Thursday night around 7:40 P.M., the Kent County Sheriff's Office responded to a serious injury car accident near E Fulton Street and Cascade Road in Grand Rapids Township. 

The preliminary investigation revealed a black Ford Escape, driven by a 56-year-old female from Kentwood, was traveling west on E Fulton Street. It is believed the Escape crossed the center line into the eastbound lanes and collided with a blue Honda Civic, driven by a 94-year-old man from Grand Rapids Township.

Both drivers suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital. The female later succumbed to her injuries. Alcohol is believed to be a factor. 

This incident remains under investigation by the Kent County Sheriff's Office Traffic and Safety Unit.

Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University earned recognition as one of the top performers in the National Wildlife Federation’s 2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste Competition. 

KCAD competed among 81 colleges in the Diversion category and ranked second in the Small Campus division and third overall.

The 2024 Campus Race to Zero Waste competition challenged more than 2.7 million college students, faculty and staff across 150-plus campuses to reduce their waste footprint through minimization efforts, including recycling, composting and donation. 

As a result, participants collectively diverted an impressive 30.7 million pounds of waste from landfills, kept 105 million single-use plastic containers out of landfills, and prevented the release of 23,174 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere, equal to avoiding the annual emissions from 5,515 cars.

During the eight-week competition, from Jan. 28 through March 23, the KCAD campus community collaborated on reduction and recycling strategies to divert over60 percent of waste generated on its downtown Grand Rapids campus away from landfills.  

KCAD Collaborative Design professor and sustainability officer Gayle DeBruyn said the college achieved its waste minimization goal by emphasizing proper waste sorting and making conscious decisions about the materials brought to campus. 

“Sustainability is a core value of the KCAD community,” DeBruyn said. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of our students, faculty and incredible Facilities team, we have stayed persistent in our collective commitment to reducing waste on campus.”  

Success in the Diversion category is determined by weekly tracking and reporting on the total weight of recyclables and food organics diverted from total waste generated. Top-ranking schools in this category have the highest recycling rate, which means they not only have reduced trash disposal through waste prevention but also have a robust recycling program for acceptable materials. 

“Our 2024 winners show why colleges continue to be among our nation’s leaders on sustainability. These schools run the gamut - urban and rural, public and private, large and small,” said Stacy Wheeler, president and co-founder of the competition. “Their success shows that waste reduction in any type of community is possible, and is a testament to every student, faculty and staff member who made these accomplishments happen.”

KCAD 2024 Results: 

• Second Place – Diversion Category (small campus). 
• Third Place – Diversion Category (overall). 
• Total pounds of waste recycled, donated, or composted: 2,326.5 pounds.
• Total greenhouse gas emissions reductions: 3 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
• Waste minimization strategies: Increasing recycling, composting, and reducing food waste and single-use plastics.

For more details about competition categories and winners, please visit the 2024 scoreboard. 

Areas across Michigan, including Northern Michigan, are seeing an explosion of tick activity this year. As the weather becomes nicer and people head outdoors to enjoy nature, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) reminds everyone to exercise proper precautions to prevent human-tick interactions.

“There are multiple tick species found in Michigan, each having the potential to carry and transmit different diseases. The Blacklegged tick is a known vector for Lyme disease, which is the most common tick-borne disease in Michigan,” said DHD#10 Environmental Health Coordinator, Meghan Stih. “MDHHS has a great tool to help identify the five common ticks and learn about the risk associated with them (https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/emergingdiseases/Folder2/5commonticks.pdf).”

Please take the proper precautions, which include:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Most tick encounters happen in shady, moist wooded and grassy areas and fields near wooded areas.
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent that contains 30% or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, to skin or clothing according to label’s instructions.
• Wear clothing that has been treated with permethrin.
• Walk in the center of trails and avoid walking in areas with tall grass and brush.
• Conduct a full-body check of yourself and your pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
• Dry clothing on high heat for 60 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
• Take a shower as soon as you can after coming indoors.
• Talk to your vet about tick bite prevention products for your pets.

Michigan also offers tick identification resources to residents and visitors for free. Physical ticks can be placed in a container and mailed to MDHHS, or photos may be submitted to MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov.

Residents with questions about ticks and other insects can contact DHD#10’s Environmental Health Division at 888-217-3904.

Additional information regarding ticks and Lyme disease can be found here:

• MDHHS- Emerging Disease Issues- Lyme Disease
• MDHHS- Ticks
• MDHHS- Instructions for Tick Submission
• CDC- Lyme Disease
• MDHHS- Tick Bite Prevention in Michigan’s Outdoors

Monday, May 20

• An officer took a report of a vehicle doing donuts in Westerburg Park, operating recklessly and tearing up the gravel. The individual has been identified and action is being taken.

• An officer took two reports of larceny from a vehicle. The suspect has been identified and the matter forwarded to the prosecuting attorney.

• An officer took a report of two teens on mopeds spinning their tires in the gravel parking lot at Westerburg Park. A warning was given and both were advised misdemeanor property damage charges would be sought if it were to happen again.

• An officer took a report of a suspicious vehicle seen frequently in the area of the schools. Upon investigation it was determined the individual was not of concern and had a disabled friend he frequently checked on in the area.

• An officer arrested and transported a 31-year-old woman on an outstanding warrant for contempt of court.

Tuesday, May 21

• An officer responded to a 911 call with an open line. The officer found a phone in the road that had fallen off a vehicle and called 911 due to crash detection. The phone was returned to its owner.

Wednesday, May 22

• An officer served six abatement notices for overgrown grass to homeowners. An officer was dispatched to the hospital regarding a sexual assault victim. Upon investigation the matter occurred out of jurisdictional boundaries. The matter was turned over to the appropriate jurisdictional agency.
• An officer took a report regarding perceived threats made over owed money. Contact was made and both sides were advised to have no more contact with each other.

Thursday, May 23

• An officer assisted CPS with locating a toddler who had been temporarily placed in the custody of his aunt who was refusing to return him into CPS custody. The toddler was located and placed in foster care.

• An officer was dispatched to a report of a young girl pushing a stroller on the side of the highway. Officers frequently receive calls regarding this woman due to her body stature and young appearance. The woman and child in the stroller were in no danger.

Friday, May 24

• An officer was dispatched to an apartment complex in regard to a woman lying in the grass while her toddler played nearby. The caller was concerned the mother may be passed out or be having a medical issue. Upon arrival there was nothing wrong with the mother or child.

• Officers arrested and transported a 26-year-old male from the Kent County Jail to the Osceola County Jail on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court.

Saturday, May 25

• As a preemptive and precautionary measure, an officer assisted with security at the hospital after a gunshot victim was brought in from Lake County. Once it was determined it was unlikely there would be a danger or disturbance, the officer resumed normal duties.

• An officer was requested to assist medical personnel in accessing an individual’s apartment who had fallen and needed assistance.

Sunday, May 26

• No incidents reported.

It’s been 453 days since Bradley Marek laced up his skates in a Bulldog uniform, and a lot has changed. 

A few months after his final game at Ferris State, Marek attended a development camp put on by the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks. This camp included over 40 elite experienced NHL development players and prospects, but only two players coming straight from the college level: Marek and Denver’s Magnus Chrona. According to Marek, it only took a few minutes for him to be slightly starstruck.

“One of my first reps of this one-on-one drill we were doing (was where you) dumped the puck in and you go battle somebody for 15 seconds,” Marek recalled. “(When they blow it dead, you skate down, and you do it at the other end. The guy I was going against was Tomas Hertl, who’s got 15 years in the NHL and in playing pro. He’s a super nice guy.”

Marek stood out in the camp sessions, which led to him receiving a contract offer from Sharks general manager Joe Will. He would sign on July 23 to play for the San Jose Barracuda, the AHL development team with the Sharks.

When asked about the moment that it began to feel like a dream, he said it was walking into the locker room and seeing his locker. 

“Seeing your last name in one of those stalls is surreal,” Marek said. “It's one step closer to where you really want to be, and that's the NHL.”

Marek began the 2023-2024 season with ECHL affiliate Wichita Thunder, registering four goals and seven assists in his first 10 games. On Nov. 9, 2023, the Big Rapids native got the call to move up with the Barracuda. He would stay with the team for 26 games, playing five games and scoring his first AHL goal against the Colorado Eagles in a 3-2 overtime loss. He would go back down to finish the season with the Thunder, totaling 31 points in 37 games played. 

“It’s definitely a big step,” Marek said about the transition. “(It’s) not as big as junior to college because in college, you're still playing grown men that are really skilled. That was good for me to play older guys and helped me swing into it easier, but I would say that the decision making (is harder) and there’s very little room for errors.”

Marek recently returned to Big Rapids a few weeks ago following the 72-game season. In his transition from a 32-game college season, he said he tries to take care of his body as much as possible.

“I’m, staying in the gym and keeping an honest eating. (I’m) learning the game and always taking in everything somebody gives me.”

As one that is living a childhood dream, Marek says he’s learned a lot during his time in the “show.” He says one of the biggest things he’s learned is that he’s playing game as much as working a job.

“It’s super corny but you just got to have fun,” Marek said. “You're not going to go anywhere if you don't have fun. It will make you ne willing to make sacrifices and battle every single day because that's what you want to do and you love to do it.”

Marek also says he wouldn’t be where he is today without the help of his coaches at all junior, college, and youth levels.

(Image provided by Brad Marek).

CSAA Baseball

District 37 @Big Rapids HS

  - 5/28: Ludington 5 @ Newaygo 4

  - 6/1:

     10a: Ludington @ Fremont

     12n: Whitehall @ Big Rapids

     District Final: Whitehall/Big Rapids @ Fremont/Ludington

District 39 @Comstock Pk HS

  - 5/28: Sparta 5 @ Grant 1

  - 6/1:

     10a: Sparta @ Belding

     12n: Comstock Park @ Tri County

     District Final: Sparta/Belding @ Comstock Park/Tri County

District 70 @Evart

  - 5/28: Pine River 8 @ Harrison 4

  - 6/1:

     10a: Pine River @ Evart

     12n: McBain @ Reed City

     District Final: Pine River/Evart @ McBain/Reed City

District 72 @ Montague

  - 6/1:

     10a: Montague @ Ravenna

     12n: N Muskegon @ Kent City

     District Final: Montague/Ravenna @ N Muskegon/Kent City

District 74 @ Chip Hills

  - 5/28: Clare 15 @ Farwell 0

  - 6/1:

     10a: Clare @ Lakeview

     12n: Chip Hills @ Morley Stanwood

     District Final: Clare/Lakeview @ Chip Hills/Morley Stanwood

District 77 @Pewamo-Westphalia HS

  - 5/28: C Montcalm 4 @ Ovid-Elsie 3

  - 6/1:

     10a: C Montcalm @ St Louis

     12n: Pewamo-Westphalia @ Ithaca

     District Final: C Montcalm/St Louis @ Pewamo-Westphalia/Ithaca

******************************************

CSAA Softball

District 37 @Shepherd HS

  - 5/29: Big Rapids @ Freeland

  - 6/1:

     10a: Big Rapids/Freeland @ Swan Valley

     12n: Shepherd @ Alma

     District Final: Big Rapids/Freeland/Swan Valley @ Shepherd/Alma

District 38 @Newaygo HS

  - 6/1:

     10a: Tri County @ Newaygo

     12n: Sparta @ Fremont

     District Final: Tri County/Newaygo @ Sparta/Fremont

District 72 @Chip Hills HS

  - 5/28: Chip Hills 10 @ Morley Stanwood 11

  - 6/1:

     10a: Morley Stanwood @ Lakeview

     12n: Evart @ Reed City

     District Final: Morley Stanwood/Lakeview @ Evart/Reed City

District 73 @Montague HS

  - 5/28: Grant 1 @ Kent City 7

  - 6/1:

     10a: Kent City @ Montague

     12n: N Muskegon @ Ravenna

     District Final: Kent City/Montague @ N Muskegon/Ravenna

District 95 @Bullock Creek

  - 5/29: Ithaca @ St Louis

  - 6/1:

     10a: Ithaca/St Louis @ Bullock Creek

     12n: C Montcalm @ Hemlock

     District Final: Ithaca/St Louis/Bullock Creek @ C Montcalm/Hemlock

District 108 @ Marion

  - 5/28: Pentwater 8 @ Mason County Eastern 4

  - 6/1:

     10a: Pentwater @ White Cloud

     12n: Marion @ Holton

     District Final: Pentwater/White Cloud @ Marion/Holton

Monday, May 20

• At around 22:32 P.M., deputies responded to a domestic, at a residence in Aetna TWP. A male subject assaulted his father with a knife. The male subject then threatened to harm himself if officers tried to enter the residence to arrest him. The Newaygo County ERT team was dispatched to the residence. The male subject was taken into custody unharmed. The victim was treated by EMS for minor injuries.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 1

Tuesday, May 21

Calls for Service: 20

Traffic Accidents: 2

Wednesday, May 22

Calls for Service: 30

Traffic Accidents: 3

Thursday, May 23

Calls for Service: 38

Traffic Accidents: 1

Friday, May 24

Calls for Service: 25

Saturday, May 25

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

Sunday, May 26

• At 01:35 A.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on several warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 13

Traffic Accidents: 2

In June, staff members from the office of Congressman John Moolenaar will host meeting times across the district where constituents can sit down to discuss personal casework issues they are having with a federal agency. Moolenaar represents Michigan's second district, which includes a large portion of west Michigan. 

Constituents who cannot attend one of the meetings can call Moolenaar's office at (616) 528-7100, or visit Moolenaar.House.gov to receive assistance with their issue.

June 5, 2024

Evart - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Evart City Hall (200 South Main Street Evart, MI 49631)

Baldwin - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Pathfinder Community Library (812 Michigan Avenue Baldwin, MI 49304)

Newaygo - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Newaygo City Hall (28 State Road Newaygo, MI 49337

Big Rapids - 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Big Rapids Community Library (426 South Michigan Avenue Big Rapids, MI 49307)

June 14, 2024

Cadillac - 9:30 - 10:30 AM - Cadillac City Hall (200 North Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601)

Moolenaar's office has helped thousands of constituents who needed assistance with a federal agency, including the VA and the IRS. The office helped them cut through red tape and reclaim millions of dollars owed to them by the federal government.

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s recent production of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” spotlighted more than the teenage children of iconic Magic Kingdom villains -- it showcased the skilled student designers from the Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s Fashion Studies program. 

Junior-level program students had the opportunity to design and construct costumes for the production during the spring semester in collaboration with the Civic Theater costume department.

Following an intensive research, ideation, and refinement process, students created the final garments that actors wore on stage during the musical’s run from March 1 to17. 

Professor and program chair Lori Faulkner sees real-world projects like this as vital aspects of the program’s curriculum. Past student cohorts have had similar collaborations with the Grand Rapids Opera, Grand Rapids Ballet, and other organizations, all aimed at exposing students to industry realities and preparing them for success post-graduation. 

“Working with organizations like GRCT is a great opportunity for students to test their skills and make professional connections in the industry,” Faulkner said. “This was not only a great learning experience but a testament to our students’ talents. The actors were happy with their costumes and couldn’t wait to perform in them. The garments made it through the entire production.”

GRCT costume designer Jennifer Lothian says that collaborative projects like this are as much a part of the theatre’s mission and identity as the stage productions themselves. 

“GRCT is known for our productions, but also our amazing education department—this is like the perfect combination of those two worlds,” Lothian said. “The students were able to complete a full design process—from sketches all the way to the final build—becoming costume designers themselves along the way.”

Students began the project by reading the script of “Disney’s Descendants” and taking direction from the production team before completing detailed studies of each character. They researched fabrics and trims to create design boards of their initial costume ideas. 

Using feedback from the GRCT team, the students translated their rough ideas into polished renderings of each costume. Then, it was time to dive into construction. The first round of garments was created in muslin, an inexpensive cotton fabric, and put on the actors during a first fitting.

These “draft” garments helped reveal both aesthetic and functional issues with the initial designs that were then corrected in the final construction process using the chosen fabrics. After one final fitting to uncover any last-minute tweaks before showtime, the costumes were ready for the limelight. 

Unlike typical class projects, which unfold over much longer processed, industry collaborations like this push students to adapt to the pressure of tight real-world production timelines where pivoting quickly and solving problems on the fly is part of the job. And especially when designing for stage actors, it isn’t just about how a garment looks, but how it works.

“Actors need to be able to do all the physical requirements for their role comfortably in the costumes while on stage,” Faulkner said. “The visual aesthetic of the costumes needs to be translated to the audience, so designers need to take many things into account when creating for stage or screen.”

For student Grace Anderson, the rapid and rigorous development process was an invaluable preview of what it takes to successfully design for a client. 

“Learning the process of costume design from start to finish was extremely beneficial and eye-opening to understand everything that goes into creating an effective costume,” Anderson said. “It taught me a lot about time management and balancing multiple aspects of a project.”

The crowning moment came when the students saw the costumes they created being used live on stage. 

“I knew the choreography would be very active and was able to design a dress with movement on stage in mind,” Anderson said. “While it was a little stressful to ensure everything fit properly and was easy to change into, knowing that tons of people would see my garment on stage was an incredible feeling. The cast was so amazing as well—it was exciting knowing my work would be worn by such a talented performer.”

For Lothian and the GRCT team, the project was an affirmation of the incredible creative talent—both established and emerging—that abounds in West Michigan. 

“The students were so interested in the differences between theatre costuming and clothing and were constantly in communication about how they had to rethink the way of construction since theatre is so different— they had to design for both the character AND for the actor,” Lothian said. “The way that they were able to completely change the framework of how to build garments to make them work in this setting was very impressive.”

(Photo credit to Studio3Twenty).

Who’s ready for postseason softball? This year’s tournament games might be some of the best we’ve had. Teams will be put to the ultimate test as the trophy season begins. Here’s a look at all the CSAA teams and their respective district bracket assignments:

District 36 (Shepherd)

It’s not too common to see two district champions from a year ago squaring off in the opening round, but here we are. The battle of birds could easily net over 15 runs and even push towards 20 to decide a winner. The Cardinals or Falcons will advance to face Swan Valley, a very competitive team that has split Freeland and Alma already this year. Don’t forget Shepherd either, as the Blue Jays like to get out ahead early with an aggressive play style. Fans of high-flying plays will be thrilled to watch this tournament unfold.

Quarterfinals
Big Rapids (29-4) vs. Freeland (17-18) – Shepherd HS Softball Diamond, May 28, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Saginaw Swan Valley (17-12) vs Big Rapids/Freeland Winner – Shepherd HS Softball Diamond, June 1, 2:00 P.M.
Alma (9-17) vs. Shepherd (26-11-1) – Shepherd HS Softball Diamond, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Shepherd HS Softball Diamond, June 1, 4:30 P.M.

District 38 (Newaygo)

If there’s a year for a team to win at home, it’s 2024 for Newaygo. A prime opportunity for Lions awaits thanks to a noticeable step up from last spring. They will face the Vikings first, a team they won handily against a few weeks ago, and then await an intriguing contest between Sparta and Fremont. This battle of 16-win clubs will be the first matchup between the two in ten years. The winning team will have to carry good defensive play for the best chance to take the trophy on the bus.

Quarterfinals
None

Semifinals
Howard City Tri-County (0-17) vs Newaygo (25-8) – Newaygo High School Softball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Sparta (16-19) vs. Fremont (16-15) – Newaygo High School Softball Field, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Newaygo High School Softball Field, June 1, 2:00 P.M.

District 72 (Remus Chippewa Hills)

Chippewa Hills is hoping for three more games at home this week, starting with a rematch against Morley Stanwood. The Warriors and Mohawks split a pair on May 17 with 40 combined runs in the contests. Lakeview will patiently wait for the winner, hoping to make some noise after a tough regular season. Whoever makes it to the championship out of these three teams will have their hands full, as they will face the winner of arguably one of the biggest games in Osceola County history between Reed City and Evart. It’s obvious the winner that game is the favorite in the title game, so expect a big community crowd in Chippewa Hills watching some primetime softball. 

Quarterfinals
Remus Chippewa Hills (10-20) vs. Morley Stanwood (12-18) – Chippewa Hills High School, May 28, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Lakeview (3-25) vs Remus Chippewa Hills/Morley Stanwood Winner – Chippewa Hills High School, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Evart (28-4) vs. Reed City (27-6) – Chippewa Hills High School, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Chippewa Hills High School, June 1, 2:00 P.M.

District 73 (Montague)

The Wildcats are one of the few teams in the state with hosting duties on both the softball and baseball diamonds. This can be a big advantage for Montague, who enters the tournament 0-6 against recent CSAA squads. They will await the winner of Kent City and Grant, who will square off in their third matchup of the year. The Eagles won both at Grant earlier this year, so expect the Tigers to be ready for this rematch following a three-game losing skid that snapped a seven-game winning streak. All this tees up one team for a date with a 20-win squad that knows how pitch very well in Ravenna or North Muskegon. 

Quarterfinals
Kent City (17-16) vs. Grant (16-16) – Montague HS Softball Field, May 28, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Montague (11-13) vs Kent City/Grant Winner – Montague HS Softball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
North Muskegon (21-13) vs. Ravenna (27-8) – Montague HS Softball Field, June 1, 12:30 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Montague HS Softball Field, June 1, 3:00 P.M.

District 95 (Midland Bullock Creek)

Although I can’t pick favorites, this is arguably the most evenly competitive district in the area. All five teams vary in records by only four games, which is something I haven’t seen during my time covering high school sports. If you break down common contests, you’ll see the host Lancers as the projected top team amongst the five. While there are plenty of analytics that might decipher who the top team is on paper, more times than not the team that captures momentum the most will be victorious. This seems to be prime, old-adage insight ahead of District 95.

Quarterfinals
Ithaca (22-10) vs. St. Louis (17-14) – Bullock Creek HS Softball Field, May 28, 4:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Midland Bullock Creek (19-9) vs Ithaca/St. Louis Winner – Bullock Creek HS Softball Field, 12:30 P.M.
Central Montcalm (20-14) vs. Hemlock (21-15) – Bullock Creek HS Softball Field, June 1, 2:30 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Bullock Creek HS Softball Field, June 1, 4:30 P.M.

District 108 (Marion)

As the defending district champions, Holton looks for another title following their sixth straight 20-win season excluding the 2020 COVID season. The Red Devils play with fantastic fundamentals and great playmaking. They will await the upset-minded host Marion in the semis. Pentwater will look to erase the two losses to Mason County Eastern early this year to reach the semis. White Cloud will await the winner in their first game back in Division 4 since 2022.  

Quarterfinals
Pentwater (4-8) vs. Mason County Eastern (7-14) – Marion HS Athletic Complex, Baseball Field, May 28, 4:15 P.M.

Semifinals
White Cloud (10-18) vs Pentwater/Mason County Eastern Winner – Marion HS Athletic Complex, May 31, 10:00 A.M.
Marion (7-5) vs. Holton (23-12-1) – Marion HS Athletic Complex, May 31, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Marion HS Athletic Complex, May 31, 2:00 P.M.

For more local sports, subscribe to the Big Rapids Daily News at wbrn.com.

It’s that time of year again, the time for postseason baseball. This year’s tournament certainly has its front runners, but there are a lot of dark horse picks that certainly will have a good chance for an upset. Here’s a look at all the CSAA teams and their respective district bracket assignments:

District 37 (Big Rapids)

Led by regular season conference champion Big Rapids, the Cardinals have broken the curse of the Tuesday quarterfinal draw and stand as the overall favorite with the most balanced and consistent team. However, Whitehall will be test as a school notorious of housing incredible athletes and a team riding six wins over the last eight games. Newaygo is also a team that has potent power at the plate, but the Orioles have shown it too with seven games this year scoring over 10 runs. Then there’s Fremont, who will be as motivated as ever following last year’s 1-0 heartbreaking loss in the semifinals to the eventual champion Lions. Buckle up for a good one in this bracket.

Quarterfinals
Newaygo (25-11) vs. Ludington (15-13) – Big Rapids HS Baseball Field, May 28, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Fremont (11-19) vs Newaygo/Ludington Winner – Big Rapids HS Baseball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Whitehall (22-10) vs. Big Rapids (26-8) – Big Rapids HS Baseball Field, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Big Rapids HS Baseball Field, June 1, 2:00 P.M.

District 39 (Comstock Park)

District 39 has a great group of teams this year with some great matchups. Grant and Sparta will likely be a battle with low run totals and good pitching, making the first-round game very strategic in terms of who throws first for each side. The winner will play a Belding squad that has beaten both teams on the other side of the bracket. For the rematch of Tri-County against Comstock Park, the Vikings will look to avenge an early 8-4 loss to the Panthers. While the Spartans will be the favorite on paper, the other four teams are competitive teams that have pulled off considerable major upsets in the regular season already.

Quarterfinals
Grant (18-11) vs. Sparta (25-10) – Comstock Park HS Baseball Field, May 28, 4:30 P.M.

Semifinals
Belding (14-17) vs Grant/Sparta Winner – Comstock Park HS Baseball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Comstock Park (14-11-3) vs. Howard City Tri-County (8-20) – Comstock Park HS Baseball Field, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Comstock Park HS Baseball Field, June 1, 2:00 P.M.

District 70 (Evart)

With last years’ champ Clare off the bracket, the door is wide open for all five teams. Evart is hosting the district for the first time since 2017, when they were formerly were in District 108. Outside of last year’s Division 4 State Champs Beal City, the Wildcats handled their Highland Conference schedule well and seemed primed for this year’s tournament offensively. Do be careful as Pine River, who battled the Wildcats to 3-1 and 3-2 losses this year, could be lurking in the semis. Don’t forget about Reed City too, a team that has good talent on the mound and can hold McBain’s offense down and reach the finals. Lineup depth and determination could be the key factor for the team hoisting the trophy in this one. 

Quarterfinals
Harrison (5-14) vs. LeRoy Pine River (18-7) – Evart HS Baseball Field, May 28, 4:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Evart (20-12) vs Harrison/LeRoy Pine River Winner – Evart HS Baseball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
McBain (14-14-1) vs. Reed City (16-12-1) – Evart HS Baseball Field, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Evart HS Baseball Field, June 1, 2:00 P.M.

District 73 (Montague)

Only four teams stand in this district alignment, but there’s one clearly out in front. The Norseman of North Muskegon stand as the state’s top team in Division 3 and a clear front runner in this quad. Their first-round matchup, Kent City, will need a near-perfect defensive performance and manufactured runs to sniff an upset. The Bulldogs and Wildcats on the other side will be a fun rematch, as the two split a pair at Ravenna back in early May. The determining factor will be if Montague can get runs early on the ball game to put the pressure on, or if Ravenna can hold down with their defense to play a slower game. Only time will tell until Saturday’s showdown on the side of Lake Michigan. 

Quarterfinals
None

Semifinals
Montague (14-19-1) vs. Ravenna (12-11-1) – Montague HS Baseball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
North Muskegon (30-5) vs. Kent City (7-21) – Montague HS Baseball Field, June 1, 12:30 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Montague HS Baseball Field, June 1, 3:00 P.M.

District 74 (Remus Chippewa Hills)

This district looks a little new this year, as all five teams join a new alignment in 2024. Clare, led by a powerhouse offense, sit atop the poll as the popular pick to advance to regional play. Right behind is Chippewa Hills, who have played great ball and have won 11 of 15 home games this season. The good news for Morley Stanwood and Farwell is they have seen their opponent in the regular season, leading to scouting and strategy changes entering round two. Lakeview might not have the same opportunity, but the Wildcats seem due after a slick skid in the month of May. What to look forward to in this bracket? A potential for breakout offenses on a diamond that is historical known for high-run affairs in the postseason. 

Quarterfinals
Clare (23-5-1) vs. Farwell (7-26) – Remus Chippewa Hills HS Baseball Field, May 28, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinals
Lakeview (6-22) vs Clare/Farwell Winner – Remus Chippewa Hills HS Baseball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Remus Chippewa Hills (20-7-1) vs. Morley Stanwood (7-18) – Remus Chippewa Hills HS Baseball Field, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Remus Chippewa Hills HS Baseball Field, June 1, 2:00 P.M.

District 77 (Pewamo-Westphalia)

After falling to Grand Rapids West Catholic last year, Central Montcalm looks for a bounce back campaign this postseason. The Hornets have some big-time playmakers and can really make some noise if they lay off the errors. An early test against Ovid-Elsie will be an intriguing one, as the Marauders are battle-tested through a tough schedule in 2024. Pewamo-Westphalia has home field advantage and looks to play spoiler following a District 79 championship appearance a year ago. They will have to go through Ithaca, who has proven to be a road warrior with their success away from home soil. All in all, this district is going to be fun to follow.

Quarterfinals
Ovid-Elsie (12-21-1) vs. Central Montcalm (24-12) – Pirate Field (Westphalia), May 28, 4:30 P.M.

Semifinals
St Louis (1-27) vs Ovid-Elsie/Central Montcalm Winner – Pirate Field (Westphalia), June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Pewamo-Westphalia (18-11) vs. Ithaca (7-12) – Pirate Field (Westphalia), June 1, 12:30 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Pirate Field (Westphalia), June 1, 3:00 P.M.

District 108 (Muskegon Catholic Central)

Last but certainly not least is District 108. The road certainly goes through Muskegon Catholic Central, who has dominated the season in Division 4 as the number five team in the rankings. To reach an incredible 12^thstraight district title, they will have to go through what is projected to be the same path as last season. They will face Holton in Tuesday’s opening round and then likely await the White Cloud Indians, who have won four of their last five games. On the other side, Pentwater and Muskegon Western Michigan Christian will do battle for the right to reach the district title game.

Quarterfinals
Holton (3-19) vs. Muskegon Catholic Central (28-7) – Muskegon Catholic Central HS Baseball Field, May 28, 4:30 P.M.

Semifinals
White Cloud (16-15) vs Holton/Muskegon Catholic Central Winner – Muskegon Catholic Central HS Baseball Field, June 1, 10:00 A.M.
Pentwater (5-12-1) vs. Muskegon Western Michigan Christian (14-14-1) – Muskegon Catholic Central HS Baseball Field, June 1, 12:00 P.M.

Finals
Semifinal Winners – Muskegon Catholic Central HS Baseball Field, June 1, 2:30 P.M.

For more local sports, subscribe to the Big Rapids Daily News at wbrn.com.

On Sunday, May 26 at approximately 10:46 P.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an accidental firearm being discharged in Green Township. 

The investigation revealed a 13-year-old juvenile from Evart took a family member's weapon without that family member knowing and accidentally shot themselves in the leg. 

The family member rendered aid till first responders arrived. Mecosta County EMS transported the juvenile to Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids for the non-life-threatening injury. 

Deputies were assisted on scene by Mecosta County EMS, Big Rapids City Rescue and Meceola Central Dispatch.

The Center for Virtual Learning and the Early Learning Center, two of Ferris State University’s newest Big Rapids campus facilities, earned the U.S. Green Building Council certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The Center for Virtual Learning is home to programs in Ferris State’s School of Digital Media and the School of Education, with areas dedicated to high-interest emphases like Esports and Artificial Intelligence. 

The Early Learning Center supports care for children of students, employees, staff, and community members. It also provides experiential learning opportunities for students seeking degrees in Early Childhood Education.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Joe Haupt said Grand Rapids-based Catalyst Partners provided the certification services necessary for the USGBC to award LEED Certified status.

“Our professional design and construction management partners are well versed in the LEED documentation process for a capital construction project seeking LEED certification,” Haupt said. “Ferris’ board of trustees mandate all new major capital construction projects have the ability to be LEED Certified and the assurance of our efforts in good stewardship is well worth the effort and cost.”

Other new or renovated campus facilities receiving LEED certification include East Campus Suites (LEED Gold, 2011), Michigan College of Optometry (LEED Gold, 2012), David L. Eisler Center (LEED Gold, 2015), West Campus Apartments – Finch Court (LEED Gold, 2016), North Hall (LEED Gold, 2017) and Swan Annex (LEED Silver, 2019).

“Sustainability is a pillar of Ferris State’s latest Strategic Plan considerations,” Haupt said. “Current building design codes are focused on delivering energy-efficient operations. The LEED process requires the project team to document the design and construction efforts to reduce water use, lower our electric and natural gas utilization and present a healthy environment for those who work or study in these buildings.”

The LEED green building rating system has evolved since its introduction in 1998. LEED is available for all types of projects and is a robust, flexible, and transparent third-party certification program.

(Image provided by Ferris State University).

On Sunday, May 26 at approximately 5:17 P.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a one-vehicle motorcycle accident at the intersection of 20 Mile Road & 80th Avenue in Chippewa Township. 

The investigation revealed a 32-year-old male from Evart was traveling east on 20 Mile Road approaching 80th Avenue, when he attempted to miss a deer in the roadway. This caused the male to go off the roadway and crash. Mecosta County EMS was performing life saving measures before transporting the male, later identified as Dustin Hyden, to Corewell Health Hospital. Dustin later passed at the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Mecosta County EMS, Chippewa & Martiny Township Fire / Rescue, Fork Township Rescue, Michigan State Police, Huff's Towing and Meceola Central Dispatch. 

Ferris State University President Bill Pink will join leaders from University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University on a panel discussing higher education’s role in building a talented workforce at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

The annual conference is organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber and attracts lawmakers, leaders, and journalists from across the state and nation. The four-day event takes place on Mackinac Island, beginning on Tuesday, May 28.

The theme of the 2024 event is “Bridging the Future Together” to inspire radical collaboration across divides. Conference speakers and sessions will focus on key themes critical to Michigan’s future, including attracting businesses and jobs, improving education outcomes to ensure workforce readiness, strengthening infrastructure, and leading with innovation and equity.

Pink is on a panel with U of M President Santa J. Ono, Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz, and Wayne State President Kimberly Andrews Espy. Michigan Radio Political Director Zoe Clark will host the discussion. 

The panel is planned for Thursday, May 30 from 10:55 to 11:30 a.m. in the theater of the Grand Hotel. A livestream of the event is available here. 

“Developing talent and creating opportunities for all people to thrive is what Ferris State University has done for nearly 140 years,” Pink said. "We move at the speed of industry so that our students can step off the stage at commencement and directly into a rewarding career.”

Pink said Ferris State provides students with the dynamic skillset to power Michigan’s future across every industry, with more than 250 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certificate programs in in-demand fields including artificial intelligence, criminal justice, pharmacy, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare careers.

Ferris State is home to Michigan’s only College of Optometry, the nation’s first PGA Golf Management Program, and the highly-recognized Kendall College of Art and Design.

Coming this Tuesday, Crossroads Charter Academy will be hosting a blood drive at the high school.

The drive will last from 8:30 A.M. and last until 1:30 P.M. This is the fifth blood drive hosted by the school this year.

The event is being sponsored by the school's National Honors Society as a service project. Those interested in attending should park in the lot across High School and come in through the main entrance. 

For more upcoming events, visit the WBRN community calendar at https://wbrn.com/community/calendar.

With summer approaching, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recommends residents and visitors avoid foam on Michigan waterbodies such as lakes, rivers and streams. 

Foam can form on any waterbody. Natural foam is usually off-white and/or brown, can have an earthy or fishy scent, and tends to pile up in bays, eddies or at river barriers, such as dams. 

Sometimes foam can contain harmful chemicals or bacteria. This can include high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS-containing foam is usually bright white in color, lightweight and can pile up along shores or blow onto beaches. Some studies have found that high exposure to some PFAS is linked to high cholesterol and liver damage, among other health effects. 

If you touch any foam, rinse off or bathe as soon as possible. This is especially true if the water is suspected to be contaminated with PFAS. Touching foam without rinsing off or bathing can lead to accidentally swallowing foam and its contents. 

“Science tells us that the risk of PFAS entering your body through your skin is low, but you can accidentally swallow PFAS and other chemicals or bacteria if you do not rinse off or bathe after touching foam,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Rinsing off or bathing after water activities will help protect people from chemicals and bacteria that may be in foam or water.”

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) recommends that people do not allow their animals to touch or swallow foam on waterbodies. Animals are at risk of swallowing foam that has built up in their fur when grooming themselves. If animals touch foam, they should be rinsed off and bathed with fresh water. Pet owners with questions related to animals and foam should contact their veterinarian. 

Anyone with questions about exposure to PFAS or foam can call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at 800-648-6942. More information is available on the MPART website.

LIONS HEAD COACH DAN CAMPBELL QUOTE SHEET

May 23, 2024

Opening Statement: “Alright, let me get this out of the way. (Lions C Frank) Ragnow, (Lions T Taylor) Decker, (Lions TE Sam) LaPorta, (Lions G Kayode Awosika) Yode, (Lions QB Nate) Sudfeld, (Lions RB Jahmyr) Gibbs, (Lions RB Zonovan Knight) Bam, (Lions S) Kerby (Joseph), (Lions DB Brian) Branch, (Lions OLB Marcus) Davenport, (Lions DL DJ) Reader, (Lions DL John) Cominsky, (Lions LB Derrick) Barnes, (Lions CB Emmanuel) Moseley, (Lions CB Terrion) Arnold, (Lions CB Ennis) Rakestraw, (Lions LB Alex) Anzalone – all of those players are either limited, no practice, or out for personal reasons. Then all are, could be PUP or doubtful to probable for the Rams. So, there you go. We got that out of the way. I’ve been dreading that the whole time so now I’m glad we got that done. Day three OTAs, the first two days have been good. I thought yesterday was better than the first day. They’re in good shape all-in-all. We’ll back down just a little bit today just to make sure we are being smart with them, but good work – guys have been working hard. It really has, it’s been a good spring. We are in pajamas and all that, we’re just kind of in the beginning phases of 2024 for football, but man I like where we are at. So that’s what it is.”

On if it is Super Bowl or bust this year: “Yeah, I don’t see bust. I see Super Bowl. I don’t know what the bust is. Here’s what I know, we all – every team ought to have that. Every team ought to be like, ‘Man what are you playing for? You’re playing for a Super Bowl.’ So, we are no different than that. Now we work backwards from there, and so you’ve got to set yourself up no different than last year, certain things you’ve got to do to really make that valid, make that a reality. Ultimately, that’s what we want to do. Now to do that, you better win the division. You’ve got to give yourself the best odds you can. You need to win the division, best seeding you can possibly do. OK, well how do you do that? Well, you’ve got to start with where we are at now, you’ve got to go back to work, you’ve got to do all the little things, which to this point our guys have done. They’ve been here for offseason, they’re grinding, they’re working, we’re in good shape. We’re strong, we’re physical, we’re explosive, and we are just in the beginning of this.”

On Lions DB Brian Branch being seen on a knee scooter this offseason and his status: “He just had a little clean up there. Something that coming out of last year that – thought it might heal, and then it just ended up being, ‘You know we better get this thing done.’ So anyway, that’s where he’s at. That and I think he likes riding a scooter. But we feel like he’s progressing well, we feel like he’ll be ready to go in camp, if not early enough – it’ll be certainly he’ll get enough reps and be ready for the season. That’s how we feel right now.”

On if having multiple young players that are getting opportunity early due to injury allows them to see who fits well: “It does. It’s a good thing, one of the things – getting (Lions CB) Amik (Robertson), playing Amik at some nickel here, obviously we got (Lions CB Carlton) Davis outside, (Lions CB Khalil) Dorsey is outside, those guys. (Lions CB Ennis) Rakestraw and (Lions CB Terrion) Arnold really aren’t getting a lot of reps right now, we’re being smart with both of those guys. Just a couple of things popped up, nothing to panic about. But that’s kind of the beauty of it, especially when they come back. We’ve got – (Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager) Brad (Holmes)’s done such a good job on the backend now where we’ve got a lot of competition back there. Then it’s, ‘Man, who can do this?’ And that’s just the beginning of this. Amik at nickel – we know Amik can play outside too, but then what about Rakestraw, Arnold, Dorsey, (Lions CB Kindle) Vildor, and we just have options. So that’s kind of what we are tinkering with a little but right now. It is exciting though. It’s pretty fun right now.”

On if the offseason has been as drama-free and smooth as it could be: “Yeah, everything has progressed nicely here. I felt like it was another good year, another good – you know the process of where we are at going into year four. I thought (Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager) Brad (Holmes) and his crew – I swear every year, I’m like, ‘How can this get more efficient?’ Because it is so efficient right now, and he does it. It’s unbelievable. He’s a machine. I love the players that we got, free agency obviously, the Draft, the level we’re at here, we’re just in a pretty good place right now. We really are, we’re in a good place. We got our guys signed back, that was big to be able to get (Lions QB Jared) Goff and (Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown) Saint and (Lions T Penei) Sewell, those were a priority. It’s been really good for us. It has. We’re sitting in a good place right now.”

On how Lions WR Jameson Williams has looked coming back and what he will look like stepping into a number two role: “There again, we started this thing back in April. You’ve got Phase I for a couple of weeks, then we’ve been on the grass for three weeks in Phase II, which has been routes on air, fundamentals, and individual, and doing all this. We’re two practices in and if you said, ‘Give me one player that is the most improved from that start to finish in that time,’ Jamo would be that guy right now. He is a man on a mission and I’m just going to leave it at that. I’m going to leave it at that.”

On what his early impressions are of Lions CB Terrion Arnold: “No practice for him yet, he’s doing a couple little individual. Just started yesterday, so I can’t even answer that.”

On what he is looking for in Lions QB Hendon Hooker to take the number two quarterback spot: “He needs to take a step up. We need to feel like by the end of camp this guy can run this offense. He’s somebody that we know we can play the game a certain way with him, we know he’s going to be able to process the information, he’s going to get us in the right play, and he’s somebody that we can – he’s going to keep the ship afloat. That’s it. We don’t need him to come in and win a game, you just want to feel like, alright. So obviously, he’s going to need to take another step up. The good news is, especially right now, he's getting a ton of reps. In the last two days, he’s gotten – he’s really getting all the second and third group because (Lions QB Nate) Sudfeld is limited, and that’s a good thing. So, we are just going to douse him with reps and he’s getting all of this, he’s going to get a ton in training camp, and that’s the best thing he can get right now is reps.”

On if keeping Lions TE Brock Wright will help them with two tight end sets: “It helps because – Brock, here we go man, he’s another one of these guys that – we have a lot of trust in Brock. His professionalism man, he’s smart, he’s tough, he’s got versatility as a blocker, he’s got speed down the middle of the field. To your point, he allows us to do things personnel-wise with (Lions TE Sam) LaPorta in the game – he does a lot of the dirty work. He’s kind of one of those unsung heroes, and you’ve got to have them. You’ve got to have a guy like him. It was big for us to be able to get him back. He does, he just brings more versatility offense. He allows you to be able to play in 12-personnel and do some of those things because of his – not only his mental, but his ability to block and really stretch the field.”

On the biggest factor for players showing him that they have improved especially without pads: “With where we’re at now, for the most part – it is. The coaches are intact. We got (Lions Offensive Coordinator) Ben (Johnson), we got (Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn) AG back, we got (Special Teams Coordinator Dave) Fipp, we got (Lions Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs) Scottie (Montgomery), we got (Linebackers Coach Kelvin Sheppard) Shep, (Lions Offensive Line Coach) Hank (Fraley), we can go across the board here. We’ve got continuity with the staff. We got (Lions QB Jared) Goff, we got (Lions T Penei) Sewell, we got (Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown) Saint, we got (Lions T Taylor) Decker, we got (Lions C) Frank (Ragnow) – and then the defense. You got (Lions DL Aidan Hutchinson) Hutch, you got (Lions DL Alim McNeill) Mac – you want to feel like alright, let’s take this to another level. Let’s raise everything. This time of the year it can’t be the physical necessarily or the violent side of the game, but man the mental. Can we grow in situational football, can we really take this to the next step? I talk about this ‘Level 401’ – we need to be playing and thinking in Level 401 now because we have all been together. We’ve got the talent here, we got smart guys, we got competitive guys, and so now, some of these teams that are starting from scratch – now we need to be like, ‘Hey man we’re in year four, we’re all together and we’ve been together.’ That’s what I’m looking for. I want to know even by the end of OTAs, we’ve taken this to another level. You want to know – man this time last year, we’re even crisper than we were last year. We’ve taken it to another notch. Our end-of-game situations, some of these things we’ve done, we made it harder on them than it was last year. We’ve stressed them more, we put a little more pressure on them, and I think ultimately that’s what we are looking for, I am.”

On where specifically Lions WR Jameson Williams has improved: “Everywhere. Everywhere. And we’re not in pads yet. Everywhere.”

On what he has seen from Lions DL Brodric Martin: “He’s improving. There again, it’s hard to say without pads on. Till we get pads on, that O-line, D-line, but I can tell you this, (Lions Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach) Terrell (Williams), who – I’ve got a lot of confidence in Terrell Williams as our D-Line coach, I think he really is – he’s the best D-Line coach in this League. And if he’s not, then you can argue what place he is. He’s been working with him, a ton of one-on-one, individual. Look the kid wants it, he’s working, and he’s improving. He’s another guy, we’ve just got to get him reps, and training camp is going to be pivotal for him with the pads on.”

On if they will have joint practices this training camp: “Yeah, so the Giants, we will go to the New York Giants. That’ll be the Week 1, Preseason Week 1, we’ll go out there for a couple of days. That’ll be the only one we have this year.”

On if he wanted a second set of joint practices: “Yes. It didn’t work out. I know that – I talked to (Chiefs Head) Coach (Andy) Reid a while back, that’s just not necessarily something that they do. That’s not – and that’s all good. We’ll be here and no problem.”

On if the ‘I know we can’ mentality permeates through the team and if he feels that: “Yeah, I can feel it. You have to believe and think that way. I think we all know what we are capable of here. But more importantly – yeah it does permeate. But it’s also, you can’t just say it and say we’re going to believe and not put the work in. That’s the most important thing. There is a belief, but I think the belief comes from the work that you put in and doing all the little things right and starting back from the ground up and surpassing where you were at. Build from the ground up and now we have to get even further, we’ve got to think a little bit different here. There’s got to be a different level of focus and detail to what we do. That can never be lost. You’ve got to go earn everything again. I mentioned this last year and I’ll say it again, it’s going to take a lot more than it did last year to get to where we were. That’s just the nature of how it goes. But we’re going to be more than capable of doing that. Things have got to go your way, but it does start with you. It starts with those players, starts with the coaches, we’ve got to put the work in.”

On what the benefits are of joint practices: “Yeah, you get something different. You get a different – your O-line, D-line, receivers, DB, the backs, tight ends, everything – you get a whole different – you get used to somebody over about a 10-day period then now you get to go and now this guy runs routes a little but different, his stems are different, the speed’s different, he’s a little more physical, or he’s a little – whatever, I think it sparks the system. It gives you somebody new to see and you adjust and react, so that’s where I think it’s good. Then it breaks up a little bit of the monotony of camp of going against each other. It’s something – it’s just a little fresh.”

On if having no second joint practice changes their approach to playing starters in the preseason: “Yeah, I’m still tinkering with that a little bit. Certainly, we’ll get our work done here however we need to do that whether we are playing in the preseason or we’re getting it done here together during that week with the starters and the guys we’re going to count on. We’ll have a good plan. We’ll have them ready to go.”

On if he worries about anything in particular with the team outside of injuries: “No. I don’t. Injuries you have no control over. You do the best you can with the way you set things up and training is a big part of that, guys taking care of their body. But no, no I don’t. What I worry about is the things we have control of, so I shouldn’t have to worry about it right? We put the work in, nobody gets complacent, there shouldn’t be any entitlement, we’ve got to go back to work and as long as we do that, we’ll be just fine.”

On what his contract extension with the Lions this offseason means to him: “I’m fortunate. To me, those coaches and (Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager) Brad (Holmes) himself, that crew over there, and those players – that’s because of them. I’m thankful for that, and I’m thankful to be around the people that I’m around. They make me a better coach, there’s no doubt about that. Here we go man, we’re into the next phase.”

The United Church of Big Rapids will be hosting a kid’s concert on Tuesday, May 28 at 6:30 P.M. 

Treblemakers is a group of fourth to eighth graders that will be performing a wide variety of songs, both traditional and modern.

“They are fantastic,” Director Katie McGinnis. “They're just a bundle of joy every rehearsal. It's so fun to spend time with them and to make music with them.”

Admission is free for the event and donations are encouraged. According to McGinnis, the support for the group from the community has always been great.

“It's a very welcoming arts community and there is something for everyone,” McGinnis said. “That’s why I love this community so very much.”

This event is one of many different concerts coming up in the area. To stay up to date on upcoming shows and times, check out bigrapidsdailynews.com.

(Photo provided by Katie McGinnis).

Eight events headline the community outreach effort by the Big Rapids Community Library this coming month.

Various events include monthly storytime sessions, science and math activities, and arts and crafts workshops. This month also includes a plant sale and the contiuation of the summer reading program.

For a full list of the events with dates and times, view the flyer attached as well as visit the Big Rapids Media Network Community Calendar at https://wbrn.com/community/calendar. For additional information, visit https://www.bigrapidslibrary.org/ or contact the library at (231)-796-5234.

The Biden-Harris Administration announced Tuesday the approval of $7.7 billion in additional student loan debt relief for 160,500 borrowers. These discharges are for three categories of borrowers: those receiving Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF); those who signed up for President Biden’s Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan and who are eligible for its shortened time-to-forgiveness benefit; and those receiving forgiveness on income-driven repayment (IDR) as a result of fixes made by the Administration. This action comes as more than 8 million borrowers have been helped by the SAVE Plan. That includes 4.6 million with a $0 monthly payment.

Tuesday's announcement brings the total loan forgiveness approved by the Biden-Harris Administration to $167 billion for 4.75 million Americans. Thanks to this Administration’s efforts more than one out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers has now been approved for some debt relief. This action builds on President Biden and his Administration’s efforts to provide debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration remains persistent about our efforts to bring student debt relief to millions more across the country, and this announcement proves it,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “One out of every 10 federal student loan borrowers approved for debt relief means one out of every 10 borrowers now has financial breathing room and a burden lifted.” 

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) also announced an update on the timing of the payment count adjustment. This administrative fix ensures borrowers get credit for progress borrowers made toward IDR forgiveness and PSLF. Borrowers who would benefit from consolidating now have until June 30, 2024 to apply to consolidate. Borrowers can find out more about the payment count adjustment here. 

The debt relief announced is broken down into the following categories:

• $5.2 billion for 66,900 borrowers through fixes to PSLF: The Administration has now approved $68 billion in forgiveness for more than 942,000 borrowers through PSLF. 
• $613 million for 54,300 borrowers through the SAVE Plan: This relief will go to borrowers enrolled in the SAVE Plan who had smaller loans for their postsecondary studies. Borrowers can receive relief after at least 10 years of payments if they originally borrowed $12,000 or less. Each additional $1,000 in borrowing adds 12 more months until forgiveness. All borrowers on the SAVE Plan receive forgiveness after 20 or 25 years, depending on whether they have loans for graduate school. The benefit is based upon the original principal balance of all Federal loans borrowed to attend school, not what a borrower currently owes or the amount of an individual loan. Today’s announcement brings total relief approved under the SAVE Plan to $5.5 billion for 414,000 borrowers. 
• $1.9 billion for 39,200 borrowers through administrative adjustments to IDR?payment counts. These adjustments have brought borrowers closer to forgiveness and address longstanding concerns with the misuse of forbearance by loan servicers. Including today’s announcement, the Biden-Harris Administration has now approved $51.0 billion in IDR relief for more than 1 million borrowers.

“Another 160,000 borrowers and their families will get some much-needed relief thanks to the continued efforts the Biden-Harris Administration to fix the broken student loan system,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal. “We congratulate those borrowers on their due forgiveness and we will continue to work to deliver relief to others.” 

As discussed in a recent report by the Council of Economic Advisers, the relief provided by these discharges and other actions taken by the Administration could boost short-term consumption and have positive effects on borrower mental health, financial security, and outcomes such as homeownership and entrepreneurship. 

Borrowers have already begun receiving emails informing them of their approvals. Their relief will be processed in the following weeks.

New Plans to Deliver Debt Relief to Tens of Millions of Americans

In April, the Biden-Harris Administration released initial details of a new set of plans that would provide student debt relief for tens of millions of borrowers across the country. The plans would bring the total number of borrowers eligible for student debt relief to over 30 million, including borrowers who have already been approved for debt cancellation by the Biden-Harris Administration over the past three years. The plans for new student debt relief regulations announced by President Biden are the next step in a regulatory process that began last summer to provide debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible under the Higher Education Act. The proposals would permit the following types of waivers:

• Waiving accrued and capitalized interest for millions of borrowers; 
• Automatically discharging debt for borrowers not enrolled in but otherwise eligible for loan forgiveness under the SAVE Plan, closed school discharge, or other forgiveness programs; 
• Eliminating student debt for borrowers who entered repayment 20 or more years ago; 
• Helping borrowers who enrolled in low-financial-value programs or institutions; and 
• Assisting borrowers who experience hardship in paying.

Public comments on the first set of plans closed on May 17. The Department is in the process of carefully reviewing comments. Our goal is to publish a final rule that results in delivering relief this fall.

A Strong Track Record of Borrower Assistance

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken many steps to reduce the burden of student debt and ensure that student loans are not a barrier to opportunity for students and families. The Administration secured a $900 increase to the maximum Pell Grant -- the largest increase in a decade -- and finalized new rules to protect borrowers from career programs that leave graduates with unaffordable debts or insufficient earnings. 

Beyond the relief under IDR, the SAVE Plan, and PSLF, the Biden-Harris Administration has also approved: 

• $28.7 billion for more than 1.6 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements. 
• $14.1 billion for more than 548,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability.

The updated state-by-state breakdown of borrowers approved for forgiveness under IDR and the SAVE Plan, including today’s announcement, can be found here.

Ferris State University’s Digital Media Software Engineering curriculum was highlighted by University HQ, an independent education organization, which ranked the program in its Top 15 Online Bachelor's Degree programs for a second straight year.

Ferris State was fifth in the ranking. Assistant professor Mohamed Abusharkh, program coordinator for this School of Digital Media curriculum, said the university has made the program available online since 2019, around a decade after establishing this degree track at the Ferris State-Grand Rapids campus.

“Having our base in Ferris State’s Center for Virtual Learning is a great asset for all our students, ushering in a new era of collaborative opportunities with our peers in the School of Digital Media,” Abusharkh said. “A vast majority of the students in our program take their classes online, opting for asynchronous or real-time participation in a curriculum that prioritizes software building skills. We also offer our entire program through coursework at Ferris-Grand Rapids.”

The Digital Media Software Engineering program helps students master software development fundamentals while gaining insights into emerging technologies, giving them relevant abilities in a high-demand field.

“We have a hub where students can gain proficiency in developing artificial intelligence software, experience machine learning or build their game design and development abilities,” Abusharkh said. “They can experience paid internships and enjoy placement post-graduation at salaries of $65,000 or more. For those with software engineering skills, the number of available positions is expected to outpace the field of qualified prospects from now to the year 2050.”

Abusharkh said industries seeking software engineering graduates include healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and others adapting to the utilization of artificial intelligence in their processes.

The Digital Media Software Engineering program offers courses during the fall, spring and summer semesters to allow for degree completion in four years.

The Ferris State University men's golf team finished the season ninth in the nation after competing in the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships, with Bulldog Nathan Kraynyk finishing as the national runner-up.

The Bulldogs had a strong final round, shooting even par with a 284 team score over the final 18 holes of action. Ferris State finished ninth overall at 857 or 5 over par for the 54-hole tournament held on the par 71 course measuring 7,419 yards.

The D2 National Championships were held in conjunction with the Division II Spring Sports Festival at the Orange County National Golf Center in Winter Garden, Fla.

The top eight teams following the 54-hole stroke play portion of the national championships advanced to the head-to-head national quarterfinals and Ferris State narrowly missed the field.

The Bulldogs were in contention to finish in the top eight throughout the final round finished only four shots behind eighth-place finisher West Texas A&M. The team champion was West Florida, which carded a 14-under par score for the tournament.

"It was an incredible season by an impressive group of young men, who represented our program and our university with class, dedication and grit," Ferris State head coach Sam Stark said. "We were disappointed to fall a bit short of match play, but never disappointed in the effort by this group."

Individually, Kraynyk tied for second place overall on the leaderboard with a 206 tournament figure. He carded a 67 in the final round after shooting a 70 in round one and a 69 in round two.

"What a week of golf for this Dawg," Stark said. "He was an absolute incredible competitor and gave everything he had for his teammates throughout his Bulldog career."

Kraynyk is a junior from Buffalo Point, Manitoba in Canada.

Ferris State’s Caleb Bond and Zach Koerner both tied for 37th on the leaderboard with 216 tournament totals. Bond shot a 76 in the final round while Koerner closed with an even-par 71 figure.

The Bulldogs' McCoy Biagioli finished tied for 77th with a 222 total, notching a 73 in the final round. Finally, Sam Havey also carded a 73 in round three and placed tied for 83rd in the field with a 223 figure.

The Bulldogs were one of 20 team from across the country competing for the national championship in men's golf.

The Bulldogs earned their trip to the national championships after a fifth-place finish at the NCAA D2 Midwest/Central Super Regional Championships that wrapped up on May 11 in Edmond, Okla.

Ferris State shot a final-round 277 team figure and finished at 834 or six-under for the 54-hole super regional tournament to earn its spot in the national championships.

This year's national championships berth represented FSU's 17th all-time in program history and first since 2019. The finals were hosted by Rollins College and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

Ferris State's ninth-place team finish is the program's best since 2017 when the Bulldogs earned runner-up honors in the 2017 NCAA-II Midwest/Central Super Regional in Kearney, Neb., before going on to a national quarterfinal finish. In 2019, the Bulldogs placed tied for third at the super regional and reached the NCAA D2 National Championships, placing 20th overall.

This year also marked the 19th time in the past 21 years in which the Bulldogs had representation in the NCAA Tournament when it has been held. The stretch of NCAA Championship representation in men's golf ranks as one of the best stretches in the country.

Ferris State also captured its 22nd all-time GLIAC Championship by beating rival Grand Valley State in the league finale on April 14 in Augusta, Mich.

(Image provided by Ferris State Athletics).

After a successful senior season as a Coyote, Dylan Walsh will be trading in his red and black colors for purple and gold this coming fall.

The standout guard signed his letter of intent with the developmental program back on May 17.

“I thought it was a good fit academically,” Walsh said. “They've a good environment around campus and the gym. Most importantly, the coaches felt right.”

Walsh helped the Coyotes win a regular season CSAA title this past winter as well as reach the district finals for the first time since 2016. He also shot 44 percent from three-point range.

Walsh will not be the only one from the area making the move to Grand Rapids, as fellow conference opponent KJ Strait from White Cloud and former teammates Caelen Kinnally and Kanin Gerding from Big Rapids will be joining the Kuyper program at different levels.

“It’s good already knowing some of the guys down there,” Walsh said. “(It’s) just going to make it a little better (transition).”

When asked what he is looking forward to most about playing college basketball, he said the competition with players being bigger, faster, and stronger.

“I’ve already been down there for a couple open gyms and can already tell. It’s going to really help me develop as a player and hopefully continue playing for the chance at a varsity roster spot.”

Walsh said he is planning to study business leadership at Kuyper.

(Graphic credit to Dylan Walsh).

Monday, May 13

• Alarm – Officers were dispatched for a burglary alarm. It was determined to be a false alarm.
• Stolen Vehicle – Officers assisted the Osceola County Sheriff's Department with a UDAA complaint. Officers observed the stolen vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Further investigation determined that no crime had occurred.

Tuesday, May 14

• Retail Fraud – Officers were dispatched for a retail fraud complaint.

Wednesday, May 15

• Private Property Damage Accident – Officers came across a private property damage accident while on patrol. Officers assisted the driver with obtaining a tow.

Thursday, May 16

• Larceny – Officers were dispatched for a civil complaint involving missing items. The items were located and returned.

Friday, May 17

• No incidents reported.

Saturday, May 18

• Property Damage Accident - Officers were dispatched for a two car accident. There were no injuries and both vehicles were drivable. 

• Civil – Officers assisted the Osceola County Sheriff's Department with a civil complaint.

• Disorderly – Officers were dispatched to assist the Osceola County Sheriff's Department with an assault in progress complaint. The suspect was transported to hospital for evaluation.

Sunday, May 19

• No incidents reported.

Lake County has completed the construction and testing of the ORV Training Park located at 2172 S. M-37 in Baldwin and is adjacent to the James St Trailhead. The Park's grand opening is scheduled for this Saturday, May 25, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

The park features three training areas for varying rider skill levels, a large covered pavilion, parking for vehicles w/trailers, and an information kiosk. The park will be open to the public daily from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.  beginning on Sunday, May 26, and closing for the season on Sunday, Sep. 1.

The completion and opening of the park are the culmination of the momentous efforts by many county employees and offices for the training and enjoyment of county residents and visiting trail riders. The cost of completing the park came in just under $600,000 with approximately $300,000 funded by a grant from the DNR Trust Fund.

Please direct any questions or concerns to the Lake County Clerk, Patti Pacola, at clerk@co.lake.mu.us or (231)745-2725.

This past Wednesday evening, Big Rapids City Commissioner Jonathan Eppley submitted his formal notice of resignation to the Big Rapids City Commission.

He will step down from the position of City Commissioner after serving for over six and half years in Big Rapids.

"It has been my pleasure to serve my community for the past six and a half years as a commissioner," Eppley wrote. "With the current city staff, leadership and commission in place, I believe the city is positioned for continuous prosperity."

Eppley's last day is listed as Tuesday, May 28. The City Commission has set a special meeting for Tuesday evening at 6:30 P.M. to recognize Eppley for his service and make a procedure to find the next commissioner.

Monday, May 13

• No incidents reported.

Tuesday, May 14

• Officers participated in drug enforcement activities. Investigations are ongoing.

Wednesday, May 15

• Officers took a report of a found medical bracelet. The bracelet was returned to the owner.
• An officer took a report of a stolen decorative solar lawn light.
• An officer investigated reports of someone smoking marijuana at an apartment complex. After investigating the 18-year-old male was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant out of Mecosta County.
• An officer investigated reports of vandalism made to the bathroom at the Depot.
• Officers responded to a civil disagreement regarding personal property.

Thursday, May 16

• Officers transported a 21-year-old male from Gratiot County Jail and transported to Osceola County Jail on two outstanding warrants. No issues.

Friday, May 17

• Officers picked up 47-year-old male on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court.
• Officers responded to an attempted larceny from a motor vehicle. The vehicle owner declined to press charges.

Saturday, May 18

• Officer took a complaint of a barking dog.
• Officers responded to a complaint of an argument. Upon investigating and finding only one person in the residence, an individual was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.
• Officers responded to a residence due to reports of a highly intoxicated man punching his car and possibly being suicidal. The man was taken to the hospital for treatment.
• Officers were dispatched to a possible domestic situation. Upon arrival there was no domestic situation. Both were intoxicated but denied any argument.

Sunday, May 19

• Officers took a complaint from an upset individual who stated the mother of his children was saying bad things about him. He was advised it was a civil matter as no law was broken.

• Officers were contacted by a woman who was concerned her grandson may have brought a stolen bicycle to her house. The matter is under investigation.

• Officers took a report regarding the unauthorized use of a commercial dumpster.

• Officer took a report of a possible criminal sexual conduct matter involving two minors. The matter is under investigation.

The return of a long-standing Reed City mini-grocery mart is here, but it has been a roller-coaster ride of a process.

In August of 2022, the long-standing Northend Grocery store was knocked down in hopes of a new Biggby Coffee shop coming in. This change brought good news and bad news. 

The bad news: the plans for the coffee shop fell through. The good news: a new version of Northend would be on the way less than a year later.

Under the ownership of Craig Goodman and Al Peterson, the new convenience shop located at 315 N Chestnut Street now offers many different goods for the community.

“We're trying to have a little bit of something for everybody,” Al Peterson said. “We've got the meat markets open, the deli is open, and we now have our liquor license.”

(A look at the interior layout of Northend Meat and Produce; photo credit to Brandon Wirth).

The store had a soft opening back on May 7 and Peterson said they saw lots of positive feedback.

“Everybody seemed to like how the store was set up. (They) want us to have gas but it’ll come in time.”

Northend is currently waiting on permission from the state for putting motor fuel on their licenses with their four installed pumps. They have also applied for food stamp and lottery licenses. Peterson says they will be hoping to get those licenses before Memorial Day and be fully operational in the next month or so.

The store is currently open from 6 A.M. to 10 P.M. Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, they will open at 6 A.M. and remain open until midnight. Peterson also said they will be open on holidays as well.

For more information on the store, visit “Northend Meat and Produce” on Facebook.

Ferris State University men's tennis sophomore standout Esunge Ndumbe has earned the 2024 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Most Improved Player Award, a national honor.

Ndumbe, who helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2024 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, previously claimed a pair of major regional awards as announced by the ITA including the ITA Midwest Region Most Improved Player Award in addition to the ITA Midwest Region Player to Watch this campaign.

Every year the ITA recognizes coaches and players for their excellence on the court and in their communities throughout the season.

Ndumbe, a Keller, Texas native, was chosen as the national winner of the Most Improved Player Award from among the group of eight individuals previously selected as regional award recipients of the honor.

"I couldn't be more proud and happy for Esunge," Ferris State head coach Mark Doren said. "From the day Esunge stepped on campus, we knew he was going to make it a point to outwork everyone on and off the court. His commitment to improving was contagious with his teammates. "This past semester, he was one of the most coachable players I've had, and the trust of his coaches and teammates propelled him and the team to a great season."

This season, Ndumbe moved up to the number one flight in the Bulldog singles lineup and finished with a 20-7 overall record this season. He compiled a 5-1 league record in conference regular-season play at the top flight.

In doubles play, he finished 13-8 overall this campaign and recorded a 4-2 conference mark in regular-season action at the number two spot in the lineup with teammate Alessandro Santangelo. The FSU sophomore was ranked 20th nationally in the most recent ITA national singles rankings along with 40th nationally in doubles play.

Ndumbe earned All-GLIAC First Team honors this season for the Bulldogs, who finished with a 17-5 overall record. The Bulldogs won both the GLIAC's regular season and tournament championships under Doren in addition to earning the program's ninth consecutive and 27th all-time NCAA Tournament appearance this year.

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) was joined by 119 of his colleagues on a letter to House Appropriations leaders requesting an H-2A visa guestworker wage freeze in the upcoming appropriations process. This simple policy fix would help lower input costs for the agricultural community and save family farms across the nation. This level of support for freezing the H-2A wage rate is significant because it represents the majority of the House Republican Conference (110) and even includes ten House Democrats.

The “Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR),” or the required wage that farm employers must pay H-2A workers more than doubled since 2005, making agricultural labor and its products more unaffordable. With the nation’s average AEWR reaching $17.55/hr in 2024 (more than a 5% increase year over year) and other inflated input costs including fuel and fertilizer, many farms are in danger of going out of business. In Michigan, the AEWR will be a steep $18.50/hr, while our Canadian neighbors pay their agricultural workers closer to $11/hr. A temporary wage freeze is a reasonable way to alleviate this skyrocketing financial burden and give our farmers a chance to compete, stay in business, and put food on the table for millions of Americans and the world. 

The text of the letter to the House Appropriations is available below and a signed copy is available here.

Dear Chairman Aderholt and Ranking Member DeLauro:

We write with shared concerns regarding the annual adjustment to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). Now in 2024, the H-2A labor rates paid by agricultural employers have become more unaffordable, and it will certainly increase in 2025 as well. The new rates put further financial strain on farm operations of all sizes, and we urge you to include an H-2A wage freeze in Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations legislation.

The national average AEWR has already more than doubled over the past two decades, making agricultural guest labor unaffordable for farm employers and resulting in higher consumer costs. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the national average AEWR is around $17.55, which is upwards of a mean 5 percent increase over 2023. While the AEWR varies by region, nearly half of all states have an AEWR between $17 and $19 per hour in 2024. Meanwhile, producers in Canada pay closer to $11 per hour for fieldworkers, or even approximately $1.50 per hour in Mexico. This uneven playing field greatly disadvantages our domestic producers.

For farmers and ranchers who use H-2A, the skyrocketing AEWR will only compound inflated input costs like energy and fertilizer, other guest worker expenses like transportation and housing, and burdens from several impending federal regulations and fees. USDA data shows that hired farm labor costs account for nearly 15 percent of total cash expenses. More labor-intensive industries will be hardest-hit, including specialty crop growers, who already spend nearly 40 percent of their total cash expenses on labor alone. If we do nothing, many of our constituents will be forced to shutter their businesses, despite good-faith efforts to ensure our national food security and feed families across our nation.

While more permanent solutions are needed to address the AEWR’s past impact and its future trajectory, we request that the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill prohibit funds from being used to implement a wage larger than the January 2023 wage rate or otherwise freeze the H-2A wage rates at January 2023 levels. Thank you for your attention to this important matter

“Too many family farms in Michigan and across the nation are on the brink due to soaring input costs,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “Farmers, growers, and producers often work from sunup to sundown. Washington should be working with our farmers to lower costs, not raise them. I am proud to lead this effort that includes the majority of House Republicans to lower costs and help both family farms as well as the larger agricultural community.”

“I have met with fifth and sixth-generation Michigan farmers who are worried they will be the last in their families to farm unless the Labor Department stops making it harder for them to do business. The Labor Department has mandated higher wage rates out of line with reality on the ground in Michigan for ten consecutive years. An AEWR freeze, like the one in my Supporting Farm Operations Act, is a common-sense solution widely supported by the agriculture community. Thank you to Congressman Huizenga for leading this letter with dozens of members supporting our efforts. As our state’s only member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will fight for much-needed relief for farmers,” said Congressman John Moolenaar.

Agricultural leaders across America are voicing support for the inclusion of a proposed H-2A wage freeze and detailing the negative impact an increase would have on farmers, growers, and producers. 

“Farmers are committed to paying their employees a fair wage, but the Department of Labor’s AEWR rule uses flawed data to reach a flawed conclusion. Requiring farmers to pay their workers far more than the average domestic worker is earning just makes no sense, especially in the face of high supply costs, inflation, and a geopolitical uncertainty. We are grateful for the bipartisan Members of Congress who took the time to understand the impacts of this rule and are willing to stand up for common sense solutions in Washington,” said Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

“The Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee fully supports Rep. Bill Huizenga's letter for freezing the H2A wages,” said Chad Reenders, President of Michigan Blueberry Advisory Committee. Our blueberry industry has been significantly damaged from these high labor rates. As a result, many farms in the past few years have already been sold or abandoned due to these high wages. Our committee understands how important it is to keep these farms operational. The MBBAC wants to continue to work with all the organizations to make this program affordable and sustainable. Thanks to all Representatives that support this letter and are willing to work together to make the American Farms live on for generations to come.”

“The Michigan Apple industry is appreciative of the bipartisan effort to freeze H-2A wages for farmworkers, as it shows an understanding of the unsustainable increases in labor costs and overall production costs in agriculture,” said Diane Smith of the Michigan Apple Association. “The Adverse Effect Wage Rate has increased by 61% in the last decade in Michigan.  Most apple growers are losing money at this point – more than $1,800 per acre, as production costs continue to rise. We especially appreciate the support of the Michigan congress members, Representative Huizenga and Representative Kildee, who co-authored the effort, as well as other Michigan congress members from both sides of the aisle who have supported agriculture.”

“Michigan asparagus growers are being crushed by the ever-increasing government mandated AEWR.  Asparagus is the canary in the coal mine with other vegetables and fruits not far behind,” said Jamie Clover Adams CEO of the Michigan Asparagus Association. “Without a pause in the AEWR, Michigan growers and our rural communities with will be irreparably harmed. Thank you to Rep. Huizenga for his leadership and the other members of the Michigan delegation for their support. Growers look forward to this being included in the FY25 budget.”

“An H-2A wage freeze provides cost predictability for our farmers, allowing them to budget and manage labor resources while ensuring they can continue to employ the necessary labor force for crop planting and harvest while a more permanent solution is investigated,” said Kelly Turner, Ed.D, CAE. Manager, Potato Growers of Michigan.

“We’re at a crossroads and if Congress doesn’t act quickly, the very fabric of our local communities will change, making families increasingly dependent on foreign-sourced produce,” said John Kran, National Legislative Counsel, Michigan Farm Bureau. “Michigan Farm Bureau is incredibly appreciative of Michigan Representatives Bill Huizenga and Dan Kildee for leading this effort and for their many colleagues who truly understand how critical this issue is for the survival of family farms that raise specialty crops in our state and across the country.”

“America’s fresh produce industry is facing a crisis that threatens to upend our food supply chain and it is driven by out-of-control labor costs,” said Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association. “If Congress does not act, we will lose the ability to be a food secure country. Congressman Huizenga’s bipartisan effort to provide immediate AEWR relief sends a message that Congress can and must act now to save American agriculture.”

“AmericanHort commends Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Don Davis (D-NC), Rick Crawford (R-AR), and Dan Kildee (D-MI) for leading this bipartisan letter with over 120 Members of Congress requesting to freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), said Ken Fisher, President and CEO, AmericanHort. “As labor and affiliated costs continue to put pressure on our growers and the horticulture industry, placing a freeze on the AEWR will ease the high cost of labor and aid growers in planning for the future.”

“Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) thanks Congressmen Bill Huizenga and Don Davis for working in a bipartisan fashion to raise concerns on the skyrocketing Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and its impacts on hardworking farm and ranch families,” said TFB President Russell Boening. “While TFB readily recognizes the need for comprehensive long-term H-2A labor reform, a freeze on the AEWR will provide critical short-term relief. If action is not taken, many farmers and ranchers will be forced out of business, putting our national food security at severe risk. We thank all the members of Congress who signed the letter and recognize the direness of the situation. TFB looks forward to our continued work with Congress on agricultural labor reform.”

Joining Congressman Huizenga on the letter are Representatives: Alford, Mark; Allen, Rick; Armstrong, Kelly; Arrington, Jodey; Babin, Brian; Bacon, Don; Baird, James; Balderson, Troy; Banks, Jim; Barr, Andy; Bentz, Cliff; Bergman, Jack; Bilirakis, Gus; Bishop, Dan; Boebert, Lauren; Bost, Mike; Bucshon, Larry; Cammack, Kat; Caraveo, Yadira; Carter, Earl; Chavez-DeRemer, Lori; Cline, Ben; Cloud, Michael; Clyde, Andrew; Comer, James; Costa, Jim; Crawford, Eric; Davis, Donald; De La Cruz, Monica; DesJarlais, Scott; Donalds, Byron; Duarte, John; Duncan, Jeff; Dunn, Neal; Ezell, Mike; Fallon, Pat; Feenstra, Randy; Finstad, Brad; Fischbach, Michelle; Fry, Russell; Fulcher, Russ; Gonzales, Tony; González-Colón, Jenniffer; Gooden, Lance; Graves, Garret; Grothman, Glenn; Guthrie, Brett; Harshbarger, Diana; Hern, Kevin; Higgins, Clay; Hill, J.; Houchin, Erin; Hudson, Richard; Hunt, Wesley; Jackson, Ronny; James, John; Johnson, Dusty; Joyce, John; Kelly, Mike; Kelly, Trent; Kiggans, Jennifer; Kildee, Daniel; Kustoff, David; LaHood, Darin; LaMalfa, Doug; Langworthy, Nicholas; Lawler, Michael; Lee, Laurel; Loudermilk, Barry; Lucas, Frank; Luttrell, Morgan; Mace, Nancy; Manning, Kathy; McCaul, Michael; McClain, Lisa; Meuser, Daniel; Miller, Mary; Miller-Meeks, Mariannette; Mills, Cory; Molinaro, Marcus; Moore, Barry; Moran, Nathaniel; Murphy, Gregory; Nehls, Troy; Norman, Ralph; Nunn, Zachary; Palmer, Gary; Pence, Greg; Perez, Marie; Pfluger, August; Rodgers, Cathy; Rogers, Mike; Rose, John; Rouzer, David; Ryan, Patrick; Salazar, Maria; Scholten, Hillary; Schrier, Kim; Scott, Austin; Self, Keith; Sessions, Pete; Slotkin, Elissa; Stauber, Pete; Stefanik, Elise; Steube, W.; Strong, Dale; Tenney, Claudia; Thompson, Glenn; Timmons, William; Van Drew, Jefferson; Van Orden, Derrick; Walberg, Tim; Waltz, Michael; Weber, Randy; Webster, Daniel; Westerman, Bruce; Williams, Roger; Wilson, Joe; Yakym, Rudy

Amidst the deconstruction of the long-lived Hemlock Park Playscape, the city of Big Rapids has announced that residents can now pick up playscape bricks, fence spindles, and other trinkets at the Bjornson Street Water Tower location.

This initiative is part of the city's ongoing efforts to repurpose some of the playscape materials and promote community engagement. The playscape has been officially closed since this past weekend.

Residents are encouraged to visit the Bjornson Street Water Tower to collect the materials. The Bjornson Street Water Tower is located at 603 Bjornson Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307.

(Map of Water Tower location for materials pickup; credit to City of Big Rapids).

Playscape bricks, fence spindles, and trinkets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is also encouraged to bring some water to read the bricks as they have aged over time and have dirt on them.

Please note the bricks are at least 50 pounds so those who want a brick may need to bring another person to lift it.

"We are thrilled to offer these bricks, fence spindles, and other trinkets to our community members," Public Works Director Heather Bowman stated. "The city recognizes the significance of the old playscape to residents of all ages, whether you have family members who helped build the playscape or if you have cherished memories of playing on it at Hemlock Park during your childhood. We wanted to give residents the opportunity to have a piece of the playscape."

For more information, please contact the City of Big Rapids Public Works Department at
(231) 592-4015 or visit our website at www.cityofbr.org.

Monday, May 13

• At 11:59 A.M., deputies assisted with probation/parole at a residence in Green TWP. A male subject was arrested for several parole violations. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 13

Traffic Accidents: 2

Tuesday, May 14

• At 2:04 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna TWP.  The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on several warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 3:01 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna TWP.  The traffic stop resulted in a male passenger being arrested on  a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 3:45 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Big Rapids TWP. A female subject was arrested on a warrant and for possession of methamphetamine. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 21

Traffic Accidents: 1

Wednesday, May 15

• At around 12:28 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence just into Newaygo County. Deputies were assisted by Newaygo County deputies in finding and arresting two male subjects that had warrants out of Mecosta County. Both subjects were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At around 3:00 P.M., deputies investigated a theft of a lawnmower and motorcycle in Green TWP. Additional investigation led to the recovery of the stolen lawnmower and motorcycle from the suspect's residence in Green TWP. The male suspect was arrested on larceny charges, warrants, and felony firearm charges.

Calls for Service: 34

Traffic Accidents: 3

Thursday, May 16

• At 5:09 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Austin TWP.  The traffic stop resulted in a male passenger being arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 9:55 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being  arrested on a warrant out of Newaygo County. The male subject was lodged in Newaygo County.

Calls for Service: 26

Traffic Accidents: 3

Friday, May 17

• At around 7:42 P.M., deputies responded to a domestic at a residence in Morton TWP. A male subject was arrested for domestic assault on his girlfriend. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 12

Saturday, May 18

• At around 3:42 hours, deputies responded to a one vehicle accident in Mecosta TWP. The male driver was arrested for OWI. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 22

Traffic Accidents: 2

Sunday, May 19

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 3

Kate O’Connor has been selected to be dean of Ferris State’s University’s College of Engineering Technology, overseeing programs that provide in-demand skills plays a key role in developing a talented workforce boosting the state and local economy.

The college provides a range of degree programs spanning the Built Environment, Engineering and Computing Technology, Automotive and Heavy Equipment, and Design and Manufacturing disciplines.

O'Connor, who joined Ferris State in 2021, has served as the interim dean since July 2023. Prior to her tenure at Ferris State, she held a decade of leadership positions at the Marywood University School of Architecture, in Scranton, Penn.

Bobby Fleischman, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, commended O'Connor for her exceptional leadership of the college, expressing confidence in her ability to continue guiding students towards rewarding careers by equipping them with in-demand skills.

"You don’t have to spend much time around Kate to know she is passionate and charismatic," Fleischman said. "The programs in the College of Engineering Technology are already recognized as some of the best in the nation. The fields are also among the ones most quickly evolving. Under Kate’s leadership, we will continue to prepare students for careers of today, and of the future."

O'Connor holds a Master of Architecture from Tulane University and two bachelor’s degrees from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Her pedagogical pursuit explores community visioning through design thinking, and her current research interest is related to transdisciplinary leadership and creativity for sustainability.

O'Connor's has been published in several scholarly journals, such as Il Quaderno and Telesis Volume III, as well as a book chapter in Turning Points, Responsive Pedagogies in Studio Art Education. She has presented on national and international stages.

Reflecting on her new role, O'Connor emphasized the multitude of opportunities within Ferris State University's College of Engineering Technology, including interdisciplinary programs, cutting-edge technology, and innovative curriculum.

“Ferris State is excellently positioned in a competitive national market of technology-based programs and fosters a culture of inclusion and free-thinking from day one, ultimately benefiting our students, community, and state as a whole,” she said. “I am excited about leading the Ferris State College of Engineering Technology and contributing to the advancement of experiential learning, the development of market-responsive academic programs, and preparing the next-generation of builders, creators, designers, and innovators to make their mark on our world."

One of three gas stations near the crossroads of US-10 and US-131 is getting more than what some would call a facelift. 

Wesco Station 161, located on 220^th Avenue by McDonald’s and Taco Bell, is expanding their store with a 17-foot addition on the backside of the building. There will also be additional fuel pumps installed, DEF additives, and parking spots for customers.

A drive thru will also be placed on the west side of the building, which will serve Subway products and Wesco hot food, such as chicken tenders, sandwiches, as more.

“There's a lot of excitement about it,” Store manager Jesse Blanchard said. “There's some people who are a little upset because this is their stop and so they obviously create new habits.”

The ending of the quote alludes to the entire store shutting down July 7 for interior remodeling and the construction of the add-on portion. The current targeted opening date is set for December 16. Blanchard also says the store will be looking to hire new employees around October.

“With the expansion, we'll be looking to hire for some positions. We're going to start doing some hiring in October for all the new positions and just to kind of bolster our staff for what we're expecting with the addition."

The other Reed City Wesco, Station 50 at 602 Chestnut Street, will remain open during Station 161’s closure.

You can say it was an eventful school board meeting last night at Morley Stanwood public schools, as the meeting was interrupted by a tornado warning issued in Mecosta County.

According to Superintendent Roger Cole, the board was 30 minutes into a workshop when alerts started piling in.

“We started our workshop at 6:30 P.M. and then had a power outage around 10 minutes to seven,” Cole said. “Then at 7:04, we all received alerts on our phones.”

(Image of Morley Stanwood Elementary School damage; credit to Brandon Wirth).

Meeting attendees then evacuated into an interior hallway to shelter down during the storm. Power was noticed to go on and off quite a bit, alluding to potential electrical damage within the building. Structural damage from fallen trees and power lines were also found following an examination of the area this morning.

“We had a lady drive to the school in order to find shelter,” Cole said. “We are very grateful and thankful people are safe.”

(Image of Northland Drive across from Morley Stanwood schools; credit to Brandon Wirth).

Morley Stanwood closed schools Tuesday due to the damage from the storm. Severe, strong winds as well as heavy thunderstorms slammed the area in a storm system moving at speeds up to 60 miles per hour to the northeast between 7:00 P.M. and 7:30 P.M.

When asked about the community’s response, Cole mentioned the tight-knit support is always shown in the community.

“Our small community at Morley Stanwood is great with supporting one another.”

Working crews are currently working at the school in hopes to re-open in the short future.

More significant weather is possible for this evening. Tune into WBRN on 1460 AM, 96.5 and 107.7 FM for hourly Weather Eye forecasts for updates on changing conditions.

At around 10:32 P.M. Monday night, deputies responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Aetna Township. 

Listed details said a male subject had assaulted his father with a knife. The male subject was threatening to harm himself, including suicide, if officers tried to enter the residence to arrest him.

The Newaygo County Emergency Response Team was called out to assist deputies and a short time later, the male subject was taken into custody unharmed. The victim was treated for minor injuries. 

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team and Mecosta County EMS.

On Friday, May 17, the United States District Court found in favor of Gotion Inc. following the filing of a preliminary injunction. 

Green Township will have to comply with the original project development agreement signed on Aug. 22, 2023, by the five previous board members, who were all recalled last November.

The case was originally filed in March. Federal judge Jane M. Beckering was assigned to the case in the Southern Division of the Western District of Michigan court.

“In sum, the Court determines that the balance of the factors weighs in favor of issuing a preliminary injunction directing the Township to comply with its obligations under the Development Agreement,” Beckering wrote in case findings. 

The conclusion of case stated the three defense arguments by Green Charter Township, including Supervisor Chapman not being authorized to both finalize and execute the agreement, the consideration for illusory promises in the contract, and an appeal to the legislative and constitutional concerns were all found to not be supported by records.

“We are pleased by the court's decision to grant this injunction and look forward to working with the township to move the project forward,” Chuck Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc., said in a statement.

Green Township supervisor Jason Kruse has not responded for comment at this time.

On Monday at 5:38 A.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to 30th Avenue and Pierce Road for a crash involving a deer and motorcycle.

The investigation revealed that a 28-year-old male from Six Lakes, MI was north bound on 30th Avenue when he struck a deer. The driver was then transported from the scene by EMS and taken to Butterworth Hospital for his injuries. 

Deputies were assisted on scene by Wheatland Township Fire and Rescue, Hill Top Towing, Mecosta County EMS, and Meceola Central Dispatch. 

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Monday evening until 10:00 P.M.

The watch is in effect for 19 counties across Michigan, including Kent, Mecosta, and Newaygo Counties. Some affected cities listed in the watch within our listening areas include Big Rapids, Fremont, Grand Rapids, Newaygo, and Paris.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, damaging winds and hail are possible within this storm system.

As a thank you for the life-saving health care EMS practitioners provide every day, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed May 19-25 as EMS Recognition Week in Michigan. 

EMS practitioners stand ready day or night to help residents in need of help. They provide critical pre-hospital care to Michiganders in both emergencies and other health care situations including preventative medicine, follow-up care, other transportation needs and more. The efforts of EMS workers help improve the survival and recovery rates of people who experience sudden illness or injury. 

“The work EMS personnel do is essential to the health and safety of our communities,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Paramedics and EMTs are there when we are at our worst and need them most, and we owe them so much gratitude during this week and all year round.” 

Though Michigan is still dealing with an EMS staffing crisis, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services EMS workforce grants approved in the Fiscal Year 2022 state budget are helping alleviate this problem. So far, 432 Michigan EMTs have completed or are in the process of completing paramedic training programs throughout the state. Residents interested in a career in EMS can get involved or learn more at GotWhatItTakes.org.

“Michigan’s EMS heroes are proud to serve their communities and provide lifesaving pre-hospital care to residents in need,” said John Clayton, president of the Michigan Association of Ambulance Services and EMS manager at MyMichigan Health in Midland. “Working in EMS is a tough but rewarding career and we encourage young people to consider serving their community and joining EMS.” 

Michigan is home to 29,253 EMS providers, 798 life support agencies and 3,998 licensed life support vehicles, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of EMS and Trauma within the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness, EMS and Systems of Care. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/ems.

Ferris State University softball first baseman Alexis Kozlowski added to her impressive list of rookie accomplishments by being chosen today as a national finalist for the 2024 Schutt Sports/NFCA DII Freshman of the Year Award.

The list of finalists for the prestigious award were announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Kozlowski is one of eight honorees in consideration for the award, representing the Midwest Region.

Eight finalists, one from each of the NCAA's eight regions, have been selected by the association's Division II All-America Committee for the 2024 TUCCI/NFCA Division II Freshman of the Year award.

East Stroudburg's Sarah Davenport (Atlantic), Augustana's Desi Cuevas (Central), College of Saint Rose's Kelsey Higgins (East), Ferris State's Kozlowski (Midwest), Nova Southeastern's Maliyah Lawson (South), UT Tyler's Makayla Garcia (South Central), North Greenville's Emily Blackwell (Southeast) and Western Washington's Alli Kimball (West) are now in the running for the award, which will be announced on Tuesday, May 21.

Previously this season, Kozlowski was named to the NFCA All-Midwest Region First Team as determined by the national coaches' organization, becoming the first Bulldog softball player to earn NFCA all-region first team honors since both Amanda Harrington and Holly Bruntjens claimed the same distinction in 2009.

Kozlowski also was named this year to both the All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference First Team and chosen as the GLIAC Freshman of the Year. The FSU freshman was one of only three players from the GLIAC named to the all-region first team squad.

Kozlowski led the Bulldogs to a top-four finish in the GLIAC and a spot in the conference tournament.

She had team-leading .361 batting average overall this year with a squad-best 61 hits and 48 runs batted in to go with 19 doubles, six triples and six home runs in 52 games.

Additionally, she scored 26 runs and recorded a .651 slugging percentage and .404 on-base figure. The Gaylord native lead the conference with 19 doubles and six triples while ranking second in both hits and RBI's this year in regular-season action.

She was also listed among the league's top 10 performers in batting average and home runs. Overall, Kozlowski has also recorded two hits or more in 23 outings this season and totaled 31 extra-base hits while accounting for 110 total bases.

The Bulldogs closed the 2024 campaign with 25 victories, which represents the most wins for FSU in eight years. Ferris State had a single senior on a young playing roster this spring. The rest of the FSU roster is eligible to return next year.

Created in 2015, the Schutt Sports/NFCA DII Freshman of the Year Award honors the outstanding athletic achievement among freshman softball student-athletes throughout NCAA Division II. To be eligible, student-athletes must come from a NFCA member institution.

The NFCA is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly regarded coaches polls and All-Region awards, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from podcasts to awards, to in-person events and National Convention.

(Image provided by Ferris State Athletics).

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post and Mecosta County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Green Township Hall in Paris at around 2:00 P.M. Saturday afternoon for an unknown man wielding a machete.

A man shattered the glass of the front door of the hall with a machete and then proceeded to an open side door and made entry into the building where a graduation party was being held. He began waving the machete while making many statements including, “Everyone was going to hell.” Three individuals from the graduation party confronted the man and were able to use a chair to push the individual out of the building.

The man left prior to law enforcement arrival and proceeded to drive onto the lawn of the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office. A corrections officer made contact with him and the male began threatening the officer by wielding the machete. Big Rapids City Police arrived on scene and both the corrections officer and city police officers were able to safely subdue the man and lodge him in the Mecosta County Jail pending multiple felony charges. He was identified as a 36-year-old from Hersey, MI. 

Thankfully no one was injured in either of the incidents. The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident on the corrections officer and the MSP Mt. Pleasant Post is investigating the graduation party complaint.

Special thanks to the Mecosta County Central Dispatchers and all involved agencies who worked diligently to bring an end to these dangerous encounters.

The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed QB Jared Goff to a contract extension through the 2028 season. Additional contract terms were not disclosed.

Goff enters his fourth season with the Lions after originally joining the team via trade in 2021. In 48 games played and started for Detroit, he’s completed 1,121-of-1,686 passes (66.5%) for 12,258 yards, 78 touchdowns and 27 interceptions for a 96.5 passer rating.

In the 2023 season, Goff led Detroit to a 12-5 record, tying the single-season franchise record for victories, en route to helping the team capture its first division title in 30 years. During the postseason, he joined QBs Tobin Rote (1957) and Bobby Layne (1952-53) as the only quarterbacks in franchise history to win multiple playoff games while guiding Detroit to their second-ever NFC Championship Game appearance and their first since 1991.

Among all NFL quarterbacks in 2023, Goff ranked first in passing first downs (227), second in passing yards (4,575), second in 20-yard completions (69), tied-for-third in 300-yard games (five), fourth in touchdown passes (30) and ninth in passer rating (97.9).

Over the 2022-23 seasons, Goff put together a pair of historical streaks. He started 10 consecutive games without throwing an interception, tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history, and attempted 383-straight passes without throwing an interception, the third-longest streak in League history. As a Pro Bowl selection in the 2022 season, he also set franchise records for the lowest single-season interception rate (1.2%) and highest touchdown-to-interception ratio (4.14) while tying the single-season team record for the highest passer rating (99.3).

Goff was originally selected by the Los Angeles Rams out of the University of California with the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, playing the first five seasons of his career with the team. Combining his production with the Rams and Lions over his eight-year career, Goff has started all 117 games in which he’s appeared and completed 2,657-of-4,107 passes (64.7%) for 30,429 yards, 185 touchdowns and 82 interceptions for a 93.6 passer rating. He has earned three Pro Bowl berths in his career and has five postseason wins, the most of any NFC quarterback since he entered the League.

Among the first eight seasons of a player’s career in NFL history, Goff ranks third in 300-yard passing games (36), fourth in completions, fifth in passing yards, seventh in pass attempts, ninth in passer rating and tied-for-12th in touchdown passes.

Even as a little girl battling leukemia, Luci Archer knew she wanted to be a helper.

Diagnosed at the age of 6, Archer was inspired by a child life specialist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids who helped make her cancer treatment just a little less scary.

“That kindness really impacted me and inspired me to choose a career where I can give somebody else that same positive experience,” said Archer, who graduated May 6 from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Child Life Specialist concentration.

Child life specialists work in healthcare settings with children and their families to help reduce stress and anxiety through education, play and emotional support.

“They were amazing,” Archer said. “They’d do really cool things like showing me how to give my baby doll medication in the same way it was going to be administered to me.”

Now in remission from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Archer honored her road to recovery by decorating her FSU mortarboard with a photo of herself during cancer treatment and the words “A.L.L. Because She Survived.”

“Now I’m living life like normal and just hoping to make the same difference in other people’s lives,” said Archer, now 22 and living in Muskegon with her husband, Brandon.

Archer began her higher education journey as a Whitehall High School junior enrolled in Early College Muskegon County. After earning her associate degree at Muskegon Community College, she transferred to Ferris.

For three years, she made the 2.5-hour round trip in her Ford Focus from her home in Muskegon to the Big Rapids campus. Her professors and classmates were wonderful.

“I always felt very supported at Ferris,” she said.

Archer began working in January as a paraprofessional helping a preschool boy who has diabetes. She not only assists the boy with blood sugar monitoring and insulin injections, she’s helped his classmates understand diabetes a little bit better.

“I’ve talked them through why he occasionally needs a finger poke or an extra juice box, and just helped them understand that his body doesn’t absorb energy the same way ours do,” she said.

She’s also helped advocate for her ward, making sure his school lunches have plenty of protein. She credits Ferris for her advocacy skills.

“I had some awesome advocacy classes at Ferris that really taught me how to use my voice for the betterment of other people,” she said.

Archer hopes to one day earn her certification as a child life specialist and work in a children’s hospital. For now, she plans to continue working as a paraprofessional and is considering writing a book for preschoolers to answer questions about diseases like cancer in an age-appropriate way.

No matter what path her journey takes, she’ll be helping others.

“At the end of the day, I came out of my childhood cancer a better person because of my experiences and I want to give back in return,” Archer said.

Kent County Sheriff's Deputies are looking for a 31-year-old Muskegon man, Cardell Parker, who went missing Thursday around 11:15 A.M. in the area of Cascade Road and Forrest Hills Avenue in Grand Rapids Township.

(Image of Cardell Parker provided by the Kent County Sheriff's Office).

Cardell is African American, 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighs approximately 135 to 150 pounds. He has a beard, mustache, and thinning hair. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with an unknown blue and red logo on the front, black pants, and yellow and white Nike Air Jordan shoes when he went missing.

Please contact 9-1-1 or Detective Holbrook at 616-632-6488 if you know his whereabouts.

Ferris State University Joseph Pistrui headed to Spain in 1997, beginning studies leading to his Doctor of Philosophy at Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona. He never thought he’d be able to watch his alma mater’s volleyball team compete in his new collegiate home.

The Ferris State volleyball team is in the middle of a 10-day trip for international competition and cultural enrichment.

“When I discovered that their first official act would be a workout at the university where I work, I was over the moon,” he said. “It set the stage for me to play a unique role as a goodwill ambassador and representative of both institutions. That is special indeed.”

Pistrui earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ferris State in 1983, wrapping up a Big Rapids-based experience that included three years as a student-athlete in the men’s basketball program under a trio of Bulldog Athletics Hall of Fame head coaches Jim Wink and Tom Ludwig and assistant coach and former standout player Gary Waters, a fellow hall-of-famer.

Beyond the basketball hardwood, Pistrui lettered as a student-athlete for the track and field team under another Ferris State coaching legend, Ray Helsing, where he competed in the 200, 400 and 4x400.

He is a 2021 Ferris State University Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. He has been a faculty member at IE University since 2000 and teaches entrepreneurship and innovation courses to undergraduate students and master’s students while working directly with company executives to help them develop innovation inside their companies.

“When I first learned about the women’s volleyball team’s planned trip, I was very excited,” he said. “It is not every day that I cross paths with a Bulldog in Madrid. So, the chance to do so is always compelling.”

That the volleyball team was coming to Madrid was merely the start.

Pistrui savored every moment of his ambassador role for two institutions that have had significant impacts throughout his life.

“As they entered the university, I greeted head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm, whom I had communicated with before their trip, and she immediately introduced me to the team as a Ferris Alumni. That was pure pleasure,” he said. “During the team’s morning workout, I interacted a bit with other members of the Ferris team traveling, including Senior Associate Athletic Director Sara Higley, who shared some personal anecdotes about Ferris sports and all the exciting things that have transpired on and off the field.”

Pistrui was pleased the interest was mutual.

“Later, when the Ferris contingent was touring IE University, coach Brandel-Wilhelm invited me to introduce myself more formally to the team before taking a group photo,” he said. “I gave the group a quick overview of my Michigan origins, including coming from Imlay City. I told them about my time at Ferris, my recognition as a Distinguished Alumni, and my corresponding work on the Thumb 11 Endowed Scholarship Fund. I closed my remarks by expressing my joy for sharing a small part of their European experience.”

The Bulldog volleyball team, which has advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 each of the last three seasons, listened intently and expressed their appreciation to Pistrui for taking time out of his schedule to visit them.

“I received a spontaneous round of applause during the first introduction,” he said. “During my remarks, when I mentioned my roots in Miller Hall, several team members cheered. I deduced that they too were Miller Hall residents. I reminded them that back in my day Miller was a men’s-only dorm – which was a fun flashback moment.”

Pistrui noted that the arrival of the Ferris State volleyball team was far from a secret on the IE University campus. Word had already spread that the reigning Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament champions, coming off a 27-8 record in Fall 2023, were coming.

“Many members of our university’s club women’s volleyball team were waiting for the Ferris team to arrive,” he said. “They served as on-the-ground peers to help the Ferris State travel group navigate the facilities, and more. Our team joined the Ferris State team for a full workout. It was not long before they formed a single group of student-athletes, which was really nice to witness. I was confident that they would be showered with more Spanish hospitality and embraced by the community of athletes from around the world.”

Reflecting on his initial introduction to Spanish culture, Pistrui did not lose sight of the significance of how he imagined this moment was for the current Ferris State volleyball student-athletes.

“It is such a nice way to be introduced to a new culture and meet locals with common interests,” he said. “In other words, it is a great learning experience for all involved.”

Pistrui and his wife, Maria Teresa, live in Spain with her extended family, which Joseph said also represents his “Spanish family.” That family circle includes two nieces, three nephews, and “an extended group too large to count,” he added.

Pistrui has remained and will continue to stay connected to Ferris State. He maintains many Bulldog connections with people who impacted his life during and since his undergraduate days.

Ferris State has been and continues to stand as a significant part of his life. He doesn’t miss opportunities to share what Ferris State did for him and others and can do for people in the future.

“I remain excited about finding new ways to support Ferris as it grows, develops, and pursues its original mission of “opportunity – industry,” he said of words stamped on the Ferris State University seal.

(Image provided by Ferris State Athletics).

Yesterday, Congressman John Moolenaar's bipartisan bill, H.R. 7188, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, was passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.

The bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct research and education campaigns to prevent outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) from infected human cell and tissue products (HCTP). Additionally, the bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update critical guidance for HCTP providers and companies.

“The tragic passing of Shandra Eisenga should have never happened, and I am pleased my bill in her memory is moving forward. This vital bipartisan legislation will prevent future tuberculosis outbreaks with additional oversight on donor material providers, and serve as an honor to Shandra’s legacy. I will continue my work to make it law and stop deadly TB outbreaks,” said Moolenaar.

The Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act is a response to the passing of Shandra Eisenga of Marion on August 10, 2023, due to complications from tuberculosis she contracted through a bone graft she received in April 2023. Eisenga was one of 36 patients in seven states to contract tuberculosis from a tissue donation originating from this donor material, resulting in two deaths.

Moolenaar's bill is co-lead by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have also introduced the legislation in the United States Senate. In August 2023, Moolenaar, Dingell, Peters, and Stabenow called on FDA Commissioner Robert Calif to do more to prevent outbreaks of TB.

In San Bernardino County, Calif., lies a town of 40,000 people called Adelanto. The name in Spanish means to advance or to progress.

Among those 40,000 people living in Adelanto is Angelica Decasas, a California native who grew up 40 miles south in Fontana where, in 2001 she graduated from A.B Miller High School.

And in the two decades since finishing high school, she has made it her personal mission in life to advance and to progress.

Decasas has two associate degrees, a certificate and a bachelor's degree and now has added a Bachelor of Science in HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) from Ferris State University as the latest milestone in what has been an ambitious educational journey.

Though Adelanto and Big Rapids are some 2,157 miles apart, Decasas knew that she didn't have to let that distance get in the way of her becoming a Bulldog.

Ferris State is one of only two institutions in the United States to offer a Bachelor of Science in HVACR. In keeping with the philosophy of the university, the HVACR degrees provide a balance of theory and application. This includes a solid foundation grounded in the principles of HVACR combined with extensive laboratory experience.

All of that, Decasas said, drew her in. And in April 2024, she made her second trip from California to Michigan. The first was in the summer of 2022 to do the required in-person labs for her program. Then, most recently, she walked in the Ferris State graduation ceremony, proudly sporting a mortarboard affixed with pictures of her two children, Xavier and Ximena, and a phrase in Spanish translated to "I worked hard for you and for you."

"I’m a single mom of two," she said. "I have a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. My kids were my inspiration to keep going because I wanted to give them a better future."

Decasas said she first heard about the Ferris State program from a co-worker who was doing the same HVAC program that she was in at San Bernardino Valley College.

She was impressed to learn that Ferris State is one of only two institutions in the United States to offer a Bachelor of Science in HVACR. And she liked that the program balanced theory and application. Ferris State also does not charge more for out-of-state students.

"I had a job as a CAD drafter at a refrigeration company," she recalled. "This company encouraged me to return to school and learn more about refrigeration systems. I then enrolled (at the community college) in 2013 and got my certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and associate in science in 2020. When I heard about the Ferris State program, it just felt right."

In the fall of 2020, she started at Ferris State, driven by the opportunity to become an application engineer at her current place of employment, Arctic Cooling Systems.

"This degree would let me provide a better life for my two kids," she said simply. "And you don't hear of universities offering HVACR degrees higher than an associate or certification. The Ferris program also met my need to do things on my own time so I could still work full-time and give my kids their time, too."

In total, Decasas took 12 classes at Ferris State, 11 on the HVAC side and also a technical English class.

There were times, she admitted, where it was a grind.

"Online classes require a lot of self-discipline and commitment," she said. "It was very hard when everyone around me was out having family BBQ events and celebrating holidays, and I needed to be doing homework."

Still, she persisted, and she said the Ferris State approach played a big part in her success.

"The HVAC online program is very well laid out," she said. "I also feel that the campus visit did help tie things together."

Her professors were also a big help, she added. All were great but she had special fondness for "Professor Zentz and Professor Q" (Professors Douglas Zents and Eric Quilitzsch). And she said her favorite classes were also the two hardest classes she took at Ferris State: HVAC 462 Primary Equipment Selection and HVAC 499 Commercial HVAC System Design.

As she looks ahead to a cooler future, she also has been reflecting on the completion of a long educational journey.

"At graduation day, I was happy, excited, sad and also relieved because it took a long time," she said with a smile.

(Photo provided by Ferris State University).

Monday, May 6

• Civil – Officers were called to a residence for a civil standby.

Tuesday, May 7

• Standby – Officers were dispatched to a civil standby. The caller collected their property and left without incident.
• Noise – Officers were dispatched to a parking complaint at a local business.

Wednesday, May 8

• Nothing reported.

Thursday, May 9

• Nothing reported.

Friday, May 10

• Traffic Stop – Officers made a traffic stop with a subject with a known warrant. Subject arrested on the warrant and transported to the Osceola County Jail.

• Personal Injury Accident – Officers assisted the Osceola County Sheriff Department by responding to a report of a dirt bike accident on the trail head. Male patient was safely extricated from the woods and transported to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Saturday, May 11

• Traffic Stop – Officers conducted a traffic stop and found the operator to be under the influence of alcohol. Subject placed into custody and lodged at Osceola County Jail without incident.

• Breaking and Entering – Officers responded to the report of a breaking and entering not in progress. Suspects were identified by officers.

Sunday, May 12

• Nothing reported.

The Detroit Lions announced yesterday their 2024 regular season schedule that features nine nationally-televised games, including at least one on each broadcast network, and five prime-time games.

FULL SCHEDULE DETAILS

The Lions’ campaign to defend their NFC North crown begins with a Wild Card rematch at Ford Field against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, the first SNF game at Ford Field since 2018. The only other time Detroit opened their season with a Week 1, Sunday prime-time game was in 1991, when they played Washington on the road. This also marks the seventh time the Lions and Rams will play in a Week 1 game and the first time since the Lions hosted the then-St. Louis Rams to kick off the 2012 season.

The Lions immediately return to Ford Field for another postseason rematch, playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 after hosting them in last year’s Divisional Round.

In Week 4, the Lions host the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football, the first time the teams will ever square off in Detroit on a Monday. This will be the second time in franchise history that Detroit will host two prime-time games within the first four games of any season.

Following a bye week in Week 5, the Lions travel to play the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6, their third-straight season with a road game at Dallas. The only other time the Lions traveled to Dallas in three-straight years was over the 2004-06 seasons.

The Lions make their second appearance on Sunday Night Football in Week 10 at the Houston Texans, the first time the teams will play a game with a prime-time kickoff and the third time the Lions will ever visit the Texans.

Detroit’s 85th Thanksgiving Day Classic takes place on Thursday, Nov. 28 at 12:30 p.m. ET as the Lions welcome the Chicago Bears for the 20th all-time Thanksgiving Day battle between the two clubs and the fourth in the last seven years. Following Thanksgiving, the Lions host the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football in Week 14, the third time the teams will ever meet for a Thursday prime-time game in Detroit.

The Lions travel to play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 17, the sixth Monday night showdown between the teams and the first since the Lions played the 49ers on the road on Dec. 14, 1998. Detroit returns home to complete the regular season against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18, the first time the Lions have concluded their season against the Vikings in consecutive seasons since 1966-67.

The League’s three-game preseason schedule features the Lions visiting the New York Giants in Week 1, playing the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 2 and hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.

LIST OF GAME SCHEDULE

PRESEASON WEEK 1 - @ New York Giants - Date TBD, Time TBD

PRESEASON WEEK 2 - @ Kansas City Chiefs - Date TBD, Time TBD

PRESEASON WEEK 3 - vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - Date TBD, Time TBD

WEEK 1 - vs. Los Angeles Rams - Sunday, Sep. 8 at 8:20 P.M.

WEEK 2 - vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sunday, Sep. 15 at 1:00 P.M.

WEEK 3 - @ Arizona Cardinals - Sunday, Sep. 22 at 4:25 P.M.

WEEK 4 - vs. Seattle Seahawks - Monday, Sep. 30 at 8:15 P.M.

WEEK 5 - BYE WEEK

WEEK 6 - @ Dallas Cowboys - Sunday, Oct. 13 at 4:25 P.M.

WEEK 7 - @ Minnesota Vikings - Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1:00 P.M.

WEEK 8 - vs. Tennessee Titans - Sunday, Oct. 27 at 1:00 P.M.

WEEK 9 - @ Green Bay Packers - Sunday, Nov. 3 at 4:25 P.M.

WEEK 10 - @ Houston Texans - Sunday, Nov. 10 at 8:20 P.M.

WEEK 11 - vs. Jacksonville Jaguars - Sunday, Nov. 17 at 1:00 P.M.

WEEK 12 - @ Indianapolis Colts - Sunday, Nov. 24 at 1:00 P.M.

WEEK 13 - vs. Chicago Bears - Thursday, Nov. 28 at 12:30 P.M.

WEEK 14 - vs. Green Bay Packers - Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8:15 P.M.

WEEK 15 - vs. Buffalo Bills - Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4:25 P.M.

WEEK 16 - @ Chicago Bears - Sunday, Dec. 22 at 1:00 P.M.

WEEK 17 - @ San Francisco 49ers - Monday, Dec. 30 at 8:15 P.M.

WEEK 18 - vs. Minnesota Vikings - Date TBD, Time TBD

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
This season, “flexible scheduling” for Sunday Night Football may be used up to twice between Weeks 5-10, and in the NFL’s discretion during Weeks 11-17; for Monday Night Football in the NFL’s discretion in Weeks 12-17; and for Thursday Night Football it may be used up to twice between Weeks 13-17. During these Flex Scheduling Windows, the games initially scheduled for Sunday Night Football (on NBC), Monday Night Football (on ESPN or ABC), and Thursday Night Football (on Amazon Prime Video) are tentatively scheduled and subject to change. Only Sunday afternoon games (or those listed as TBD) are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, Monday night, or Thursday night, in which case the initially scheduled Sunday/Monday night game would be moved to Sunday afternoon.  Sunday afternoon games may also be moved between 1:00 p.m. and 4:05 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. ET. As in prior seasons, for Week 18, the final weekend of the season, the scheduling of the Saturday, Sunday afternoon, and the Sunday night games is not assigned. In Week 18, two games will be played on Saturday (4:30 PM ET and 8:15 PM ET) with the remainder to be played on Sunday afternoon (1:00 PM ET and 4:25 PM ET) and one matchup to be played on Sunday night (8:20 PM ET). Specific dates, start times, and networks for Week 18 matchups will be determined and announced following the conclusion of Week 17. For more information about NFL Flexible Scheduling, please visit https://www.nfl.com/schedules/flexible-scheduling-procedures.

2024 DETROIT LIONS SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Limited inventory single game tickets will be available when the Detroit Lions 2024 schedule is released at www.detroitlions.com/tickets via Ticketmaster while supplies last. As a reminder, Ticketmaster’s NFL Ticket Exchange is the official resale partner of the NFL and the Detroit Lions.

(Image provided by Detroit Lions Communications).

In a city commission meeting on Monday, May 13, the City of Big Rapids Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the recension of fees for the Charles E. Fairman Community Pool this coming summer.

“I think it’s a wonderful to have free swimming for all,” Mayor Fred Guenther said. “It’s going to be fun to see the numbers this fall.”

The pool previously charged five dollars for open swim sessions in 2023. The pool is planning for opening day on Monday, June 10 and will remain open until Friday, Aug. 9. 

Swim lessons will also be available this year, beginning on June 24 with registration opening between June 10 and June 14. All Fridays will also be family nights, where swimmers can bring tubes, floats, beach balls, and more fun items.

For more information on the pool, including hours and class information, visit their Facebook page at “City of Big Rapids Charles E. Fairman Community Pool” and the Parks and Recreation website at www.brpr.org.

Monday, May 6

• No incidents reported.

Tuesday, May 7

• An officer investigated a call regarding a capsized boat found by the bridge. After investigating, it turned out to be from the construction crew working on the bridge. No issues.

• Officers took a complaint of an assault. The matter will be turned over to the prosecutor for review.

• Officers arrested a 32-year-old male on an outstanding warrant for probation violation.

Wednesday, May 8

• While on patrol, an officer observed an individual acting suspicious. After talking to the 29-year-old male, he was arrested with an outstanding felony warrant from Roscommon County and taken into custody.
• An officer investigated a possible operating under the influence of marijuana. Upon further investigation the driver had used earlier in the day and was not impaired.
• An officer assisted a caller with giving him a breath test. The caller’s interlock device on his vehicle that he has to blow in to start the vehicle had malfunctioned.
• While patrolling, an officer observed a woman fall in a parking lot. The officer checked on the woman who refused medical treatment.

Thursday, May 9

• Officers transported an individual experiencing mental health issues to the hospital for evaluation.

• Officers received information about possible drug activity. The matter is under investigation.

• An officer conducted a traffic stop after a driver did not make a proper stop at a stop sign. Upon further investigation, he was given an appearance citation for driving with a revoked license.

Friday, May 10

• An officer responded to a call from a local business regarding a possible theft. The case is still under investigation.

• An officer assisted CPS making a home visit. No issues.

Saturday, May 11

• An officer issued a grass abatement for violating city ordinances.

• An officer responded to a complaint of a teen violating probation. The matter will be referred to the probation officer.

• An officer responded to a call from a local business owner regarding the improper disposal of some hypodermic needles. The matter is under investigation.

• An officer was dispatched to a domestic assault. A report was taken. The offender had left the residence and could not be located. A 31-year-old male was arrested the next day on charges of aggravated domestic assault regarding this matter.

Sunday, May 12

• No incidents reported.

According to a post by the City of Big Rapids, there will be lane closures throughout Wednesday on State Street.

The construction is slated to take place between Fuller Avenue and Gilbert Road starting at 9:00 A.M. The City says crews will start on the northbound side and proceed south to north. Once that side is finished, they will switch to the southbound side and work from north to south. This is one of three borings on the docket coming up.

This is the second closure in the area this week, as 16 Mile Road between 172nd Avenue and 180th Avenue was closed Tuesday for a culvert replacement. Traffic was detoured via 172nd Avenue to M-20 and Bronson Avenue to M-20.

The Road Commission and City of Big Rapids ask for travelers to please plan according as there will be limited to no through traffic allowed during the duration of this construction. 

Five innovative projects from around the world targeting food insecurity, waste/pollution and resource conservation have been selected by expert judges for public presentation in mid-May in Michigan in the finale of Wege Prize.

The annual event attracts attention from leaders in education, environmental groups, and regional government to learn about the budding solutions from universities around the world.

Wege Prize, developed by the Wege Center for Sustainable Design at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University with the support of The Wege Foundation, is among the world’s most prominent competitions for sustainable, circular economy ideas, igniting game-changing solutions for the future with real-world application and impact.

“We are delighted to welcome five teams of students representing nine countries to Grand Rapids for wide public recognition of their impactful solutions and their ability to collaborate across institutional, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries to redesign the way economies work,” said Gayle DeBruyn, an award-winning KCAD professor who is also leader of Wege Prize.

Each year five student finalist teams from around the world share a purse of $65,000 and benefit from expert judges’ input throughout the competition’s nine-month program.

“For me, Wege Prize is more than a platform,” said Charles Muiruri Munga of Kenya and the finalist team Senene Farm that is addressing Tanzania’s child malnutrition with an alternative protein. “I will say it’s a testament, that young people have the power to transform the world through their ideas.”

With team collaborations united through the students varied perspectives in engineering, science, agriculture, business, and economics, this year’s participants’ real-world concepts raise the bar on products and practices for a circular economy.

For 2024, Wege Prize is showcasing five of the nearly 60 entries from teams hailing from 38 counties across five continents. Several of the expert-reviewed designs created by this year’s finalist student teams employ creative engineering, energy-saving and biodegradable approaches.

“To solve a big problem, a wicked problem, sometimes someone will tell you it’s impossible…but that’s not what is in my mind,” said Blaise Shema of Rwanda, who, with his finalist team, Huuzagro, is addressing plastics pollution. Shema adds, “You will reach what you want when you don’t stop…and when you have a good team and good mentors, when you have all of that, you can make it.” 

The teams competing for $65,000 in total cash prizes will present their solutions to a public audience at 10 a.m. on May 17 at KCAD and streaming live online at WegePrize.org.

This year’s multidisciplinary teams include:

• EcoFeed Pioneers

Evolving the animal feed landscape to reduce reliance on the import of scarce crops like soybeans and corn, this team of conservation agriculture, biochemistry, and engineering students from two universities in Rwanda is integrating protein-rich alfalfa with innovative biorefinery techniques to create a sustainable food supply for both humans and livestock.

 “Our solution is an environmentally friendly eco-friendly type of production– something that is viable for small and medium scale farmers,” said team leader Mabano Trésor.

• EcoCycle

This team of biomedical, physics, business, biochemistry, and economic students in China, Denmark, Germany, and Norway is assisting small-scale farms in reimagining organic waste management by using microbial engineering and enzymes to turn agricultural waste into organic fertilizers, cutting costs and minimizing environmental impact.

“Globally, our solution has the potential to be a game-changer in regions such as Asia or Africa, where the overuse of chemicals fertilizers and pesticide poses significant environmental and health risk,” says team member Yansi Wu.

• FruiFresh

Alleviating post-harvest losses for tomato farmers in Rwanda and retailers is the priority for this Rwandan team of conservation agriculture, agricultural economics, biotechnology, and animal production students from three universities in Rwanda. Their work involves building large, naturally evaporative charcoal cooling facilities crafted from locally available materials and using little to no electricity to store produce prior to customer purchase.

“We keep saying, ‘this is our beginning. We have to keep pushing,’” said Kamanzi Claudine of the team.

• Huuzagro

To address plastic pollution in Rwanda this student team in Poland and Rwanda studying law, conservation agriculture, software engineering, environmental sciences and crop production are transforming industrial and household food waste into biodegradable packaging paired with a circular collection system that uses Black Soldier flies to break down residual waste into eco-friendly compost and larva protein feeds.

“Diversification in the team makes the team strong,” said team member Blaise Shema. “When you are working on a big project, you need diversified ideas. Those will come from the background of the team members.”

• Senene Farm

Taking on child malnutrition in Tanzania by increasing the production of the Senene—a protein rich longhorn grasshopper and alternative protein source—this multidisciplinary team of university students in Costa Rica, the United States, and Tanzania studying agricultural science and natural resource management, medicine, and civil engineering is developing a groundbreaking rearing facility using vertical farming to cultivate sustainable feed sources and create a more circular production cycle.

“At the global level we want to contribute to be part of the solution that is working to make sure that we are ensuring food security,” said the team’s Anthony Ilalio Mbunju.

Guided by an international scope of experts in design, sustainability, academics, and economics, the team’s solutions were selected from among 58 entries devised by 290 students across 107 academic institutions.

With the input from Wege Prize’s pool of expert judges, the five finalist teams’ research, market analysis, real-world prototyping and testing helped advance their informal proposals into robust and feasible solutions.

“These teams know that collaboration and design thinking are keys to resolving the world’s critical issues,” DeBruyn said. “By working in stepped phases with our judge’s guidance over nine months, the teams are confronting wicked problems with viable solutions.”

Wege Prize engages student teams in solving complex, layered problems with a diverse, collaborative approach. The competition’s aim for developing new, tangible solutions to producing and consuming essential goods in sustainable ways looks at how the innovations can be applied and used after the competition ends.

(Images provided by Ferris State University).

The top-seeded Cardinals took on second place and rival Reed City at home on Monday, in which Big Rapids won game one 9-0 behind three hits and four RBIs from senior Marissa Warren. The Cardinals took an early 2-0 lead in the first, slowly tacked on runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, and added a three-run home run from Warren in the sixth to seal the deal. Jaelynn Schuberg added a triple and a single along with Pharis Carroll notching two singles. Cailin Knoop went seven innings for Big Rapids in the circle, striking out 13 batters and only giving up three hits. 

Isabell Guy started for Reed City, giving up 10 hits and nine runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. She was relieved by Morgan Hammond for the final two outs. Kaylin Goodman, Paityn Enos, and Morgan Hammond each combined for Reed City’s three hits on the night. 

"I was very impressed with our focus and intensity the moment we stepped on the field,” Head coach Dawn Thompson said. “Knoop was dominant on the mound in game one and our hitters were very disciplined at the plate.”

In game two, Reed City fought back scoring the first run of the game in the second inning and added three runs in the top of the third. The Coyotes led 8-5 heading to the bottom of the sixth, where Big Rapids rallied for five runs including three runs following a Reed City fielding error. The Coyotes would start the seventh inning with a single, but three straight strikeouts from Knoop would seal the 10-8 win for Big Rapids.

“Game two was a battle as both teams made some mistakes in the field, but we were able to rally in the bottom of the sixth to get the win,” Thompson said. “Credit Reed City as they bounced back quickly in game two and put the pressure on our defense. They are a good ballclub and are having a great year as well. I am very proud of our girls for their resiliency and fight to win."

Knoop earned her second win of the night following seven innings of work, nine hits, eight runs, and 11 strikeouts. Burga and Taylor led Big Rapids with two hits apiece at the plate, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Caroll and Taylor each had a triple with Brooke-Lynn Burga adding a double.

For Reed City, Guy went five innings and gave up five hits and four earned runs. Hammond relieved the final inning, giving up two hits and four runs with three of them being unearned. Enos led Reed City with two singles and a double with Hadyn Cutler and Guy each adding two hits. Goodman and Cutler each scored twice from Reed City.

Big Rapids moves to 23-1 on the year with Reed City falling to 20-5. Both teams will resume action on Tuesday and Wendesday respectfully.

On Tuesday, May 14 at 09:14 A.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to West Chippewa Lake Road and Bullhead Lake Drive in Chippewa Township for a single vehicle crash. 

The investigation revealed that a 66-year-old female from Chippewa Lake was heading south bound on Bullhead Lake Drive where she went off the road, hit a power pole guide wire, then hit a tree. It’s believed the driver suffered a medical episode caused her to go off the road. 

The driver was transported from the scene by EMS and taken to the Big Rapids Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Deputies were assisted on scene by the Morton Township Fire Department, Chippewa Township Fire Deaprtment, Michigan State Police, Huffs Towing, Mecosta County EMS, Tri-County Electric and Meceola Central Dispatch.

A pair of games that could potentially decide the conference crown went down on Monday night at Big Rapids High School.

Reed City entered the contest 13-6 with a desperate need for a sweep against the 19-win Cardinals to stay in the conference title race. Unfortunately for the Coyotes, Big Rapids would sweep their senior day slate with 3-0 and 16-3 victories.

Game one’s pitching duel saw a combined 23 strikeouts from Reed City’s Max Hammond and Big Rapids’ Ty Gielczyk. Gielczyk went all seven innings while only allowing two hits and striking out 12. Isaac Zocco led the Cardinals with a triple and a single, two runs scored, and an RBI. Owen Craven scored the third run for Big Rapids.

Hammond went 5 2/3 innings on the mound for Reed City, allowing three runs on two hits with six walks and 11 strikeouts. Spencer Hansen and Hammond had the lone hits for the Coyotes.

“Max is an elite arm, and his velocity was the best I’ve seen,” Scarpelli said. “Our hitters stayed poised and attacked strikes. Ty Gielcyzk has now thrown two consecutive shutouts and has been dominant on the mound.”

Big Rapids blew open game two with eight first inning runs. Reed City would match the Cardinals’ two runs in the second and third innings but six runs in the fourth would be enough for Big Rapids to hold off the Coyotes following the fifth. The Cardinals were led by three triples and three runs scored from Caiden Schuberg and a double and two singles from Nick Teceno. Schuberg and Mason McNeilly registered four RBIs in the contest. Cole Haist went four innings on the mound for the Cardinals, allowing three hits and two runs on five strikeouts and three walks. Noah Sweppenheiser closed the final inning after allowing one run on one hit. 

Reed City was led by a triple and two singles from Hammond, followed by a single from Hansen. Hammond went 5 2/3 innings allowing three runs on two hits with six walks and 11 strikeouts. Caleb Somers started the game for the Coyotes and went one inning after allowing six earned runs on five hits. Maverick Conklin went three innings in relief, allowing eight runs on eight hits. 

According to Coach Scarpelli, he saw great things from his seniors that started in game two.

“Our hitters were ready to go and piled on runs early and consistently. Cole Haist wasn’t his sharpest, but he battled through and got it done. It was senior day, and every senior was able to contribute. Corbin Clark led the way with an RBI single. We are really going to miss these guys next year.”

The Cardinals move to 21-3 on the year while Reed City falls to 13-8. Big Rapids travels to Lakeview tonight in a doubleheader with the Wildcats while Reed City will host Manistee on Wednesday.

Monday, May 6

• At around 11:50 A.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 24

Tuesday, May 7

• At around 3:00 P.M., deputies recovered a stolen handgun  in Mecosta TWP. The handgun was stolen out of a residence in Colfax TWP last month. Additional investigation led to the arrest of the male subject involved in the theft. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 1

Wednesday, May 8

• At 3:46 P.M., deputies responded to a retail fraud complaint, at a business in Morton TWP.  Additional investigation led to the identification of the female suspect. The female suspect was located and issued an appearance ticket. The stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to the store.

• At 10:09 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Martiny TWP. Two Female subjects were arrested on  warrants. Both were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 29

Traffic Accidents: 4

Thursday, May 9

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, May 10

Calls for Service: 22

Traffic Accidents: 2

Saturday, May 11

• At around 6:06 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Aetna TWP. A male subject was arrested on a warrant.

Calls for Service: 18

Traffic Accidents: 2

Sunday, May 12

Calls for Service: 8

Traffic Accidents: 2

Another memorable championship season come to a close on Monday for the Ferris State University men's tennis squad as the Bulldogs fell to rival Grand Valley State University 4-0 in a closely contested NCAA Tournament match.

The visiting Lakers, who were beaten by Ferris State in GLIAC regular season play this year, took the doubles point and captured the first three completed singles matches to notch the win. GVSU will advance to face either Wayne State or Tiffin universities on Tuesday in Big Rapids.

While GVSU won the first three completed singles contests, the matches were close as five of the is six singles encounters went to third sets.

The Lakers got off to a strong start in doubles play with a 6-3 win at one doubles and a 6-4 decision at two doubles. In singles play, the Lakers got a straight-set win at six singles followed by a three-set triumph at the fourth spot in the lineup before closing out the match in three sets at one singles.

With the setback, Ferris State closed the year with a 17-5 overall record.

The Bulldogs hosted NCAA Regional men's action in Big Rapids for the first time since the 2016-17 season and made their ninth consecutive tournament berth this season. It was also FSU's 27th all-time NCAA Tourney appearance.

The Bulldog men's team won this year's GLIAC Regular-Season Championship along with the league postseason tournament title. This year's regular-season title marked FSU's 22nd all-time crown and the Bulldogs captured their first conference tournament championship in three years. The Bulldog men were a perfect 6-0 in GLIAC regular-season action.

On Sunday, May 12 at approximately 8:07 P.M., deputies were dispatched to Pierce Road near 160^th Avenue in Austin Township for a crash involving a car and buggy.

Investigation found that a 31-year-old male driver from Wyoming (MI) was travelling westbound when he came up on an Amish buggy heading westbound on the roadway carrying eight passengers, six of which were kids under the age of 13. The male attempted to swerve last minute to avoid the buggy but was unable to avoid hitting the buggy. A 10-year-old Amish female from Stanwood was ejected from the buggy. She was transported to Devos Childrens Hospital in Grand Rapids for non-life-threatening injuries. No other occupants of the Amish buggy or vehicle were injured. 

Alcohol and drugs were not suspected in the cause of the accident. Deputies were assisted on scene by Mecosta Twp Fire/Rescue, Mecosta County EMS, Morton Township Fire/Rescue, Meceola Central Dispatch and Michigan State Police.

Ferris State University is one of the best places in the nation for student-athletes to compete in top programs while earning a quality education, according to University Magazine. 

University Magazine is an online publication created at University of Windsor in Canada. It published a ranking of leading choices for standout prospective student-athletes to consider ahead of the 2024-25 academic year and beyond. University Magazine is a student-generated resource that provides tips on student life, financial considerations, career options, academic majors, athletics, and more.

Ferris State, which ranked 19th, was one of only two Michigan schools to be lauded among the top 25 on the full list. Baylor University in Texas was in the top spot.  

“Ferris State University stands out as the premier institution for collegiate athletics in 2024,” the publication states. “Known for its exceptional sports programs, the university fosters a robust competitive spirit and nurtures top-tier athletes. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaching staff, Ferris State offers athletes the resources to excel in their sports and academic endeavors, making it the go-to- choice for aspiring sports professionals.”  

One of Ferris State’s first moments soaring on the national athletics map came during its 2018 run to the men’s basketball NCAA Division II National Championship, culminating in a thrilling 71-69 win over South Dakota’s Northern State. In 2021 and 2022, the football team rushed to dominating NCAA Division II National Championship wins over Valdosta State of Georgia and Colorado School of Mines.

In Spring 2024, The Bulldog men’s and women’s basketball teams put the “madness” in March Madness after winning NCAA Division II Midwest Region championships to advance to their respective Elite Eight tournaments, with the women’s team advancing to the Final Four. 

Beyond its national and regional successes, Ferris State continues to make a mark in GLIAC competition in numerous sports. In Fall 2023, the Bulldog volleyball team won its third consecutive Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship and nine of the last 10. 

The 2023-24 academic year also has GLIAC championships for women’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, men’s basketball, and volleyball. The men's golf team won the Spring 2023 GLIAC championship.

Head coach Mark Doren, who earned the GLIAC Coaching Staff of the Year, led the men’s and women’s tennis teams to conference championships and NCAA tournament berths.

Ferris State softball rookie first baseman Alexis Kozlowski received the 2024 GLIAC Freshman of the Year Award. It’s the second consecutive season a Bulldog has claimed the honor.

Beyond team success, student-athletes earned notable achievements. Basketball star Chloe Idoni earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Team honors for the second consecutive season. Previously, Idoni was a GLIAC Commissioner’s Award honoree for excellence.

The Bulldog football team has had multiple alumni earning opportunities with National Football League franchises. Defensive back Shon Stephens was invited to the Philadelphia Eagles’ camp, and wide receiver Xavier Wade picked up a similar invite from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Former Bulldog football tight end and men’s basketball standout Mason Pline has signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.

The women's soccer program won a regional championship in 2022 and advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four.

University Magazine is a student-generated resource that provides tips on student life, financial considerations, career options, academic majors, athletics, and more. 

(Image provided by Ferris State University).

Big Rapids City Commission meets tonight at City Hall with a full agenda.

One main event includes the introduction of new Manna Pantry Excutive Director, Julia Harris. There also will be a review of the 2024/2025 city budget presentation by City Treasurer, Carla Staffen.

General business items include resolutions of bids for the following projects:

• Awarding bid to transfer equipment from a 1998 dump truck to a 2022 international dump truck

• Awarding contract for instrumentation and controls provider at the water and wastewater plants

  Rescinding the Charles E. Fairman 2024 Swimming Pool fee schedule

• Accepting City Clerk Tamyra Gillis' retirement notice

• Appointing members to the City Clerk’s hiring committee

The meeting will also include a study session and feedback from Director of Community Development Michelle Stenger.

All city commission meetings are available to the public. Estimated start time of the meeting is 6:30 P.M.

On May 11 at 8:40 A.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to McKinley Road near 175th Avenue for an accident involving a car and pedestrian.

Further investigation found that a 25-year old male from Mount Pleasant was driving eastbound while a 31-year-old male from Big Rapids was walking westbound on a fog line in the eastbound lane. The Mount Pleasant male then struck the Big Rapids male, missing two other pedestrians.  

The Big Rapids male was transported to the Big Rapids Corewell Health Hospital for minor non life-threatening injuries. Deputies were assisted by Meceola Central Dispatch, Mecosta County EMS, Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, and Colfax Township Rescue.

The Ferris State University men's golf team advanced to the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championships in Florida as the Bulldogs came away with a fifth-place team finish at the NCAA D2 Midwest/Central Super Regional Championships that wrapped up on Saturday in Edmond, Okla.

The Bulldogs shot a final-round 277 team figure and finished at 834 or six-under for the 54-hole super regional tournament to earn their spot in the national championships. The top five teams in the super regional advanced to the national championships set for May 21 to 25 in Winter Garden, Fla.

This year's national championships berth represents Ferris State’s 17th all-time in program history and first since 2019.

Ferris State's six-under total was three strokes ahead of sixth-place Missouri University of Science and Technology, which finished at 837 or three-under for the three days of competition. The Bulldogs had entered the final round tied for fourth place overall with both Henderson State University and Missouri S&T in the 20-team field. Ferris State carded a 279 team score in Thursday's opening round before coming back with a 278 on Friday and closing with a 277 in the last round.

The regional winner at Kickingbird Golf Course was Central Oklahoma University, which climbed two spots in the final round to capture the team championship with a 823 (-17) figure. Henderson State moved up two spots to finish at 824 overall (-16), shooting a 267 in the final round, to finish second. Harding took third place (830) and Grand Valley State University fourth (831), joining Ferris State in the top five for the trip to nationals.

Ferris State freshman McCoy Biagioli had a strong final round, carding an impressive six-under 64 score to finish tied for third individually at 203 for the tournament. He was followed by Nathan Kraynyk in sixth place as he shot a 69 in the last round and came in at 204 overall.

Ferris State’s Caleb Bond shot a one-over 71 on Saturday and placed tied for 10th on the leaderboard at 206 for the tournament while Zach Koerner notched a final-round 73 and placed tied for 87th with a 221 total. Finally, Drayton Cleaver garnered a 78 in the final 18 holes of play and wound up 107th overall.

The par 70 course measured in at 6,944 yards.

The Midwest/Central Regional was hosted by Southern Nazarene University and consisted of 10 teams from the Midwest Region along with 10 from the Central Region. Four individuals from each region also competed in the 54-hole tournament.

The top five teams and the top two student-athletes not with a team from each regional advanced to the finals set for May 21 to 25 at the Orange Country National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Fla. The finals will be hosted by Rollins College and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission.

The Bulldogs earned runner-up honors in the 2017 NCAA-II Midwest/Central Super Regional in Kearney, Neb., before going on to a national quarterfinal finish. In 2019, the Bulldogs placed tied for third at the super regional and reached the NCAA D2 National Championships, placing 20th overall.

Ferris State also made the field three years ago in 2021, finishing 10th overall in Super Regional play, before earning a berth and placing ninth overall last season in regional play in Ferris State's most recent appearance.

This year makes this the 19th time in the past 21 years in which the Bulldogs have had representation in the NCAA Tournament when it has been held. The stretch of NCAA Championship representation in men's golf ranks as one of the best stretches in the country.

Ferris State captured its 22nd all-time GLIAC Championship by beating rival Grand Valley State in the league finale on April 14 in Augusta, Mich.

Big Rapids hosted a three-team invite series on Saturday as one of the longest standing traditions in the area.

Each of the three teams came into their respective doubleheaders with over 16 wins on the season. 

Big Rapids got off to a rough start in their first action of the invitational, as Sacred Heart led 4-1 after the first four innings of play; however, the Irish put up 11 runs in the fifth and sixth innings to take a 15-3 victory. The Irish registered 14 hits while Big Rapids gave up a season high seven errors defensively. All four Cardinal pitchers, Corbin Clark, Noah Sweppenheiser, Cole Kiebala, and Nick Teceno, gave up at least three runs in their stint on the slab. Isaac Zocco scored two of Big Rapids’ three runs while Ty Gielczyk and Phillip Wilbur each tabbed two hits.

“(We were) unfocused in the morning and it led to bad defense,” Scarpelli said. “Davis is a solid lefty for them, but we didn’t seem focused at the plate either and we didn’t adapt.”

The Cardinals fought back in game two against Charlevoix, fighting back from an early 2-0 deficit to take a 3-2 lead entering the fifth. Each team would tally three runs in the seventh, leaving the Cardinals victorious 6-5 following the last out. Mason McNeilly led with three singles followed by Zocco and Caiden Schuberg with two apiece. Wilbur also reached base in three of four at bats with walks. Karsen Rehkopf went five innings as the game’s starting hurler, only allowing three hits and two runs. Seth Cline finished the game’s final two frames with three hits, three hits, three runs, and four walks allowed.

According to Coach Scarpelli, the team’s approach was much better following the game one loss.

“Much better focus by the whole team in the afternoon versus Charlevoix. Waha throws hard and we were ready to hit. Rehkopf attacked hitters and our defense was much more focused.”

Charlevoix defeated Sacred Heart in the early neutral-ground game by a scored of 5-3. Big Rapids moves to 19-3, along with Sacred Heart at 21-4 and Charlevoix at 17-8. Sacred Heart took home the Tom Ryan trophy by a runs allowed tiebreaker.

The Cardinals will now await Monday's rivalry series at home against Reed City. Game one is slated for 4:00 P.M. First pitch with game two following approximately 30 minutes after game one’s conclusion. 

When professor Daniel Wrubel and a team of 15 students from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University fly into Dominica, they’ll be bringing 35 duffel bags filled with thousands of eyeglasses, readers and sunglasses, cartons of eye drops for various purposes, portable equipment for eye exams and more.

But the team will carry with them something even more intangible. They’ll be bringing hope.

“What these trips do is establish normalcy,” Wrubel said. “A nurse down there once told us, ‘When you’re here, it says there is hope.’”

Dominica is a small island in the Caribbean that is about 90 minutes by air south and east of Puerto Rico.

Wrubel and his students, plus other volunteers, will leave on Sunday, May 12, flying from Detroit to Charlotte to Miami, where they will stay overnight before the last leg of the journey the next day.  

This will be Wrubel’s last trip as a Michigan College of Optometry professor. His students are part of MCO’s Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity chapter, one of only 25 such student chapters in North America.

The MCO chapter is, in turn, part of VOSH Michigan, which is connected to VOSH International. VOSH chapters at every level work to provide eye care and glasses to people in need in developing countries.

MCO student Daria Laisure will be returning to Dominica for the second time.

A 2016 graduate of Kingsley High School, Laisure went to Ferris State for her bachelor’s degree in biology, drawn both by its proximity to Kingsley and her interest in going to optometry school.

“MCO is the only optometry school in Michigan,” she said. “I never really considered any other school. And all the optometrists that I worked with as a technician or shadowed while I was exploring the career had attended MCO and held it in high regard. With small class sizes, great faculty, an updated facility, it was very hard for me to choose any other school.”

She also was attracted to being able to help others through the VOSH chapter.

 “I have always had a passion for helping others,” Laisure said. “I don’t think you can choose a healthcare career without having that conviction. Upon learning the work that our VOSH chapter does, I knew I wanted to help. I was able to join the 2023 team to Dominica and was invited back to join the 2024 team. And I hope to continue to support VOSH throughout my career.”

Laura Schnepf had a similar experience, graduating from Holt High School in 2017, finishing her bachelor’s degree at Ferris State in 2021 and graduating last week from MCO. In July, she will begin a residency in ocular disease and geriatrics at the Wyoming, Mich., Veteran Affairs clinic.

But first comes a return trip to Dominica, and she can’t wait.

“I went on many mission trips while I was in high school with my church,’ she said. “I have always wanted to continue that work in an optometry-based way. I want to use the gifts God has given me to serve his people and these mission trips are the perfect combination. Hearing so much about Dominica from past students, I knew it was going to be a trip of a lifetime, and I truly loved it last year.”

Wrubel said the sentiment is true for hundreds of MCO students who have been to Dominica. A 1980 MCO graduate, Wrubel has served as a team leader and student liaison for Ferris’ VOSH chapter for 30 years and has led 29 trips in the past 30 years (missing one year because of the pandemic) to Dominica.

Wrubel notes that the Michigan Foundation for Vision Awareness has generously helped fund the student portion of the mission trips for the past 25 years. However, each trip still costs each student around $2,500, and the students also give up vacation or break time at work or at school.

It is a substantial commitment, he said. Still, team members, including MCO students, make the sacrifice because they believe in the VOSH mission to work towards assisting those among the estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide who have vision impairment who cannot afford to treat that problem.

VOSH estimates that of those 2.5 billion people, approximately 1.1 billion lack access to glasses, with the majority living in low-income settings.

Wrubel added that helping people see has a direct connection to improved quality of life. He has seen this repeatedly on his trips to Dominica, a former British colony that gained its independence in 1978 and was on an upward trajectory before Hurricane Maria in 2017 destroyed much of the island’s buildings, roads, and agricultural operations.

Many of its 75,000 people live in poverty, with one World Bank report suggesting a rate as high as 43 percent. Something as simple as a pair of reading glasses is often out of reach.

On a typical trip, the team, including MCO students, will have more than 1,000 patient encounters; dispense some 1,000 pairs of prescription eyeglasses; give out another 1,000 pairs of over the counter “readers” and 1,000 pairs of sunshades; make 100-plus referrals for severe hypertension and other medical and eye care; and coordinate more than $100,000 worth of donated equipment, supplies, and eye drops (thanks to Allergan).

 Though the trip itself is a highlight for Wrubel and the students, much work needs to be done in Big Rapids before the team departs.

Donated glasses come to Ferris State through West Michigan Lions Clubs to the tune of about 250,000 pairs per year.

Once on campus, they are first sorted and categorized by members of the VOSH student chapter, work that is part of the required volunteer hours for the students to be able to participate in a VOSH mission trip.

The sorting process involves disposing of unusable glasses, lenses and frames with usable glasses then sorted into male, female, child, sun, reader, and specialty glasses. The glasses most appropriate for whatever mission trip is on deck. Teams from VOSH go to several different countries annually to provide their services.

Sunglasses are always needed, Wrubel said, especially because so many mission trips are to locations near the equator. Beyond that, glasses in good condition are in high demand with glasses and frames for children in short supply. And as common as readers are in the United States, they are a precious commodity in Dominica.

As he looks ahead to this year’s trip, Wrubel also is looking back with amazement at the impact of past trips: almost 50,000 patient encounters; more than 100,000 pairs of prescription glasses, readers, tinted bifocals, and sunshades dispensed; some 2,000 Patients referred for medical eye care services; almost $2 million dollars in donated equipment and supplies; and more than 125 MCO optometric interns.

Beyond that, he said, there are simply “countless precious moments and priceless educational experiences.”

He said that he and the MCO students often hear one simple little phrase from the people they serve on the trips, and it is a phrase that never gets old. When they can help someone see again, their patient will often look at them, break into a broad smile and say, “Plenty better, Doctor.”

(Image provided by Ferris State University).

The Cardinals had their hands full on Thursday night, as they defeated Grant on the road 1-0 and 4-3 in CSAA action.

Game one took eight innings to settle, with the only run coming in the top of the eighth from Jonathan Losinski’s RBI single to score Ty Gielczyk. Phillip Wilber along with Losinski and Gielczyk had two hits apiece. Gielczyk check marveled on the mound, throwing seven innings, allowing five hits, no hits, and striking out seven. Noah Sweppenheiser registered the eighth inning save for the Cardinals.

“On the mound in game one and at the plate both games, Gielczyk was unstoppable all night,” Head coach J.T. Scarpelli said.

Despite Big Rapids scoring the first run in game two, Grant would jump on top of the second with three runs to take a 3-1 lead. The Cardinals battled back in the third with two runs to tie it and then scored the deciding run in the fifth to ultimately win 4-3. Isaac Zocco led Big Rapids with two runs scored, along with Gielczyk and Mason McNeilly adding two hits apiece. Wilber led the lineup with two RBIs. Cole Haist secured the victory on the mound with only three hits and runs allowed in 6 2/3 innings of work, including retiring 14 batters in the row. Sweppenheiser earned the one out save.
“The defense was solid and the pitching was outstanding,” Scarpelli said. “(Our) hitting ran into some bad luck at times but the guys persevered to get it done.”

Big Rapids remains at the top of the CSAA with a 13-1 record, followed by Reed City at 10-5, Chip Hills at 8-4, and Grant at 9-5. 

During their annual spring meetings in Gaylord on Monday and Tuesday, the Michigan High School Athletic Association approved the sponsorships of two new sports across the state.

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, boys volleyball and girls field hockey will be added as MHSAA sponsored tournament sports. The boys volleyball season will take place during the spring while girls field hockey will played in the fall. This will be the first MHSAA additions to the sponsored sports lineup since 2004.

Other notable rule and scheduled changes were also implemented, including:

• Strengthened suspensions for inappropriate behavior towards officials
• Adding a team championship for girls wrestling
• Winter sports schedules concluding before school's spring break period
• Basketball and soccer district tournament seeding based on Michigan Power Ratings
• Classification adjustments in regard to 8-player and 11-player football teams
• Automatic state qualification standards for track and field
• Penalty amendments for ineligible weight classifications in wrestling
• Instituting a first half running clock for soccer when 'mercy rule' is reached
• Electronic baseball pitch count submissions after contests
• Football pre-season scrimmages to be only conducted after the Wednesday of the second week of practice and after the team has practiced on seven days

According to their press release, the association also approved it’s 14.8 million-dollar budget for the upcoming school year.

For more details and information, visit https://www.mhsaa.com/topics/mhsaa-news/rep-council-approves-sponsorship-new-sports-adjusts-winter-schedule-spring.

An inaugural tournament will be taking place at Rambadt Park on Saturday to benefit a local high school track and field team.

While the tournament will not be a fully sanctioned event, the tournament will consist of two full 18-hole rounds and a distance contest. Buy-in costs are 20 dollars per player with fifty percent going towards the track and field program and the other fifty percent going to the division winners of the tournament rounds. The distance contest is an additional 10 dollars with a similar fifty-fifty split. All registration will be cash only.

The idea for the event came from senior Track and Field standout, Anthony Kianus, who originally had other ideas of a tournament.

"I always thought of little ideas to get money on the side like a cornhole tournament or like a Euchre tournament, but I never really thought of a disc golf tournament before,"  Kianus said. "It just kind of came into my head when I started playing disc golf this past year and I just thought it'd be a good idea."

Registration for the event begins at 9:30 A.M. with a players’ meeting following at 10:40 A.M. for official rules for the tournament. Round one will start at 11:00 A.M. and lunch will be provided before the second round that is estimated to start around 1:30 P.M. Scoring for the tournament, as well as card pairings, will be seperated based on experience and skill level.

Kianus said the tournament has inspired some of his teammates who've never played the sport before.

"I know a lot of the kids on the track team were asking me about pointers. I hope that they bring some of their families out there and get to learn how to play disc golf because it is a nice little fun thing to do."

Raffle drawings and trophy presentations will be conducted after the conclusion of the second round.

The Sheriff’s Office took 590 calls for service for the month of April. The corrections staff booked 57 subjects into the jail between April 1 and April 30. The average daily inmate population for April was 55 inmates.

911 Hang Ups: 3

Abandoned Vehicles: 8

Alarms: 3

Animal Control: 13

Area Checks: 28

Assaults/Sexual Assaults/Threats: 28

Assist to Other Jurisdictions: 12

Attempt to Locate: 2

Breaking & Entering: 6

Check Wellbeing: 21

Civil: 22

Death Notification: 0

Disorderly: 3

DNR: 5

Domestic Assaults: 10

Fail to Pay (Gas Drive-Offs): 0

Flee & Elude (Pursuits): 3

Follow-Up Investigations/Details: 42

Found Property: 3

Fraud: 8

Hit & Runs: 4

Juvenile Assaults/Runaways: 27

Larceny: 4

Malicious Destruction of Property: 5

Mental Health Calls: 5

Minors in Possession: 1

Missing Persons: 0

Motorist Assists: 9

Misc. (PPO Vio, Standby, etc.): 43

OWI/OUID: 1

Paper Service: 5

Parking/Traffic Hazards: 5

Personal Injury Accidents: 7

Property Damage Accidents: 37

Property Checks: 2

Retail Fraud: 1

Road Run-Offs: 0

Stolen Vehicles: 1

Suspicious Situations: 13

Traffic Stops: 167

Prisoner/Mental Transports: 7

Trespasses: 6

Vehicle Inspections: 7

Warrants: 10

Weapon Offenses: 3

On Thursday, May 9, at 4:41 P.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to an accident at the intersection of 30^th Avenue and Arthur Road in Sheridan Township.

The investigation revealed that 36-year-old male from Clair was traveling east on Arthur Road and failed to stop at the intersection. This resulted in a 64-year-old female from Barryton who was traveling south on 30^th Avenue to strike the side of his truck. The female suffered non life threatening injuries but was transported to the Clare Medical Center by Mecosta County EMS.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Mecosta County EMS, Sheridan Township Fire, Hilltop Towing, Huffs Towing, Morton Township Fire, and Meceola Central Dispatch. 

CSAA Baseball

MONDAY 5/6/24

Chip Hills 2 @ Big Rapids 5

WEDNESDAY 5/8/24

Comstock Park 1 @ Newaygo 6

Comstock Park 1 @ Newaygo 5

Kent City 0 @ Chip Hills 4

Kent City 6 @ Chip Hills 7 (8inn)

Reed City 18 @ Tri County 5 (5inn)

Reed City 1 @ Tri County 8 (5inn)

Morley Stanwood 1 @ Big Rapids 11 (6inn)

Morley Stanwood 2 @ Big Rapids 4

Grant 0 @ Oakridge 3

******************************************

CSAA Softball

MONDAY 5/6/24

Grant 26 @ Orchard View 9

Grant 10 @ Orchard View 11

WEDNESDAY 5/8/24

Morley Stanwood 0 @ Big Rapids 11 (6inn)

Morley Stanwood 0 @ Big Rapids 12 (4inn)

Beal City 16 @ C Montcalm 2

Beal City 10 @ C Montcalm 6

Reed City 24 @ Tri County 0 (3inn)

Reed City 23 @ Tri County 0 (3inn)

Kent City 9 @ Chip Hills 8

Kent City 16 @ Chip Hills 0

The Cardinals added two more wins to the column Wednesday night, as they defeated the Mohawks 11-1 in the six-inning first game and 4-2 in the nightcap.

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed one day later due to inclement weather.

“(The) guys were locked in and got the job done,” Head coach J.T. Scarpelli said. “Pitchers executed the game plan and hitter applied an adaptive approach.”

The Cardinals had 11 runs on 11 hits in game one, including two-a-piece from Phillip Wilbur, Nick Teceno, Ty Gielczyk, and Brody Ososki. Gielczyk and Ososki each added two runs batted in and a double. Ososki also added a triple. Gielczyk started the game on mound and threw 1 1/3 innings with only one hit allowed and three strikeouts. Corbin Clark finished the final 4 2/3 innings with only three hits and one run allowed. He struck out six along while only allowing one walk.

Game two saw 10 hits for the Cardinals but only four runs. Caiden Schuberg led with two doubles, a single, and two runs scored. Karsen Rehkopf threw four innings as the nightcap starter, striking out nine and allowing two hits. Seth Cline and Noah Sweppenheiser came in relief to finish the three innings and the Cardinal victory.

“(I was) very happy with the effort,” Scarpelli said. “(We got) four more games this week to get.”

Big Rapids moves to 16-2 on the season and 10-1 in CSAA play. They will now travel to face 9-6 Grant on the road this afternoon. Morley Stanwood falls to 6-13 overall and 5-9 in conference action.

State Rep. Tom Kunse on Wednesday staunchly opposed the Democrat Department of Transportation budget for lacking key funding for local roads. Instead, the budget included $15 million for aerial drones and 2.95 million for electric bike incentives. Recent research found that Michigan ranks 47th nationally regarding the quality of pavement roads.

“Our local roads are crumbling, yet Democrats have shown little interest in making real investments in repairing them,” said Kunse, R-Clare. “Fixing interstates and highways is nice and all, but the people see right through the governor’s phony attempt to claim those projects as tackling the entire problem. Our roads are costing people money; it’s as simple as that. Every day Democrats ignore this crisis another family is facing thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs after losing a fight with a bathtub-sized pothole.”

The MDOT budget also includes $5 million for the state to develop and implement a road usage tax. Democrats have been publicly discussing the potential tax that would require every Michigan driver to install a tracker in their car so the government can monitor the miles they’ve driven and tax them accordingly. Democrats claim this would replace the current 28.6 cent gas tax. Republicans are skeptical that Democrats could ever actually get rid of a tax while they impose a new one.

“Democrats are literally proposing that we spend taxpayer dollars to research how to take even more money from everyday people,” Kunse said. “They say the gas tax isn’t fair for people who don’t drive electric cars. Yeah, I think it’s unfair that I pay 28 cents a gallon more at the pump so Democrats can use that money to buy drones and electric bikes. The answer isn’t finding a new way to charge people. I’d be curious to see how necessary a fuel tax even is after you strip state government of all its wasteful spending.”

The MDOT budget also removes several key transparency measures installed by past Republican leadership to hold government more accountable. These changes include removing record retention, ditching a notification requirement for when MDOT enters into a long-term contract, and that MDOT would promote best practices for public transportation and regularly report on their efforts. The budget also removes disclosure requirements for when high-ranking employees receive loaded severance packages in government transparency.

“This is yet another example of Democrats showing their true intentions when it comes to transparency and accountability in Lansing,” Kunse said. “They don’t hold committee hearings but introduce bombastic legislation. Some of their own members have deeply concerning alleged ethics violations. Yet, those same members just supported budgets that remove some of the only remaining accountability measures enacted by the Legislature. You can’t make this stuff up. Democrats literally just voted against transparency and for forcing everyone to have trackers in their cars.

Monday, April 29

• Parking – Officers were dispatched for a parking complaint. The complainant was advised to call for a private property tow.
• Hit and Run – Officers were dispatched for a hit and run two vehicle accident. The suspect was identified and a report will be sent to Prosecutor. 

Tuesday, April 30

• Malicious Destruction of Property – No futher detail provided. 

Wednesday, May 1

• Assist – Officers were dispatched to a local business for an abandon vehicle that had been in their parking lot for five days. Officers attempted to contact the last known operator of the vehicle but were unable to reach them. The business contacted a tow company to have the vehicle removed. 

• Traffic Stop – Officers stopped a vehicle being operated by a subject known to have warrants and a suspended license. The subject was arrested without incident and the vehicle was turned over to a valid driver. 

• Harassment – Officers were dispatched to a harassment complaint. The complaint remains open at this time.

Thursday, May 2

• No incidents reported.

Friday, May 3

• Warrant Attempt – Officers were dispatched for a warrant check on a subject who had multiple warrants. The subject was located and was lodged on his warrants and new charges of Domestic Violence and using a computer to commit a crime. 

Saturday, May 4

• No incidents reported.

Sunday, May 5

• Domestic – Officers were dispatched to assist the Osceola County Sheriff Department on a domestic violence complaint. Officers stood by until they were cleared from the assist

• Domestic – Officers were dispatched for a domestic assault in progress. A suspect was arrested and lodged on one count of domestic violence.

•  Civil – Officers were dispatched to a civil complaint between neighbors.

Area residents took to the polls Tuesday to decide on moving forward with their local schools millages and proposals.

Big Rapids voted to renew their millage once again for the public school system, seeing a reported 1,150 votes (66%) with 585 (34%) opposed. Newaygo Public Schools passed their bond proposal by a 955 (63%) to 563 (37%) vote count. 

Grant Public Schools also found their name on the ballot not for a bond proposal, but for a school board member recall. Both incumbent board members, Rachal Gort and Richard Vance, recieved enough votes to stay on the board. Gort defeated Mindy Conley by a 1,089 (54%) to 914 (46%) tally while Vance defeated Lindsay Mahlich 1,074 (53%) to 934 (47%).

For more news, be sure to follow Big Rapids Daily News on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Chuck Thelen of Gotion Inc. is hosting his second “Chat with Chuck” virtual town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. to provide residents with an update on the proposed battery components facility in Green Charter Township and answer any questions. 

Residents can access the town hall meeting at this link. The meetings can include project announcements, guests from the local community, subject matter experts from Gotion Inc. and other information.

“After last month’s meeting, some people suggested that a later start time would be more convenient for greater participation, so we bumped back the time by one hour and will begin at 7 p.m.,” said Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc. – North American Manufacturing. “It’s all about being transparent and open to the community, so we're always willing to adjust the time to fit people’s busy schedules. We had phenomenal positive feedback on our first-ever meeting, and I’m excited to answer additional questions this month.”

More than 105 people joined the virtual meeting in April, and Thelen answered questions that included what materials will be used at the plant, how the facility will encourage additional economic development in the region, and when the facility will officially open. Hundreds of more people viewed the meeting after it was later shared on social media.

"It was great to see such a strong turnout and thoughtful questions last month,” Thelen said. “Everyone is encouraged to tune into our virtual town hall meeting to learn more about the exciting developments at the plant.”

The Ferris State University men's and women's tennis teams are both headed to the NCAA Division II Tournament as the two Bulldog squads received bids via a live selection announcement on Monday.

The NCAA Division II National Men's and Women's selection committees released the respective fields for the national tournaments via NCAA.com with the Bulldogs holding a live selection show watch gathering at the Ewigleben Sports Complex.

The Bulldog women's team received its 22nd all-time national tournament bid and its first since 2021. The men's team earned its ninth consecutive berth and will make its 27th all-time NCAA Tourney appearance. Both teams are guided by head coach Mark Doren.

On the women's side, Ferris State is seeded sixth in the Midwest Region and will square off against third-seeded Wayne State in first-round action at 2 p.m. on May 10 in Tiffin, Ohio.

Tiffin University was chosen to host one of the two Midwest Region brackets with the winner of the opening round matchup squaring off against either second-seeded TU or seventh-seeded Northwood at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 for the right to move on to the DII Sweet Sixteen set for May 20-25 in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Meanwhile, the Ferris State men's squad drew the second seed in the Midwest Region and will face seventh-seeded rival Grand Valley State University in first round action at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 13.

Ferris State was chosen to host one of two regional men's brackets and will take the court in the first regional matchup. On the other side of the Midwest Region bracket in Big Rapids, third-seeded Wayne State will face sixth-seeded Tiffin at 2 p.m. and the winners will then meet in the bracket final Tuesday at 10 a.m. The winner of the four-team event on the men's side will also move on to the NCAA-II round of 16 in Florida.

The Bulldogs will host NCAA Regional men's action in Big Rapids for the first time since the 2016-17 season. The matches are slated to be played outdoors at the Big Rapids High School courts if the weather permits. If the matches are moved indoors, they will take place at the Ferris State Racquet and Fitness Center.

The Bulldog men's team won this year's GLIAC Regular-Season Championship along with the league postseason tournament title. This year's regular-season title marked Ferris State’s 22nd all-time crown and the Bulldogs captured their first conference tournament championship in three years. The Bulldog men are 17-4 overall and were a perfect 6-0 in GLIAC regular-season action.

The Ferris State women's team owns a 12-9 overall record this season and has won eight of its last 10 outings overall. The Bulldogs finished as the league regular-season runner-up and reached the semifinals at the conference tournament. This year's appearance in the NCAA Tournament is only the third berth for the women's program in the past 13 years.

Monday, April 29

• Officers transported an individual to Grand Rapids for mental health treatment.

• An officer responded to a call regarding a larceny of alcohol at a local store.

Tuesday, April 30

• An officer assisted a woman that called to report a stolen bicycle.

• An officer responded to a civil dispute between neighbors after children had accidentally thrown a football that struck a vehicle. The vehicle was not damaged.

• An officer conducted a welfare check on a 41-year-old female after social media suggested she might be suicidal. She was found not to be suicidal but was arrested for outstanding warrants.

Wednesday, May 1

• An officer responded to a parochial school after an unknown man was seen on campus. Upon contact it was discovered the man was seeking food assistance and trying to determine who he needed to contact.
• Officers received a complaint of possible found drugs. Upon further investigation it is believed to have been a device to refill vape pens.
• An officer responded to a call from dispatch regarding a man that wanted assistance getting some personal property back.

Thursday, May 2

• While on patrol at Rambadt Park, an officer issued a citation for public use of marijuana.

• An officer responded to a welfare check on a 46-year-old female after she had an altercation with a male suspect in Big Rapids. It was determined to have been a verbal argument only.

Friday, May 3

• Officers took a complaint of an assault with no injuries at an apartment complex. The matter is under investigation.

• Officers were called to a disorderly individual at Westerburg Park. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 47-year-old woman for Operating While Impaired – High Blood Alcohol Content.

Saturday, May 4

• Officers took a report of a 17-year-old runaway. The teen returned later in the day.

Sunday, May 5

• Officers received a complaint of thousands of cigarette butts discarded in the front yard of a residence. The officer spoke with the owner and issued a notice of violating city ordinance for the cigarette butts and the overgrown grass.
• While on foot patrol an officer located the door to a closed business unlocked. The owner was notified, and the building secured.
• An officer observed the door to an unoccupied vehicle open for an extended period of time. Upon making contact with the vehicle owner to check his well being, it was discovered he was loading his DJ equipment and got sidetracked talking to the owner of the business.

A marginal severe storm risk is in effect for West Michigan Tuesday afternoon into the evening hours.

Multiple weather and radar reports show multiple systems with heavy rains, elevated winds, and thunderstorms in the forecast between 2:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.

Please be alert to changing travel conditions as well as event cancellations in the area.

For up-to-date Weather Eye Forecasts, tune in to NewsRadio WBRN on 1460 AM, 96.5 and 107.7 FM, WBRN.com, and the WBRN mobile app.

Monday, April 29

• At around 1:40 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Green TWP. A male subject was arrested on a felony warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At around 3:00 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Big Rapids TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the male passenger being arrested for a probation violation. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 23

Traffic Accidents: 1

Tuesday, April 30

Calls for Service: 24

Traffic Accidents: 4

Wednesday, May 1

• At around 09:39 A.M., deputies made a warrant arrest in Martiny TWP. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At around 1:30 P.M., deputies responded to a disorderly complaint in Colfax TWP. A male subject was arrested for disorderly conduct and MDOP. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 29

Traffic Accidents: 4

Thursday, May 2

Calls for Service: 24

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, May 3

Calls for Service: 19

Traffic Accidents: 2

Saturday, May 4

• At around 10:13 P.M., deputies responded to a unlawful entry complaint at a residence in Mecosta TWP. A male subject was arrested and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 2

Sunday, May 5

• At around 5:00 P.M., deputies responded to a domestic complaint, at a residence in Big Rapids TWP. A male subject was arrested for a probation violation. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 1

Last Thursday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement after he was named a “Fiscal Hero” by the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget for his expansive record of work confronting the national debt crisis and fixing the broken budget process. Last summer, Rep. Huizenga introduced the Fiscal Commission Act, which is designed to tackle our national debt and improve our nation’s fiscal trajectory.

“I am honored to be recognized for my efforts to get our nation’s fiscal house in order,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “What Washington spends on interest payments to finance the national debt is now greater than what is spent on our national defense. Not only is this unsustainable, but it is dangerous and unacceptable. This is why I introduced multiple pieces of legislation to tackle our national debt. I will continue fighting to reduce spending, fix our nation’s broken budget process, and restore fiscal sanity. While there’s much to be done, I’m thankful we’ve drawn greater attention to the urgency of this crisis.”

Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget and head of Fix the Debt, said: “Fiscal responsibility is a stewardship, not only for Americans today but for generations of Americans to come. We applaud this year’s Fiscal Heroes, including Representative Huizenga, for having the courage to prioritize our fiscal health and work towards achieving a more sustainable debt trajectory. Through legislation, speeches, engagement back home, and tough political decisions, these Members of Congress have distinguished themselves as leaders on these key issues, and we are honored to recognize and applaud them for their efforts. We look forward to seeing how these Fiscal Heroes will build on the momentum in the past year to make even greater strides going forward.”

Fiscal Heroes are awarded each Congress to recognize policymakers working to improve the nation's fiscal situation and fix the budget process. Fiscal Heroes have distinguished themselves by pushing their party leaders to make debt a priority, leading efforts to work through policy options to fix the debt and the budget process, taking responsible votes, educating constituents on budgetary challenges, delivering floor speeches to raise awareness about the issue, advocating to keep tough choices on the table, and introducing legislation to improve the budget process and the nation's fiscal position.

(Photo provided by Brian Patrick)

Ferris State University’s Department of Public Safety is hosting its 19th annual Police Memorial on Tuesday, May 7, at 9 a.m. on the Robinson Quad. 

Department of Public Safety Director Gary Green is honored to collaborate with other agencies to host the event. 

The Police Memorial, a solemn occasion, pays respect to Ferris State Criminal Justice alums who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The event also provides a unique opportunity for the public to meet and appreciate the dedication of law enforcement professionals from local and statewide agencies. 

“Reverend Jeremy Wicks, chaplain for the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, and our assistant director Tim Jacobs will offer prayers during the ceremony as we remember these dedicated public servants who prepared for their careers at Ferris,” Green said. “A multi-jurisdictional team will present a 21-gun salute. Our Honor Guard consists of officers from various departments and the program will again include a bagpiper who will accompany various processions as part of the memorial.” 

Green will serve as the master of ceremonies for the program.  

Ferris State University President Bill Pink will address attendees before 100th District State Representative Tom Kunse, R-Clare, will deliver a keynote address.  

“The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, Mecosta County’s Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police serving this area all contribute time and efforts to make this a special event,” Green said. “Beyond our participants from regional law enforcement agencies, we are pleased to welcome Big Rapids’ Junior High Choir and Public Safety and Protective Services students from the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center to this ceremony.” 

The Police Memorial is open to the public. Parking is available east of the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive, in Lot 3A, Lot 1B, and Lot 3G. Additional spaces are available off North Campus Drive. 

In the event of rain, the Police Memorial will be inside Ferris State’s David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive.

CSAA Baseball

MONDAY 5/6/24 - 4p

Chip Hills 2 @ Big Rapids 5

TUESDAY 5/7/24 - 4p

Morley Stanwood @ Big Rapids

Lakeview @ C Montcalm

Reed City @ Tri County

Grant @ Oakridge

Kent City @ Chip Hills

Newaygo @ White Cloud

WEDNESDAY 5/8/24 - 4p

Comstock Park @ Newaygo

Pine River @ Reed City

THURSDAY 5/9/24 - 4p

C Montcalm @ Alma

Big Rapids @ Grant

Montabella @ Lakeview

Tri County @ Ravenna

FRIDAY 5/10/24 - 4p

Pine River @ Kent City

Hesperia @ Chip Hills

White Cloud @ Shelby

SATURDAY 5/11/24

Sacred Heart @ Big Rapids - 11a

Charlevoix/Montabella @ Big Rapids - 1:30p

Montague @ Grant

Orchard View @ Grant

******************************************

CSAA Softball

MONDAY 5/6/24 - 4p

Grant 26 @ Orchard View 9

Grant @ Orchard View

TUESDAY 5/7/24 - 4p

Morley Stanwood @ Big Rapids

Lakeview @ C Montcalm

Reed City @ Tri County

Kent City @ Chip Hills

Newaygo @ White Cloud

WEDNESDAY 5/8/24 - 4p

Beal City @ C Montcalm

Pine River @ Reed City

THURDAY 5/9/24 - 4p

Big Rapids @ Grant

Montabella @ Lakeview

FRIDAY 5/10/24 - 4p

Morley Stanwood @ Fremont

Pine River @ Kent City

Grant @ Ludington

Sparta @ Newaygo

Hesperia @ Chip Hills

White Cloud @ Shelby

SATURDAY 5/11/24

TBD @ Big Rapids - 12p

TBD @ Big Rapids - 2p

TBD @ Lakeview - 9a

TBD @ Lakeview - 11a

Stay up to date with scores at https://wbrn.com/ & on X: @BigRapidsDN

In a formal statement by the President of the Board of Education, Tony Gibson, Chippewa Hills School District announced a mutual agreement with Bob Grover to part ways.

According to Gibson, Grover decided to resign for personal reasons. 

“The decision of agreeing to the separation agreement was not an easy one to make,” Gibson said. “I am thankful for the years of service Dr. Grover provided the district and wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors. Moving forward, the board will continue to advocate for its students, and staff.”

Grover was the superintendent for nearly nine years, replacing Shirley Howard back on May 1, 2015. According to the release, the board felt the move was the “best outcome for the district and its students.”

The district had recently gone through disciplinary hearings with the board, but Gibson said there was no correlation to those events.

Grover will be replaced by Chippewa Hills High School principal Michelle Newman but will serve as a consultant for the remainder of the school fiscal year to help smoothen the transition.

“We wanted to keep this interim roll internally in hopes to have little to no slow down finishing the school year. We are lucky enough to have multiple leaders in our district that would have stepped in to fill the role if needed.”

A special board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at 6:00 P.M. in the High School Media Center to review the superintendent search timeline.

A “bacterial cell factory” to study natural cancer treatment agents is coming to a Ferris State University College of Pharmacy laboratory with support from the National Science Foundation.

Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Eric Nybo received a second three-year grant to fund the production and study of anthracyclines, which he called “the most complex structures in nature.”

A $369,651 award from the foundation’s Chemistry, Bioengineering, Environment, and Transportation Systems Research division follows an approved $407,901 grant approved in 2020. 

The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent agency of the federal government that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

The funding is directed to the “BIOPOLYMER” or BIObricks POLYketide Metabolic EngineeRing platform. Nybo, the project’s principal investigator, said their assistance comes from the foundation’s Research at Undergraduate Institutions resources. 

“We have developed a bacterial cell factory to produce anthracycline compounds, which has resulted in the creation of between 30 and 40 distinct chemical structures,” Nybo said. “Approximately 2,000 naturally occurring anthracyclines have been identified globally. We are developing anthracyclines into designer drugs for the treatment of cancers.” 

The NSF grant allows Nybo to provide valuable research experience to Ferris students in Pre-Pharmacy and other science-focused undergraduate degree programs. 

Nybo said he presented findings in six publications, with 11 students contributing to the first round of research.

“The new grant cycle allows us to continue creating the most complex structures in nature,” he said.

Nybo said the NSF award runs through February 2027. It will allow a dozen students to be paid for their contributions to the project. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs assists faculty in identifying and managing grant opportunities; ORSP Director and Ferris Pharmacy alumnus Thomas Dowling said this is the university’s fourth award from the NSF. 

“Research activities at Ferris are focused on innovation, a pillar of the University Strategic Plan,” Dowling said. "Engaging students in research with mentors like Dr. Nybo and others is a high-impact practice known to improve student success, with many students pursuing graduate (Ph.D.) programs after their time at Ferris. We take pride in creating this type of vibrant intellectual community for our students.” 

Nybo said the BIOPOLYMER study team includes Professor Mikko Metsa-Ketela of the University of Turku in Turku, Finland, and the University of Kentucky Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Khaled Shaaban.  

The Ferris State University men's and women's outdoor track and field teams took part in the 2024 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championships on Thursday and Friday (May 2-3) in Allendale.

The annual league championships were hosted by Grand Valley State and included student-athletes from 10 different league institutions. The FSU men tied for sixth place overall with 35 points while the women placed seventh with 22.5 points in the two-day event.

In the men's action, Ferris State's Chase Carter was the runner-up in the 100 meters (10.44) and the 200 meters (21.37). He reached the NCAA D2 National Provisional qualifying time in the 100 meters during preliminary action with a qualifying time of 10.40 in the race.

The Bulldogs' Brandon Wirth placed fourth overall in the 3,000-meter steeplechase (9:32.00).

Cooper Sorsen was seventh in the 10,000 meters (31:32.16) and Bryson Fronta finished eighth in the 200 meters (22.27). Devin Dennison took fifth place in the hammer throw (50.59m) and eighth place in the discus (42.08m).

FSU's men's 4x100-meter relay team of Blaine Rogers, Taariik Brett, Fronta and Carter placed fifth overall (42.49). In addition, the 4x400-meter relay squad consisting of Lucas Vandam, Tyrese Beedle, Ethan Hamiltonand Dean Topolski finished sixth (3:25.79).

On the women's side, the Bulldogs' Claudia Wilkinson tied for third overall in the high jump (1.61m).

Meanwhile, Whitney Farrell came in fifth in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase with a NCAA Division II national provisional qualifying time of 11:01.10 in the race.

FSU's Harley Bear took sixth place in the discus (37.64m). Hanna Brock finished seventh in the 10,000 meters (38:17.62) while Danae Feldpausch placed eighth in the women's 1,500 meters (4:43.21). Nyah Tyron finished eighth in the 400 hurdles (1:05.11) and Rebecca Marvin was eight in the discus (37.03m).

Ferris State's women's 4x400-meter relay squad of Tyron, Makayla Roberts, Daisy Englund and Feldpausch placed sixth (4:02.86) while the 4x100-meter relay team of Lacey Zimmerman, Frances Hoffman, Ana Fortier and Angela Kotecki placed senveth (49.67).

The Bulldogs have several NCAA Division II National Provisional Qualifiers and will await the official NCAA selections later this month with last chance action also potentially set for this coming week.

Ferris State University graduate Nate Mathewson showed off the numerous cords and stoles he earned to wear during commencement on Saturday. But tucked among the honors was a pin of a blue jay and a small stuffed red cardinal clipped to his black gown.

“That’s for professor Klatt,” he said, paying tribute to a beloved professor who passed away unexpectedly this week.

Dr. Paul Klatt, a nationally respected expert on birds and the force behind Ferris State’s Osprey Web Cam, was honored by President Bill Pink with emeriti status during Saturday’s commencement celebrating graduates of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education.

Beth Zimmer, chair of Ferris State’s Biological Sciences Department, said Klatt strived to make learning fun.

“Dr. Paul Klatt was a colleague, a professor, a teacher, a mentor, and a friend,” she told graduates and their supporters. “However you knew him, as Dr. Klatt, or simply Paul, or even PK – or Birdman – whatever you called him or whatever relationship you had with him, you knew that he cared about us and everyone he met.”

A seat in the second row was draped in black, but also with a red and black checked vest, binoculars, and a single white flower. A number of students decorated their mortar boards with stuffed birds.

Ferris State this weekend presented degrees to more than 1,800 students, with about 1,300 participating in ceremonies at the Big Rapids campus and the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids. Another 20 students who took classes online or live on the east side of the state were invited to accept their degree at Mott Community College in Flint.

Pink noted the Class of 2024 is particularly special. Many of the students earning degrees this weekend graduated high school in 2020 at the height of the pandemic and likely missed out on a graduation with traditional pomp and circumstance.

“For many of our graduates, this is their first true graduation ceremony, they’ve had since maybe kindergarten,” Pink said. “They celebrated their high school graduation on a computer screen or in a parking lot. So today, we’re going to celebrate in a big way.”

KCAD celebrated graduates from December 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 classes with a ceremony at the Forest Hills Fine Art Center. In Grand Rapids.

Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration major Sophia Forystek was honored as the valedictorian of the Class of 2024. She is the first student from the Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration to be selected as valedictorian.

“I was honestly shocked. It's such an incredible honor,” Forystek said. “It makes me feel abundantly loved to be held in such high regard.”

The program was a perfect fit for Forystek, who was originally pursuing a degree in nursing when the challenges of studying healthcare online during the pandemic led her to reconsider her path.

After learning about the Life Sciences and Pre-Medical Illustration degree at KCAD, she realized that she could combine her lifelong love of art with her knowledge of anatomy, forging a career that merges STEM with the creative arts.

“Communication is key in health care, and most people can relate to the feeling of being in a in a doctor's office and not fully knowing what they’re talking about. You get overwhelmed easily when you don’t feel educated enough to make your own decisions,” Forystek said. “I really want to be involved with making it easier for practitioners and patients to communicate.”

On Friday, May 3 at 12:44 A.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office and Michigan State Police troopers were patrolling the apartments in Big Rapids Township on 14 Mile Road, when three gunshots were heard in one of the complexes.

Deputies were able to locate the person responsible for firing the shots, a 55-year-old male from Auburn, Michigan. The male admitted to shooting the gun in the air due to being frustrated with a verbal disagreement that had taken place.

The male was cooperative with the deputies and troopers and turned the handgun over to law enforcement. He was subsequently arrested for reckless discharge of a firearm and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

In an announcement Friday morning, the Big Rapids Dial-A-Ride busing service will now be offering on-demand busing outside of the traditional busing network.

The app, named “Ride Pingo,” will help riders of all ages schedule the most convenient pick-up location and the quickest route to their desired location in the city of Big Rapids. 

Dial-A-Ride will be offering free rides from Wednesday, May 8, to Saturday, May 11 as a part of the collaboration. Following May 11, fees for general riders ages 17-59 will be $2.50 for one-way travel and $1.25 for kids ages 5-16, patrons ages 60 and older, and disabled riders. Children under four years old can ride for free with a guardian.

If a rider doesn’t have the app, rides can still be booked via dialing the call center at 231-796-8675. Operation hours for the service will be 6:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. on the weekdays and 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Saturdays.

(Graphic provided by the City of Big Rapids Communications).

CSAA Baseball

FRIDAY 5/3/24 - 4p

Big Rapids @ Grant - RESCHEDULED 4/9

White Cloud 5 @ Kent City 4

White Cloud 8 @ Kent City 2

Tri County @ Lakeview - RESCHEDULED

Reed City 11 @ Morley Stanwood 1

Reed City 7 @ Morley Stanwood 2

Belding 0 @ Newaygo 8

Belding 2 @ Newaygo 3

C Montcalm @ Chip Hills - RESCHEDULED

******************************************

CSAA Softball

FRIDAY 5/3/24 - 4p

Big Rapids @ Grant - RESCHEDULED 4/9

White Cloud 0 @ Kent City 1

White Cloud 0 @ Kent City 11 (5inn)

Tri County @ Lakeview - RESCHEDULED

Reed City 22 @ Morley Stanwood 8 (6inn)

Reed City 16 @ Morley Stanwood 0 (4inn)

C Montcalm @ Chip Hills - RESCHEDULED

Big Rapids added to their large list of college-bound athletes on Thursday with 10 more signees. A full ceremony event was held at the Big Rapids High School yesterday afternoon with eight of the athletes in attendance, along with coaches, teachers, family, fans, and media.

“Today’s event is easily one of my favorites each year,” Athletic Director Dawn Thompson said. “It is a great opportunity to highlight our student-athletes as they look to compete at the next level, but more importantly we will see where they will continue their academic career.”

Here’s a look at the following student athletes that inked their national letters of intent along with some notes about their careers:

• Kaleb Dubowski, Calvin University, Football and Track & Field
  • All-state, region, conference, and area honoree in 2023. Helped the Cardinals earn back-to-back conference championships and a district championship this past fall. Played as a three-way starter as a defensive back, receiver, and kick returner. Averaged over 25 yards per reception and registered eight touchdowns.
• Jace Heck, Alma College, Football
  • All-state, region, conference, and area honoree in 2023. Converted 39 of 44 extra points. Also had 16 catches and nine yards per catch as a receiver. Earned two conference championships and a district title this past fall.  
• Dawson Kilpatrick, Muskegon Community College, Wrestling
  • Racked up 101 career wins in his career, including 53 of them by fall. Two-time first-team all-conference selection and one-time honorable mention. Recognized for his work ethic and leadership within the program.
• Cailin Knoop, Calvin University, Softball
  • Four-time varsity starter and Pioneer Dream team selection. Also two-time all-district and one-time all-region team selection. Career 41-2 record with a 1.15 E.R.A. this season. Also hitting .509 this season with 32 RBI’s and 17 extra base hits.
• Tyler Neil, William Penn University, Soccer
  • Helped team claim conference championship this past fall. Earned first-team all-CSAA honors. Scored five goals and three assists in junior season. Known for his versatility and passion for the game.
• Charles Roberts, Calvin University, Track & Field
  • Personal record of 5’ 10” in the high jump this season. Among one of Big Rapids’ top contributors for the track team. Quoted to be a consistent competitor and improving every week. 
• Christian Smits, Bluffton University, Soccer
  • Two-time all-CSAA first-team selection. Key contributor for CSAA championship team this past fall. Known for his focus and unselfishness as a good passer. 
• Zach Steers, Grand Rapids Community College, Golf
  • Four-year varsity starter for Cardinal program. Helped win two regional championships and a runner-up team finish at the state finals. First-team all-CSAA his junior year. Played in over 60 tournaments throughout his career.
• Ella Tucci, Delta College, Soccer
  • Three-year team captain, including being the youngest captain in program history. Four-time academic all-state honoree. Helped Cardinals win three consecutive district titles. Three-time all-conference and all-district honoree. Seven goals and 11 assists in four-year careers.
• Teresa Vance, Olivet Nazarene University, Soccer
  • All-region and all-state honorable mention last season. Three-time all-CSAA and all-district selection. 13 goals and 13 assists over four-year career. Picked as captain senior year. Known for her love of the game. 

These signees will join four other Cardinal seniors that have already signed their letters, which includes Toledo softball signee Marissa Warren, Davenport golf signee Preston Younge, Ferris State track signee Oliviah Malloy, and Northwood football signee Riley Vennix.

(Photo provided by Athletic Director Dawn Thompson).

For the third consecutive year, the Ferris State University women's golf team has earned a berth into the 2024 NCAA Division II East Regional Championships as the national organization unveiled its postseason qualifiers on Monday as selected by the national committee.

The Bulldogs are one of four squads from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to secure a postseason berth for the East Regional, which will take place May 6 to 8 at the Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, Ind. The regional championships will be hosted by the University of Indianapolis.

Along with Ferris State, the qualifiers also included Grand Valley State University, Wayne State University, and Davenport University from the GLIAC.

Two years ago, the Bulldogs placed 11th at the East Regional Championships in their first team trip to the postseason since 2014 when Ferris State finished fourth overall in the regional championships.

The Bulldogs previously made 13 consecutive NCAA appearances from 2002 to 2014. Last season, Ferris State placed seventh overall in the East Regional in Springfield, Ill.

Fifteen teams were selected from the East Region from six conferences in addition to six individual competitors from non-advancing schools.

All participants will compete through the 54 holes of competition with the top six teams from the East Region along with the top two individuals non on an advancing team moving on to the national championships set for May 21-25 at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge in Winter Garden, Fla.

Overall, the Bulldogs have twice captured a regional championship in 2003-04 and 2006-07 while attaining runner-up honors four times (2004-05, 2005-06, 2007-08, 2008-09).

Prior to earning an at-large bid this year, Ferris State reached the NCAA Tourney last year as the GLIAC's automatic qualifier after winning the league championship for the first time since 2007 during the 2023 spring season in Augusta, Mich. This year, the Bulldogs reached the conference semifinals two weeks ago in Augusta.

Scooter’s Coffee® is honoring healthcare heroes in our communities with a free drink for any nurses and healthcare workers, with ID, on May 3, 2024.

The offer is redeemable only on Friday, May 3, 2024 for any drink on the Scooter’s Coffee menu of any size for customers who present a valid healthcare ID. The first 50 customers who redeem the free drink offer at each Scooter’s Coffee location will also receive a special Healthcare Heroes sticker.

Customers can Scoot On Around™ for their favorite beverages including our signature Caramelicious® drinks and any of our espresso drinks served hot, iced, or blended. This offer can also be redeemed for one of our cold brew coffees, Scooot! Energy™ Infusions, fruit smoothies, and more!

Pair your free drink with our delicious Tomato & Feta or our Bacon & Gouda Omelet Bites! These flavorful protein-packed bites are perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Need something sweeter? Our fresh-baked Cinnamon Rolls are made by hand in our bakery, and each swirl is brimming with cinnamon and spices. Each roll is topped with a cream cheese icing and served warm.

This offer for a free drink is redeemable by any nurse or healthcare worker who presents valid healthcare ID upon ordering on Friday, May 3, 2024. No additional purchase is necessary. Limit one free drink per customer. Not eligible for mobile order ahead. Find your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location.

On Wednesday, May 1 at approximately 08:47 A.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a two-vehicle personal injury crash at the intersection of Northland Drive and 23 Mile Road in Green Township. 

The investigation revealed that a 70-year-old male from Hersey was turning east bound onto 23 Mile Road, when the male driver turned in front of a 26-year-old female from Hersey headed northbound and caused a collision. The female driver was transported to Big Rapids Corewell Health with non life-threating injuries.

Deputies on scene were assisted by Mecosta County EMS, Big Rapids Towing, Currie's Towing, Big Rapids Fire/Rescue, and Meceola Central Dispatch.

Former Ferris State University men's ice hockey assistant coach Derek Lalonde, who is currently the head coach of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Detroit Red Wings, has been tabbed as an assistant coach for the 2024 United States Men's National Team.

The U.S. Men's National Team will compete in the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championships set for May 10-26 in Ostrava and Prague, Czechia. All United States games in the world championship will be broadcast on the NHL Network.

Lalonde will serve as an assistant coach on the staff of head coach John Hynes of the Minnesota Wild.

Lalonde, who recently finished his second season as head coach of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, will serve as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's National Team for the second-straight year. Lalonde has been involved with Team USA on the international stage on two other occasions, helping the U.S. Junior Select Team to championships in the World Junior A Challenge in 2013 as head coach and as assistant coach in 2012.

Lalonde arrived in Detroit after spending four seasons (2018-22) as an assistant coach for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning where he helped the team earn Stanley Cup titles in 2020 and 2021.

The Brasher Falls, New York, native served as an assistant coach in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey first with Ferris State from 2002-2006 and then at the University of Denver from 2006-2011. He moved on to serve as head coach and general manager for the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers from 2011-14 where he recorded an overall record of 114-56-8-6 and was named the USHL Coach of the Year in 2012 after helping the Gamblers earn the Clark Cup title.

Lalonde spent two seasons (2014-16) as the head coach of the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL and earned the John Brophy Award as the league's coach of the year in his first campaign.

From 2016-18 he was the head coach of the AHL's Iowa Wild before moving to Tampa.

Lalonde's coaching career began as a graduate assistant men's ice hockey coach at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (formerly North Adams State) from 1995-98. He then had a two-year stint as an assistant men's ice hockey coach at Lebanon Valley College followed by two seasons as an assistant men's ice hockey coach at Hamilton College.

During his tenure on the Bulldog staff from 2002-26, Lalonde helped Ferris State claim the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) Championship during a memorable 2002-03 campaign on the Bulldog bench under FSU head coach Bob Daniels and has remained an ambassador for Ferris State Hockey since his days in Big Rapids.

It’s that time of year for postseason softball. In the regular season, we saw a tight race that came down to the final two games to sort the top four seeds entering this year’s tournament. Looking at this year’s bracket, there’s no question that this tournament might be as entertaining as any of the previous tournaments since 2020. Here’s a look at the round-by-round bracket matchups:

Day 1 -- Thursday, May 2 

Game 1                11 A.M. CT / 12 P.M. ET              No. 4 Ferris State vs. No. 5 Wayne State

Game 2                1:30 P.M. CT / 2:30 P.M. ET     No. 3 Purdue Northwest vs. No. 6 Parkside

Game 3                4 P.M. CT / 5 P.M. ET    Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (loser eliminated)

Day 2 -- Friday, May 3

Game 4                11 A.M. CT / 12 P.M. ET              No. 1 Grand Valley State vs. Winner Game 1

Game 5                1:30 P.M. CT / 2:30 P.M ET       No. 2 Saginaw Valley State vs. Winner Game 2

Game 6                4 P.M. CT / 5 P.M. ET    Loser Game 4 vs. Loser Game 5 (loser eliminated)

Day 3 -- Saturday, May 4 

Game 7                11 A.M. CT / 12 P.M. ET              Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5

Game 8                1:30 P.M. CT / 2:30 P.M. ET     Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 6 (loser eliminated) 

Game 9                4 P.M. CT / 5 P.M. ET    Winner Game 8 vs. Loser Game 7 (loser eliminated)

Day 4 -- Sunday, May 5

Game 10             11 A.M. CT / 12 P.M. ET              Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9 

Game 11             1:30 P.M. CT / 2:30 P.M. ET     Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9 (if necessary)

With some intriguing matchups in the opening rounds, here’s a breakdown of the teams based on their regular season:

No. 1 Grand Valley State

The Lakers were the preseason favorite to notch the top spot, but it wasn’t by much. Edging out Saginaw Valley State by one vote overall and one first place vote, Grand Valley finished the regular season with a 33-14 record. There 16 conference wins were their lowest since 2016, but the Lakers have certainly proven themselves as a regional contender. Behind an elite pitching staff of Platek, Ingram, Eggart and Swierkos, Grand Valley owns the league’s best E.R.A. with an astounding 1.86 mark. The Lakers also play great defensively as the best fielding team in the conference and have two great bats in Hannah Hollister and Kelsey Komorous. Grand Valley have struggled on the road this year, but It’s fair to say the Lakers will be the favorite to take home the trophy in revenge of last year’s early exit.

No. 2 Saginaw Valley State 

Sharing the regular season crown this season with the Lakers, the Cardinals under GLIAC Coach of the Year Ryan Schalk are peaking at the right time. They have won five of their last six games entering the trip to Rosemont, Ill. his weekend. Saginaw Valley led the league in offense with a .302 batting average, .373 on-base percentage, and a .444 slugging percentage. Combine that with GLIAC pitcher of the year Emily DePew: this team is a dangerous number two seed. If they can avoid extra-inning games and an early trip to the bullpen, the Cardinals can certainly run it back from last year’s title run.

No. 3 Purdue Northwest

The Pride finished one game behind both team from the Valley, but they have certainly put the league on notice since their 2022 breakout season. The bats have been a big source of their success this season, as they roster both the top individual in batting average with Kylie Dugan and the regular season home run champion in Selena Michko. Northwest only rolls with two pitchers in Gabby Paliska and Maddison Roop to start on the mound, but both have had top-tier seasons in 2024. As one of the most momentous teams in the league, they are a team that loves stringing extra base hits; however, they can also get cold and don’t prefer stealing many bases to make up for it. 

No. 4 Ferris State

The hometown Bulldogs have continued to improve in year two under head coach Jake Schumann. As a team that was at one point in the running for the top seed, Ferris has taken down every team in the league. The reason for falling to the fourth spot: they have also lost to every team in the league. Consistency is the worry with the group but there is a lot of upsides entering the tournament. Top ace Aryn Gallacher has pitched with inspiration in her final season with a 1.16 WHIP, GLIAC Freshman of the Year Alexis Kozlowski has 47 RBI’s batting clean up this year, and middle infield duo Jadyn Joseph and Emma Gillard are two of the top base stealers in the league with a combined 35 successful attempts in 37 tries. While the team holds a low amount of experience, the Bulldogs have shown they can play small ball and make some big plays with a group of mostly first- and second-year players. 

No. 5 Wayne State

While the Warriors finished with nine losses in their last 12 games, Wayne State enters tournament play with some optimism. Rylie Josephson, Abby Favela, Shelby Miller, and Kiley Lewandowski have provided a sturdy offensive core four with a combined .346 average. Wayne doesn’t have the speed as other teams in the conference, but they rely on fundamental hitting, a good defense, and pitchers that can sit down batters on strikes. The team out of Detroit will have their hands full with top seeds, but making the tournament this year might provide the spark they need to exit this slump. 

No. 6 Wisconsin-Parkside

As the last team in the tourney, the Rangers enter the tournament as the Cinderella hopeful. Parkside loves to play in high scoring affair, especially as a team to score and give up a lot of runs. While their lineup and rotation aren’t as deep as other teams, the Rangers do have the player of the year in Mia Johnson and fellow first team honoree behind the dish in Megan Medlin. Coach Ortman has the Rangers in their highest conference finish during her tenure in the regular season. While Parkside may not look like a threat on the stat sheets, this group made the GLIAC tournament title game in 2023 and upset top-seed Grand Valley State twice. 

For more tournament information, visit https://www.gliac.org/tournaments/sball/2023-24/index.

CSAA Baseball

TUESDAY 4/30/24

Kent City 0 @ Big Rapids 11 (6inn)

Kent City 1 @ Big Rapids 11 (6inn)

Grant 3 @ C Montcalm 2

Grant 6 @ C Montcalm 3

Morley Stanwood 5 @ Tri County 4

Morley Stanwood 0 @ Tri County 10 (6inn)

Newaygo 5 @ Reed City 4

Newaygo 6 @ Reed City 8 (5inn)

Lakeview 3 @ White Cloud 4

Lakeview 6 @ White Cloud 13

WEDNESDAY 5/1/24 - 4p

Chip Hills @ Montabella

Coopersville @ Newaygo

Whitehall @ Grant

C Montcalm @ Saranac

FRIDAY 5/3/24 - 4p

Big Rapids @ Grant

White Cloud @ Kent City

Tri County @ Lakeview

Reed City @ Morley Stanwood

Belding @ Newaygo

C Montcalm @ Chip Hills

SATURDAY 5/4/24

Grant @ Hesperia - 9a

White Cloud @ Hesperia - TBD

******************************************

CSAA Softball

TUESDAY 4/30/24

Kent City 1 @ Big Rapids 2

Kent City 1 @ Big Rapids 12 (5inn)

Grant 0 @ C Montcalm 10

Grant 1 @ C Montcalm 5

Morley Stanwood @ Tri County

Morley Stanwood @ Tri County

Newaygo 2 @ Reed City 12 (5inn)

Newaygo 5 @ Reed City 7

Lakeview 0 @ White Cloud 4

Lakeview 11 @ White Cloud 10

WEDNESDAY 5/1/24 - 4p

Chip Hills @ Montabella

THURDAY 5/2/24 - 4p

Belding @ Newaygo

FRIDAY 5/3/24 - 4p

Big Rapids @ Grant

White Cloud @ Kent City

Tri County @ Lakeview

Reed City @ Morley Stanwood

C Montcalm @ Chip Hills

SATURDAY 5/4/24

Grant @ Hesperia - 9a

White Cloud @ Hesperia - TBD

*image courtesy fo Chris Teceno

Monday, April 22

• An officer conducted a well fare check after an individual made a call to dispatch requesting assistance. The individual was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.
• An officer took a report of an accident that happened in the WESCO parking lot. No injuries or major damage.

Tuesday, April 23

• An officer took a report of a possible scam attempt.
• An officer assisted a 47-yr-old male that came into the department with issues with his neighbor blocking his driveway. The officer contacted the neighbor, and the vehicle was moved. No issues.
• Officers investigated a report of numerous air duster cans being found in the park for the possibility it is being abused and huffed. The matter is under investigation.

Wednesday, April 24

• An officer conducted a well fare check on a 46-year-old male.
• An officer arrested a 27-year-old female on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court.

Thursday, April 25

• An officer assisted a female that contacted the department about a possible internet scam involving the online sale of a vehicle. The matter was unfounded.
• An officer conducted a welfare check on a couple of children after getting a call from the daycare with some concerns. After the Officer contacted the family, the reports were unfounded.
• Officers received a referral from CPS of possible neglect. Upon further investigation the matter has already been investigated.
• An officer responded to a call for a noise complaint. After the Officer arrived and made contact with the people involved, the reports were unfounded.

Friday, April 26

• No incidents reported.

Saturday, April 27

• An officer responded to a single vehicle rollover PDA. Following this investigation, an uninjured 58-year-old Reed City woman was arrested for OWI.
• An officer assisted OCSD with a domestic call.

Sunday, April 28

• An officer was called to a residence over suspicious activity. It was determined the caller was having a paranoid episode and was transported for mental health treatment.
• An officer assisted MSP with a suspicious individual.
• An officer investigated a possible domestic dispute between two male individuals. No issues.

Students from Ferris State University’s Shimadzu Core Laboratory for Academic and Research Excellence participated in research looking into the cause of Escherichia coli readings in a Wexford Count recreation site.

Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli, are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said some can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.

The Shimadzu Core Lab coordinated with Wexford County Drain Commissioner Michael Solomon since 2016, attempting to determine the source of fecal contaminants impacting access to Billings Lake’s “Kiddie Beach,” a body of water fed by Manton Creek. 

Shimadzu Director Schuyler “Sky” Pike indicated there was no evidence of human or swine waste in samples taken following large rain events, with that testing pointing to E. coli contamination from canines, such as foxes and coyotes, ruminants such as or deer or other animals.

“The data showed conclusively that the fecal source was not from humans,” Pike said. “That is, the E. coli issue that closes ‘Kiddie Beach’ does not come about from leaky sewer or septic systems in that area. Additional studies to further reduce incidences of closure because of high E. coli levels will thus require the knowledge of wildlife experts and managers as well as further investigation with microbial source tracking methods to identify whether other livestock, such as cows, or wildlife are the fecal origin of the E. coli.”

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy funding supported polymerase chain reaction testing conducted by Ferris students connected with the Shimadzu Core Lab over a seven-year period. 

That indicated the likely geographic origin of animal E. coli detected in 2022 and other years was near the headwaters of Manton Creek, several miles north-northwest of Billings Lake.

The Detroit Lions announced today that online applications for their 2024 Touchdown in Your Town program are now open. The program, which supports high school football programs around the state of Michigan, will now also benefit cheer programs, both broadening the reach to student athletes and further growing the game.

 In partnership with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) and Planet Fitness, the Lions are dedicated to aiding schools by supplying crucial equipment, technology, apparel and/or grants funded by the Detroit Lions Foundation. Building on last year’s success, Planet Fitness renewed its commitment to renovating a school weight room for at least one selected program.

 "We are excited to continue impacting Michigan high school football teams through Touchdown in Your Town, as well as expand our reach by now also supporting high school cheer programs," said Detroit Lions Vice President of Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations Roxanne Caine. "By wielding our resources with the Detroit Lions Foundation, and teaming up with UDIM and Planet Fitness, we will be able to empower the selected schools and ensure the students have the tools they need for success on the field."

 Schools must apply for support through an online application at www.detroitlions.com/touchdown, which opened today, Monday, April 29 and will run through Wednesday, May 29 at 11:59 PM EST. Coaches, athletic directors, and football and cheer staff members from Michigan high schools are eligible to apply for one football grant and/or one cheer grant. Submissions will be reviewed by a committee comprised of members from the Lions organization and partners.

Once the programs are selected, the Lions will work with each school to surprise students and staff to reveal the new resources and/or funding during a special experience with the Detroit Lions.

Designed to foster safe play and a love of football while leveling the playing field for Michigan high school football programs, the Touchdown in Your Town program has invested more than $754,000 since 2019. This program is a key pillar to our $5,000,000 investment in youth sports throughout the community.