^{The following is a game recap courtesy of Senior Writer Tim Twentyman & DetroitLions.com.}

Recap: The Detroit Lions got their first crack at an NFC North opponent Sunday at Ford Field and got the division slate of their schedule off to a great start with a 20-17 win over Green Bay.

Kicker Jake Bates stayed perfect kicking field goals on the season, hitting a 22-yarder as time expired to give Detroit a huge win at home.

The win improves the Lions' record to 4-2 on the season and gives them back-to-back wins for the first time since early October of last season.

Detroit's dynamic receiving duo of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams proved too much for the Packers to contain all contest and helped spearhead the Lions' win. Williams caught two touchdowns (16 & 10 yards) for the second straight week and finished with 91 receiving yards on five receptions. St. Brown caught nine passes for 153 yards.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs was also big in this one, rushing for 116 yards on 29 attempts and catching five passes for 27 yards.

Detroit led 17-14 at the start of the fourth quarter, but Green Bay tied it midway through the quarter on a 43-yard field goal.

On the next Lions' possession, Detroit couldn't convert a 4th & 1 at their own 22-yard line, giving Green Bay terrific field position with a chance to take the lead. The Packers eventually lined up for a 35-yard field goal try that was blocked.

Detroit's offense took over and never gave the football back.

They marched 71 yards down the field in 10 plays, taking off the last three minutes and 21 seconds and setting up Bates for the winner.

The Lions also got a huge fourth-quarter interception from safety Brian Branch, who was playing in his first game since tearing his Achilles last December.

QB comparison: Jared Goff registered his 29th consecutive game with a touchdown pass and completed 22 of his 32 pass attempts for 303 yards and those two touchdowns to Williams. He finished with a 119.7 passer rating. Goff has now gone six straight games to begin the season without throwing an interception. He has 14 touchdowns and no picks. He was credited with a lost fumble Sunday on a bad exchange with center Cade Mays, who started his first game of the season coming off Reserve/Injured.

Jordan Love finished 27-for-45 passing for 274 yards with two touchdown passes to tight end Tucker Kraft and running back Josh Jacobs. He also threw an interception and finished with an 83.0 rating.

Impact moment: After Green Bay missed a chance to take a 20-17 lead late with the failed 35-yard field goal attempt, Goff led the Lions down the field with the critical play being a 2nd & 8 dart to tight end Sam LaPorta over the middle to Detroit's 45-yard line. The Lions got 15 yards tacked on via Karl Brooks' roughing the passer penalty.

Detroit marched down to the Packers' 20-yard line where they faced a 3rd & 5. Green Bay gifted the Lions a first down with an offside penalty, jumping on a hard count. Detroit ran the clock down from there thanks to two unselfish runs by Gibbs, turning down touchdowns to get downs and run the clock.

Key stat: Detroit held Green Bay to just 60 yards rushing and no rushing touchdowns.

Injury report: Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. left the game in the second half with an ankle injury and did not return.

Next week: vs. Minnesota (6-0), Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. (FOX)

Local Realtor Brittany Felde was recently featured on Inside Success TV as part of the “Women in Power” series.

The show, which was filmed in Miami, Florida, features Felde sharing parts of her life story and the inspiration that led her into real estate.

“I was on Facebook and saw some casting opportunities on Netflix,” Felde said. “When I submitted my application, they saw my business and everything. That’s when they called to see if (Women in Power) would be something I would be interested in.”

She launched Felde Realty in 2021. The company, based in Morley, has 14 listing agents and serves seven area counties. Brittany has won multiple awards, including RateMyAgent’s Agent of the Year in 2025.

While she changed career plans multiple times, Felde fell in love with the real estate process while purchasing her first home at 21 years old. She then obtained her real estate license while holding two other jobs and sold 60 houses in her first year.

When asked what inspired her to start her own company, she said she wanted to maximize license capabilities for agents to buy and sell houses.

“I created my company to help everybody and service the entire state. I’ve also been able to give back to the community that I’m a part of, and that’s been really big.”

Along with her real estate venture, Brittany operates Felde Fun Houses, a party inflatable rental business that also includes party supplies and a hall rental. She also has multiple Airbnb rental properties and has co-authored and contributed to a pair of real estate and financial success books.

“I definitely feel like (the episode) is empowering a lot of women,” Felde said. “When they first cast me, they were really trying to stick my story to its small-town roots, but now, it’s really focused on that you can be a mom and a successful business owner. I think that is encouraging for people to know that you can be a mom and still chase your dreams.”

To watch the episode, visit here: Built From Courage: Inside Success TV Episode.

_{Photo courtesy of Brittany Felde and Inside Success TV.}

It's time for the General Election this November! For those living in Mecosta County, see our voting guide below to help you know what's going to be on the ballot.

MECOSTA COUNTY BALLOT GUIDE

Date: Tuesday, November 3

Polling Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Additional Resources:

• POLLING PLACE
• EARLY VOTING INFO
• GENERAL VOTING INFO

*STATE OFFICIALS*

State Governor & Lieutenant Governor (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Jocelyn Benson & Winnie Brinks, Democrat

• John James & Jay DeBoyer, Republican

• Anthony Hudson & Beau Parmenter, Libertarian

• Donna Brandenburg & Robert Cowper II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Campbell & Bobbie Clay, Green

Secretary of State (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Garlin Gilchrist II, Democrat

• Anthony Forlini, Republican

• Christine Sloan, Libertarian

• Scott Aughney, U.S. Taxpayers

• Eric Borregard, Green

Attorney General (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Eli Savit, Democrat

• Doug Lloyd, Republican

• Jason Dye, Libertarian

• John Perry Ludtke Jr., U.S. Taxpayers

• Jeff Polonowski, Green

• Doug Dern, Natural Law

*CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS*

U.S. Senator (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Abdul El-Sayed, Democrat

• Mike Rogers, Republican

• Lydia Christensen, Libertarian

• Tim Long, U.S. Taxpayers

• Douglas Marsh, Green

• Walter Kristy, Natural Law

U.S. Congress - 2nd District (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Ben Ambrose, Democrat

• John Moolenaar, Republican*^INC

• Charlotte Magoon, Green

• Richard Sills, Natural Law

State Senator - 34th District (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Roger Hauck, Republican*^INC

• Tyler Landgraf, Democrat

State Representative - 100th District (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Tom Kunse, Republican*^INC

• Tracy Ruell, Democrat

*STATE EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

State Board of Education (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Judith Pritchett, Democrat

• Tiffany Tilley, Democrat

• Terence Collins, Republican

• Bree Moeggenberg, Republican

• Charles Essner, Libertarian

• William Mohr II, U.S. Taxpayers

• Christine Schwartz, U.S. Taxpayers

• Wissam Charafeddine, Green

• Mary Anne Hering, Working Class

• Kelli Monroe, Natural Law

Regent of the University of Michigan (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Paul Brown, Democrat

• Amir Makled, Democrat

• Lena Epstein, Republican

• Michael Schostak, Republican

• Andrew Chadderdon, Libertarian

• Kyle Maas, U.S. Taxpayers

Trustee of Michigan State University (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Brianna Scott, Democrat

• Kelly Tebay Zemke, Democrat

• Julie Maday, Republican

• Roger Victory, Republican

• Daniel Patterson, Libertarian

• Will Tyler White, Libertarian

• Janet Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Sanger, U.S. Taxpayers

• John Anthony La Pietra, Green

• Yaz Ozbek, Working Class

Govenor of Wayne State University (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Shereef Akeel, Democrat

• Richard Mack, Democrat

• Andy Anuzis, Republican

• Christa Murphy, Republican

• Alex Avery, Libertarian

• Jami Van Alstine, Libertarian

• Jeff McDonald, U.S. Taxpayers

• Paul Ragan, Green

• Suzanne Roehrig, Working Class

• Kathleen Oakford, Natural Law

*JUDICIAL OFFICIALS*

Justice of Supreme Court (2)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Megan Kathleen Cavanagh*^INC

• Noah P. Hood*^INC

• Thomas W. Howe

• Casandra Morse-Bills

• Michael Warren

• Jody White

Judge of Court of Appeals (3)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Michael J. Kelly*^INC

• Allie Greenleaf Maldonado*^INC

• Michelle M. Rick*^INC

Judge of 49th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Dennis L. Duvall Jr.

Judge of 77th Circuit Court (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Peter Michael Jaklevic*^INC

*COUNTY OFFICIALS*

Mecosta County Road Commissioner (1)

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Michael Wernette, Republican

Mecosta County Commissioner - 5th District (1)

Aetna TWP, Austin TWP, Big Rapids TWP, Mecosta TWP

• Randy LaPreze, Republican

Mecosta County Commissioner - 6th District (1)

City of Big Rapids

• Wendy Nystrom, Democrat

• Allitta Hren, Republican

*CITY, TOWNSHIP, & VILLAGE OFFICIALS*

Austin Township Treasurer (1)

Aetna TWP

• Laurie Brockway, Republican

Austin Township Trustee (1)

Aetna TWP

• Kayla Iltis, Republican

Deerfield Township Treasurer (1)

Deerfield TWP

• No candidates on ballot.

Fork Township Treasurer (1)

Fork TWP

• Patti McNeilly, Republican

Sheridan Township Clerk (1)

Sheridan TWP

• Bridget Hahn, Democrat

Village of Barryton President (1)

Fork TWP

• Dan Cross

• Terah Eaton

• Jeff Nelson

Village of Barryton Trustee (1)

Fork TWP

• LaVonne Horstman

• Amy MacKersie

Village of Mecosta President (1)

Morton TWP - P1

• Jonathan Squires

• Ann Marie Wrobbel

Village of Mecosta Trustee (2)

Morton TWP - P1

• Terrie Caswell

• Deb Stieg

Village of Morley President (1)

Aetna TWP, Deerfield TWP

• Austin Korpal

Village of Morley Trustee (3)

Aetna TWP, Deerfield TWP

• Paul D. Block

• Teresa Fay Utter-Knight

• Katlyn Korpal

• Henry W. Petersen

• Steven C. Troost

• James Lewis (partial term until 12/1/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Village of Stanwood President (1)

Mecosta TWP

• Cody Stilson

Village of Stanwood Trustee (2)

Mecosta TWP

• Jessica Routley

• Harmony Stilson

• No candidate for partial term until 12/1/28*

*LOCAL EDUCATIONAL OFFICIALS*

Big Rapids Public School District Board Member (2)

City of Big Rapids, Colfax TWP, Grant TWP, Green TWP, Martiny TWP

• Pete Kent

• Jeremy Mishler

Chippewa Hills School District Board Member (4)

Austin TWP, Chippewa TWP, Colfax TWP, Fork TWP, Martiny TWP, Millbrook TWP, Morton TWP, Sheridan TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Katie Bazaire (4-year term)

• Amanda Cornell (4-year term)

• Melissa E. Denslow (4-year term)

• Tony Gibson (4-year term)

• Shauna M. Livermore (4-year term)

• Jesse Steele (4-year term)

Evart School District Board Member (2)

Chippewa TWP, Grant TWP

• Bre Grabill (6-year-term)

• Eric Schmidt (6-year-term)

Lakeview Community School District Board Member (3)

Hinton TWP, Millbrook TWP

• David Hansen

• Brad Peasley

Montabella Community Schools Board Member (2)

Hinton TWP, Millbrook TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Kaylee Closson

• Erica Vincent

• No candidate for partial term until 12/31/28*

Montcalm Community College Board of Trustees Member (2)

Hinton TWP, Millbrook TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Robert Byram

• Joshua Stamp

Morley Stanwood Community Schools Board Member (4)

Aetna TWP, Deerfield TWP, Mecosta TWP

• Greg Babbitt (4-year term)
• Emily J. Bongard (4-year term)
• Mary L. Engelsman (4-year term)
• Matthias Stevens (4-year term)
• Michelle R. Frisbie (6-year term)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

Reed City Area Public Schools Board Member (3)

Grant TWP, Green TWP

• Troy Alan Bowling (4-year term)
• Jamie Eichenberg (4-year term)
• Christine Mund (4-year term)
• Dustin Robbins (4-year term)
• Maggie M. Walcott (partial term until 12/1/28)* ^{seperate from 4-year}

*STATE PROPOSALS*

Proposal 2026-1: Convene A Constitutional Convention For The Purpose Of Drafting A General Revision Of The State Constitution?

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Shall a convention of elected delegates be convened in 2027 to draft a general revision of the State Constitution for presentation to the state’s voters for their approval or rejection?

Proposal 2026-2: Proposed Law To Prohibit Campaign Contributions From Certain Regulated Utilities And Government Contractors And Apply Campaign Finance Laws And Regulations To Additional Types Of Political Communications?

All TWPs and City of Big Rapids

• Prohibit regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors with over $250,000 annually in government contracts, and people and organizations with substantial connections to these utilities/contractors from making direct or indirect campaign contributions to those who run for or hold offices that impact them. 

• Expand laws regulating spending on political communications, including those requiring disclosing donor information, to apply to communications clearly identifying candidates or ballot questions, even if they do not expressly advocate voting for/against them. 

• Expressly apply the law requiring disclosure of who paid for political communications to internet political communications. 

• Should this proposal be adopted?

*CITY & SCHOOL PROPOSALS*

City of Big Rapids Proposition for Revised City Charter

City of Big Rapids

• Shall the revised city charter proposed by the City Charter Commission be adopted?

Chippewa Hills School District Bond Proposal

Austin TWP, Chippewa TWP, Colfax TWP, Fork TWP, Martiny TWP, Morton TWP, Sheridan TWP, Wheatland TWP

• Shall Chippewa Hills School District, Mecosta, Isabella and Osceola Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Nine Million Nine Hundred Thousand Dollars ($29,900,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:

  • Remodeling, including safety and security improvements, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and reequipping existing school buildings; erecting, furnishing, and equipping school support buildings; acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings; purchasing school buses; and equipping, developing, and improving playgrounds, athletic fields and facilities, parking areas, driveways, and sites?

  • The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 1.04 mills ($1.04 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty (20) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.03 mills (1.03 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

  • (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Fork Township Road Maintenance Renewal

Fork TWP

• Shall the previous voted increase in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Fork Township of 1 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) be renewed and levied at up to .9739 mill ( $0.9739 per $1,000 of taxable value) for four (4) years, 2028 through 2031 inclusive, for the Purpose of providing funds for the maintenance and repair of roads within Fork Township boundaries, raising an estimated $71,723 in the first year the millage is levied?

Reed City Area Public School District Bond Proposal

Grant TWP, Green TWP

• Shall Reed City Area Public Schools, Osceola, Mecosta, Newaygo and Lake Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Ten Million Seven Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($10,780,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: 

• Remodeling and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; and preparing, developing, improving and equipping structures, sites and lighting at the high school athletic field? 

• The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 0.20 mill ($0.20 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a -0- mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is nine (9) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.83 mills ($1.83 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). 

• The school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $2,260,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. 

• (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Megan Somsel got through Ferris State University on food assistance and Medicaid, living in low-income housing as an independent student. Now, she stocks a free vending machine built for students in her old shoes.

The basic needs vending machine stands outside the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive, and gives students hygiene and wellness items around the clock at no cost. Ferris State, Corewell Health and District Health Department No. 10 held a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.

“I tell my students all the time that I was in your shoes,” said Somsel, Ferris State’s basic needs care coordinator in the Office of Student Life.

Somsel grew up in Blanchard, about 30 minutes from Big Rapids, and became emancipated from her parents at 17. She graduated from Ferris State in 2017 without knowing the Office of Student Life or the Personal Counseling Center existed, though she carried childhood trauma she said she would have taken to counseling. Ferris State had no food pantry then.

“I wish we had a food pantry back then when I was here because I definitely would have used it,” she said.

Somsel later worked as a case worker for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Now she processes Ferris Cares emergency fund applications, helps students apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and builds monthly budgets with them.

“I truly believe that I was put in this role to connect with those students,” she said.

Andy Slater, director of Counseling and Anti-Violence Prevention Programming at the Personal Counseling Center, brought Somsel onto the machine project last December. Corewell Health offered Ferris State a $20,000 grant from opioid settlement funds administered by Mecosta County. Slater managed the grant. Somsel bought the contents, helped design the machine and joined every meeting with Corewell and the manufacturer.

The settlement required naloxone and other risk-reduction items. Corewell left the rest to Ferris State. When full, the machine holds 300 to 500 items across nine categories, including shampoo, toothpaste, menstrual and personal hygiene products, hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Students enter the code 123 and their student ID number, then choose up to one item per category per hour.

Somsel’s office already hands out hygiene care packages, but only 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The machine covers nights and weekends, and it offers privacy.

“Not all students want to be seen taking a bag full of stuff out with them in the middle of the David Eisler Center,” Somsel said.

Slater sees the machine as a companion to the campus food pantry, which also operates in the Eisler Center.

“They get the food that they need, they get the hygiene stuff they need, they can go home and they can go pass their classes,” he said.

About $8,000 of the grant remains for restocking. Corewell partners told Slater that Ferris State can apply for more, and Somsel’s office holds Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance funds as a backup.

Slater set no usage target. He wants students to know the machine exists. For Somsel, who didn’t know about these resources as a student, that awareness is the point.

“These resources are here and you can utilize them as much as you need to,” she said. “Do it. There’s no shame in it.”

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

Late Thursday night, Oct. 22, 2026, law enforcement responded to multiple reports of shots fired in Martiny Township.

At approximately 8:08 p.m., Mecosta County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on 13 Mile Road for a report of shots fired. While en route, an additional call reported others rounds being fired into a nearby residence on the same road. Deputies made contact with the second caller, who showed them a bullet hole in the east side wall of the house.

While inside the residence, deputies heard several gunshots outside. They exited in an attempt to locate the source of the gunfire and heard several more shots, some of which struck the residence. The sergeant on scene requested assistance from the emergency response team and declared a barricaded gunman situation. Deputies held the perimeter and evacuated nearby citizens until additional resources arrived.

A search and arrest warrant were quickly secured by the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office. It was executed by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team, which established communication with the suspect and negotiated his surrender from an armored vehicle. 

“The suspect was taken into custody without further incident,” Sgt. Shawn Stallard of the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office said. “Several firearms, including high-powered rifles, a shotgun and a pistol, as well as a stockpile of ammunition, were seized from the target residence. No injuries were reported.”

The suspect has been charged with two counts of discharging a firearm at or into an occupied dwelling and two counts of felony firearm.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team, the Morton Township Fire and Rescue Drone Team, Meceola Central Dispatch, and Michigan State Police from the Isabella and Lakeview posts.

_{Release information courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}

Last week, 41-year-old Gregory Hite and 41-year-old Bridget Bureau were bound over felony charges for an alleged criminal enterprise.

The couple, from Lake (Station) stole the identity of a local excavation business to obtain financing to resell equipment without a title. 44 pieces of equipment were illegally sold for a value of nearly $2 million. They were also charged with multiple counts of filing a false tax return.

"Identity thieves can target anyone, including businesses, for their own personal financial gain,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I want to thank the Clare County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Treasury for their investigative work on this case. We will continue to work with our state and local partners to hold accountable those who steal from Michigan residents.”

Hite was bound over:

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000;
• Three counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $25,000;
• One count of False Pretenses $100,000 or more, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $35,000;
• One count of False Pretenses $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $25,000;
• One count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a felony punishable by 10 years and/or $10,000; and
• Five counts of Taxes- False Return, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $5,000.

Bureau was bound over on:

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000;
• Three counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $25,000; and
• Six counts of Taxes- Failure to File/False Return (tax years 2019 through 2024), a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $5,000.

The case is in the 55th Circuit Court in Clare County.

After more than four years in Russian custody, 74-year-old Stephen James Hubbard was released on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Hubbard grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. He taught in Japan for nearly 25 years and moved to Izium, Ukraine, in 2014.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was involved in the announcement on Wednesday. Major news outlets reported that Hubbard was aboard a jet that landed in Texas late Wednesday night.

“Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family,” President Donald Trump said via Truth Social. “The United States was not required to give anything in return — an unprecedented situation for Russia.”

Trump also said he contacted Putin directly by phone to negotiate the release.

Hubbard was detained by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2022 and was sentenced two years later on allegations of being a Ukrainian mercenary.

The United States designated Hubbard as “wrongfully detained” in January 2025, saying there was no evidence of him being a combatant. He was the oldest American held in Russia with that designation at the time of his release.

A 67-year-old man is missing after he was last seen in Howard City on Friday, Oct. 16. Brent Braford is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 190 pounds. He also needs medication.

Initial reports say he could be in Howard City, Sparta, Big Rapids, Kent City or White Cloud. Braford drives a dark-colored 2017 four-door Chevrolet Silverado truck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Ouwinga at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 689-7303. Please reference Report No. 162-2266-26.

_{Release information and photo courtesy of Newaygo County Sheriff's Office.}

Ferris State University men's basketball will hit the hardwood this week in an exhibition against Calvin University to start a new era under the leadership of head coach Brooks Miller.

The tilt is set for Thursday, Oct. 22 with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for all attendees.

A two-time National Coach of the Year, Miller was hired as the 15th head coach in Bulldog men's basketball history. He brings championship experience to the program after leading Trine University to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship, and more recently served at the NCAA DI level as the associate head coach at Central Michigan.

Thursday’s contest includes a special meeting for Miller that features two legendary Ferris State coaches: Ed Douma and Bill Sall.

Douma will be honored before the start of Thursday’s contest, as his successful career that spanned 34 years included serving as an assistant coach for Ferris State under Sall’s leadership from 2009-13 before retiring.

Before joining the Bulldogs, Douma served with multiple institutions - including Central Michigan University - while leading Calvin to the 1992 NCAA DIII National Championship to go along with multiple conference regular season and postseason titles. Douma was also inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.

Miller emphasized what will be a special moment between the trio this week, as he noted that Douma gave him his first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level.

"Coach Douma opened doors for me that no one else could and challenged me in a way that forced me to find something in myself that I did not know I had," Miller said. "He provided opportunities for many of us that never would have been possible without his guidance.”

Sall was the Bulldogs’ head coach from 2002-13 and now enters his eighth season as the head coach for the Calvin Knights. He claimed four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and made three trips to the NCAA DII Tournament while coaching for Ferris State.

The relationship between the three coaches goes deeper, as Miller was coached by Douma and Sall during his collegiate playing career at Hillsdale College.

“My family and I will be forever grateful for the impact both coach (Douma) and Carolyn have had in our lives, and I will work tirelessly to share many of the lessons he taught me to those I am fortunate enough to coach,” Miller said.

Ferris State will look to return to its winning ways under the leadership of Miller as the Bulldogs will have four straight regular-season matchups to open the season between Nov. 4 and 14. Their first GLIAC contest is slated for Dec. 3 against Saginaw Valley State at home.

_{Release and photos courtesy of Ferris State University & Athletics.}

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that her office will intervene in a new natural gas rate case filed by Consumers Energy.

On Oct. 15, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a roughly 4.3% rate increase that will allow Consumers Energy to collect an additional $139.2 million annually. The utility had requested about $240 million. The approved amount is more than 42% lower than the request.

Four days later, on Oct. 19, Consumers Energy filed notice of its intent to seek another natural gas rate increase. The full application is expected in December.

“Major utilities like Consumers Energy and DTE employ entire teams of staff to craft rate hike applications to file one right after another, and their bill-paying customers pay all the costs to craft these massive proposals,” Nessel said in a release. “In the past, we have asked the MPSC to require both companies to track their costs associated with rate hike cases and, as long as their customers are paying for the process, I hope someday soon we’ll know just how much.”

Starting Nov. 1, a typical residential customer using 75 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month will see an increase of about $3.92. These rate increases generally cover capital investment costs such as gas mains, pipes and service lines.

Consumers Energy received approval for a $157.5 million natural gas rate increase on Sept. 30, 2025. The company also has a separate electric rate case pending in which it is seeking roughly $456 million. It serves approximately 1.8 million natural gas customers in Michigan.

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that a 40-year-old man has been extradited from Texas to Mecosta County to face charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Freddie Patterson was transported by the U.S. Marshals Service on Thursday, Oct. 15, to the Mecosta County Jail. He was arraigned the following day in the 77th District Court on the charge and is being held without bond.

According to the department, the case stems from an investigation originally reported in 2021. Investigators have been working since 2024 to locate and extradite Patterson, who had been incarcerated in a Texas prison on unrelated charges.

"The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety would like to thank the Mecosta County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and United States Marshals Service for their assistance and cooperation throughout the extradition process," Big Rapids DPS said. "The charges referenced are allegations, and Patterson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."

_{Release information courtesy of the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.}

Monday, October 12

• An officer was dispatched to a well-being check. The officer made contact with the subject who requested medical assistance. The officer stood by with the subject until medical personnel arrived on location. 
• An officer was dispatched to a residence for a civil dispute between siblings. The complainant was advised they needed to contact the Probate Court for further court involvement.
• An officer was contacted regarding a child abuse complaint. It was determined that the incident occurred outside of the city limits. The officer took a brief statement and completed a referral to Children Protective Services. The complaint was also turned over to the Osceola County Sheriff's Department.
• An officer assisted Osceola County Sheriff's Department with a domestic assault complaint.

Tuesday, October 13

• An officer was requested to do a standby for a community event.
• An officer was dispatched to a retail fraud complaint. The subjects were identified, and the complaint remains open pending further investigation.

Wednesday, October 14

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a traffic complaint.
• An officer was requested for VIN inspection and verification.

Thursday, October 15

• An officer was dispatched to an open phone line with no one on the line and no answer on an attempt to call back. Upon investigating the incident, it was found that 911 was mistakenly dialed. 

Friday, October 16

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a private property accident with damages.

Saturday, October 17

• An officer was dispatched to check the well-being of a child. The child was found to be okay.

Sunday, October 18

•  An officer was dispatched to investigate a hit and run accident. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.

• An officer was requested by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office to assist with a suspicious situation complaint involving multiple suspects who were involved in a recent theft. 

• An officer was requested by an Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy to assist them with a harassment/threat's complaint between two subjects. 

More than $1.4 million is heading to rural parts of Michigan for broadband expansion projects.

As part of Michigan’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, 23 subgrantee agreements have been made to help connect about 200,000 homes to high-speed internet. These agreements will move the process forward toward construction for nearly 20,000 homes around the greater Big Rapids area.

Here are the number of homes in each county:

• Clare: 4,055
• Isabella: 1,233
• Lake: 1,844
• Mecosta: 2,863
• Montcalm: 2,832
• Newaygo: 2,886
• Osceola: 3,633

“Reliable high-speed internet means a student can complete homework, a parent can work from home, a small business can reach new customers and a family can access healthcare without leaving home,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Thanks to the commitment of our BEAD subgrantees, who are investing their own funds alongside this effort, we’re bringing more communities closer to these opportunities and building a stronger, more connected Michigan.”

The subgrantees include:

• 123NET
• Brightspeed
• CMS Internet
• Frontier
• Great Lakes Energy/Truestream
• Michigan Bell
• Midwest Energy & Communications
• Point Broadband Fiber Holding
• Spectrum
• Strategic Management, LLC

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) also anticipates five more subgrantees will sign agreements in the near future. Subgrantees have four years to complete their projects once agreements are made.

To see a map of projects, visit here: MICHIGAN BROADBAND MAP.

_{Release information courtesy of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.}

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking tips on a suspect and vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that occurred in Webber Township on Oct. 9.

According to a post, the rear-end crash happened around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 10 and M-37 in Baldwin. The suspect is described as a white woman with light-colored hair who was driving a dark gray or navy blue Chevrolet Cruze.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle is encouraged to contact Sgt. Botello by phone at 231-745-2711 or by email at rbotello@co.lake.mi.us.

_{Information and images courtesy of Lake County Sheriff's Office.}

Monday, Oct. 12

• At 3:13 p.m., deputies responded to Big Rapids Township for an assault that occurred on October 11. This incident is under investigation. 

• At 7:15 p.m., a report was filed for a stolen motorcycle. The vehicle is described as a grey colored Kawasaki KLX230. Anyone with information can contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

• At 10:22 p.m., deputies assisted with a warrant arrest. The female was located and arrested on an outstanding warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail without incident.

Calls for Service: 33

Traffic Accidents: 4

Tuesday, Oct. 13

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 0

Wednesday, Oct. 14

• At 7:25 hours, deputies made a traffic stop in Millbrook Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on several warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 5

Thursday, Oct. 15

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, Oct. 16

• At 7:52 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Hinton Township. The male driver was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

Saturday, Oct. 17

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 6

Traffic Accidents: 3

Sunday, Oct. 18

• At 7:54 a.m., deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in Fork Township. A male subject was arrested for Resist/Obstruct. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 7:54 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Wheatland Township. A male subject was arrested on warrants out of Isabella County. He was turned over to Isabella County.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 3

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced it will convert the intersection of Northland Drive and 8 Mile Road into a four-way stop.

Located just north of Stanwood, the intersection is slated for conversion on Thursday, Oct. 22. Work includes installing new stop signs, pavement markings and adjustments to the overhead traffic lights. MDOT's initial estimation is the conversion will be completed in a day or two.

“Lane closures will be in effect throughout the day,” MDOT said. “Both directions of traffic will share one lane and alternate using traffic regulators.”

MDOT also said message boards will be in place to notify drivers of the change.

The intersection is near Big L Lumber, Ice Mountain, Mecosta Township Fire & Rescue and J & J Self Storage.

_{Release information and map image courtesy of MDOT.}

Six area high school bands will take the field tonight, Oct. 17, for spectacular Glow Show performances at Reed City High School.

Participating schools include Big Rapids, Lake City, Ludington, Morley Stanwood, Pine River and Reed City.

“This is a great event celebrating local school marching bands with the added twist of turning the stadium lights off and watching the band glow in their halftime performances,” Val Robbins of the Reed City Band Boosters said. “There will be concessions and fun glow merchandise where all sales go toward the Reed City Bands.”

Performances will start at 7:30 p.m. Entry to the stadium starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased on-site for $10 or online before 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the show, visit https://www.reedcitybands.org/glow-show/.

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for overnight Saturday, Oct. 17.

Subfreezing temperatures as low as 31 degrees are expected from midnight to 8 a.m. The warning will be in effect for Isabella, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties.

“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS said in an alert. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”

Hourly WeatherEye forecasts can be heard at the top of the hour on WBRN via 96.5 FM, 1460 AM, WBRN.com and the WBRN mobile app.

Now 23 days into the fall season, temperatures are beginning to drop across West Michigan.

According to weather models and various forecasts, the next two weeks are expected to be transitional in terms of temperatures and precipitation.

The region is forecast to see a period of rain and cooler overnight temperatures between Oct. 16 and Oct. 17. Winds are also expected to be gusty over this two-day period, with gusts potentially reaching as high as 35 mph. A rebound of warmer temperatures is projected over the weekend into early next week, with highs possibly reaching the mid-60s through the week of Oct. 18–24.

A cooling trend, accompanied by moderate chances of precipitation, is forecast to begin the week of Oct. 25. This could bring high temperatures down into the 50s, with overnight lows in the upper 30s. Winds are expected during this period but are not projected to be as strong as those earlier in the week.

Outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center indicate temperatures running on the warmer side of historical averages for November. This is consistent with a strengthening El Niño, which often favors drier conditions and a later first snowfall, though outcomes can vary.

Big Rapids historically sees its first measurable snowfall sometime in early November. The earliest on record occurred Oct. 11 during an Arctic air outbreak in 2006. Current projections suggest the first snowfall this year may occur slightly later into the middle of November, but outlooks aren't certain at this time.

For more daily weather information, visit https://bigrapidsdailynews.com/forecast.

Ferris State University’s College of Engineering Technology is hosting dozens of high school girls for the third annual Jill of All Trades event, which helps the students learn more about the opportunities to launch a career in skilled professions.

More than 100 students are expected to attend on Thursday, Oct. 15, as Ferris State is the first and only institution in Michigan to host the event.

Initially founded in 2014 by Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Ontario, Jill of All Trades is described an international program designed to inspire young women in grades nine through 12 to explore rewarding careers.

"The College of Engineering Technology is honored to host the Jill of All Trades at Ferris State, and we continue to incite curiosity, encourage creativity and empower young women to explore opportunities they may not otherwise encounter,” CET Dean Kate O’Connor said.

“Offering an opportunity for the students to not only have learned more about programs we offer, but more importantly learning about themselves, is an invaluable experience that all cherish.”

High school girls from Big Rapids, Newaygo, Morley-Stanwood and other districts will have the chance to learn more and gain a bit of real-world experience through Ferris State’s engineering tech programs. This includes Plastics, Mechatronics, Heavy Equipment, Construction Management, Automotive, Welding and more.

Ashley Hawley, who serves as Ferris State’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator, recognizes that the initiative also helps to increase post-secondary enrollment in the trades to address the skilled trades shortage.

 “For many participants, this experience provides their first opportunity to explore hands-on activities, discover new interests and envision possibilities they may not have considered before,” Hawley said. “Watching curiosity turn into confidence and seeing students recognize their own potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of this event.”

A critical piece of the event is the help from industry sponsors that enhance the event and assist with showing the students what established businesses have to offer aspiring professionals.

Many of those existing partners are based in West Michigan. That is why university and CET program leaders are expanding the Jill of All Trades event to the Kendall College of Art and Design campus in 2027 to provide an opportunity for Grand Rapids area students to experience the program.

“We are so thrilled to partner with another fantastic Ferris State college to bring the Jill of All Trades experience to Grand Rapids schools next spring,” said Lilly Franklin, recruiting and engagement officer for CET.

Dates and times for next spring’s event in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids will be available soon.

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