An old friend may be seeking potential entry back into the Central State Activities Association for football in 2027.

Montabella, who currently plays 8-man football, will have an enrollment of 222 students this upcoming school year. This puts them over the MHSAA limit of 215 to play 8-man football. 

According to Mustangs Athletic Director Shane Riley, the school district plans on being over the limit for 8-man going forward.

"We needed to be proactive in looking for an 11-man league because our projected enrollment numbers for the foreseeable future will keep us at that level," Riley said.

With this being the first year the Mustangs will be over the limit, the MHSAA grants schools in this position a one-year grace period. This will allow them to compete as an 8-man football program this coming season. 

If Montabella were to join the CSAA, they would likely be placed in the CSAA-White with Central Montcalm, Kent City, Lakeview, Morley Stanwood and White Cloud. This addition, which needs approval by vote from CSAA athletic directors, would bring the conference total to 12 teams: six in the 'Red' and six in the 'White'. A conference breakdown can be seen below:

“There has been a little bit of interest in teams joining for football only, but we are still talking through that, as that has to go through school boards and everything else,” CSAA Secretary Jason Vogel explained. “Montabella is one of those teams interested. We’re not sure where that is at right now, but it is something we’ve discussed.”

This past season, the Mustangs had their best football season in program history with a record of 11-2. The season ended in the 8-man Division 1 State Championship, when they lost to powerhouse Martin in the Superior Dome.

Montabella hasn’t always seen that level of success on the gridiron, as last year's first round win over Breckenridge was their first playoff victory since 2011, across both 11-man and 8-man. Through five seasons of 8-man football, they obtained a record of 31-19 with two postseason appearances and two league championships. 

Recent success has set Montabella for an optimistic return to 11-man and an impending search for a new conference home. A potential move into the CSAA would return them to a conference they called home in the 90’s and give them a chance to carry their recent success into a growing football landscape.

Photo courtesy of Montabella High School, Leia Webb, and Shane Riley.

From classroom size to athletics, enrollment is a key factor in school districts all over. According to the data available, the Big Rapids, Reed City, Chippewa Hills, Morley Stanwood and White Cloud high schools all have had very different district profiles since the early 1980s.

Here's a look at each high school's enrollment over the last 40 years in five-year increments:

BIG RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL

Big Rapids enters the 2026-27 school year with 716 students, a 3.89% drop in students from last year. Since 2021, when Big Rapids experienced its lowest enrollment since 1985, the school has grown 25.39%. This is the greatest growth percentage of any area school by a fair margin. 

REED CITY HIGH SCHOOL

Reed City will have 469 students this year and will boast a 7.25% enrollment increase. Reed City, similar to Big Rapids, experienced its lowest enrollment in 2021, but has bounced back with a 12.74% increase in student population since that point. 

CHIPPEWA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Located near Remus, Chippewa Hills will have an all-time low of 445 high school students enrolled in the 2026-27 school year. Since 2021, the school has experienced a 9.55% decrease and a 22.88% decrease in its student body over the last 10 years. Overall, the school has not experienced a positive increase in student population since 2014-16. 

MORLEY STANWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

For Morley Stanwood, 294 students will enter the 2026-27 school year. This is a two-student increase from last year's all-time low enrollment of 292. Surprisingly, it was only five years ago (2021) that the school had one of its highest enrollments in the last 10 years; however, it has since experienced one of the area's largest decreases at 20.97%.

WHITE CLOUD HIGH SCHOOL

Finally, White Cloud enters the 2026-27 school year with a student population of 215, the lowest since 1985. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, White Cloud has seen a 12.24% decrease in enrollment, but has bounced consistently between 215 and 250 students.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Looking at all five schools, only two of them have seen an increase in enrollment from 2021 to 2026: Big Rapids and Reed City. This could result from many factors, such as post-COVID recovery, rural populations or even school-of-choice preferences.

Another thing to look at is the total number of students at these five schools during this same period. In 2021, total enrollment was 2,096 students, whereas this coming year’s enrollment will be 2,136, showing a 1.91% increase. According to U.S. Census data, the number of district residents has also dropped ever so slightly, despite more children being enrolled in high school.

All in all, enrollment numbers tell a story for each school district and how each district goes forward, but one thing remains the same: every school matters.

The community of Howard City gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the grand opening of a new McDonald’s restaurant.

Located at 750 W. Shaw St., it is the first McDonald’s in Howard City, the seventh in Montcalm County and the 523rd in Michigan.

“We are incredibly excited to officially open our doors in Howard City,” said Mike Rodewald, McDonald’s owner and operator. “From the moment we began planning this restaurant, our goal was to become a positive part of the community. We’re proud to create local jobs, serve our neighbors and provide a welcoming place where families and friends can gather.”

Several village and chamber officials attended the event and spoke about the importance of adding dining options, employment and economic growth to Howard City.

Village of Howard City Manager Michael Falcon was also recognized as part of McDonald’s national “1 in 8” program, where one in eight Americans who have worked at McDonald’s and gained valuable skills that helped shape their careers in the future.

“Like millions of Americans, my first experience in the workforce came through McDonald’s,” said Falcon. “The lessons I learned about responsibility, customer service and teamwork have stayed with me throughout my career. It was an honor to be recognized today, and I’m excited to welcome McDonald’s to Howard City.”

Amid the current FIFA World Cup excitement, McDonald’s donated soccer balls to the local American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

“This is an exciting day for Howard City,” said Bruce Williams, president of the Howard City Area Chamber of Commerce. “The opening of McDonald’s represents growth, investment and opportunity for our community. We are pleased to welcome Mike and his team and look forward to the positive impact this restaurant will have on local residents and visitors alike.”

The restaurant is currently hiring for positions. Visit a job search website to find more on available positions.

_{Release information and photo courtesy McDonald's, Seyferth PR, and Spencer Wheelock.}

Monday, June 15

• No incidents reported.

Tuesday, June 16

• An officer was dispatched to a civil dispute over property. The officer assisted the subjects with helping them resolve the dispute.
• An officer responded to a juvenile complaint. The officer assisted with resolving the issue and no further services were needed. 

Wednesday, June 17

• No incidents reported.

Thursday, June 18

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a private property damage accident involving a vehicle that damaged a building at a local business.  

Friday, June 19

• An officer assisted the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department with a felony warrant arrest. After a short foot chase, two suspects with active warrants were taken into custody and transported to the Osceola County Jail without incident.

Saturday, June 20

• No incidents reported.

Sunday, June 21

• No incidents reported.

Ferris State University’s undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program has earned an A ranking from the National Council on Teacher Quality for how well it prepares future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.

The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published this month, spotlights Ferris State for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction.

Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, and avoids many instructional practices that research has shown to be ineffective or counterproductive for teaching children to read.

Ferris State’s Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, PK-3 Concentration program was lauded by NCTQ, a nonpartisan research and policy organization focused on ensuring every child has access to an effective teacher and every teacher has the opportunity to be effective.

To earn an “A,” programs needed to demonstrate that coursework for future elementary teachers includes all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction and avoid teaching more than three instructional methods that are unsupported by the research on effective reading instruction. 

“Literacy rates among our elementary students in the state of Michigan continue to be a concern for parents and educators,” said Dr. David J. Alban, the School of Education department chair. “At Ferris State, we recognize this issue and have faculty working diligently to equip our future teachers with the skills needed to strengthen students’ literacy skills. We are happy to see that our efforts meet the high standards set by organizations like NCTQ, and we will continue to maintain these standards in teacher preparation so that our PK-12 students have successful futures.”  

Ferris State is one of just five public universities to gain A rankings and was topped by only University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Michigan State University.

A child’s ability to read proficiently in the early grades shapes everything that comes next in school and in life, yet according to NAEP data, nearly half of fourth graders in Michigan cannot read at a basic level.

Teacher preparation is one of the most direct levers available to change that—but only if it is aligned to the research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.

Ferris State is part of a growing group of teacher preparation programs nationwide helping transform how future teachers are trained to teach reading.

“Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” NCTQ President Heather Peske said. “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but Ferris State University is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”

NCTQ’s methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates, and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments, and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary teacher candidates at Ferris State University. 

“The Grade A distinction from NCTQ shows is a great example of how Ferris State’s Education programs are relevant and responsive to the most urgent needs in the state of Michigan, said Dr. Randy Cagle, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. “The college commends the years-long efforts of our School of Education faculty to ensure our teacher candidates are equipped with the most important professional credentials.”

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

According to recent survey results, Reed City has been named one of the top biking cities in Michigan.

The city received a network score of 70 out of 100 from People for Bikes, nearly double the national average of 36 for all cities surveyed. Reed City ranked 145th out of 3,019 cities nationally, placing it in the 95th percentile. It also ranked 10th in Michigan and 41st in the Midwest.

“It’s pretty exciting for one,” City Manager Rich Saladin said. “This is the second year in a row the organization has recognized Reed City. The most important part is the rating comes from people like you, me and others traveling around the country and state using the trails.”

The overall score is an average of ratings in six categories: people, opportunity, core services, recreation, retail and transit.

Mackinac Island ranked as the top city with a perfect score of 100, followed by Berkley (93), Spring Lake (87), Rochester Hills (80), Rochester (76), Dexter (76), Munising (74), Ferndale (73) and Rogers City (72). Reed City finished one spot ahead of Ludington (68) and two spots ahead of Pentwater (67).

The city improved 10 points from its 2025 ranking, which was still a top-10 mark in Michigan. When asked about the improvement, Saladin said he believes it is due to greater trail exposure and maintenance.

“Probably from more exposure with the People for Bikes website, as people have an opportunity to comment and rate,” Saladin said. “The other thing is our public works crew, led by Rich Rehkopf, takes great care in how our trails look.”

Reed City benefits from being a major hub for Michigan’s rail-trails system. The city sits at the intersection of the White Pine Trail, a 92-mile paved trail from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, and the Pere Marquette State Trail, a 55-mile multi-surface trail from Baldwin to Clare.

Saladin said the city is preparing to improve and enhance the Purple Heart Trail system next. The trail runs along the Hersey River and connects Rambadt Park to Westerburg Park.

“It creates a nice little loop for more scenic rides,” Saladin said. “That’s something that’s going to be at the forefront of our goals in the coming years.”

For more information on the rankings, visit here: PEOPLE FOR BIKES CITY RATINGS.

Road construction is coming to Big Rapids, but not this week.

Multiple milling and paving projects were originally slated to begin Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26, but will now be rescheduled due to forecasted weather.

According to the Big Rapids Department of Public Works, a rescheduled date has not been finalized yet.

Here's a brief breakdown of road sections slated for work at a later date:

• Linden Street between State Street and Ives Avenue
• Bjornson Street from Milton Avenue to Speer Avenue
• North Dekrafft Avenue between Maple Street and Milton Street

More details to come on Big Rapids Daily News.com.

The 12th annual Meijer LPGA Classic took place this past weekend at Blythefield Country Club in West Michigan. The weekend-long event finished on Sunday as one of the most memorable events to date, both on and off the course.

Heading into Sunday’s final round, Japanese golfer Miyu Yamashita was five strokes off the lead. The 24-year-old would need to play nearly flawless golf to have a chance at winning the tournament, and she delivered just that, shooting a tournament low of 64. 

Meanwhile, Lottie Woad, who was looking for her second win of the season, remained near the top of the leaderboard entering Sunday. The English golfer started the day just one stroke off the lead and continued her outstanding performance, shooting a four under 68 in the final round.

Yamashita and Woad each finished their 72nd hole tied at 17 under par, forcing a sudden-death playoff. On the first extra hole, Yamashita sank a birdie putt on Hole 18 to win her third career event on the LPGA Tour. She also became the fourth player from Asia to win the event and the first since 2018. 

“I know today is Father's Day and I really wanted to win on this special day,” Yamashita said following her win. “That gave me a little extra motivation out there and helped drive me throughout the round.”

That wasn’t the only celebration taking place during the event last weekend, as the Meijer LPGA Classic made a major impact on the local economy. The tournament brought thousands of people to Blythefield Country Club and achieved its fundraising goal by raising $1.5 million to support food pantries across the Midwest. Throughout the years, the event has helped provide food to families in need in partnership with local food pantries and hunger-relief organizations. In addition to the fundraising, Meijer also donated $25,000 to a hunger-relief shelter chosen by winner Miyu Yamashita. 

From Yamashita’s impressive comeback, to weeklong fundraising success, the 12th annual Meijer LPGA Classic created unforgettable memories for everyone in attendance. The tournament’s support for hunger relief and its showcase of world-class golf showed again why it is one of West Michigan’s premier sporting events. 

The Meijer LPGA Classic is scheduled to return in 2027, bringing championship golf back to West Michigan. Dates have yet to be announced, but it is expected to be back at Blythefield Country Club.

_{Photo courtesy of the LPGA.}

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office have reported that a suspect is in custody following an armed robbery at the Lake Osceola State Bank location in Tustin.

According to a news release, deputies were dispatched around 10:08 a.m. on the report of the robbery. Personnel responded to the scene and established a perimeter within 10 minutes. Deputies and the K-9 unit determined the suspect had fled the scene in a vehicle.

At 11:15 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office posted images on Facebook asking the public to help identify the suspect. Within two and a half hours, dispatchers and deputies received a tip on the suspect’s whereabouts, located the individual near a residence and took him into custody. The suspect was lodged at 2:46 p.m. at the Osceola County Jail on an outstanding out-of-county warrant.

^{Two images of the suspect posted on Facebook (credit to Osceola County Sheriff's Office).}

“The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend a sincere thank you to the citizens of Osceola County who took the time to view our social media post and provide information and tips,” Sheriff Mark Cool said. “Your vigilance, willingness to get involved, and partnership with law enforcement played a valuable role in this investigation. The safety of our communities is strengthened when citizens and law enforcement work together.”

The case remains under investigation, and additional charges may be filed pending review by the Osceola County Prosecutor’s Office. 

Assistance was also provided by Meceola Central Dispatch, the Michigan State Police Evidence Technicians, the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Tustin businesses, the Tustin Fire Department and Brooks Security.

Release information and photo courtesy of Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

Monday, June 8

• An officer arrested a 28-year-old man on an outstanding warrant for violating bond conditions, in which he failed to comply with the conditions of his ankle tether.
• An officer was called for a phone left behind at the local laundromat. If you left your phone behind, please call to identify and claim it.

Tuesday, June 9

• An officer served three abatement notices for grass in violation of city ordinance.
• An officer was called to a noise complaint. Upon investigation, the matter will be referred to the Prosector for possible child abuse charges.
• An officer received information regarding a teen doing self-harm. The matter was referred in jurisdiction to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
• An officer took a report of teens using marijuana and alcohol. Upon investigation, the matter was unfounded.
• An officer tagged an inoperable, unregistered vehicle that had been parked on the side of the street for days. If not taken care of within 48 hours, the vehicle will be towed.

Wednesday, June 10

• A business owner called for a well-being check on a client who they didn’t show for an appointment. The client had left for an emergency family matter and unable to call the business owner.
• An officer served an abatement notice on a local business for grass in violation of city ordinance.
• An officer was called for a drone being sold by an individual’s ex-wife. The individual was advised it was a civil matter.
• An officer served an abatement for grass in violation of city ordinance.
• An officer was called to called to assist the Mecosta County Sheriff's Department in making contact with an individual having mental health difficulties. Contact was made and a firearm was voluntarily temporarily surrendered for safe keeping until it is safe to return or other arrangements can be made.

Thursday, June 11

• Officers served two grass abatement notices and one vehicle abatement notice.

• An officer was requested by Mecosta County deputies to attempt contact with an independent adult who had special needs and had not returned home when supposed to. The person was not located, but a friend spoken to suggested other friend’s houses to check.

Friday, June 12

• An officer took a report of toilet paper wads stuck to the ceiling of the new Celebration Park facility. The matter is under investigation.

• An officer served an abatement for a vehicle in violation of city ordinance.

• An officer took a complaint of excessive noise and teens chasing each other with bottle rockets. A verbal warning was issued for noise and a copy of the city fireworks ordinance was provided.

• An officer was dispatched to a possible intoxicated driver after a business had seen open alcohol containers in a vehicle. Contact was made with the individual who was found not to be driving impaired.

• An officer arrested a 33-year-old woman for an outstanding Friend of the Court warrant.

Saturday, June 13

• An officer stopped a vehicle for failing to stop at a flashing signal. The 20-year-old male driver was cited for Failing to Stop, Refusing a PBT, and Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Another licensed driver was called to drive the vehicle and other teen occupants home.

• An officer took a report of three individuals entering vehicles in an apartment complex parking lot. Video was obtained and the matter is under investigation.

• An officer was dispatched to stand by and keep the peace while an individual checked on a relative. The relative was found not to be at home.

Sunday, June 14

• An officer was requested to stand by to keep the peace when a man got his belongings from his ex-girlfriend’s apartment.

Monday, June 15

• An officer was dispatched to a telephone harassment call. The person in question was also belligerent to police upon contact.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding. The 36-year-old male driver was issued an appearance citation for driving with a revoked license and cited for speed. The owner was the passenger, who had a valid license. The vehicle was turned over to the owner.

• An officer was dispatched for a check well being after a medical transport driver could not get a hold of their client. The client was found to have overslept and was okay

Tuesday, June 16

• An officer was requested to check on the well being of a visually impaired individual and his young daughter, after a woman who had also been living there had been arrested. They were found to be okay with relatives helping with needs.

• An officer took a report of disorderly conduct after black tire marks from a bicycle were found inside the building at the new Celebration Park. The matter is under investigation.

• An officer took a property damage report after a toilet paper dispenser in a city bathroom was found pulled from the wall and damaged. The matter is under investigation.

Wednesday, June 17

• An officer arrested a 29-year-old woman on an outstanding warrant for child abuse. This stems from an investigation on the 8th of this month.

• An officer was dispatched to an unwanted individual at a local business. A tresspassing notice was issued.

• An officer was dispatched to check on an individual who made statements indicating they might be suicidal. The individual was contacted and found to be okay.

Thursday, June 18

• An officer issued a verbal warning for loitering.

• An officer took a report of the larceny of liquor on two different instances.

• An officer took a report of an attempted assault. It was realized the aggressors had mistaken the identify of the individual, and the altercation stopped.

• An officer issued a trespassing notice to two teen males, after they refused to leave a female teen's house. They were advised that they were not allowed unless a parent was home.

• An officer took a report of a teen firing a CO2 BB pistol at the neighbor’s trash cans and trees. The pistol was seized and the teen’s probation officer notified. The teen was cited for Discharging a BB Gun Within City Limits and Minor in Posession of Marijuana. Charges of property destruction will also be sought.

Friday, June 19

• An officer was called to a local business after a dollar bill was found on the floor folded up with a white powder in it. The amount was minimal and the substance believed to be drugs. The matter is under investigation.

• An officer took a report of bicycles stolen from an apartment complex.

• An officer took a report of an individual who keeps contacting an elderly person and the contact is unwanted. A verbal warning was given.

Saturday, June 20

• An officer took a report of a dispute between tenants at an apartment complex. They were advised to leave each other alone. No criminal activity took place.

• An officer took a private property damage accident in a parking lot. There was a minor scratch on one vehicle and no injuries.

Sunday, June 21

• No calls or incidents were reported.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) recently hosted a grand opening for its plant in Remus, the former site of Leprino Foods.

The site operated from the early 1980s until May 2025, when Leprino ceased operations following a series of layoffs and production reductions.

The MMPA originally purchased the facility in 1983 and converted it into a cheese plant. In 1987, Leprino began operating it in partnership with the MMPA until purchasing it outright in 2006.

At last Tuesday’s ceremony on June 16, the MMPA announced a partnership with Good Culture to produce cottage cheese at the facility.

“This grand opening is an exciting moment for our cooperative and our member-owners,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA president and CEO. “With the launch of our Remus facility and our partnership with Good Culture, we are expanding our capabilities in a growing dairy category while continuing to invest in the future of dairy. This project reflects our commitment to innovation, strategic growth and delivering greater value for the farm families who own this cooperative.”

The MMPA website states that the plant will process more than 500,000 pounds of milk daily.

“I’m truly excited to see this great day for Remus, a great day for Michigan, and I’m honored to be part of the celebration as a legislator,” said U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar. “It’s important for Michigan because we’re one of the top six dairy-producing states, and it’s fantastic what’s happening here.”

State Rep. Tom Kunse, Wheatland Township Supervisor Lee Carte, and Mecosta County Commissioner Chris Zimmerman also attended the ceremony.

The MMPA, which was founded in 1916, is headquartered in Novi. It operates dairy product plants in Michigan — including the Remus facility for cottage cheese — as well as in Canton, Ohio (fluid milk and ice cream) and Middlebury, Indiana (barrel and deli-horn cheeses). The cooperative also has supply and ingredient stores in Mt. Pleasant, Ovid and Constantine.

For more information, visit mimilk.com.

_{Release information courtesy of MMPA.}

Monday, June 15

• At 2:48 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Morton Township. A male subject was arrested on two warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 11:44 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Big Rapids TWP. The male driver was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and other warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 0

Tuesday, June 16

• At 9:13 a.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Mecosta Township. A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 1:29 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Martiny Township. A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 6:15 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Mecosta Township. A female subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 4

Wednesday, June 17

• At 7:51 a.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Fork Township. A female subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.
• At 12:01 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Millbrook Township. A male subject was arrested an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 18

Traffic Accidents: 2

Thursday, June 18

• At 2:53 p.m., deputies and K-9 Zeke assisted Michigan State Police on a traffic stop in Big Rapids Township. The traffic stop resulted in the arrest of the male driver and the seizure of a large amount of cocaine.

• At 7:00 p.m., deputies responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Austin Township. A male subject was arrested for Assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 8:52 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Morton Township. A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 10:30 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Fork Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 13

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, June 19

• At 10:37 a.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Mecosta Township. A male subject was arrested on a warrant and also for Possession of Methamphetamine. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 1:54 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids Township. A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 5:14 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids Township.  A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail. 

Calls for Service: 11

Traffic Accidents: 6

Saturday, June 20

Calls for Service: 18

Traffic Accidents: 2

Sunday, June 21

• At 10:09 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Martiny Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver and female passenger being arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, and Felony Possession of Firearm. Both were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 19

Traffic Accidents: 3

Work in Big Rapids Township continues this summer with the large-scale Tonkin Drain project.

The drain, which was established in 1904, previously hadn’t seen major work or upgrades in more than 50 years. After citizens petitioned for improvements, the board of determination conducted an assessment and eventually greenlit the project on May 30, 2018.

“There had been property damage and flooded basements,” Drain Commissioner Karla Miller said. “A culvert also washed out on 13 Mile Road. The system was getting too much water and couldn’t hold it.”

The project has been underway for the past year and remains on schedule. Main construction began in April 2026, leading to an extensive road closure on Northland Drive south of Big Rapids. This work includes replacing failing culverts and upsizing existing tiles, which aims to reroute water and reduce flooding. According to Miller, the entire Tonkin Drain project is still on schedule to be completed by October 2026.

As of Friday, June 12, construction of both the 13 Mile Road box culvert (Division I) and the Northland Drive box culvert (Division II) are complete. Division I of construction, being completed by Jackson Dirt Works of Lake Odessa, will be transitioning to open channel work and storm sewer installation along Arthur Road. Division II, headed by Dean's Excavating of Sand Lake, will be doing storm sewer installation on Gilbert Road.

^{Images of box culvert construction on Northland Drive (left) and 13 Mile Road (right). Credit to Tonkin Drain Website.}

Construction for the next project stages are underway, as of Monday, June 15. Traffic will remain open on Gilbert Road, but Arthur Road will be closed and utilize Northland Drive, 205th Avenue, and 12 Mile Road. Time of completion has not been finalized. A map of this detour can be found here: ARTHUR ROAD DETOUR MAP.

While the project has been moving along, the cost of the project has been the hot topic of discussion among community members and residents. The $5.4 million price tag, as well as lack of transparency, have drawn concerns from residents and even the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners.

“I talked to several of the people who signed the original petition and they thought they were going to dig out a ditch here and there, push some dirt around, and send them a bill for two or three hundred dollars,” Chairman Chris Zimmerman said. “Well, that didn't happen. It morphed into this five and a half million dollar project, and the people didn't even know how much it was going to cost until May of 2025. People were blindsided by these huge bills that they got in the mail.”

The county board has since passed resolution 2026-09, which urges state lawmakers to amend the Drain Code of 1956 regarding financial power and checks and balances for the drain commissioner’s actions.

“The Drain Code of 56 authorized drain commissioners to have all this power and it has been unbridled power since that day,” Zimmerman said. “It wasn't said, at the time, that the landowners should have a say in what goes on with a final vote on it. Somehow, that's been lost over time and people can't really have a say in it. All the power is to the drain commissioner, and they have cover under this drain code.”

Rep. Tom Kunse (R-Clare) has been leading efforts regarding the amendment and co-sponsored a package of bills recommending it.

“Michigan’s drain code hasn’t seen serious reform in decades, leaving drain commissioners with near unlimited authority to assess, dig and bill,” Kunse stated.

In response to the recall declaration, Miller said she has followed the legal procedure and the accounting has been found to be assessed correctly.

“As I have said (before), this process was started well before I was the drain commissioner,” Miller said. “It does sound like sticker shock at the beginning to say it’s a 5.4 million dollar project, but there’s people that see the need for this project. We’re dealing with four miles of a drain and a mile of storm sewer tile. ”

According to Miller, the overall cost for the taxpayers has been reduced to about $1.9 million over a 15-year span. Payments have been made by multiple entities, including Ferris State University, the City of Big Rapids, the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners, and MDOT, to help cover the construction costs.

More details on the Tonkin Drain Project can be found here: https://www.tonkindrainmaintenanceandimprovementproject.com/.

Last week, Rep. John Moolenaar introduced the No PLA Employees Act to the United States Congress.

The bill, co-sponsored by Ben Cline of Virginia, would disallow former and current employees of companies that are being seen supporting China's People's Liberation Army. 

"The Chinese Communist Party is working tirelessly to make the PLA the world's leading military force by 2050," Moolenaar said. "Our commonsense legislation ensures that those who have already worked to advance the CCP's mission are not permitted in the United States, while protecting Chinese immigrants who seek to flee the regime's persecution."

The bill would also allow those employees currently in the United States to be deported. 

"At a time when the Chinese Communist Party is working aggressively to expand its influence over the United States economy and technological advancements, we cannot afford to hand over critical research and jobs to entities with ties to our greatest adversary,” Cline said.

Moolenaar serves as the Chairman of the House Select Committee on China. Cline is a member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, which has jurisdiction over immigration policy. 

_{Release information courtesy of Congressman Moolenaar.}

The Michigan House on Thursday passed two bills that would require science of reading training for both current K-5 educators and new teachers entering the profession.

House Bill 5697, sponsored by Rep. Nancy DeBoer, would require most certificated staff who provide, support or oversee instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade to complete science of reading training by the 2031-32 school year. The training would cover topics including phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and the use of diagnostic and progress-monitoring data.

House Bill 5646, sponsored by Rep. Tim Kelly, would require teacher preparation programs and alternative certification programs to include science of reading content so that graduates are eligible for a Michigan teaching certificate or endorsement. The requirement would apply to certificates issued on or after Sept. 30, 2027.

If the bills become law, the Michigan Department of Education would approve training vendors that meet the required standards.

“Reading is the foundation for success in school and in life,” State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko said. “These bills would build on Michigan’s ongoing efforts to improve literacy outcomes and provide educators with the tools and support they need to help all students become strong readers. The department supports the bills and appreciates the bipartisan support in the House.”

The bills now head to the Senate for approval. If approved, they would then head to the Governor's desk to become law.

For more information, visit the Michigan Legislature website for House Bill 5646 and House Bill 5697.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan Department of Education.}

Ferris State University’s football team remains as the top contender in NCAA Division II competition, as the reigning national champion was selected No. 1 in Lindy’s Sports DII Preseason Top 10 poll and first in FloFootball’s “way-too-early” preseason rankings.

Lindy’s Sports is the first preseason national poll of the year, as it unveiled its Division II top 10 rankings in its annual college football yearbook.

FloFootball released its top 25 poll earlier this month, as the Bulldogs were the only Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference program to grace the top 10 of all the listed teams.

The 2025 season was led by several standout Bulldogs, one of which was Wyatt Bower. The red shirt freshman was a highly touted prospect for the 2025 Harlon Hill trophy and rounded out his impressive campaign with five touchdowns in the 2025 National Championship game - three rushed into the end zone and two passing touchdowns.

“Wyatt Bower steps into 2026 carrying the expectations that come with leading Division II’s defending national championship,” FloFootball columnist Tobias Linkin wrote. “Ferris State quarterbacks are always under the national spotlight, and Bower has shown the athleticism and decision-making ability to thrive in that role. If Bower can pair efficient passing numbers with another deep playoff run, he'll quickly establish himself as one of the leading candidates for Division II’s top individual honor.”

Ferris State will begin its 117th season of varsity competition this coming fall with its sights set on making a nation-leading 12th consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs and potentially achieving a three-peat for the national title.

The Bulldogs enter the 2026 season having won four of the past five NCAA Division II National Championships, including back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, and in 2024 and 2025. The team has won 30 consecutive games.

The program has made seven national semifinal appearances along with five trips to the national championship game through 11 consecutive years of making the playoffs.

Over the past seven seasons of action, the Bulldogs have recorded a 93-7 overall record while ranked as the country's winningest program over the past 11 full seasons in NCAA DII football.

Ferris State also holds the GLIAC's best mark and the best overall record of all collegiate programs in Michigan at 153-21 (.879) overall since the arrival of head coach Tony Annese in 2012.

The Bulldogs will open the 2026 season on the road during a trip to Pittsburg State in Kansas on Thursday, Aug. 27, in a DII National Showdown.

Season and single-game tickets for the 2026 season will go on sale soon.

_{Release courtesy of Ferris State University.}

Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving two 17-year-olds that occurred in Montcalm County late Thursday night.

The four-vehicle crash occurred around 11:11 p.m. on M-46 near Derby Road near Six Lakes. According to troopers, a westbound vehicle, driven by a 49-year-old Greenville man, rear-ended and spun a car occupied by two 17-year-olds into the eastbound roadway. The car was then hit first by an eastbound travelling truck and then a SUV following behind, both driven by a husband and wife travelling home from Saginaw.

"The two 17-year-old occupants of the (car) were pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained in the crash," Michigan State Police said. "The female driver of the SUV was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The occupants of the other vehicles were evaluated at the scene."

Troopers are currently investigating the crash, as of early Friday morning. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the wreck.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police.}

Great Lakes Energy recently awarded grants to eight different organizations through their 2026 People’s Fund.

One of those organizations includes Angels of Action of Big Rapids, who received a $2,500 grant. This money will go towards new tote bags for Operation Delivery, a weekly food program to help children in need.

“We are deeply thankful to Great Lakes Energy for investing in the well being of local children,” Executive Director Kim Easler said. “Together, we are helping fight childhood hunger one delivery at a time."

Another organization receiving funds is the Osceola County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Based in Reed City, CERT will receive $2,000 for 20 new safety barricades to help traffic control.

Other awarded groups include the following:

• Luther Area Public Library: $5,000 to replace five doors and remodel the front entrance to be ADA compliant, contingent on raising the rest of the funding.

• Luther Fire District No. 1: $3,690 to replace three SCBA cylinders.

• Marion Community Fire Department: $4,000 for a smoke machine for the fire fighter training center.

• Mason County Rural Fire Authority (Custer): $5,842.80 to replace three outdated AED’s for area fire departments.

• McClure-Rabb Idlewild Foundation: $2,750 for the Education in The Wild youth event.

• Pathfinder Community Library (Baldwin): $3,894 to replace non-fiction bookshelves.

Since it was established in 1999, Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund has awarded more than $5.2 million in grants.

“At Great Lakes Energy, ‘Concern for Community’ isn’t just one of our guiding principles; it’s something we live out every day,” Great Lakes Energy President and CEO Shaun Lamp said. “Through the People Fund, we partner with our members to deliver meaningful support to local programs and projects, creating a lasting difference across the communities we serve.”

For more information on the People Fund, visit: https://www.gtlakes.com/people-fund/.

More than 30 high school students will gain industry-driven STEAM project-based learning experience and college credit this summer through FutureSolve 26, a partnership with Ferris State University, Kent Intermediate School District, BAMF Health, Steelcase, and Blox.

Now in its third year, FutureSolve is a six-week internship program where students interested in science, technology, engineering, art, math and marketing gain real-world experiences. All students who complete the program receive transferable college credits from Ferris State plus a stipend to offset summer earnings loss while they are attending. The program immerses students in real-world experiences and challenges them to use design-thinking principles to solve problems.

Leaders at Steelcase, BAMF Health and Blox brainstormed 10 projects for students to work on over the six weeks. This exposes students to exciting and innovative companies in their community and allows them to work within their fields of interest to make a real impact. Students spend time at Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox and at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design and take part in additional field trips.

“Having FutureSolve students on-site each summer is incredibly meaningful to our team,” said Andy McLean, manager of CEO Relations with BAMF Health. “Last year, the students recommended programming that we immediately implemented at BAMF Health and that we plan to continue into the future. We're looking forward to the creative perspectives and energy these student leaders will bring this year!”

“We are excited to partner on FutureSolve for the first time this year. Students will learn about the innovative solutions Steelcase brings to the marketplace and will be able to add ideas of their own,” said Tracy Kurti, Human Resources director, Steelcase.

“At Blox, we’re environmentally conscious, giving shipping containers new life through creative architecture. Engaging young minds in this process through their FutureSolve experience is exciting for all of us,” said Burton Cardwell, director of Business Development, Newco/Blox. 

Participating public school students are from Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Grand Rapids, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Kelloggsville, Kentwood, and Wyoming. These students have expressed an interest in STEAM topics and a desire to explore career options.

“FutureSolve 26 is an exciting opportunity for collaboration between K-12 education, higher education, and local business that provides high school students with invaluable experience and exposure to the real world of work in an innovative way,” said Ryan Graham, director of Workforce Development at Kent ISD.

During time at Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design, students will learn more about design-thinking principles and marketing and will collaborate to solve business problems proposed by FutureSolve 26 partners.

“Here in West Michigan, we have an extraordinary opportunity to connect students to industries and organizations that are shaping our region, our state, and our world,” KCAD professor and Collaborative Design program chair Gayle DeBruyn said. “We’re excited to grow our partnerships and continue to provide experiential learning opportunities that inspire young people to be the collaborators, innovators, and leaders of the future.”

FutureSolve 26 is a partnership between Kent ISD, Steelcase, BAMF Health, Blox and Ferris State University in line with CareerPrep 2030 goals to engage more students in opportunities to expand their connections to real-world career experiences while in high school and beyond. Students will share what they have been learning at a presentation and celebration event on Thursday, July 16.

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

Monday, June 8

• An officer was dispatched to a fraud complaint. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.  

Tuesday, June 9

• No incidents reported.

Wednesday, June 10

• An officer was dispatched to a larceny complaint. The complaint remains open pending further investigation. 

Thursday, June 11

• An officer was dispatched to check the area for two subjects fighting.  Officers made contact with the subjects, and the complaint remains open pending further investigation.
• Officers attempted to serve a warrant on a wanted subject. Contact was made with the subject, who was advised of their warrants. They were placed in custody and transported to the Osceola County Jail where they were lodged.

Friday, June 12

• Officers conducted a wellbeing check and the subject did not request any services.
• Officers received a report of a juvenile leaving a local business without their parent. The juvenile did not return home and was reported as a runaway. The juvenile returned home a short time later.

Saturday, June 13

• No incidents reported.

Sunday, June 14

• No incidents reported.