Monday…9/26
An individual came to the RCPD to report a hit and run incident that happened in the Rite Aid parking lot. Upon investigation the responsible driver has been identified. The matter us under further investigation.

The school liaison Officer was requested to assist while CPS conducted an interview with a student.

Officer took a report of a lost wallet, the individual came to the RCPD to make the report.

The officer took a call from a woman who had been scammed into giving personal information by someone reporting to be from the cable company.

Tuesday …9/27
The school liaison officer took a report of a family dispute and family troubles. The matter us under
investigation.

The school liaison officer responded to a call about a possible assault incident between 2 students at the High School. A juvenile petition has been submitted for review.

Officer responded to a call about a disoriented woman walking around the Sheriff’s Office/Court area. While speaking with her in the lobby of the Sheriff Office she pulled the fire alarm. She was arrested on for false summoning of the fire department.

Wednesday …9/28
The school liaison officer assisted with a student having difficulty breathing. The student was transported by EMS to the hospital.

While assisting parole, officers arrested a 42-year-old man on two outstanding warrants.

Officer was dispatched to a home for a possible domestic disturbance. A referral to CPS was completed. The matter is under further investigation

Thursday …9/29
Officer was dispatched to assist with a juvenile that was possible trying to hurt themselves. The individual was transported for mental health treatment.

Officer was dispatched a report of an injured fox.

Officer was dispatched to a complaint of two dogs at large.

Officer assisted CPS with a suspected child abuse case. It was determined the teen had been untruthful and the suspected bruises were make-up used to create the look of a bruise.

Officer was dispatched to a home of an individual, that called dispatch, sounding confused. He was
complaining about having some electrical issues in his house. Officer found the problem to be a breaker had tripped. The individual also complaint about mold in the basement, Officer advised him that he needed to take that complaint to civil court with his landlord.

Officer assisted OCSD about a woman outside of a gas station. The woman stated she nowhere to go and there were no beds available in the shelter. The manager of the gas station allowed her to remain in property until the following day when she could go to the shelter.

Friday …9/30
Officer was called to a restaurant about a disorderly customer. He was upset that his food was going to take long to prepare since the restaurant was extremely busy. He stormed out, knocking down planters just outside of the door on his way out. The owner chose not to seek charges as long as the man did not return.

Officer assisted Osceola County Sheriff Department with traffic control on a two-vehicle traffic crash.

Saturday …10/1
An individual came to the department to report that some headstones were missing from the cemetery. Officers met with the individual at the cemetery and it was discovered they were new concrete slabs. The individual thanked officers for checking.

Officer got dispatched to a man urinating in public. He was intoxicated and had supposedly just fallen and hit his head. He was not injured and refused medical. There were no signs of public urination. He was cooperative and accepted a ride home.

Officers assisted Osceola County Sherriff Department with a customer that was fighting, striking and
punching the staff at an assisted living facility. By the time the officer arrived, the individual was calm, and EMS transported him for a mental health evaluation.

Officer assisted Mecosta County Sherriff Department with a death notification

Sunday …10/2
Officer assisted the Osceola County Jail with an inmate that was fighting with Correction Officers.
Officer was called by a boyfriend about a possible overdose. Both individuals were intoxicated but no pills had been taken. The woman was got a ride to her other boyfriends house to avoid any further arguments.

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety is investigating following a fatal structure fire on 190^th Avenue on Saturday.

According to a press release, Big Rapids firefighters received a call just before 7pm about a house on fire with a woman trapped inside. Once on scene, Big Rapids City Fire Department personnel attempted to locate the trapped victim multiple times and found the victim in the room of origin.

The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene. The fire investigation is ongoing.

One driver suffered a broken arm following a two vehicle crash in Mecosta County Saturday.

It happened on US -131 northbound ramp in Big Rapids Township.

Deputies say a 1997 Burgundy GMC Savana rear ended a 2014 Gray Suburu Outback.

A 64-year old woman was taken to Spectrum Health Hospital for a possible broken arm.

Sheriff Brian Miller reminds Mecosta County residents and visitors to drive safely and buckle up.

Speed was a contributing factor, according to police as one man died following a one vehicle crash in Osceola County Friday.

It happened on M-66 near 7 Mile Road.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office says a vehicle was traveling southbound on 30th Avenue when it went off the roadway.

The 37-year old male passenger from Marion, died at the scene.

The 37-year old female driver from Rockford was taken to Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, her condition is unknown at this time.

Thousands of hunters will be taking to the fields as...archery bow hunting season begins Saturday in Michigan.

More than 300,000 bow hunters are expected to be out on private and state owned public land through January first and they're expected to harvest up to 140,000 deer.

A deer management specialist with the DNR, Chad Stewart says bow hunting will help thin the herd in the state and it contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state's economy.

Two people are behind bars following a drug bust in Mecosta County.

The Sheriff's Office says after receiving a tip, they conducted background investigation and then conducted surveillance on the target location. Deputies identified the suspect 36-year old Leslie Keech, of Stanwood, who was reportedly selling the prescription narcotics.

Deputies set up surveillance and were able to observe her park at a local business. Within a couple minutes, another suspect 40-year old Steven Brink of Grand Haven, pulled up next to Keech and deputies were able to witness a hand-to-hand transaction.

The suspects both left the scene traveling in separate directions. Deputies were able to stop both vehicles.

Deputies were able to recover evidence at both locations and were able to arrest both the seller and buyer. Both were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail on felony charges.

It has been two months since Dr. Bill Pink stepped foot onto campus as the newest president of Ferris State University.

As the former head of Grand Rapids Community College, Pink has felt very welcomed and comfortable in his first months in Big Rapids.

“I have been reminded of how really great the institution is,” Pink said. “I've come to terms of the work that this institution does across the state and across the country with the education we provide.”

Not only is Pink the nineteenth president in school history, he is also the first African-American
president at Ferris State. When asked about the feat, Pink said it reflects the history established by
founders Woodbridge and Helen Ferris.

“They established it on a premise of opportunities for everyone in this state,” Pink said. “They weren't
concerned about what socioeconomic status, color of skin, or gender of the person. My hope is that it gives any African American the hope and the vision I had too, where they too can rise to these levels of responsibility and leadership seeing someone in this seat that looks like looks like them.”

In preparations of a large phase plan to be unveiled at his October inauguration, Pink is looking forward to making an impact on more than just the typical student demographic.

“We'll never take an eye off our traditional 18-year-old graduate from high school, but part of what I
have envisioned is how our institution can start having a stronger focus on nontraditional students.
Because of the programs we have on this campus, we can be such a resource for individuals aged 25 and older to get post-secondary (education) credentials that will lead them to good paying living wage jobs so they can take care of their family better.”

Along with this benefit, Pink also wants to help strengthen the community footprint both regionally and nationally with some of Ferris’ doctoral programs.

When asked about who has helped him throughout this drafting process, Pink said current and former Ferris State leadership has been crucial.

“I have an incredible Board of Trustees and it starts with them. I have spoken to them individually and collectively, several times now. Obviously, David Eisler, since the very beginning, has been helpful at providing some of his own perspective in history. There are a lot of folks who know the history and know not only the place we sit, but also realize the potential where we can go.”

Along with faculty, Pink has learned a lot about the University thanks to his “Link with Pink” Tour this
fall. The president has already travelled to places like Flint, Detroit, East Lansing, and Traverse City to
converse with former Ferris State alumni and friends about the school’s past and future. His tour will
finish up this week with stops in Midland and Kalamazoo slated for September 29 and 30 respectively.

“We have alumni all over the state and across the country who are still strong Bulldogs and continue to be connected to the school,” Pink said. “They pay attention to what the university is doing and continue to be supportive of it. I’m just loving to commit to being connected to this alumni base.”

For more information on the “Link with Pink” tour and his inauguration ceremony, follow along on the President’s homepage at www.ferris.edu/administration/president/homepage.htm.

A medical event could be the likely cause of a fatal crash that killed a Stanwood woman in Isabella County Tuesday night.

The Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to a one car vehicle accident involving a 75-year woman from Stanwood on Pickard Road in Union Township. The victim and only occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.

The vehicle appeared to have veered off the road and struck two other vehicles that were parked in a driveway.

Police say autopsy results are pending but the victim possibly sustained a cardiac issue that may have led to the crash.

Grand Rapids-based Fluresh continues its expansion of recreational cannabis retail offerings across the state with the announcement of a new provisioning center opening in Big Rapids. The 2,730 SF store, located at 520 South Third Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307, opened recently and will hold a grand opening event Saturday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Operating every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the new location will also offer curbside pickup and delivery when ordering online at Fluresh.com or by calling (231) 216-1206. The store’s retail floor offers 139 unique flower strains, pre-rolls, THC edibles, vape cartridges, concentrates and much more.

To celebrate the grand opening, the store will offer specials including 20% off Fluresh and Carbon products for new customers, 15% off for medical card holders and 10% off for seniors, students and veterans.

“We are excited to expand Fluresh’s offerings to the Big Rapids community while also adding jobs to the local community,” says Fluresh Chief Executive Officer Brandon Kanitz. “We believe this location will serve a wide audience from the northern counties of West Michigan, so are eager to expand our presence in the region.”

The Big Rapids location marks the second provisioning center for Fluresh. It currently offers a retail location at its headquarters at 1213 Phillips Avenue in Grand Rapids.

In addition to the opening of the Big Rapids location, Fluresh also announces plans to open a third provisioning center, this time across the state in Adrian, where it currently operates a hybrid greenhouse facility. An official timeline has not been set but Fluresh is aiming for an early 2023 opening.

“Fluresh is eager to provide high-quality cannabis products to a region of the state that is underserved,” said Kanitz. “We will offer an assortment of brands as a way to bring a wider variety of products and better pricing to that area.”

More than 50 organizations across Michigan and the country have written an open letter asking government officials not to re-open a Lake County private prison once it closes at the end of this month.

The North Lake Correctional Facility in Baldwin is scheduled to close on September 30 due to a 2021 executive order by President Biden to end the federal government's use of private prisons.

This letter follows a recent proposal from Michigan Congressmen Bill Huizenga and John Moolenaar to repurpose the facility as an immigration and customs enforcement detention center.

The North Lake facility has been housing federal inmates since 2019 and several hundred employees.

The letter from the organizations urging the prison closure can be seen HERE

Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital has been recognized as a top performer in the 2022 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Ranking by Vizient, Inc.

Big Rapids Hospital was ranked in the top 4% of 268 Vizient members in the community
hospitals cohort and was recognized for demonstrating excellence in delivering high-
quality care based on the Vizient quality and accountability study, which has been
conducted annually since 2005.

“We’re very excited to earn this distinction and we applaud our quality, safety and clinical
teams who continue to excel in delivering compassionate and excellent care,” said
Carolyn Leja, chief nursing officer at Spectrum Health Big Rapids and Reed City
hospitals.

The Vizient quality and accountability ranking measures performance on the quality of
patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient
centeredness and equity.

The rankings help participating hospitals and health systems understand their
performance against their peers and identifies structures and processes associated with
high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care activity.
The recognition period is for work spanning July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022. 
“Hospitals today are using data and analytics to help them more effectively deliver
superior clinical outcomes and patient experiences,” said David Levine, group senior vice
president, advanced analytics and product management at Vizient. “As a Bernard A.
Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Top Performer, Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital
has demonstrated a successful leadership style, a shared sense of purpose, a focus on
results, and a culture of collaboration, accountability and adaptability. We congratulate
them on their achievement.”

Being touted as a once in a generation opportunity, the township boards of Big Rapids and Green along with the Mecosta County Board of Commission unanimously approved an 400 acre area of the Industrial Park near the Big Rapids' Roben Hood Airport as a 'Renaissance Zone' to bring Gotion Inc., a leading advanced battery manufacturer to the area.

Chuck Thelen, Gotion Inc., Vice-President of NA operations said there were a number of factors to why his company is targeting Mecosta County.

“So why Big Rapids?, proximity to sufficient sustainable energy, our company and our EV industry customers and energy storage customers place a lot of value on sustainability.” “Skilled labor force, we have done three studies in this state, we took federal information, state information and we commissioned our own study." "There are about 177,000 workers within a 45 min drive and 6,500 workers who drive out of this area for another manufacturing job.” There will be no labor gaps here” Thelen said.

“We have a superior technical college here in the area, Ferris State University. “We reviewed several technical colleges around the country, Ferris by far with their certificate programs, associate programs and even bachelor programs were superior in capabilities with lab space and teachers to get students prepared for work.” Thelen said.

“Land space we were looking for a minimum of 400 acres, we are looking to put 2.2 million square feet under roof in phase one, which is around 60 acres and we need space to expand.” Thelen said.

Gotion plans for $2.6 billion dollars in investment along with a minimum of 200 jobs coming once the plant opens, with a full 2,300 coming over the next decade.

With local approval on Monday night, the next step is for the state of Michigan to put in place incentives for Gotion before everything is finalized in the next six months.

Monday…9/19
The school liaison officer took the report of a student in possession of a vape. A citation for MIP vape was issued.

Officer conducted a traffic stop where the driver was under the influence of marijuana. The driver was cited and arrested for OUID.

Officer assisted as backup on a check well-being call. Caller wanted the other resident out of her house and was advised she would have to file eviction papers.

Officer was asked to look into an incident that occurred at a football game. A parent did not agree with how the school handled the matter. The officer found no crime had occurred.

Officer was dispatched to a family dispute between child and parents. Officer talked to all parties involved.

Officer saw someone riding a motocross bike on a non-designated ORV area. The rider was informed of the ORV ordinance for the city. A verbal warning was issue.

Tuesday …9/20
The school liaison officer responded to a call about a woman calling and yelling incoherent things at the Middle School secretary. The same person also called the High School doing the same thing. From what call content could be understood, the caller was upset about a dress code and something to do with wearing animal ears. Officer attempted to call the person back but no contact was made.

The school liaison officer received information of a kindergarten age student possibly exposing themself. The student lives outside of Reed City. The CPS referral was forwarded to the agency having jurisdiction.

Officers arrested a 30-year-old woman on an outstanding warrant.

The office was contacted by a person that said that her dog was attacked by 2 other dogs when walking down the road that ran out of a yard. Citation was issued for dog running at large.

Officers transported an individual to a mental health treatment facility.

Wednesday …9/21
Officer responded to a fire alarm. It was found to be a false alarm.

The school liaison officer was called about a student in possession of a vape. A citation was issued.

During a traffic stop speeding, officers arrested the 37-year-old male driver for having an outstanding warrant.

Officer was dispatched to investigate some property stolen out of an individual’s vehicle. The officer
reviewed surveillance camera footage and determined it had not been stolen at the believed location.

Thursday …9/22
Officer responded to a call about a possible threat. A teen, during a dispute, sent a photo to another teen of himself as a warning to the other teen to back off. A firearm the teen uses for hunting was visible on a storage rack in the background of the picture. There is no evidence the firearm was meant as a threat and the teen that received the picture did not believe the firearm was anything other than coincidence. After investigation, and speaking with the parents, it was agreed, as a precaution, the firearm would be locked up. This incident will be sent to the Prosecutor's Office for review.

Officers received a call of a broken door handle at a city building. The officer spoke with a man outside that admitted to trying to force open the locked door. He was issued a notice of trespass prohibiting him from being on the property. Charges are being sought in this matter.

Officer responded to a call were an individual reported that the landlord’s brother has walked in her in the shower 5 or 6 times in the past 2 months. After speaking with the landlord’s brother, he admitted that he has walked in the bathroom by accident as the door was left ajar and he did not know that someone was in there.

The 63-year-old man was arrested an outstanding warrant from Mecosta County unrelated to this incident. He was transported to the Osceola County Jail.

Officer was called about someone parking their vehicle over the other person property line. Made contact with the individual, who agreed to move the vehicles.

Friday …9/23
Officer was notified about an inoperable vehicle. An abatement notice will be issued to remove the vehicle.

Officer responded to a family dispute over water leaks in a rental home. The homeowner was threatening to evict his brother and wife. They were advised that the matter will have to be taken to court.

Officer was dispatched to a possible assault complaint. The caller stated she had been struck by a friend’s vehicle. The evidence does not support the claim. The matter will be turned over to the prosecutor for review.

School Liaison Officer responded to an assault by a student on a staff member. The matter has been referred to the prosecutor and probate court.

Officer was requested by a probation officer to arrest a 40-year-old man on an outstanding warrant. The man was taken into custody without incident.

Officer responded to an unlawful entry where only food was taken. The matter is under investigation.

Officer responded to reports of two juvenile getting in a fight on the way home from school. Victim did not want to press charges. Contact with Juvenile’s probation officer will be attempted.

Saturday …9/24
Officer observed a fifth wheel Camper parked in the road contrary to city ordinance. Contact was attempted with the homeowner but there did not appear to be anyone home. Contact will be attempted at a later date.

Officer assisted with a broken down vehicle, for safety. The owner had it towed to his home.

Officer responded to a call about a suspicious person outside of a home at night. Officer searched the house and surrounding area, but wasn’t able to find anyone. There was no damage and nothing appeared to be missing from the residence or the vehicles.

Officer was called about a possible drunk driver. After locating the driver, it was determined he was just driving looking for an address and not intoxicated.

On October 5th, 2022, officers from the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and community members, will join other officers and community members nationwide to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee during National Coffee With a Cop Day.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 10:00 A.M. on October 5th at The
Old Pioneer Store & Emporium at 118 N Michigan Ave. Please contact Officer William Sell with
questions: 231-527-0005, wsell@bigrapidsdps.org.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn
more about the department’s work in Big Rapids. The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and
allows for relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice,
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are held across the country, as
local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.
The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving
relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

The off and on ramps at northbound US-131 and M-20 (Perry Ave/Business 131) are scheduled to close this Monday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

On Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the off and on ramps at northbound US-131 and 19 Mile Road are scheduled to close. 

Lane closures remain in effect through mid-October on northbound US-131 from 13 Mile Road to 19 Mile Road. 

A joint meeting between Mecosta County and other local township officials will be taking place next week to discuss and vote on the potential of bringing a advanced battery manufacturer to the area.

Members of the Mecosta Co. BOC along with board members from Big Rapids and Green Townships will vote Monday during a special meeting at the Mecosta -Osceola Career Center at 7pm to make an area of the industrial park near the Roben Hood Airport a renaissance zone.

The zone is designed to provide market-based incentive of reduced state or local taxes to encourage new jobs and investment.

Officials of Big Rapids Township, Green Township, Mecosta County and Ferris State University, along with The Right Place, Inc., have been negotiating with Gotion, Inc., who plans to build a battery component parts plant at the industrial park in Big Rapids.

In a statement, Mecosta County Administrator Paul Bullock called this a “once in a century opportunity for the Big Rapids area.”

“In conjunction with our partners at Big Rapids Charter Township, Green Charter Township, MCDC, The Right Place, and MEDC, we’re actively working to make this extraordinary project a reality for Big Rapids." Bullock said.  "We have tentatively scheduled a meeting Monday the 26^th to consider a renaissance zone on the property, and once the renaissance zone application is received we will confirm that meeting. We look forward to sharing more about this once-in-a-century opportunity for Big Rapids area in the coming days.”

Randy Thelen, President and CEO of The Right Place Inc., said in a statement, "The community has been prepared for an opportunity like this to materialize to utilize the infrastructure, airport, access to freeways and locally trained talent pool."

“A site in the Big Rapids area that for the past 25 years has been assembled, developed and marketed for industrial development is being considered by one of the 10 largest advanced battery manufacturers in the world for a new battery production facility." Thelan said.

"The community has been prepared for an opportunity like this to materialize to utilize the infrastructure, airport, access to freeways and locally trained talent pool. Local and state economic and municipal leaders, as well as Ferris State University, have been working diligently with the region’s best interest in mind as it explored this opportunity and are looking forward to disclosing more information and engaging the public. The next step in the process is for the Big Rapids Charter Township, Green Charter Township and Mecosta County board of commissioners to vote on approving the property tax incentives. As the automotive industry undergoes a transformation, companies serving that sector often move at a rapid pace to accommodate emerging needs. As a result, once a decision is made to invest in a new facility, a company will work quickly to bring a factory online. That is very much the case with this opportunity.  However, all parties involved understand there are still numerous processes and steps to be taken before this project becomes a certainty. We remain hopeful to announce more details soon on this project that would position the region at the center of West Michigan’s growing mobility and EV sector.”

Doors open at the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center on Monday at 6:45pm, the meeting begins at 7pm. The public comment portion of the meeting will be limited to five minutes per person.  

Police in Lake County are on the lookout for two men they say robbed the Lake-Osceola State Bank in Luther on Thursday.

According to a press release from the Sheriff's Office, both subjects wore masks and presented a note to the teller demanding money. After getting money from the bank the suspects left on foot.

Per the demand note, a bomb threat was indicated to a school (no specific school was named) during the robbery. As a precaution the Baldwin Community Schools were put on lock down.

The Baldwin Community School buildings were cleared by MSP K-9 and are safe for students and staff to return this morning.

If you have any information relating to this incident, please contact Det/Lt Nixon @ 231-745-2712 or Silent Observer @ 231-745-7581.

After many years serving the community from their Northland Drive location, Pro-Turf Outdoor Services is moving their headquarters into the center of Big Rapids.

Their new location at 1207 Maple Street gives the company much better travel efficiency and a larger
presence in town.

“We are now in the business park near our clientele and where we want to be at for our normal
maintenance.” Owner Marty Shaffer said. “It’s going to make us quicker and have easier access to get
the job done.”

Not only did the long-tending LLC outgrow the old location due to being “landlocked,” but they will also be opening up a second location in the Morton Township business park. This will allow Pro-Turf to provide services easier to many of their clients east of town.

“We’re always looking to expand and this will certainly help make us better in the Canadian Lakes area,” Shaffer said.

With the expansion, Pro-Turf will be looking increase their staff in the near future. According to Shaffer, the company will be looking to hire new workers in both the current Big Rapids location and the future expansion site.

“It’s an ongoing process for us but we’re a growing business and are always looking for qualified
applicants to work for us. We’ll have employees stationed at both (locations) and try to fill those spots as quickly as we can.”

For those interested in working and following along with the business, you can find out more
information by following their Facebook page.

A Cadillac man has been arrested for possession of child sexually abusive material following an investigation by Michigan State Police.

Troopers said the investigation into 38-year-old Brandon Perales started after MSP received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

A search of his home secured evidence including multiple internet capable devices. Perales was charged with one count of possession of child sexually abusive material and one count of using a computer to commit a crime.

A Lake City woman was arrested last week following a drug bust in Mecosta County's Green Township.

It happened September 15th on 19 Mile road.

Deputies say following the drug sting they took 34-year old Samantha Kinch into custody on a charge of felony delivery of methamphetamine. She resisted arrest and had to be physically restrained along the roadside before being placed in the patrol unit.

Kinch was arraigned September 16th on a charge of felony delivery of methamphetamine and the misdemeanor charge of resisting and obstructing arrest.

She posted a $3,500.00 bond and is scheduled to return to court.