeMark’s Hangar at Roben-Hood Airport for one year.

The meeting begins at 6:30pm.

To view the agenda for tonight's meeting CLICK HERE

Big Rapids Police Chief Danielle Haynes is proud to announce the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, Police Division, is hosting the second annual Season of Giving gift drive to benefit Eagle Village.

Eagle Village is a 681-acre campus in Hersey that serves hundreds of kids each year through residential treatment, adoption and foster care, short-term interventions, and specialized summer camps. In 2020, they had 110 kids in residential care, they placed 62 kids in foster care, completed 20 successful adoptions, and had 225 kids either attend summer camps or complete Challenge Weekends. They have been doing this for over 53 years.

The Season of Giving Gift Drive was launched by the Big Rapids Police Department in 2020. With the
help from department members, residents, local businesses and organizations, BRPD donated more
than 700 gifts to Eagle Village.

“We were overwhelmed by the success of this toy drive last year and we are excited to do it again this
year.” said Chief Danielle Haynes. “The outpouring of support in 2020 really shows how the citizens of
Big Rapids and the surrounding communities are always willing to come out and help each other.”

The holiday gift drive will take place on Saturday, December 11th, from 9 a.m.- Noon at The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, 435 N. Michigan Ave. Santa and his “reindeer” Boomer will be on site to accept your donation and take pictures with. Masks are encouraged and appreciated, and selfies with Santa and Boomer are a given!

Please see the attached list for items that Eagle Village needs. For more information on the event, contact Officer William Sell at 231-527-0005 or wsell@cityofbr.org.

2021 Eagle Village Youth Christmas List
 

Fidgets – bubble pops, squishy balls, koosh or Arggh balls
Bullet Journals and supplies, Gel Pens, Notebooks (not spiral bound)
Headphones, ear buds
Weighted Blankets
Duffle Bags
 

Books- nature, adventure tales, heroic stories

Clothing
• Winter Gloves, Hats
• Fuzzy Sock
• Socks
• Sweatshirts

Personal Hygiene Items
• Hairbrushes
• Hair Ties – Scrunches, wraps
• Body Spray
• Lotion
• Nail Polish

Art Supplies
• Craft Kits
• Coloring Books
• Crayons
• Canvases
• Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Diamond Art
• Scrap Books
• Picture Books
• Sketch Pads (not spiral bound)
• Glue Sticks
• Playdough
• Stickers

Games
• Board Games
• Card Games
• Decks of Cards
• Puzzles
• Game Books
Musical Equipment
Sports Equipment
• Softball
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Fishing Kits
Tabletop games
• Air Hockey
• Ping Pong
• Foosball
• Basketball

Toys
• Dolls
• Stuffed Animals
• Toy Trucks
• Sand Equipment
• Flashlights
• Bubble lights – battery operated
• Kites

The following incidents are being reported by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety on 11/11. 

@8:29am Traffic Stop Baldwin/Fourth led to driver being cited for DWLS. Vehicle towed to Curries.

@11:41am 200 block Escott Misc. complaint taken by SRO.

@1:52pm Found credit card 200blk N. Michigan.

@2:32pm 200 block Escott Assist. Possible abuse found to be occurring in the county. CPS notified and turned over to the MCSO.

@2:26pm  1000 block S State St Found property. ID, several credit cards, and a knife were turned over. Unknown when each were found as the store had bene holding them for quite some time.

@2:45pm Civil 1100 block Catherine, led to arrest of male for disorderly conduct after he yelled and threw items on the roadway outside the park, causing several people to come outside to see what was going on. Male had just been kicked out of residence by a friend.

@5:18pm Civil 1200 block Darwin, argument between neighbors over one of them smoking in their side of the duplex.

@5:45pm PDA State/Perry.

@6:45pm 1100 block Catherine Check well-being on female.  Complainant is concerned about friend’s abusive relationship.  No signs of anyone at the residence.  Checked another residence but there was no one around.

@7:28pm 1300 block Catherine Civil Complainant feels female is harassing her. 

@8:37pm 400 block  S Third Ave Disorderly   Male became enraged when one of his family members called a lady a profanity.  Male threatened his family member.  Staff asked male to leave for the night.  He grabbed his coat and backpack and began to walk away screaming obscenities across the parking lot toward officers.  Officers cleared but were called back an hour later because he was picking up cigarettes butts and yelling at residents again.  He was located nearby.  He wanted to camp out behind a store but was advised he was not allowed to.  He walked away but began to scream at officers and punched a sign.  Male was arrested.

@3:20am 800 block N State St Unknown Alarm

@5:43am 600 block S State, Retail Fraud.  A black male dress in dark color hoody w/white lettering, flip flops and socks took a 12 pack of Truly Hard Seltzers.  Last seen walking south along State St. 

It has been a whirlwind for new Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther, who just a few months ago was campaigning to be the leader of the city, and now was sworn in as Mayor on Monday.

So how is the former doctor acclimating to the new position? Guenther believes so far, it's has been smooth.

“Because I know Big Rapids so well, I think it will be an easy transition.” “The technicalities of city government are a little different than what I've done in the past but it's going fine and we are going to unite.” Guenther said.

During his first meeting with the Big Rapids City Commission, Guenther and the board got down to business and tackled an important work session item, the recently published 2020 US Census which shows the city of Big Rapids having a nearly 3,000 resident decline from 2010-2020.

“It's really tough that the census is every ten years, if it was every five years this wouldn't be a bigger conversation.” “We have to live with our revenue sharing based on the census for the next ten years and I just have a feeling that the loss of residents last year has a lot to do with the beginning of the pandemic and those Ferris State University students who claim residency in Big Rapids weren't here to be counted because after spring break the school told students not to come back to campus.” Guenther said.

“The bad part is the revenue sharing is strictly based on population and we could lose a ton of money every year and that is going to be the big issue. Guenther added.

Even though Guenther is only a few days into his four year term, he wants residents to know that he's approachable and will listen to ideas or concerns from the citizens of Big Rapids.

“I'm a positive person, I like enthusiasm, I like to mix it up with people and I think the residents of Big Rapids are going to enjoy that. Guenther said. I'm going to have some open sessions in the future where residents can come in and say what ever want, that's not part of an official meeting. I want it to be fun and I want the city to perk up and get enthusiastic.” Guenther added.

Michigan drivers won't have to visit the Secretary of State or post office as often when renewing their registration.

That's thanks to a new bill signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

The new legislation allows drivers to choose a two-year vehicle registration instead of renewing annually. It also allows no-cost registration renewal for certain agricultural and industrial vehicles.

That change would go into effect starting October 1, 2022.

The following incidents are being reported by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety for 11/10/21. 

@6:52am 100 block S State St Alarm. Building secure, unknown on cause of alarm.

@9:18am Warrant pickup Saginaw County.

@9:29am PDA State/Mill.

@1:56pm PDA State/Chestnut.

@2:48pm Hit and Run PDA 400blk N. Third. Under investigation.

@4:06pm Warrant arrest, met with Isabella County in Mecosta.

Veterans Day in Big Rapids was kicked off a little early Wednesday with a special ceremony at Holland Park: Veterans and Homefront Heroes Memorial to unveil a monument of a local hero.

General Ben Fuller was the top ranking US Marine from 1930-1934.

During the ceremony Organizer Mark Brejcha told attendees this all started two year ago when he received a phone call from the Pentagon. 

"I got a call from Mike Poumade who was working at the Pentagon,”  “He was looking at the paintings of the Marine Corps commandants and saw No. 15 Ben Fuller, of Big Rapids, Michigan and said oh my god!." Brejcha said. 

Big Rapids Native and active duty US Navy Admiral Larry Lagree was also in attendance to unveil the statue. Lagree will be the Grand Marshall of the Veterans Day Parade in downtown Big Rapids which starts at 11am today.

A 50-year old man from Crystal in Montcalm County is dead after the tractor he was driving flipped over on top of him.

It happened Tuesday night on Kimball Road near Blackmer Road in Ferris Township.

The Sheriff's Office says an investigation found that the tractor, driven by a 50-year old man from Crystal, was traveling westbound on Kimball Road. The tractor got too close to the road edge causing it to slide down an embankment.  The tractor rolled over pinning the driver underneath. 

The Crystal man was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were no other known contributing factors to the crash.

The following incidents are being reported by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety for 11/9 
 

@1012am Walk in Civil.  Complainant stated that retail store took money out of her account 3 times.

@10:28am PDC Perry and Division

@12:32pm State and Pere Marquette.  Minor PI.  At fault was cited.  Driver of the auto hit was cited for no insurance. 

@12:32pm Lodged male for PPO violation from above as he had protected person in the vehicle with him.

@2:14pm 400 block S. Third. Civil- Male had a debit card mailed to the shelter.  He is not allowed there anymore and asked a friend to get his mail.  The friend was supposed to give the mail to another friend.  The other friend never took possession of the mail. It had been given back to staff to "return to sender".  Confirmed with shelter staff. 

@11:24pm Noise 1300 block Catherine. Complainant called about loud noise from another apartment.  Tenant was issued a noise warning.

11/10

@12:11am 500 block Division St Suspicious Situation- Complaint heard someone knocking on her window. No foot tracks in the frost and no one located in the area.

@1:38am 300 block N State St General Information. Wife wanted to report husband as missing after he didn’t return home from work. While investigating husband returned and was working late with no phone to let wife know. 

One area school district is shutting down until November 16 --- because of Covid-19, other illnesses, and staff absences.

The district in Newaygo County has 1,500 students.

In a letter to families on the district's website, NSP superintendent Jeff Wright says there weren't enough substitute teachers to fill the gap --- a school day doesn't count if a school doesn't have at least 75 percent attendance. The lost days will be treated as snow days.

To view the letter, CLICK HERE

One of the first issues new Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther and the City Commission wanted to discuss was the recently published 2020 US Census which reported the city losing almost 3,000 residents from 2010-2020.

During a work session on Monday night, City Manager Mark Gifford told commissioners he feels the census results are inaccurate.

“From a standpoint of knowing the community, we don't feel that these are solid numbers” Gifford said.

Gifford pointed to back in March of 2020 when students at Ferris State University were told by school officials not to come back to campus due to COVID-19 and the census day was April 1^st. Gifford believes those two events culminated in the city having lower numbers in the census.

The City manager told the mayor and city commissioners he has looked into ways to correct the numbers. One way is to have the US Census Bureau do a special census which Big Rapids couldn't apply until June of 2023 and if approved, a recount wouldn't occur until March of 2024.

Back in 2017, the cost of a special recount by the US Census Bureau for a community the size of Big Rapids could cost around $150,000. City officials estimate Big Rapids could lose an estimated $400,000-$600,000 in federal funding per year over the next decade, if nothing is done. Gifford told commissioners that is the dilemma the city is in currently. City Attorney Eric Williams told the commission he has been in contact with a regional representative with the US Census Bureau and the city of Big Rapids is one of the first communities to be looked at for a special census.

Mayor Fred Guenther voiced his concern for the next three years worth of budgets because of this potential lack of funding. Gifford told the commission they have COVID stimulus funding and he's working with City Treasurer Aaron Kuhn and they could look at the loss of state revenue sharing as an eligible expense for stimulus funds which could be the next logical step moving forward.

“We are going to have to be careful over the next two years, until we can get this remedied.” Gifford told the commission.

The Big Rapids City Commission meets again on Monday, Nov. 15^th at 6:30pm at City Hall.

Two people were sent to the hospital following a two vehicle crash on Perry Avenue in Big Rapids Township Tuesday afternoon.

It happened just before 12:45pm, deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff Office say a 74-year old woman from Evart driving a jeep was attempting to make a left turn out of a parking lot onto Perry Ave. The Jeep was struck as it turned in front of a pickup truck driven by a 63-year old man from Big Rapids, which was travelling West on Perry Ave.

The female driver of the jeep was taken by Mecosta County EMS to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The male driver of the pickup truck was taken to the hospital by a friend to be seen for minor injuries.

The following incidents were reported by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety for 11/8/2021.

@6:38am PDC block 600 N. Dekrafft

@7:30am 200 block Perry Ave Hit and Run.  Suspect vehicle is a red SUV.  Extensive damage to suspect vehicle.

@9:03am Division and Fuller Hit and Run, Suspect vehicle that left the scene was a Grey Truck.  Vehicle that remained on scene was at fault.

@9:38am Assist 435 N Michigan Ave.  CPS referral found to be investigated by MCSO already.

@9:52am 1100 block Catherine.  Female wanted to report another Fraud where her husband reportedly used her signature to falsify documents on unemployment while she was incarcerated.  Female has already filed a report in the past and was already credited money from unemployment.

@10:25am PPDA 200 block N Michigan

@10:55am Assist 600 block Maple St.  Subject forgot to pay for gas, returned and paid.

@1:00pm PDC State and Cedar

@1:43pm Fraud 700 block Perry Ave.  Male attempted to pass a fake $100 bill.  Under investigation.  

@3:15pm Check well-being 800 block Water Tower.  3rd party reported female was having mental health issues. She was located walking her dogs with a friend.  She stated she is having a tough time at school but is working with her own counselor.

@4:03pm 400 block S 3^rd Ave Mental- 11 y/o juvenile was transported with mom to the ER for evaluation.

@8:38pm 400 block S 3^rd Ave Mental- male transported to ER for Eval. 

@9:14pm Warrant meet up with RCPD at dispatch.

@9:46pm 600 block Hutchinson Civil about a dog

@10:31pm 300 block Morrison Suspicious Situation.  Caller stated a black female with red in her hair walked into her apartment and went right towards the bathroom and stated she knew who rented the apartment.  She then walked back out and left in a vehicle.  Officer responded to the area priority.  Suspect saw/heard officers coming.  She turned around, drove over the grass into another parking lot, and fled the scene.  The area was canvassed. MCSO located the vehicle.  The driver was identified and was confirmed as the suspect by the complainant.  Contact was made at the apartment with the suspect’s brother.  He stated his sister wasn't there.  He denied consent to search the residence.  Mud was observed on the side of the vehicle.  Video follow up to be completed however the caller did not want to pursue charges.

Two people from Reed City and one person from Big Rapids are behind bars in Newyago County after trying to steal a camper trailer.

Deputies say it happened Sunday.

An investigation by police revealed the camper owners went hunting and while driving back to the site, noticed a vehicle pulling a camper that matched theirs. Further inspection of the camper they were able to identify the camper as theirs. The camper owners stopped and confronted the driver and passenger that were pulling the camper.

When Deputies arrived, they were given the story that the suspects just bought the camper from the homeowner on Hungerford. At the conclusion of the investigation, It was determined that the two suspects had just stolen the camper from where it was parked on Federal property. Stolen property from other camper located in the are were also located in the camper and vehicle.

A 39-year-old man and 43-year-old woman from Reed City were lodged in the Newaygo County Jail for Larceny, Receiving and Concealing, and Possession of Methamphetamine. A 23-year-old man from Big Rapids was lodged for larceny, all three are awaiting arraignment in 78th District Court.

Fred Guenther was sworn in as Mayor of Big Rapids at the City Commission meeting Monday night.

Both Jonathan Eppley and Karen Simmon were also sworn in as City Commissioners of Big Rapids.

During the meeting, the commission honored former commissioner and treasurer Lorraine James for her work and years of service with the city.

Treasurer Aaron Kuhn announced the finance office received an award from the Government Fiance Officers Association for excellence in financial recording.

The City Commission approved a resolution accepting a proposal from engineering firm Fleis and VandenBrink to work with All Service Contracting to complete evaluation of three sand filters at the city's water plant for $19,500.

City Commissioners also approved a resolution accepting the COPS Office Community Policing Development Program Accreditation award of $75,000. BRDPS Chief Danielle Haynes told commissioners this award will allow Big Rapids to be one step closer to be one of the few accredited police departments in the state.

One man is recovering after being hit by a truck while trying to pickup his hat in the road.

It happened Monday afternoon on 11 Mile Road near 230^th Avenue in Mecosta Township.

Deputies say a 34-year old man stopped his motorcycle on the road to retrieve his hat and was hit by 80-year old woman from White Cloud traveling in a truck. 

The driver of the motorcycle was taken by EMS for non life threatening injuries to Big Rapids Spectrum Health Hospital.

One of Big Rapids highest ranking military members is returning to his home town to celebrate Veteran’s Day this year.  Active duty US Navy Admiral Larry LeGree, a Big Rapids High School Class of 1987 Alum, will return to unveil the Major General Ben Fuller Monument at Holland Park - Veterans and Homefront Heroes Memorial in Big Rapids at 11:00am on November 10th and will be the Grand Marshall for the downtown Big Rapids Veterans Day parade on the following day, November 11th, again, beginning at 11:00am.

The Admiral received his commission upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991, with a degree in Systems Engineering. Admiral LeGree is a nuclear qualified Surface Warfare Officer. His sea duty has included assignments aboard the destroyers USS SCOTT (DDG 995) and USS JOHN YOUNG (DD 973); USS ASHLAND (LSD 48); and multiple assignments aboard the aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).  His deployments include Operation DESERT STORM, United Nations Operations in Kosovo, Maritime Interception Operations in the Northern Arabian Gulf, Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM and UNIFIED RESPONSE.  The Admiral served ashore as a special assistant to the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command and later as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy and speechwriter for the Director, Naval Reactors. He also served as the Principal Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and is currently assistant chief of staff, J-3, Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy.  LeGree previously served as senior advisor for nuclear security affairs, Office of the Secretary, Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.

As a Commander, LeGree served a combat tour as Commanding Officer of the Asadabad Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was the first operational Commanding Officer of USS MESA VERDE (LPD 19), taking that ship and crew on their first deployment. He also served as the final Chief Engineer of ENTERPRISE, his third tour on the Big E.  Before his recent assignment to Naples, Italy, he served as the Commander of Amphibious Squadron EIGHT and Immediate Superior in Command for the BATAAN Amphibious Ready Group. 

Admiral LeGree holds a Master of International Public Policy from the Elliott School of International Affairs of George Washington University. He also holds master’s degrees in Public Administration and Political Science from North Carolina State University. He most recently completed a National Security Fellowship at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and various service medals and unit awards. 

Admiral LeGree is the son of Larry Sr. and the late Stephanie LeGree, Big Rapids.  The public can meet the Admiral at AMVET Post 1941, 320 S. 4th Avenue, Big Rapids, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm on November 10th, immediately following the General Fuller monument dedication ceremony.  At that time, the Post will be celebrating the US Marine Corps birthday with the traditional cake cutting ceremony.

There will be special statue unveiling honoring General Ben Fuller of the US Marine Corps. at the Veterans & Home front Heroes Memorial Park in Big Rapids on Wednesday.

Organizer Mark Brejcha says the history about Ben fuller was recently discovered.

“Fuller Avenue, the Fuller family who pioneered the city of Big Rapids, had a son Ben, who attended the Naval Academy and went on to be the top ranking Marine from 1930-1934 and we only discovered this about two years ago.” Brejcha added “This is a great way to honor Gen. Fuller at the veterans park, Wednesday.

Big Rapids native and active duty US Navy Admiral Larry Lagree will be coming back to town to unveil the General Ben Fuller Monument.

The following incidents are being reported by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety for the weekend of 11/5-11/8. 

11/5

@12:56pm Larceny 1200 block Perry Ave Perry- Two log splitters stolen from in front of store.

@2:54pm PDA S. Michigan/Elm.

@4:30pm Civil at 400 block S. State, parking related.

@7:16pm Check wellbeing of children 300 block Morrison. The children’s father stated his ex has possibly had drug dealers in her apartment. The mother was not home, and the kids were being watched by a friend. The kids appeared happy and healthy

@9:39pm 800 block S State St. Called as a possible PPO violation. Upon running the male half, the PPO was not served. The PPO was later served by MCSO.

11/6

@1:56pm Traffic Stop Pine/ State St- Driver cited for no license

@8:32pm Agency assist 15000 block 220th for an alarm. MCSO Units were unavailable. Ferris DPS unit located an open door, interior of building was searched.

@8:58pm Civil 1000 block Maple St. Male became upset when he could not find his phone in the bar. His phone was located and returned to him.

@10:20pm Hit and Run 300 block 3^rd Ave- suspect driving a dark color possibly S-10 pickup. Under investigation

@10:27pm Mental 400 block 3^rd Ave Male transported to the SHBRH for evaluation

@10:45pm Mental 1800 block Milton Male was highly intoxicated and upset after his wife brought up getting a divorce. He was transported to SHBRH for evaluation.

11/7

@8:38pm  200 block S. Stewart.  Open door was found after a subject dropped off donation goods.  Building was searched and secure with a keyholder present.

11/8

@2:20am 1400 block N. 4th.  2 found dogs in the park.  They were transported to ARC.  Male Husky and a Male Heeler mix.

@4:18am 9600 block 15 Mile Rd Assist MCSO with burglary alarm due to units being tied up. Residence was secure.

The Michigan appeals court affirmed a two-year suspension for a doctor who approved nearly 22,000 medical marijuana certificates in a 12-month period.

An expert said it would have been impossible for Dr. Vernon Proctor to conduct exams, obtain medical histories and take other necessary steps for that many patients.

He has an office in Baldwin.

People seeking to use medical marijuana need approval from a doctor when they apply for a state card.

A Stanwood woman is dead following a motorcycle crash involving a deer in Wheatland Township Sunday night.

Deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office say an investigation determined a 51-year-old Stanwood man and his 46-year-old wife were traveling west bound on 9-Mile Rd near 50th Ave, when a deer ran out in front the couple riding their motorcycle.  

The collision with the deer caused the man to lose control of his motorcycle and both driver and passenger were ejected from the bike.

The male driver suffered minor injuries, while the female passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 @8:50am Warrant arrest met MSP 8 Mile/131.

@10:46am Larceny 400 block S Third. Complainant had medication taken.

@11:47am Ives/Maple Field contact led to warrant arrest of male.

@12:12pm Harassment 300 block Morrison, Complainant is being harassed at work by ex-boyfriend.

@2:13pm Civil 1100 block Fuller, verbal argument between male and female.

@2:25pm Noise 800 block Country Way. Complainant wanted to report upstairs neighbor is stomping on the floor and yelling at him through the ceiling.

@3:20pm PDA Perry/Water tower.

@8:17pm 200 block S Michigan SUSPICIOUS –Employee received suspicious text from a person wanting photographs and locations of exits, security cameras, fire extinguishers while claiming to be the owner. Complainant called corporate and was told that it was a fake call. No information was given.

8:48pm 300 block S. Stewart ASSAULT - Complainant reported he went to pick up a friend from the incident location and got jumped by six frat guys after he refused to drink with them in the back yard. Complaint ran to Sheriff’s department to request the party be shut down. No one answered the door at the residence when officer attempted follow up. No noise or sound however disco lights on in living room.  

100 block S State St Alarm – Alarm from back door. Building checked and door was secure.  

Congressman John Moolenaar has introduced the No Vaccine Mandate Act to block President Joe Biden from using the Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an order that would force employers of more than 100 employees to impose and enforce a vaccine mandate on their employees. Moolenaar's legislation prohibits the Department of Labor from using federal funds to administer a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“President Biden’s arbitrary COVID vaccine mandate on businesses with 100 or more employees, burdens businesses with the responsibility to pay for expensive tests or force their employees to be vaccinated. There’s simply nothing in the Constitution that allows the federal government to impose this mandate on private businesses and my bill will cut off funding for the Department of Labor to enforce it,” said Moolenaar.

“The American people simply disapprove of President Biden’s handling of the economy, and businesses are struggling with supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and higher costs for gas and electricity. The last thing businesses need is the federal government burdening them with more costs and making it harder for them to retain and hire workers,” added Moolenaar.

Moolenaar is Michigan’s senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and a member of the Labor-H subcommittee that oversees the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The legislation is cosponsored by 17 Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee, including Ranking Member Kay Granger (R-TX) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), the ranking member of the House Committee on Rules and the top Republican on the Labor-H subcommittee.

The text of the legislation and a complete list of cosponsors is available here.

Drivers will soon receive a refund from the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association.

The group voted unanimously on Wednesday to issue refund checks, backing a proposal from Governor Gretchen Whitmer to send money back to those who are insured.

The governor is applauding the move, saying last week that the checks will help drive down costs and produce savings for Michiganders.

It's not clear how much drivers will receive per vehicle. The MCCA is expected to announce the timeline and logistics in the next several weeks.

4:52 p.m. 22000 block of 220th Avenue Green Township. Civil. Color wanted two squatting people removed from his property.

4:48pm Northland Drive/Eisenhower, Aetna TWP. Warrant Arrest. Female picked up by Montcalm county on three warrants and was transported to the county line to be turned over to Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

5:36 p.m. on the 14000 Bulldog Lane Big Rapids Township. MDOP. Sometime during the night of November 1st two windows were shot out with a BB gun.

6:18 p.m. 20000 block of 4 Mile Road. Civil. Caller wanted to report his side by side and zero turn lawn mower was stolen. Soon-to-be ex-wife had them. No crime. 

6:20 p.m. Mental 23000 block of Miramichi Drive, Chippewa Township. A 38 year old female was having issues with her new medications. She was taken to the hospital because her mother thought she would try and jump out of the car. 

7:27 p.m. 7000 block of Lake Drive. Chippewa Township. Suspicious female caller advised that when she returned home tonight she observed two black males and one white male running from her property.

@5:56pm CIVIL 800 block Country Way. Caller was upset that roommate’s friend had walked into the apartment looking for him stating that he needed to help pay for the wifi that she had been letting him use.  

@6:30pm SUSPICIOUS 1100 block Fuller. Caller reported someone knocked on her door at 1 am and asked to get a cat that was in her window. She told him that she did not have a cat. The person, a white male with red hair walked in the living room area and grabbed a black cat and left. Caller said she found cat feces in the spare room, and she did not know how it got there. Someone knocked on her door every hour until 5am but no one was there when she or her boyfriend looked. She did not call when it happened because she thought it was a prank but wanted the incident documented. 

10:11pm CIVIL 200 block Fuller, Complainant called dispatch when her ex-boyfriend showed up at her residence and knocked on the door. Ex-boyfriend stated he went there to return her laptop and knocked on the door and no one would answer the door.  

Incumbent City Commissioner Jonathan Eppley and former Planning Commission board member Karen Simmon were elected to the Big Rapids City Commission on Tuesday.

Both Eppley and Simmon beat out first time candidate Amanda Johnson.

Simmon and Eppley hope to tackle the issue of Big Rapids' reported population decrease on 2020 US census. The City of Big Rapids could be facing the loss of millions of dollars in federal funding over the next decade because of the reported loss of just under 3,000 residents over the last decade.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office says three people suffered non-life threatening injuries following a rollover crash early Wednesday morning.

It happened on US-131 near 8-Mile Rd in Mecosta Township.

Deputies say an investigation found that a vehicle driven by an 18-year old woman from White Cloud was transporting a 35-year old woman from White Cloud, who was in labor and a 27-year old man from Kent City to a Grand Rapids hospital. 

While attempting to pass a vehicle the driver lost control due to the icy road conditions, ran off the roadway to the right and overturned multiple times. 

All three occupants were transported to Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital for Non-Life threatening injuries.  

The City of Big Rapids has a new Mayor. Retired physician Fred Guenther will lead the city after beating challenger City Commissioner Jennifer Cochran. 

Incumbent City commissioner Jonathan Eppley and candidate Karen Simmon were elected to the city commission seats. 
 

the election went as follows: 

Mayor

Fred Guenther        456  

Jennifer Cochran   409

City Commissioner

Jonathan Eppley      481

Karen Simmon         453

Amanda Johnson     446

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) has, again, launched a secure text message notification system, known as TigerConnect, to inform individuals of positive COVID-19 test results and to begin contact tracing. 

“This system allows us to realign our contact tracing efforts as communities continue to experience significant spread of COVID-19,” stated DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes. “At this time, District Health Department #10, and the public health system in general, does not have the capacity to call each case in a timely manner. This system helps us to quickly notify people and begin the contact tracing process. We can then educate them about isolation and household spread and identify potential source exposure.” 

Individuals will be sent a text message to their cell phone from a local area code 231 number. The initial text message will contain a link that recipients need to click on to enter a chat discussion. In order to enter the chat, they will be required to enter their date of birth for privacy purposes. Once in the chat, they will be able to view a message that either asks them to reply to the case investigator with a good time to call or will provide them links to education as well as a link to a case investigation survey. This survey only asks for information that is allowable under the Public Health Code and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability (HIPAA) Privacy Act, such as demographics, symptoms, occupation, attendance at public events or gatherings, and people with whom they may have been in close contact. The survey does not gather any private information like social security numbers, personal passwords, or banking details.  

The TigerConnect system also allows two-way communication between a positive case and a DHD#10 case investigator which provides the positive case opportunity to ask, and quickly receive, answers to any questions the individual may have. It is important to note that a positive case may still receive a call from a case investigator prior to receiving or responding to the text message. It just depends on where the case investigator is in the investigation process. 

A 75-year old Big Rapids woman is recovering after being involved in a two vehicle crash in Big Rapids Township.

It happened Monday morning on Northland Drive near Gilbert Road.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office says a 21-year old male driver from Hersey, driving a  Black Jeep, was turning left onto Northland Dr from Gilbert Rd.

The Black Jeep was struck by a Silver Buick driven by a 75-year old woman from Big Rapids.

She was taken by EMS, to Big Rapids Spectrum Health Hospital for non life threatening injuries.

The 450 guests attending the 23rd Ferris Foundation Benefit Friday night (Oct. 29) at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were expecting an update on the progress of the University’s $115 million comprehensive campaign set to end in June 2022.
 

In a surprising turn of events, Ferris State University’s Now and Always Comprehensive Campaign Co-Chair Jeff Rowe announced that his former business partner, long-time friend and fellow Ferris Pharmacy alumnus Phil Hagerman had just made a $5 million planned gift to Ferris that would put the campaign over its $115 million goal seven months ahead of its official close. The campaign now sits at $117.2 million.
 

It was Phil’s family and the Hagerman Foundation, who in 2015, made a $5 million lead gift to Ferris that helped propel the university into its first-ever comprehensive campaign.
 

“Phil’s ability to bookend this historic campaign with another transformational gift to the university has undoubtedly ushered in a new era of philanthropy at Ferris,” said Ferris President David Eisler. “I am thrilled and humbled by the tremendous generosity of Phil and all of our 22,000 campaign donors who have given generously to student scholarships, facilities, academic programs, athletics and so much more.”
 

“This is a campaign about our people. It has succeeded in building a culture of engagement and philanthropy among our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends and volunteers. It has allowed everyone to think and dream big about making a difference in the lives of our students and university,” Eisler added.
 

Campaign Cabinet co-chairs Rowe and Gary Granger said in a joint statement, “The Now and Always Comprehensive Campaign has been an ambitious undertaking, but it is a shining example of what we can accomplish together to set the stage for unparalleled success.”
 

Even though the campaign goal has been met, Eisler said the campaign is not finished. Ongoing campaign efforts focus on three main areas – endowed student scholarships, program innovation and expansion, and partnerships. Ferris is further continuing to move forward with raising funds for several campaign priorities through the official close of the campaign June 30, 2022.

These include:
 

• $25 million for Phase II of Pharmacy Forward focusing on renovating and expanding laboratories; creating interprofessional clinical spaces; establishing a College of Pharmacy Innovation Fund for scholarship, research, development and discovery and expanding partnerships; and creating new annual and endowed scholarships for Pharmacy students;
• $18.5 million for the Jim Crow Museum, Archive and Education Center that will improve the museum’s capacity to expand and properly store its collection of artifacts documenting the characterization of African Americans during the Jim Crow era. This will help make the museum’s resources available to the world through online digital access;
• $7.375 million for the $32 million Center for Virtual Learning that will bring together Digital Media, Digital Animation and Game Design, Television and Digital Media Production, Software Engineering, Information Security and Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence. It also will be home to all virtual learning and teacher education programs and house cybersecurity and Esports competition arenas; and
• $500,000 for the major renovation and expansion of the Ewigleben Sports Complex that includes a new arena for the volleyball program and a Center for Athletics Performance to improve strength and conditioning for nearly 400 student-athletes involved in 17 varsity programs.

Among the highlights of campaign initiatives completed to date are:
 

• Hagerman Pharmacy building renovations to the college’s main teaching areas, including an interprofessional simulation suite, a 140-seat active learning classroom, the Rowe Pharmacy Care Clinic, and a 40-person patient interaction Lab;
• Swan Annex expansion and renovation to support growth for the College of Engineering Technology’s Welding Engineering and Manufacturing programs;
• Ken Janke Sr. Golf Learning Center indoor state-of-the-art training facility for PGA Golf Management program students and home to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame; and
• Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan training facility for road-building professionals and students.

Building partnerships throughout West Michigan also has been a campaign emphasis for Ferris.  Philanthropic support has enabled the university to expand its educational outreach in Grand Rapids through a partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools to deliver programs and services at GRPS’ Southwest Community Campus Middle/High School in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park neighborhood.
 

The campaign also has created enhanced opportunities to serve the Latino and Asian communities of West Michigan, particularly through such college-readiness summer programs as Advancemos and Promesa for middle and high school students and Ferris’ Latino Business and Economic Development Center serving up-and-coming community and business leaders through LEADeres.
 

Ferris Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing Shelly Pearcy said the campaign stands as the largest permanent investment in student affordability in the 137-year history of the university, with $22 million in scholarship endowments created through The Ferris Foundation’s Ferris Futures Scholarship Challenge matching gift program. “This has been an extraordinary opportunity for donors, and there are still significant matching funds available.”
 

Pearcy said the campaign continues to rally unprecedented levels of support from alumni, faculty and staff, friends and other key stakeholders. Of the more than 22,000 total campaign donors to date, nearly 11,800 have been alumni, 9,800 friends and 900 faculty and staff. First-time donors total more than 10,600.
 

Ferris’ public announcement of the Now and Always Comprehensive Campaign was made in 2017, with an $80 million goal to be reached by June 30, 2019. After nearing the goal almost a year early in 2018, it was increased to $115 million and the timeframe extended through June 30, 2022.

Tuesday's general election in Big Rapids is significant for residents and the city's future.

Not only will residents be voting on candidates to fill two city commission seats but they will also be voting for a new mayor to lead the city.

Incumbent City Commissioner Johnathan Eppley takes on challengers Karen Simmon and Amanda Johnson, residents will pick two of those candidates to fill the available commission seats.

For the first time since 2017, someone new will be leading the city of Big Rapids as Tom Hogenson is term-limited. Former Big Rapids city commissioner Jennifer Cochran will take on retired doctor Fred Guenther to be the next mayor of Big Rapids.

Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm.

All registered city voters in Big Rapids will be voting at City Hall for the November 2nd election.