The following incidents reported by the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and took place over the weekend. 

1/24

20-104-Suspicious person in the 1000 block of Baldwin. 

20-105-Assist BRDPS Fire Division with a gas leak Bjornson/Milton area.  Posse came in to help.  

20-106 @ 9:52pm- While stopping at business in the 600 block of S State, an officer was approached by an employee about a hit and run PPDA that occurred in the parking lot. No suspect vehicle description.

20-107 @ 11pm- Officers were dispatched to a possible domestic in progress in parking lot in the 800 block of S State. Officers were assisted by 30 units who located the male and female in an adjacent parking lot. After speaking with both parties as well as the caller. No physical assault was report or observed. The male and female decided to head back to Houghton Lake.

20-108 @ 11:53pm- Larceny of a Briggs and Stratton P3000 quiet run power smart series generator red and gray in color from business in 900 block of Colburn. The caller followed foot prints from his parking lot south, before he lost them. Waiting on additional information abut the generator.

20-109 @ 1:23am Suspicious in the 600 block of Novak LN.  A 31 year old male, was intoxicated and knocked on the door of residence.  He was looking for his friends house on Maple, which he thought was on. He was transported to business on S State St, to await his ride which was coming from Remus.

20-110 @ 0148 Assist. Passenger from 5422 traffic stop was highly intox. He was given a ride to his residence in the 1100 block of Catherine.

1/25

20-112 @ 11:13pm-700 block of Woodward Ave. Dispatched for a lot of cars parked on Brookside Ct.  Located large party.  Two party goers were caught peeing outside.  They were cited and released.  

20-113 & 20-114 @ 12:06am- OWI and Disorderly in the 1000 block of S State.  Car went thru the drive thru.  The entire car was screaming their order.  Once they got up to the window to pay, the occupants again began to yell at the window workers.  The occupants proceeded to do a Chinese fire drill.  When employees told them they must remain in their car, the employees received an expletive.  The driver, an 18 year old female was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.  When all the occupants were asked to get out of the car and leave the premises all but 1 left.  An 18 year old female was uncooperative.  She was arrested.

1/26

Traffic Stop at Hemlock and N Michigan led to driver, a 34 year old male, being cited for operating a vehicle with improper plate.

During above TS it was found that the above male, a 34 year old female, had active warrants out of Osceola Co. Transported to Dispatch for meet with Osceola Co. 

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in identifying a man they say is suspected of committing more than $10,000 worth of credit card fraud at three Big Rapids Township big box retailers.

Deputies say the man in the photo is accused of credit card fraud at Meijer, Lowes and Walmart on Wednesday 1/22/20.

If you have any information about who this man is contact, Deputy Jared Christensen at the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office at 231-592-0150. 

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) has learned that scammers have been making phone calls using DHD#10 phone numbers.

The scammers claim to be with DHD#10 or a Medicare representative, and are asking for confidential, personal information. These calls are coming from scammers, not District Health Department #10 The scammers are using a technique called caller ID spoofing. They falsify information transmitted to your caller ID to hide their identity. They tend to use a local number or a number from a trusted business, to increase the likelihood that you’ll answer the phone.

Residents in both Manistee County, Lake County, and Wexford have reported getting these calls.

Because DHD#10 does sometimes contact clients and request personal information, we suggest you hang up immediately, look up the DHD#10 number in your area, and contact us directly to see if we did, in fact, place a call to you for any reason. Do not call back the number from your Caller ID.

Other tips to avoid becoming a victim of spoofing:

• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.

• If you answer the phone and you are asked to hit a button to stop getting the calls, hang up.

• Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with “yes” or “no.”

• If you get a call from someone who says they represent a company or government agency, and you are suspicious, hang up and call the number in the phone book, or on the company’s or agency’s website.

• Use caution if you are pressured for information immediately.

CranHill will provide an opportunity for families to create lifelong memories at its annual 'WinterFest' event.

The long running event will take place from 2pm-6pm on Sunday February 16th, 2020 and will feature many winter activities along with a meal. The entire event is FREE for the public to attend. WinterFest will take place at CranHill's 14444 17 Mile Rd Rodney, MI location, just minutes East of Big Rapids.

WinterFest attendees will enjoy a full day of fun and engaging activities including pony rides, broomball, ice skating, wagon rides, sledding, tubing, marshmallow roasting, snowshoeing and much more. Guests will also enjoy a free meal.

As WinterFest approaches, CranHill staff and volunteers are busy preparing. "We love WinterFest!" says Scott Barger, CranHill president, "it is so exciting to see so many families taking time to explore the outdoors and build memories together...memories that will last a lifetime."

While WinterFest takes place just once a year, it plays a role in how CranHill looks to serve the community. "This is what CranHill is all about. We want to transform communities. WinterFest is one way we can help families and communities grow stronger," added Barger.

CranHill's WinterFest event will take place on Sunday February 16th, 2020 from 2pm-6pm. Attendees are encouraged to dress warm and prepare to spend time outdoors while enjoying the many free activities CranHill has to offer.

CranHill recently celebrated 50 years of Transforming Lives into the Image of Christ through summer youth and special needs camps, family friendly camping, guest group and retreat facilities and programming, as well as adventure experiences. To learn more about CranHill, visit www.cranhillranch.com or call 231-796-7669.
 

Traffic stop led to arrest of a 59 year old for 10-9 Failure to appear / Driving on a suspended license

Found Property - Found Credit card, owner contacted and wanted it destroyed.

8:33pm- Traffic Stop State/Maple led to a 23 year old male being cited for driving on a suspended license, vehicle turned over to valid driver.

12:50am- Assist State/Pere Marquette. Caller advised she was stopped on roadway near that intersection when the driver of the vehicle in front of her got out to come back to talk to her. That vehicle rolled backwards striking her vehicle. No damage to her vehicle, and no report was requested.

2:26am- Traffic stop Maple/Second led to driver a 28 year old male being cited for driving on a suspended license and no insurance.  

5:22am- Traffic stop Maple/Second led to a 34 year old male being arrested for possession of meth and no insurance. Passenger, a 29 year old male, was arrested for 10-9 out of MSP Reed City.

Troopers from the Michigan State Police Mt. Pleasant Post arrested a man and woman from Lakeview on Friday, January 17th , after fleeing from a traffic stop and brief foot pursuit in the area of 170th Avenue and 7 Mile Rd in Mecosta County’s Austin Township.

Troopers attempted to stop a GMC pickup on 170th Avenue near 8 Mile Rd when the vehicle failed to stop and fled south on 170th Ave. Troopers located the vehicle stuck in a ditch at the intersection of 170th Ave. and 7 Mile Rd., after sliding off the icy roadway at that location.

The male driver of the pickup fled the area on foot as troopers approached and was placed in custody after being caught by troopers following a short foot pursuit. The female passenger remained near the vehicle in the ditch.

The 47-year-old male driver was arrested for fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, driving without a license, probation violation, and had a narcotics-related warrant for his arrest.

The 32-year old female passenger was also found to have a retail fraud-related warrant and was in violation of her probation.

Both were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail and troopers will be seeking additional narcotics-related charges for suspected methamphetamine seized on scene.

After a successful pilot program that cut down on in-store food waste by more than 10 percent, Meijer is expanding the sustainability effort to all its stores starting next month.

The initiative allows customers to purchase food nearing its sell-by date – like meat, produce, seafood, deli and bakery products – at up to 50 percent off on the Flashfood app, and then pick them up at Meijer stores.

Meijer began testing this effort in the fall of 2019 at four stores.

The test drew more than 1,000 active users during the pilot period.

Meijer now plans to expand the effort to each of its 246 stores by the end of 2020 with rollout beginning the end of February.

The stroller you bought could be part of a recall.

The company Baby Trend is pulling four mini-strollers from its Tango line, sold at amazon and Target.

Hinge joints on the stroller can release and collapse under pressure causing a falling hazard for youngsters.

Baby Trend says people that have this line of stroller should stop using them immediately and contact the company for a full refund or replacement.

1/17

Parkview.  Came in as B&E.  Ended as a citizen assist.  

20-0071-Walk in suspicious from the 400 block of W Bridge.  

Civil in the 400 block of W Bridge.  

1/18

Damascus.  A 36-year old male was found walking in the area.  He was transported to ER by EMS for a mental eval after he admitted to breaking in building.  Officers investigated.  He left the ER.  He was located and taken into custody and transported back to ER for an eval.  He was cleared by ER to be lodged.  He was lodged for home invasion first degree and two counts of resisting and obstructing.  Habitual offender and registered sex offender.  

1100 block of Catherine.  Obscene phone calls.

1/19

Traffic stop at State/Maple resulted in a male being provided with an appearance citation for no insurance and failure to transfer title.

Traffic stop at Baldwin/N Fourth Ave resulted in a male being provided with an appearance citation for no insurance and improper plate. His vehicle was impounded.

Civil complaint in the 200 block of N Third Ave.

A reward for information leading to an arrest in the 2018 slaying of a 79-year-old woman whose remains were found following a house fire in Lake County's Ellsworth Township has been increased to $15,000.

The body of Evelyn Louise Ware was found on January 10th, 2018. The reward had stood at $5,000 since shortly after the fire.

The additional reward money is coming from an anonymous donor and the Detroit Crimes Commission. Investigators haven't released how Ware died

A Montcalm County man is facing life in prison after investigators say he shared child pornography.

Sheridan resident, Robert Howard is facing federal charges for possession and distribution of child porn.

Investigators say Pennsylvania authorities traced explicit images back to Howard in August.

Last week they searched his home and officers found more child pornography on his cell phone.

Back n 2012, Howard was also convicted of possession of child porn in Charlevoix County.

With these new charges, Howard could spend up to 60 years behind bars.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed chronic wasting disease in three white-tailed deer from from a Newaygo County deer farm.

To date, CWD has not been detected in free-ranging deer in Newaygo County.

Since 2008, CWD has been detected in four additional privately-owned facilities from Kent, Mecosta, and Montcalm Counties.

The deer farm in Newaygo County is the fifth Michigan farm in which CWD has been detected.

A Big Rapids woman was suffered non-life threatening injuries following a two vehicle accident this morning on Northland Drive.

Mecosta County Deputies say they responded to a two vehicle personal injury accident that occurred in front of 4700 Northland Dr in Morley.

An Investigation revealed that a 39-year old women from Morley attempted to turn Northbound onto Northland Dr and did not see a Southbound vehicle driven by a 29-year old female from Big Rapids.

The 29-year old from Big Rapids was transported to Spectrum Big Rapids Hospital for non life threatening injuries.

Here is the Big Rapids Police Blotter for January 9-12th:

January 9th

6:43pm Officers were dispatched to a disorderly person complaint at Curries. A male was intoxicated and had been hanging around the parking lot asking people for rides.  The male had been asked to leave several times but refused to do so. The male did leave upon arrival and was advised to not come back for the evening.

January 10th 

200 block N Michigan.  A 26 year old male was cited for open intox.

700 block of N 4th.  Verbal argument over money.  

January 11th

12:36AM  Ferris Dr. / State St.  A 20 year old female was cited for MIP 2nd offense and an 18 year old male for MIP 1st.  The male driver was stopped for obstructed vision.

2:03AM OWI 2ND STATE ST. / FULLER ST.  A 22 year old male was arrested for OWI 2nd offense.

January 12th 

Open Door in the 700 block of N State.  Small area was searched and door was secured.

Hungry Howies, originator of the flavored crust pizza, is celebrating the opening of their Big Rapids location by offering a special deal on large one-topping flavored-crust pizza for $6.99 for a limited time.

Additionally, to commemorate the new location, the brand will be donating 10% of sales on January 15^th to Brookside Elementary and 10% of sales on January 16^th to Riverview Elementary.

Pizza baron Robert Leger have been a part of the Hungry Howie’s family for more than three
decades. His franchising journey began after he graduated from Ferris State College in 1984. Upon
graduation, he relocated from Michigan to Tampa, FL, to pursue a career in law enforcement. In
Florida, he worked part-time at Hungry Howie’s Pizza, and eventually made his way to becoming a
full-time business manager in the pizza business. In 1987, he opened his first franchise in Orlando
with the help of his father by his side. In 1991, Robert left Florida and moved back home to
Michigan after opening 5 Hungry Howie restaurants. Since then, Robert and his business partners
have played a pivotal role in the brand’s growth, having opened more than 65 Hungry Howie
locations throughout Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, and Florida.

“I’ve had the honor of being a Hungry Howie’s franchisee for over 30 years but opening a store in
Big Rapids, on my college campus, has been a goal and a dream of mine for many years,” said
franchisee Robert Leger. “My time at Ferris seems like a lifetime ago, but I learned so much from
my professors and educators, and had so many great life experiences that helped to make me who
I am today. I will always cherish my time as a Bulldog and continue to do my best to support the
city of Big Rapids. It begins with bringing flavored curst pizza to the students and faculty.”

“We admire Robert’s dedication and compassion to his community,” said Jennifer Jackson, Vice
President of Development at Hungry Howie's. “Robert personifies our company values and his
passion and enthusiasm for the brand are inspiring. We know he’ll continue being an asset to our
team with much success. We look forward to building Hungry Howie’s fanbase within the Big Rapids
community.

Hungry Howie’s Big Rapids is located at 103 S State St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 and opening on this Wednesday, January 15^th

Consumers Energy will be testing one siren near Hardy Dam on the Muskegon River on Monday, January 13 at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The siren to be tested that day is downstream of Hardy Dam near E. 44^th Street. The energy provider said they will be performing maintenance on that siren and testing its operation. It’s possible the siren will sound multiple times Monday morning.

No other sirens are scheduled to be tested. The tests will include a voice message, a 30-second siren and a second voice message. The public does not need to take any action during the tests.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires hydroelectric facilities to be able to quickly notify residents and visitors of any developing emergency at the plants. Typically, Consumers Energy performs the test once in August and in December each year.

In the event of an emergency, the siren/speaker units’ initial warning will be supplemented by information on radio and television stations along with Newaygo and Mecosta County emergency notification systems.

The following incidents took place on Janurary 7th and 8th: 

Janurary 7th: 

Warrant arrest at State/Oak of a male. Child Neglect Warrant; lodged.

Fraud/suspicious fake $50 bill passed at Taco Bell. Under investigation.

Traffic Stop State Perry resulted in a male being cited for No Insurance.  Impounded by Big Rapids Tow.  

Janurary 8th: 

W Bridge- domestic reported.  Male and female.  To be reviewed by city attorney.

Maple St- arrest warrant.  Arrested a male on child support warrant out of Montcalm County

N State- Mental/Assist to County.  Female showed up at this residence not knowing her name, address or any other information.  Mom, was contacted.  They were transported to ER.

Loudon St-Check Well being,  Male was extremely intoxicated and saying how he was going to drink himself to death.  EMS transported to ER.

Milton Ave- Dispatched for a suicidal female.  Ex-boyfriend called saying the female took a bunch of pills.  We were greeted by the bf who said the females ex, was harassing them.  Female was fine just intox.

Alarm at Applebees no key holder responded. building secured.

 

One driver was arrested for suspected drunk driving after a two-car accident on US-131 near 11 Mile Rd. in Mecosta County.

Deputies say the two vehicles involved swerved to avoid a third vehicle that was travelling northbound in the southbound lane. 

The third vehicle continued northbound and was subsequently stopped by a MI DNR officer and the driver was arrested for operating under the influence of alcohol.   

A 54-year-old male from Newaygo in one of the first 2 vehicles was transported to the Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. 

Spectrum Health hospitals are working to meet the challenge of caring for our community amid an influx of respiratory illness. Because one of the most important tools in fighting the transmission of infection is limiting exposure, only healthy visitors may visit patients in the hospitals or outpatient locations.

Michigan is among the hardest hit states for respiratory illnesses this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Respiratory illnesses, including RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), can be especially dangerous to the young, frail or elderly.

Visitors are asked to respect the following restrictions:

• If you are ill, please refrain from visiting the hospital
• All visitors are expected to be healthy and the hospitals are taking active steps to protect patients, staff and visitors.
• A healthy visitor is someone who does not have the following symptoms:

• Fever, greater than 100.4 F
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or congestion
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Rash or draining sores

These restrictions apply to visitors at all Spectrum Health hospitals and are effective until further notice.

The measures are designed to protect vulnerable patients, as well as staff members. Spectrum Health will continue to monitor the situation and stay in contact with clinical leaders at health systems across the state to collaboratively and effectively address the situation.

Anyone who is experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms should consider a video visit with a Spectrum Health Now provider or a trip to a Spectrum Health Walk-In Clinic.

Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital Walk-In Clinic, at 650 Linden Street, Suite 1 in Big Rapids is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital Convenient Care Walk-In Clinic, at 300 N. Patterson Road in Reed City is also open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As of January 8th, area rivers, drains, streams, creeks, and lakes are still recovering from the heavy rain that fell in late December. The Muskegon River near Croton is currently 1.5 feet higher than the 24 year daily median height. In addition, soils remain saturated and ground absorption is extremely limited.

It is looking increasingly likely that Lower Michigan will see several rounds of heavy rain late this week and this weekend. Recent forecast trends suggest at least 2 inches of rain is likely across virtually all the Grand and Kalamazoo River basins, as well as much of the Muskegon River basin. As much as 3 inches of rain is possible. Per the NWS Hydrologist, this has the potential to send many of our rivers higher than they have been at any point in the last 1-2 years.

There are still a lot of unknowns as to where the warm side of the storm system vs the cold side of the storm system will set up. Some of the rain in our area could fall as snow/sleet/freezing rain, which makes a big difference on the effect this has on the river levels.

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW

People living in flood prone locations should monitor forecasts this week on this developing hazardous weather situation. Now is the time to think about preparedness and plan for impacts in the event the heavy rainfall and flooding materialize. Significantly rising rivers and flooding is possible through next week.

Three USGS River Gauges are used to determine the river levels.  As of 3:30 pm, the Muskegon River near

• USGS Croton Streamgage was at 6.94 feet with flows at 3,700 cubic feet per second. Flood stage is at 9.0 feet.
• USGS Newaygo Streamgage was at 9.36 feet with flows at 3,890 cubic feet per second. Flood stage is at 11.0 feet.
• USGS Bridgeton Streamgage was at 10.76 feet with flows at 3,990 cubic feet per second. Flood stage is at 13.0 feet.  

 WHAT TO EXPECT

• The National Weather Service Office may issue a Flood Watch when conditions are favorable for flooding to occur. This typically takes place within a day or two before the event if river levels are forecasted to reach or exceed flood stage.
• The National Weather Service Office will issue a Flood Warning when river levels are approaching and likely to exceed flood stage. This occurs at 9.0 feet at the Croton Gage, 11.0 feet at the Newaygo gage, and 13.0 feet at the Bridgeton gage.
• All River Access Sites will close when the river reaches 10.0 feet at the Croton Gage, 12.0 feet at the Newaygo gage, and 14.0 feet at the Bridgeton gage.

PREPARE NOW IF YOU LIVE WITHIN THE AREA IMPACTED! 
Watch for rapidly changing water levels. Don’t wait for an evacuation directive if you feel threatened. Residents within the areas anticipated to be impacted by flood waters may be directed to by public safety personnel to evacuate if a Flood Warning is issued.
 
Follow these checklists (if time allows) to give you and your home the best chance of surviving a flood.
Inside the House

• Shut and lock all windows and doors.
• Gather and elevate important documents, belongings, furniture, and other priceless items including pictures, irreplaceable mementos, and other valuables. 
• Check your emergency preparedness kit and store supplies so you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate. This includes prescription medications.
• Prepare to unplug appliances and turn off your main breaker in your homes electrical box if you need to evacuate.

 Outside

• Gather up items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, grills, etc.).
• Strap down propane tanks.
• Prepare to turn off propane tanks if you need to evacuate.
• Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.
• Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
• Don’t wait for an evacuation directive if you feel threatened.
• Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.

 Animals

• Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
• Check your emergency preparedness kit for your pets and store supplies so you can grab them quickly if you need to evacuate.
• If you need to evacuate, take your pets with you.

 FLOODING SAFETY

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! ®
• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
• Do not drive over bridges that are over fast-moving floodwaters. Floodwaters can scour foundation material from around the footings and make the bridge unstable.
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• If there is a chance of flash flooding, move immediately to higher ground.
• If floodwaters rise around your car but the water is not moving, abandon the car and move to higher ground. Do not leave the car and enter moving water.

 COMMUNITY INFORMATION

• ONLY CALL 9-1-1 TO REPORT EMERGENCIES!   Emergency operators and phone lines are needed to support this incident, please continue to monitor Nixle for updates or call 2-1-1 (not 9-1-1) for general safety information.
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED!   Continue monitoring your radio, Nixle, and Newaygo ES’s Facebook Page for additional information.
• THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!

There are still a lot of unknowns as to where the warm side of the storm system vs the cold side of the storm system will set up. Some of the rain in our area could fall as snow/sleet/freezing rain, which makes a big difference on the effect this has on the river levels.

Newaygo County Emergency Services is coordinating with Consumers Energy and the National Weather Service Grand Rapids Office to actively monitor the changing conditions and communicate information out to residences impacted by the rising floodwaters. As the situation changes, additional information will be released by Newaygo County Emergency Operations Center utilizing Nixle.