The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers have begun.

Triple -A says more than 30 percent of deaths involving teen drivers happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Spokesperson Adrienne Woodland say teens spend more time on the roads during odd hours when school wraps up. That leads to dangerous driving like speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and distracted driving.

Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens ages 16 to 19.

A Reed City man is dead and a woman was injured following a crash involving an ATV and a combine, Sunday in Newaygo County. 

It happened in Barton Township at E 14 Mile Rd. near N Cypress Ave. 

In a press release, Newaygo County Sheriff Bob Mendham said a 52-year-old man from Reed City had died from his injuries in the accident. A 51-year-old woman from Reed City was taken to Corewell Health in Grand Rapids for her injuries.

This accident is currently still under investigation.

Deputies with the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office assisted officers in Lake County in a stolen vehicle pursuit early Sunday morning.

Deputies got the call around 1:30am, they were advised the suspects were headed south on US-131 from US-10 going 130mph.

Officers set up two patrol cars at Perry Street on the south side with stop sticks. 

The suspects vehicle exited the Big Rapids exit then re-entered the highway. 

Deputies were able to spike a tire of the suspects vehicle which ended the pursuit.

Seven suspects were involved, they were also minors and taken into custody.

Deputies also found a loaded gun under the drivers seat. 

The  deputies then assisted Lake County in transporting 2 minors to the Lake County Sheriff's Department.

On May 20, Ferris State Athletics announced the addition of a brand-new strength and conditioning academy to their summer camp lineup.

This month-long opportunity will allow area middle school and high school athletes to advance their own sport training in Ferris’ brand-new Center of Athletic Performance.

“This camp is designated for middle to high school students who are looking to build a foundation for athletic performance and also get a sneak peek at how our athletes train,” strength and conditioning head coach Andrew Thiede said.

Ahead of his third full year with the Bulldogs, Andrew Thiede has helped all 17 athletic programs excel in large ways. This includes leading training programs for ten different conference championship teams, three regional champions, and two national champions.

This summer, Thiede is ready to share his work with the upcoming generation of athletes.

“My main focus is to establish high quality movement in regard to all facets of performance, speed, power, strength and mobility. I want this camp to be an opportunity for students to build a solid foundation and get an understanding of how to train the correct way.”

The camp is slated to begin on Monday, June 5, and continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday through the month of June. Each session will begin at 9:30 A.M. and conclude around 12:30 P.M., as well as benefit the use of multiple Bulldog Athletic facilities.

“We went this route because I want to really perfect our movement patterns and be able to see progress,” Thiede said. “We will be on the track, the weightroom, the court, etc. to really develop all levels of performance.”

Registration is still available for any student athletes between 6th and 12th grade. For more information, visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Camps.

A self-driving Tesla caused a one vehicle crash in Mecosta County.

It happened on Sunday in Colfax Township on Mckinley Rd near 135^th Avenue.

The Sheriff's Office says a 41 year old Hudsonville woman was traveling west on Mckinley Rd when she put her Tesla in self driving mode.  Once the vehicle was in Self driving mode, the driver stated that the vehicle pulled to the right and went off the roadway and hit a tree. The vehicle then rolled several times before coming to a stop. 

The Hudsonville woman was the only occupant of the vehicle and was taken to Corewell Health Big Rapids hospital for minor injuries.

Heads up for those drivers on US-131 near Osceola County.

The Michigan Department of Transportation says road work on southbound US-131 at US-10 is scheduled for today, (May 30th) from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information/updates visit:  michigan.gov/drive. 

Two people were sent to the hospital Wednesday evening following a two vehicle crash in Mecosta County's Aetna Township.

It happened just after 5pm, that's when deputies were called to Northland Dr near 180th Ave.

An investigation revealed, a 77-year old woman from Morley rear ended another vehicle driven by a 35-year old woman from Howard City who had been stopped to turn into a driveway.

The 77-year old Morley woman suffered non life-threatening injuries and was taken to the Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital for treatment. A 55-year old woman from Howard City who was a passenger with the 35-year old female driver was also taken to the Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

While released third in order of our previews, softball might bring the most intriguing postseason to date. Many storybooks remain open for historical finishes this June, whether it’s back-to-back State Finals appearances, a district title streak of over three years, or a Cinderella run no one expected. Here are some notable brackets to keep an eye on this postseason:

District 34 (Big Rapids)
Looking for their third straight title since the COVID pandemic, head coach Dawn Thompson’s Cardinals have proven their strength to be a serious regional title contender this year. Behind an offense that has totaled over 400 runs already and a defense and pitching staff that has allowed less than 90, Big Rapids comes in as the heavy favorite with their experience playing four all-state caliber teams across all four divisions. Gladwin and Ogemaw Heights come in as notable competitors with three games experience playing against each other, in which Gladwin owns a 2-1 series advantage. The Vikings and Orioles also bring intrigue entering as sneaky underdogs that each won at least a game in district play in last year’s tournament.

1st Round Matchups
Cadillac (1-9-0) vs. Ogemaw Heights (21-12-0*) – Big Rapids Softball Field**, May 30, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Gladwin (22-12-0*) vs. Cadillac/Ogemaw Heights Winner – Big Rapids Softball Field, June 3, 10:00 A.M.

Big Rapids (32-4-0*) vs. Ludington (4-17-1) – Big Rapids Softball Field, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Big Rapids Softball Field, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

District 71 (Evart)
The defending state runner-up Wildcats enter this year’s tournament as top team in the Division 3 state rankings. Evart’s dominant pitching and explosive hitting will experience playing on their home diamond, a place they haven’t lost at in almost 380 days. Coach Brown’s team will have to take down Highland conference foes Lake City and McBain to face the winner of a rejuvenated Reed City team that has won four of their last six games and a Pine River team that gave the Wildcats a run for their money in the district final a year ago. While many of these teams haven’t played each other during the regular season, historical matchups and similar play style will certainly bring some extra excitement in Evart next
Saturday.

1st Round Matchups
Evart (26-5-0*) vs. Lake City (1-13-0) – Evart High School, May 30, 4:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Reed City (16-20-0*) vs. Pine River (7-10-0) – Evart High School, June 3, 10:00 A.M.

McBain (3-18-0*) vs. Evart/Lake City Winner – Evart High School, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Evart High School, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

District 74 (Remus Chippewa Hills)
In a highly contested CSAA race, Central Montcalm found themselves right in the mix for a second-place finish in the regular season standings. The Hornets have proven they can play with anyone, including a pair of tight losses to Division 3 honorable mentions Traverse City St. Francis and St. Louis and a split with state honoree Ithaca on the road. They face an opening test against a motivated Warrior team who will play in front of their home crowd for the first time since 2021 in postseason play. The Lakeview Wildcats also stand an intriguing matchup for the winner, while White Cloud and Morley Stanwood will square off in a regular season rubber match that saw over 27 runs cross the plate in their split double header 10 days ago.

1st Round Matchups

Central Montcalm (25-12-1*) vs. Chippewa Hills (7-21-0*) – Chippewa Hills Softball Field, May 30, 4:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Lakeview (9-21-0) vs. Central Montcalm/Chippewa Hills Winner – Chippewa Hills Softball Field, June 3, 10:00 A.M.

White Cloud (10-22-1*) vs. Morley Stanwood (3-18-0) – Chippewa Hills Softball Field, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Chippewa Hills Softball Field, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

*-Occupied via GameChanger result and statistics app.
**-Subject to change, original location reported on MHSAA.com.

The dog days on the diamond are through. The month of June in high school baseball is the closest thing to the month of October in the big leagues.

Battles for trophies commence next week and here are some key brackets you should be watching this postseason:

District 35 (Kingsley)
In his first year at the helm of the varsity, J.T. Scarpelli has continued the dominance on the diamond in Big Rapids. The Cardinals have already won 25 games this year, the most since the regional runner-up season back in 2018. Scarpelli’s squad has the flexibility in personal, power at the plate, and depth on the mound to make a run at a district crown. The biggest obstacle in their way: a first-round flurry with fellow 20-win Gladwin who has dominated the Jack Pine this season. On the other side, the Kingsley Stags and Cadillac Vikings will battle it out to break the 1-1 season split and find a spot in the District 35 title game.

1st Round Matchups
Big Rapids (25-5-1) vs. Gladwin (27-5-1) – Big Rapids Baseball Field, May 30, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Ludington (12-15-0) vs Big Rapids/Gladwin Winner – Kingsley Athletic Complex, June 3, 10:00 A.M.

Kingsley (8-6-1) vs. Cadillac (14-15-1*) – Kingsley Athletic Complex, June 3, 12:30 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Kingsley Athletic Complex, June 3, 3:00 P.M.

District 72 (Clare)
Defending district champs, Reed City, have enjoyed a successful season behind strong performances from college commits Xavier Allen and Max Hammond. The Coyotes’ strong pitching staff has the stuff to lead back-to-back title seasons, but familiar foes with improved second halves of the season will make things interesting. Their first-round matchup, Evart, has won four of their last six behind some hot bats from coach Josh Johnson’s team. Chippewa Hills, a team who has proven to play tough against fellow CSAA teams like Reed City and Big Rapids, will square off between the winner of host Clare and Harrison. Pine River also sits in the mix, looking to take advantage of their first district bye since 2016.

1st Round Matchups
Reed City (16-12-0) vs. Evart (20-13-0*) – Brookwood Athletic Complex, May 30, 4:00 P.M.

Clare (13-11-0) vs. Harrison (2-9-0) – Brookwood Athletic Complex, May 30, 6:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Pine River (10-6-1) vs. Reed City/Evart Winner – Brookwood Athletic Complex, June 3, 10:00 A.M.

Chippewa Hills (11-16-1) vs. Clare/Harrison Winner – Brookwood Athletic Complex, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Brookwood Athletic Complex, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

District 69 (Hart)
Almost doubling their win total from a year ago, White Cloud’s season has brought their fans some excitement going into postseason play. Coach Kelly Mahn’s team has swung the bats well, averaging almost 8.4 runs per game with eight games in double digits offensively. White Cloud has also beaten every other team in this bracket except for one, a tough Mason County Central team who enter their first year in District 69 with one win fewer than the Indians. This first round matchup certainly looks to be the battle of the favorites, with wild card teams like hosts Hart and Morley Stanwood looking to play spoiler on the other side.

1st Round Matchups
Shelby (8-16-0) vs. Morley Stanwood (7-16-1*) – Shelby Baseball Field, May 30, 4:00 P.M.

White Cloud (20-11-1) vs. Mason County Central (19-7-0*) – White Cloud Baseball Diamond, May 30,
4:30 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Hesperia (6-23-0) vs. Shelby/Morley Stanwood Winner – Hart Baseball Field, June 3, 10:00 A.M.

Hart (10-18-0*) vs. White Cloud/Mason County Central Winner – Hart Baseball Field, June 3, 12:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Hart Baseball Field, June 3, 2:00 P.M.

*-Occupied via GameChanger result and statistics app.

A new pharmacy in Weidman recently opened to serve area residents in a unique way.

Wrigley Pharmacy opened May 8^th at the R & R Family Store. It's Wrigley Pharmacy's second location, the first being in Wellston, MI.   

Manager Tisha Peterson said Wrigley's is unique because of bill that passed in Michigan back in 2020, that allowed tele-pharmacies in the state.  

A tele-pharmacy is staffed by trained, certified, and licensed pharmacy technicians, with the pharmacist verifying all prescriptions and offering PT consultation via an audio/video link with the pharmacy.

Peterson said they are very excited to offer its pharmacy services to residents in Weidman. Adding the response from the community has been great since being open. 

Wrigley's is planning a big grand opening event on Friday, June 16th from 2pm-7pm.

Both State Senator Roger Hauck and State House Representative Jerry Neyer will be in attendance during festivities. 

The free community event will be offering hot dogs, beans & chips, bounce houses, kids games, pop corn, and sno-cones. They'll also be doing a 50/50 raffle with the proceeds being donated to the Weidman food pantry and a matching donation from Wrigley's. The pharmacy will also be collecting non-perishable's for the food pantry as well. 

It’s been almost nine months since the first sneak peek tournament at Reed City’s new disc golf course.

Since then, the course has earned prominence by adding permanent baskets, trimming pathways to each hole, and now putting in brand-new concrete tee pads.

“The last month, we have been killing it out here,” City councilman Dan Burchett said on the course improvements.

With the help of eight individuals over the past weekend, the course now has 18 4x8 feet concrete slabs for players to tee off from. Those involved included Burchett, course designer Steve Hedstrom, course director Dave Maddox, and club members Jonathan Zelinski and Bill Westveer.

“On Friday, Dave Maddox and myself got all the frames built and laid out,” Burchett said. “The next day, we got them leveled out and put into the ground. Then from there, Steve ordered the concrete and we worked diligently as a team.”

In future consideration for the course, Burchett said there are many ideas in the works towards new tee signs. This includes expansive geographical maps and drone flyover videos for each of the hole layouts on the course.

“It’s going to similar to Navionics in fishing. You’ll see the lines and be able to see (if a hole) goes down fast or back up slow. There’s also going to be QR codes, where you can take a picture and see a video of a drone flying down the fairway towards the basket. Hopefully we are going to have those within the next month.”

The course will be officially re-opening to the public Wednesday afternoon following a two-day closure for the concrete pad installations.

A Lakeview woman is recovering following a two-vehicle crash in Mecosta County.

It happened Tuesday afternoon, at the intersection of 30^th Ave (M-66) and Arthur Rd in Sheridan Twp.

An investigation by the sheriff's department concluded  that an east bound vehicle proceeded through the intersection in front of a south bound vehicle causing the accident.

The south bound driver, a 48-year old Lakeview woman, did sustain non life threatening injuries and was taken to Corewell Health Big Rapids hospital for treatment.

The postseason is finally here. Two months of work for one chance to reach top honors in Michigan. The road to a state title begins this week for all the area’s best teams. Here are the local brackets and matchups to look out for:

District 46 (Big Rapids)
For the first time in many years, Tri-County enters as the district 46 favorite after a 14-win campaign and second place finish in the CSAA. Coach Brian Campbell’s offensive firepower up front carries the Vikings with an average of 6.31 goals per game this season. They look to avenge their 2022 district finals loss starting in the semi final round against the winner of Clare versus Alma. The hometown Cardinals come in as the second favorite after .500 regular season under head coach Curt Ray. While Big Rapids has had a considerable down year, veteran presence on both sides of midfield and home field advantage can give the Cards a boost towards chasing a third straight district crown. Reed City also enters the tournament coming off two tough tests against Newaygo and Big Rapids in CSAA conference tournament action. The Coyotes do have an advantage with tough game experience, as they endured the toughest regular seasons among the seven teams in this bracket.

1st Round Matchups
Reed City (6-8-2) vs. Chippewa Hills (0-13-0) – Reed City Athletic Field, May 24, 6:00 P.M.

Big Rapids (10-10-0) vs. Shepherd (7-11-1) – Cardinal Stadium, May 24, 6:00 P.M.

Clare (7-9-2) vs. Alma (5-15-1) – Brookwood Athletic Complex, May 25, 6:30 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Tri-County (14-3-1) vs. Clare/Alma Winner – Cardinal Stadium, May 31, 5:00 P.M.

Big Rapids/Shepherd Winner vs. Reed City/Chippewa Hills Winner – Cardinal Stadium, May 31, 7:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Cardinal Stadium, June 2, 6:00 P.M.

District 47 (Newaygo)
It’s certainly been the Lions’ year. With a CSAA Championship under their belt, Newaygo looks for back-to-back District 47 titles with a chance to win on home soil. Matt Painter’s team not only has the offensive fundamentals to make a potential regional run, but they also have the defensive intrigue through only allowing 6 goals in their 17 regular season games. The Lions await the victor of Grant and Whitehall, which looks to be an intriguing game considering both team’s win totals and results against common teams. The Tigers go in on a two-game win streak, including a dominant win over fellow CSAA foe Lakeview last Friday. Underdog Manistee is also a team to watch out for, as the Chippewas began the season winning eight of their first ten contests. While they have cooled off recently, Manistee has shown a tournament staple of success throughout the season in their ability to win low-scoring games.

1st Round Matchups
Grant (6-10-2) vs. Whitehall (6-7-3) – Grant Athletic Complex, May 24, 5:00 P.M.

Manistee (9-4-2) vs. Hart (3-11-4) – Manistee Chippewa Field, May 26, 5:00 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
Newaygo (16-0-1) vs. Grant/Whitehall – Newaygo Soccer Field, May 31, 5:00 P.M.

Montague (10-5-0) vs. Manistee/Hart Winner – Montague High School, May 31, 5:00 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Newaygo Soccer Field, June 2, 5:00 P.M.

District 62 (Brethren)
The dominance of McBain Northern Michigan Christian continues as the Comets earned another number one seed and opening round bye for the third year in a row. Head Coach Jen VanNoord’s squad has registered a 0.559 Michigan Power Rating during the regular season, which is ranked 12 th in all of Division Four. The Comets await a semifinal matchup between the winner Benzie Central and Big Rapids Crossroads Academy. The Cougars host the Huskies in a first-round rematch from April 10 th , in which Crossroads edged Benzie Central 2-1 thanks to a second half winner from Leah Nelson. Lakeview also finds themselves in the mix with a tough test right off the bat with Shelby. While the Wildcats will travel around 70 miles to face the Tigers, the team does have a considerable advantage with their away playthis year earning a 5-3 record in road games this spring.

1st Round Matchups
Big Rapids Crossroads (4-9-2) vs. Benzie Central (1-11-1) – Mitchell Creek Park, May 24, 5:00 P.M.

Shelby (9-9-1) vs. Lakeview (8-8-1) – Shelby Soccer Feld, May 24, 4:30 P.M.

Brethren (3-13-1) vs. Buckley (5-8-2) – Bobcat Stadium, May 26, 1:30 P.M.

Semifinal Matchups
McBain Northern Michigan Christian (13-3-0) vs. Crossroads/Benzie Central Winner – Bobcat Stadium, May 30, 4:30 P.M.

Shelby/Lakeview Winner vs. Brethren/Buckley Winner – Bobcat Stadium, May 30, 6:30 P.M.

Final Matchup
Semifinal Winners – Bobcat Stadium, June 1, 5:00 P.M.

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

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the red flag law Monday afternoon that aims to keep firearms away from those at risk of harming themselves or others.

The new law, also known as extreme risk protection orders, is expected to go into effect next spring. It will allow family members, police, mental health professionals, roommates, and former dating partners to petition a judge to remove firearms from those they believe pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. If granted, the judge would then have 14 days to set a hearing during which the flagged person would have to prove they do not pose a significant risk.

A standard order would last one year. Michigan becomes the 21st state to implement a red flag law.

5/19

At 11:09am, deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Fork TWP. A male subject was arrested on a felony warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for service 10

5/20

At 11:20am, deputies responded to a domestic at a residence in Deerfield TWP.  A female was assaulting her girlfriend at the residence. The female was arrested and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

At 3:03pm hours, deputies responded to a larceny complaint in  Morton TWP.  Additional investigation led to the recovery of the stolen property at a residence in Big Rapids TWP.  The male suspect from the larceny was given an appearance ticket.

Calls for service 22

Car/deer accidents 2

Traffic accidents 1

5/21

At 7:53pm, deputies responded to a domestic at a residence in Aetna TWP. A female reported being assaulted by her boyfriend.  The male subject was arrested and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for service 10

Car/deer accidents 5

General Motors has announced that they are recalling 668,000 SUV's due to an issue with anchoring car seats.

There is an issue with the lower anchors. The recall involves newer Chevy Equinoxes and GMC Terrains, models years 2020-2023.

There's an injury risk, if the car seat doesn't attach properly. There is no details available regarding possible injuries connected to this issue.

Revenues for the State of Michigan will miss projections.

Expect state revenues to fall short of previous estimates by $883-million this year and $1.8-billion next year.

State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks says the change is a result of intentional policy changes and the economy "continues to perform really well."

Governor Whitmer's proposed $79-billion budget, Michigan's highest ever, might need a trim to accommodate the new revenue projections, according to State Budget Director Chris Harkins.

High revenues automatically triggered an income tax rate reduction. However, the state's coffers are still pretty full. Harkins expects the state to finish this fiscal year, ending October, with a $7.5-billion surplus.

Congressman John Moolenaar will be in Big Rapids on Friday to host a resource fair for current and former service members. 

This event is an opportunity for them to talk with Moolenaar’s office about issues they are facing with VA benefits, service medals, and other concerns. 

Representatives from the VA Medical Center, VA Regional Office, Mecosta County Veterans Services, and the Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority will also be on hand to help service members and veterans.

The event will be at the Michigan Works! West Central location at 14330 Northland Drive in Big Rapids.

It starts at 11am and runs through 2pm.  

Monday…5/8
An Officer, while in patrol, found a tent in a wooded area. After investigating, the owner of the tent was located, and advised to vacate the area and advised where he can legally camp out. No issues.

An Officer was dispatched to a 2 vehicle Property Damage Accident at US10 and Old 131. Both vehicles were off the road and no injuries reported.

The School Liaison Officer responded to a call about a student that got out of at a stop other than theirs, ran away, and hid. The juvenile was located and transported for mental health evaluation.

An Officer assisted the Evart PD on serving an order of trespassing.

An Officer responded to a call of a dispute between mother and daughter in which the mother was concerned for the daughter’s mental health.

An Officer assisted the Fire Chief with reports of someone that started a small fire in the driveway. The homeowner put the fire out. Officer contacted the resident and made sure she understood the ordinance.

Tuesday …5/9
The School Liaison Officer responded to a call about a suspicious car parked at the middle school. After investigating, it was discovered that it was a motorist with a disabled vehicle. The motorist arranged for a tow.

An Officer responded to a call about two dogs out at large. The owner was contacted, and the dogs returned to the house. The owner was advised to fix the fence, so the dogs don’t get out again.
Officers received a referral from CPS regarding improper contact between two young juvenile siblings. The matter is under investigation.

An Officer assisted a driver that was stranded at the gas station and was having car issues.
Officers issued a verbal warning regarding a vehicle unattended on a jack stand in violation of city
ordinance.

Wednesday …5/10
An Officer responded to a call about some graffiti that was discovered on the south wall of the North
Chestnut Bridge.

The School Liaison Officer responded to a call about a student at the Reed City middle school who damaged two school computers and was aggressive towards staff members.

Officers responded and spoke with an individual who is in the process of a divorce. The person was
concerned their spouse may be stalking them and have a tracking device on their vehicle. A report was taken and no device was found.

An Officer was dispatched for a property damage accident. After investigating, the driver was issued a misdemeanor appearance citation for driving on a revoked license.

Thursday …5/11
Officers located graffiti under the Roth St. bridge. The matter is under investigation.

Friday …5/12
Officers met with Lake County Deputies and took custody of a 36-year-old man with an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. He was taken to the Osceola County Jail and lodged without incident.

An Officer responded to a retail store with complaints of two juveniles being disrespectful and making comments about stealing in the store. Both boys were advised per the store’s wishes that they were not allowed back in the store.

An Officer responded to a call regarding paintballs being fired at the neighbor’s garage. Case still under investigation.

Saturday …5/13
An Officer while on foot patrol of the downtown area found an unlocked door to a business. The officer searched the building and secured the door.

An Officer responded to a call of a possible larceny. After investigating, reports were unfounded.

Sunday …5/14
Officers were called to a suspicious situation of 2 men knocking on a door asking to be let in. Officer made contact and it is believed to have been a church group on a local mission trip.

After an announcement on Monday, the MHSAA is adopting a proposed rule change by the National Federation of State High School Associations regarding basketball foul count and eligibility for the “bonus.”

Instead of the foul counts being totaled for each half, foul counts will now reset after each quarter. This will change the bonus count towards opponent’s earning free throw chances, which now will become five fouls in a quarter rather than the previous rule of seven in a half.

Along with the overall number changing, Rule 4-8-1 will be amended to remove the single bonus “one- and-one” free throw in favor of only the “two-shot” double bonus once a team reaches five fouls in a quarter.

“This rule aligns with what they do in the NBA and women's collegiate basketball and is designed to improve game flow,” Big Rapids boys basketball coach Blake Thomas said. “I think this will ultimately benefit the future of the game.”

Many local coaches don’t feel too strongly one way or the other about the change but they all agreed on one thing: it will certainly affect the game’s flow.

“I'm hoping this creates more flow in the game, especially in girls’ basketball,” Reed City girls’ basketball head coach Tim Beilfuss said. “I think (the old rule) has slowed some games down and stopped flow in the action. I like that we are not punishing a team for having a team that had a bad quarter and rolling it into the next quarter.”

Due to the change, many teams may consider changing their strategy towards addressing high foul counts. When asked about this idea, Reed City boy’s head coach Brennan Walsh said this could lead to teams being more aggressive.

“Defensively in the first and third quarters, you don't have to worry about carrying over your team fouls to the next quarter. This could lead to teams playing more aggressive early (in the game).”

According to the official NFHS release, the rule change will be enacted during the upcoming 2023-2024 season.