Monday, Aug. 31

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 0

Tuesday, Sep. 1

• At 7:40 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Morton Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on a warrant out of Osceola County. He was turned over to Osceola County.

Calls for Service: 18

Traffic Accidents: 2

Wednesday, Sep. 2

• At 8:23 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Colfax Township. The traffic stop resulted in two male subjects being arrested on warrants. Both were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 13

Traffic Accidents: 1

Thursday, Sep. 3

• At 5:10 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Green Township. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 7:19 p.m., deputies investigated a hit and run accident in Aetna Township. Additional investigation resulted in the location of the male driver, who had initially fled the scene. He was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated and an additional probation violation. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 10:59 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids Township. A male subject was arrested and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 5

Friday, Sep. 4

• At 1:53 a.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Big Rapids Township. The traffic stop resulted in the female driver being arrested for Operating While Intoxicated. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 11:15 a.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Montcalm County. A female subject was arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 1

Saturday, Sep. 5

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 4

Sunday, Sep. 6

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 1

Monday, Sep. 7

• At 11:45 a.m., deputies responded to an assault complaint at a residence in Green Township. A male subject was arrested for Assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 9:02 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Green Township. A female subject was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 13

Traffic Accidents: 0

The Speedway gas station, located near the intersection of 19 Mile Road and Northland Drive (Old US-131), will be closing on Monday, Sep. 28, 2026.

The station will then re-open as a Shell gas station at a later date. Store managers say the station conversion could take as little as a week.

Speedy Rewards points will not transfer to the Shell location, and customers are being told to use them before the rebrand.

Michigan has 294 Speedway stores, with nearby locations remain in Cadillac, Cedar Springs, Fremont, Kent City and Newaygo.

The converted store would become Big Rapids’ second Shell, joining the station at 21445 Perry Avenue. Shell is Michigan’s third-largest fuel brand with more than 400 locations, only trailing Marathon, with about 686 sites, and ExxonMobil, with about 579.

For more details, visit the location at 19246 Northland Drive.

On Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, at about 11:27 a.m., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the area of 137th Avenue and Washington Road in Deerfield Township for a reported crash involving a farm tractor.

Upon arrival, deputies and emergency personnel found a 74-year-old man from Morley who had sustained significant injuries.

According to the investigation, the man had a medical emergency while driving a Farmall tractor. He then fell from the tractor while it was still in gear and was run over by the hayrack trailer being pulled behind it.

“Mecosta County EMS provided emergency medical treatment at the scene before transporting the male to the Lakeview Airport,” deputies said.“From the airport, the male was transported by Aero Med helicopter to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for further medical treatment.”

The man sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Mecosta County EMS and Morton Township Rescue.

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

On Saturday, Sep. 5, 2026, at approximately 5:51 p.m., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a vehicle crash at the intersection of 20 Mile Road and 80^th Avenue near Chippewa Lake.

Upon arrival at the scene, deputies located a Chevrolet Cruze in the west ditch of 80^th Avenue. The driver, a 22-year-old woman from Tecumseh, was travelling west bound on 20 Mile Road and tried to swerve and avoid a piece of debris in the roadway.

"Her vehicle left the roadway and drove into the ditch," Sheriff's deputies said. "The driver was uninjured but her passenger, a 21-year-old female from Tipton, sustained minor injuries. (She) was transported to Corewell Health Big Rapids Hospital for further treatment via Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services."

Alcohol nor drugs were found to be factor in the crash.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Mecola Central Dispatch, Hilltop Towing, Chippewa Martiny Fire & Rescue, Fork Township Fire & Rescue, and Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services.

In keeping with tradition, the Big Rapids Elks will cook meals for downtown visitors during the annual Labor Day Festival.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Elks will grill and serve barbecue chicken dinners with baked beans, potato salad, a roll and a cookie. Meals cost $18 and include a choice of soda or water.

“Our members will be grilling and serving dinners from 11 a.m. until about 4 p.m. or when the chicken is gone,” the Elks said. “Come see us down on the corner of Pine Street and Michigan Avenue, picnic-style.”

Kids’ meals also will be available for $8 and include a quarter-pound hot dog, chips, a cookie and a choice of water or soda.

Money raised from the event will support the Elks’ sponsorships, scholarships and community action programs.

The Big Rapids Elks tent will be near the lodge at 203 E. Pine St.

Ferris State University is making it more convenient for students to travel between the Big Rapids campus and programs based in Grand Rapids with enhanced bus service through the Bulldog Line partnership with the Rapid.

Bulldog Line service starts again on Monday, Aug. 31, with a new schedule serving as a convenient and inexpensive way to commute between Big Rapids and Grand Rapids, with stops in Cedar Springs.

The complete schedule and details on purchasing the service are available here.

One-way trips are only $5, but students can purchase unlimited use for the semester for $480 or pay $120 for 30 consecutive days. 

The 40-foot bus is unmistakable as it rides around town or on U.S. 131, emblazoned with the proud Ferris State Bulldog. The bus has seating capacity of 40 passengers and standing room for about 20 people.

The Bulldog line originates in Grand Rapids at Central Station, 250 Cesar Chavez Ave. SW, starting at 5:15 a.m.

Northbound stops are planned near Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design at the intersection of Ionia Avenue and Monroe Center St. starting at 8:07 a.m.

The bus stops at the Meijer at 3700 17 Mile Road in Cedar Springs, with the stop located in the parking lot directly south of the Meijer gas station.

The first Big Rapids stop is at Bond Court, with the bus shelter outside Puterbaugh Hall, across the street from the Michigan College of Optometry.

The Bulldog Line then heads to Granger Building with the stop at the north end of building in lot 2D. Riders can stand in the north end vestibule of the Granger Building or outside under cover. 

The southbound trip includes stops again at Meijer in Cedar Springs, KCAD at the intersection of Division Avenue and Fountain Street and then to the Rapid’s Central Station.

The Bulldog Line route follows the academic year and provides transit when classes are in session. The bus does not operate in the summer or on days when classes aren't held, such as holidays.

Anyone with questions about Bulldog Line between Grand Rapids and Big Rapids can call Campus Auxiliary Services at (231) 591-5402

To see where the Bulldog Line is at any time, check the Rapid Connect webpage or download the MyStop App. For questions on bus delays, call the Rapid at (616) 776-1100.

Through the MyStop app students can subscribe to text or email messages and alerts regarding the bus. Riders are also encouraged to sign up forFerris Emergency Text Alerts to receive updates on weather related cancellations and other special announcements.

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

The nationally top-ranked Ferris State University football squad will host the Bentley (Mass.) Falcons in its regular-season home opener this Friday (Sept. 4) at Top Taggart Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (ET).

Friday's home opener will be presented by Century 21 White House Realty and the first 1,000 fans will receive free white rally towels. All FSU fans are encouraged to wear white for the evening "White Out" game.

Fans are also encouraged to arrive early for the Campus Communities Fan Zone, which will take place this year starting 90 minutes prior to kickoff inside the stadium games. The special area will feature a mechanical bull among other initiatives.

The two-time defending national champion Bulldogs beat fourth-ranked Pittsburg State (Kan.) by a 42-14 score in the season opener this past week. FSU currently owns a school all-time best and nation-leading 31-game winning streak and the Bulldogs are also rinding a current 29-game home winning streak at Top Taggart Field dating back to 2022.

Friday night's game will mark the Bulldogs' first-ever matchup versus the Falcons, who reached the D2 Playoffs a year ago with a 7-4 overall record. Bentley will open its 2026 season in Big Rapids.

The FSU-Bentley football game will be broadcast live locally by the Bulldog Sports Network and Sunny 97.3 FM with Rob Bentley handling the play-by-play duties and Sandy Gholston offering color commentary. The Bulldog Tailgate Show starts at 4 p.m. (ET) with the Johnson Automotive Pregame Show beginning at 5 p.m. The contest will also be televised on FloCollege and FloSports with video coverage provided by Ferris State Television.

Tickets for Friday's game can be bought online at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets and fans are encouraged to purchase their digital tickets in advance to avoid the gameday lines. The Wheeler Pavilion Gameday Ticket Office will also open on Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. (ET). All tickets purchased at the box office and not online will be an additional $5. For more information on ticket sales, please call (231) 591-2888 or visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com.

Football tickets for Friday's game are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens (ages 65+) and FSU faculty/staff along with $10 for students age 5-17 when purchased in advance online plus fees. Ferris students with ID will be admitted free by showing their student identification cards.

Tailgating will be permitted on Friday starting at 3 p.m. (ET) with the gates to the stadium opening 90 minutes prior to kickoff at 4:30 p.m. (ET). All tailgating must end 15 minutes before kickoff.

Parking in lots near Top Taggart Field is $10 per car or $30 per oversized vehicle (bus, motor coach, motor home, trailer, etc.) when purchased in advance online plus fees. As a convenience to fans, credit cards will also be accepted at the ticket window along with the concession stand.

For additional information and details, please visit FerrisStateBulldogs.com.

_{Release and image courtesy of Ferris State Athletics.}

At approximately 6:26 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 3, 2026, a 59-year-old man from Morley was taken to the hospital following a crash in Aetna Township.

According the deputies, the crash occured at the intersection of 3 Mile Road and Northland Drive near Morley. The driver, who was on a motorcycle, was approaching the intersection and got hit by a vehicle turning onto 3 Mile Road. 

"The driver of the motorcycle sustained minor injuries from the crash and was transported to Big Rapids Corewell Health," Mecosta County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies were assisted by Meceola Central Dispatch, Morley Area Fire & Rescue, and Mecosta County EMS.

Monday, August 24

• An officer was dispatched to a dispute between two parties. The complainant advised they just wanted the incident documented and did not want the officer to contact the other person. 

Tuesday, August 25

• No calls/arrests reported.

Wednesday, August 26

• An officer was dispatched for a check wellbeing on a juvenile. The juvenile was fine and did not require any services.

Thursday, August 27

• An officer was requested to assist with a medical emergency. 

• An officer was requested to assist with another medical emergency.

Friday, August 28

• An officer was dispatched to a larceny complaint. Upon arrival, the officer was advised a subject stole beer off a delivery truck and the incident was recorded on video. The subject was identified and trespassed from the property. A report is being forwarded to the prosecutor for review. 
• An officer was dispatched to a suspicious situation. After investigating the complaint, it was determined that no criminal offense had occurred. 

Saturday, August 29

• No calls/arrests reported.

Sunday, August 30

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a property damage accident. 
• An officer was dispatched to an assault not in progress. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, Consumers Credit Union broke ground on a new 5,480-square foot office in Big Rapids.

Several community leaders joined Consumers for the groundbreaking, including Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther, City Manager Mark Gifford, Regional Chamber President Sarah Dixon and Ferris State University President Bill Pink.

“Big Rapids has a lot of growth ahead of it, and we want to be part of that,” said Scott Sylvester, president and CEO of Consumers.

The location at 900 Water Tower Road previously housed Dr. Herbert L. Dulaney’s orthodontic practice.

The Big Rapids office, which hopes to open in spring or early summer of 2027, will offer a full range of financial services, including personal checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, lending, investments and financial education. Kate Batchelder, office manager at Consumers’ Cascade location, will lead the new Big Rapids office.

“We love putting the right people in the right place,” Sylvester said. “Kate has done an outstanding job serving members and leading our Cascade team, and we’re confident she’ll bring that same energy and commitment to Big Rapids.”

The building will include about 2,725 square feet for credit union operations and a 2,755-square-foot community space. It also will feature two remote TellerPlus+ units.

Project partners include builder GDK and Bosch Architecture.

_{Image courtesy of City of Big Rapids.}

After four decades in Big Rapids, Preferred Office Machines will now be undergoing a merger with Kraft Business Systems.

According to lifetime owner John Milan, the Big Rapids businessfront will be open until the last week of October.

“Your trust and loyalty over the past four decades have meant everything to me,” he said. “It has been the honor of my career to serve you, and this next chapter is about making sure you’re taken care of for many years to come.”

Kraft Business Systems, based in West Michigan, has operated since 1994. The company provides IT services, cybersecurity, copiers and printers, managed print services, document management and business process automation. It has offices in Caledonia, Southfield and Traverse City.

“You can continue doing business exactly the way you always have,” Milan said. “Your service and equipment and the relationship you’ve come to rely on will carry forward seamlessly. At Kraft, their number one priority is a relentless commitment to the client experience."

The merger is official as of Tuesday, Sep. 1. For more information, contact Preferred Office Machines on their website.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reporting the state's first case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a domestic animal for 2026. The disease was detected in an under-vaccinated one-year-old Quarter Horse colt from Clare County. The colt was taken to a specialty hospital for care but was humanely euthanized. The detection highlights the importance for all Michiganders to take every precaution to protect their animals and themselves from mosquito bites. 

"While this is the first case of EEE detected in an animal this season, there has already been one human case of the disease this year,"  said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "These detections clearly indicate EEE, as well as other possible mosquito-borne viruses, are circulating in the state s mosquito population. Preventing mosquito bites is crucial to prevent mosquito-borne diseases in our animals and families."

EEE is a zoonotic, viral disease transmitted through the bites of mosquitoes to both animals and people. Cases of the disease are typically seen in late summer to early fall each year in Michigan. EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases are not spread by horse-to-horse or horse-to-human contact.

"With the recent case of EEE in a Roscommon County resident and now this new detection, it is crucial that Michigan residents take precautions against mosquito bites,"  said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive. "EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S., with a 30% fatality rate among people who become ill. We urge residents to take precautions such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors, avoiding areas where mosquitoes are present if possible and wearing clothing to cover arms and legs to prevent bites."

To prevent the occurrence of mosquito-borne diseases in horses and other animals, owners can:

• Talk to a veterinarian about vaccinating horses against EEE, WNV, and other mosquito-borne diseases.
• Eliminate standing water by filling in puddles, repairing eaves, and changing the water in buckets and bowls at least once a day.
• Place livestock in a barn under fans and keep pets inside the home during peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn.
• Use an insect repellant on animals that is approved for the species.
• Contact a veterinarian if an animal shows signs of illness.
  • If a Michigan animal is suspected of having EEE or WNV, funding is available under an arbovirus grant to cover these testing costs. Please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more details.

To protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases:

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-approved products to exposed skin or clothing. Always follow the manufacturer s directions for use.
• Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires, and other water-holding containers where mosquitoes can lay eggs.

For the latest information on cases of mosquito-borne diseases in Michigan, please visit Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases for weekly summaries. To learn more about EEE, please visit Michigan.gov/EEE. The latest updates on EEE and other equine diseases can be found by visiting the Equine Disease Communication Center at EquineDiseaseCC.org.

_{Release courtesy of Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.}

On Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office K9 team seized firearms and drugs from a residence in Wheatland Township.

Upon obtaining a search warrant, Deputy Noble and K9 Deputy Lux seized multiple rifles, a handgun, ammunition, and methamphetamine. A 55-year-old man was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. A 30-year-old man was also taken into custody for methamphetamine possession. Both subjects are awaiting arraignment in Mecosta County Jail.

"It's a culmination of the work our canine units are doing," Sheriff Brian Miller said. "Whether it's Sergaent Pippen and Zeke, or Deputy Noble and Lux, it's been outstanding work that's keeping our community safe."

When asked about the recent uptick in reported methamphetamine seizures, Sheriff Miller said that it's more in the public eye due to the increase in published details.

"I don't think our community is any better or worse than other communities around right now with this methamphetamine epidemic," Miller said. "Our men and women (at the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office) are being very proactive and intentional on the job their doing, which is why you've seen a bit of an uptick in cases."

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

U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich., answered questions from constituents Wednesday at a roundtable at the Mecosta VFW Post 2335.

The event, sponsored by Americans for Prosperity and Concerned Veterans for America, focused on the Working Families Tax Cuts signed into law in July 2025 and related economic and veterans issues.

Landen Chulski, grassroots engagement director for Americans for Prosperity, moderated the discussion with Moolenaar and John Byrnes, strategic director for Concerned Veterans for America.

“We’re glad to give government officials the opportunity to speak with constituents,” Chulski said.

Topics included making certain tax provisions permanent, such as no tax on overtime and tips, deductions affecting small businesses and farms, and incentives for domestic manufacturing.

Moolenaar said some provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts were enacted on a temporary basis and that he supports extending them.

“One big benefit of the Working Families Tax Cuts was to extend that and make permanent some of those provisions,” Moolenaar said. “This allows people more certainty when you think of businesses and people who are trying to make investments in the United States. Through some of the savings, we were able to get no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security. This is something that people who are really working paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, have really benefited from.”

Byrnes discussed how broader tax and business policies can affect veterans who start or work in companies.

“Once you get the veterans in the mix, they’re the most competitive people in the world,” Byrnes said. “Veterans come home and they work in small businesses, become big businesses, and they employ a lot of people. When we talk about veteran entrepreneurs, there’s a lot of organizations that say that there should be tax cuts for veteran businesses. If you get a tax cut or any kind of great business policy, it should be for everybody.”

Attendees applauded Moolenaar’s comments on reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing, particularly in the auto industry. He said stronger domestic production would support more reliable supply chains.

“Our government leaders have come to the realization that you want to have a strong manufacturing base, you want to have a supply chain that is reliable,” Moolenaar said. “If you can work with like-minded countries and you know you have supply chains in different places, you never want to be relying on unreliable partners.”

Constituents also asked about expanding vocational programs for high school graduates who do not attend college, creating more jobs for seniors in customer-service roles rather than outsourcing, and potential legislation requiring consent for certain psychiatric medications prescribed through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Moolenaar said he would look into the issues.

“Hearing from constituents is very important because these are the stories I carry back with me to Washington, D.C.,” Moolenaar said. “It’s good to hear from veterans who are affected by these policies and hearing concerns firsthand.”

Moolenaar represents Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes all of Barry, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties, plus portions of Eaton, Kent, Midland, Muskegon, Ottawa and Wexford counties.

An early Sunday crash in Morton Township is under investigation as a possible alcohol-related incident after two people were taken to a hospital.

Deputies were dispatched at 12:48 a.m. to the intersection of Hayes Street and 11 Mile Road in Mecosta. According to the investigation, the driver, a 25-year-old man from Rodney, was traveling west on 11 Mile Road and left the roadway.

“The driver failed to navigate the curve and ran off the roadway to the left,” deputies said. “The truck ran through the ditch, struck a power pole and overturned.”

The driver was taken to a hospital in Big Rapids with non-life-threatening injuries. A 36-year-old woman from Barryton, who was found away from the crash scene, later was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Mecosta County sheriff’s deputies were assisted by Meceola Central Dispatch, Morton Township Fire and Rescue, Mecosta EMS, Hill Top Towing Company and Consumers Energy.

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

Families spend months planning for dropping off their university students for their first semester on move-in day, but almost none of that preparation covers the week after – and the emotional jolt for the whole family.

Andrew Slater, director of the Ferris State University’s Personal Counseling Center and Anti-Violence Prevention Programming, said the transition hits harder than students expect the first days run in every direction.

He described the 72 hours after the family leaves as grief, fear, excitement, feeling lost and overwhelmed, then excitement again – which is normal.

October is the center's busiest month. By then the first failed test, the first breakup and the first cold week have landed together, and students who feel behind are measuring themselves against a performance.

"It's not any one specific thing," Slater said. "It's all of the things changing all at once."

His advice for students throughout this transition:

• Sleep, eat, move. Slater says students can protect their mental health with those three basics before they ever need a counselor. That means saying no to all-nighters, eating regular meals and finding ways to move around, which can be as modest as taking the long way across campus.
• Put your week on paper. Build a written weekly schedule that blocks out class time, club meetings and, deliberately, study hours so that it builds a routine.
• Go to something. Keep going. Slater encourages students to point students towards student organizations and on-campus events, such as Founder’s Day, since the first weeks are the easiest time to walk into a room cold. "Everybody is in the same boat," Slater said. "Everyone's looking to make friends. Everybody's from somewhere else."
• Learn one breathing exercise now. Slater recommends box breathing: in for four seconds, hold four, out four, hold four. Repeat five to eight minutes. He also uses a grounding count -- name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, then one statement that you will be all right.
• Fill out the paperwork before you need it. Slater said Ferris State students should not wait until they are struggling to make contact. The center's two intake forms take about 10 minutes to complete through the Healthy Dawg portal, and they stay good for the full academic year. Students who never call back lose nothing.

Slater’s advice for families on their end:

• Validate. Don't rescue. Slater, a parent himself, said the most common mistake comes from good intentions. The midnight phone call tempts families to "swoop in to save” and fix it fast. While the impulse is understandable, Slater said the pattern is not sustainable. He explained the way a family supports a student changes during college, and being more limited in the moment is not a reason to step back entirely. Students still need to know the support is there while they work through new challenges on their own.
• Have the hard conversation before you drive away. Slater urged families to hold one direct conversation about change and transition rather than a checklist, and to raise the hard subject they have been avoiding -- a medication routine, a diagnosis, a student who unravels without structure.
• Be the accountability text. Along with validation, Slater said offering to be an accountability check is just as helpful. One example: "Just text me when you get everything done at the end of the day, and I'll cheer for you and I'll send you a meme.”
• Set it up early. Academic accommodations and counseling paperwork both work better before a crisis than during one.
• Know what the office can tell you. Staff will listen to anything a parent shares and route it to the right people. Federal privacy law bars them from confirming a student is a client or discussing treatment. "I am here to listen and will ensure the info gets to the right person," Slater said.

Missing home, grieving high school and feeling anxious in new rooms all fall inside normal, he said. Constant panic attacks, sleeping through class, stopping meals and not leaving a residence hall do not. Slater added students in such a gradual decline often lose sight of it.

"If it's starting to mess with your ability to be functional, to be successful here, you should do something," he said.

Safety warrants an immediate call -- suicidal thoughts, or a student who does not feel safe with a roommate. Families can call the center, the Dean of Student Life office or the Department of Public Safety, which conducts well checks.

Ferris State University students can see a licensed counselor for free, with no session limits and no formal wait list. The Personal Counseling Center opens the week they move in.

The Personal Counseling Center is at 1019 Campus Drive, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed from noon to 1 p.m. Call (231) 591-5968 or email thepcc@ferris.edu. A walk-in hour runs at 3 p.m. every weekday for students in crisis. Ferris State also staffs a talk line at (231) 591-HELP (4357) around the clock, every day, with licensed clinicians. Students do not need to be in crisis to call it.

Counseling runs in person or virtually, and students may request a specific counselor. Most finish in four to seven sessions, or about a month. Seven clinicians work at Big Rapids, and one serves the Grand Rapids campus.

"I don't want your mental health to be the thing that stops you from being successful," Slater said. "College is hard enough. Don't let your mental health be the thing that makes it harder."

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

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on a pair of suspects involved in a retail recent fraud incident.

Both individuals were seen inside the Beacon & Bridge convenience store on 19 Mile Road and Old US-131 at around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Both were seen wearing masks and one individual was seen taking what appeared to be two cases of beer from the store. Security photos also identified the suspect's vehicle as a black GMC SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Jordan Cloutier or Detective Sergeant Scott Morgan at (231) 592-0151 or at tips@mecostasheriff.org.

More information will be released once it becomes available.

_{Photos courtesy of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia today announced that $225,000 in grant funds will go to Central Montcalm Public Schools.

USDA provided the funding through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program. The program offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in rural communities.

“As school starts up again, these projects are reminders of how USDA Rural Development is helping school districts and libraries,” Restuccia said. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, we are making major investments in rural communities across Michigan.”

Central Montcalm Public Schools, in Montcalm County, plan to use the $225,000 grant to renovate unused classrooms and convert them into licensable space for daycare and before- and after-school programs. The existing rooms and outdoor areas will receive updates to meet childcare licensing requirements. In addition to the building updates, the district will build a new playground.

"Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with the exceptional staff at Central Montcalm Public Schools and see their vision for providing a safe and secure learning environment for children,” said Rep. John Moolenaar. “The federal funding I secured for this project will promote the educational development of children in Stanton and the surrounding area. I am grateful for USDA’s Rural Development programs and will continue to support their efforts to invest in our communities.”

The USDA also announced an additional $300,000 for Friends of Hubbard Lake, near Alpena, toward furnishings and technology to equip the community’s library and community center. These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services.

Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/mi.

Release courtesy of the _{U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.}

This weekend, the Ferris State volleyball team will host a three-day tournament featuring five of the top programs in the country.

The six-team tournament will run from Thursday, Aug. 27, through Saturday, Aug. 29. It will include 12 matches, four of them featuring host Ferris State.

The opposing teams are:

• MSU Denver — 2025 national champion, ranked No. 3 in the AVCA preseason poll
• Minnesota State — went 23-6 last season and received AVCA honorable mention
• Emporia State — coming off its most wins in a season (21) since 2011
• Illinois Springfield — 30 wins over the past two seasons
• Purdue Northwest — finished 2025 with its best record of the past decade

The Bulldogs enter the season ranked No. 10 nationally in the AVCA poll.

Tickets are $10 per day for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for faculty, staff and children ages 5-17. Children younger than 5 and Ferris State students are admitted free. A tournament pass good for all matches is available for $15.

For more tournament information, including the game schedule and ticket purchasing, visit here: 2026 FERRIS STATE VOLLEYBALL INVITATIONAL.

_{Photo credit of Ferris State Athletics.}

Michigan State Police located and arrested a man wanted in Indiana on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at a home in Mount Pleasant.

Troopers said a search warrant was executed that morning at a residence in the 3600 block of E. Deerfield Road, near the Lexington Ridge apartment complex. The search turned up firearms and ammunition.

“Detectives are seeking local charges against a second individual who was present at the residence,” Michigan State Police said. “The names of those involved are being withheld at this time, as formal charges have not yet been authorized and the individuals have not been arraigned.”

The investigation is ongoing. The suspect will be extradited to Indiana.

On-scene assistance was provided by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Central Michigan University Police Department, Mid-Michigan Investigative Narcotics Team and Grand Rapids Police Department.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police - Sixth District.} 

On Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is reminding survivors of April’s severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that one week remains to apply for federal financial assistance. 

“Nearly every part of our state felt the impact of April’s severe weather, from widespread flooding and damaging winds to devastating tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer. “We know these storms left families and communities facing unexpected damage and costs. With the August 31st deadline to apply for federal assistance just one week away, I encourage every Michigander who was impacted to take advantage. If your home or property was damaged, this application can help you access the needed resources to help you recover and rebuild.” 

The deadline for survivors to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. The deadline to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan for physical damage is also Aug. 31, 2026. 

As of August 23, there have been over 5,000 approved applicants for aide. $28,091,691.70 in IA funds has been approved to support recovery efforts for Michigan’s April storms. 

"With the August 31 deadline for federal assistance approaching, we want to make sure everyone impacted by April’s severe weather knows help is available,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If your home or property was damaged, or you experienced other losses from these storms, tornadoes, or flooding, we encourage you to apply. Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth taking the time to see what resources may be available to help with your recovery.” 

“The application deadline is approaching for Michigan survivors impacted by April’s severe weather to apply for federal assistance,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. (MSP/EMHSD.) “If your home or property was damaged, or you experienced other losses as a result of these storms and flooding, we encourage you to apply before the Aug. 31 deadline. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, taking the time to apply could help you access resources to support your recovery.” 

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online or by using the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. Assistance is also available in person by visiting any Michigan Disaster Recovery Center (MI DRC). Find a nearby center by using the interactive dashboard found on the April 2026 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding disaster website. 

Applying for a SBA low-interest disaster loan can be done online or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center. For more information or to check an application status, call SBAs Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. 

Between April 10 and April 21, severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes caused widespread damage and flooding in 43 counties across the state. Throughout the entire month, the National Weather Service issued 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings, and 25 flood advisories.? 

A major disaster declaration, approved by President Donald J. Trump on June 30 opened?the path for FEMA’s IA program?and SBA low-interest disaster loans for 27 counties, including: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wexford Counties.?The program provides financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to damage caused by severe weather. 

Ebels General Store is undertaking a large-scale solar project to help mitigate its energy expenses.

The flagship store in Falmouth already has three solar projects online. At the Evart and Reed City locations, the company is installing overhang solar panel structures, with completion estimated within the next 60 days.

The project aims to reduce the company’s energy costs and ease strain on the electricity grid, according to Tom Ebels, chief financial officer of Ebels General Store.

“With the rise of data centers, we see electricity becoming more costly as well as unstable,” Ebels said. “With parking lots and roofs to use for solar installations, one of the barriers traditionally seen in solar installations is limited. We are fortunate we can install solar and not have to occupy valuable farmland or green space.”

The family decided to begin the project a few years ago and estimates it will reduce the company’s electricity consumption by 50%.

“We are seeing quite a difference in our energy use,” Ebels said. “We are producing in some cases more than half the electricity we require.”

Ebels plans to start and complete an additional solar project in Falmouth in 2027.

At approximately 1:04 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, a two-vehicle crash in Sheridan Township injured a 51-year-old man from Blanchard and a 57-year-old man from Remus.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Taft Road and 10th Avenue, between Remus and Barryton.

According to deputies, the Blanchard man was traveling northbound on 10th Avenue and failed to stop at a posted stop sign. He then collided with the passenger side of an eastbound vehicle driven by the Remus man.

“Both drivers sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “The 51 year-old Blanchard man was transported from the scene by Mecosta County EMS to a hospital in Mount Pleasant for treatment of minor, non-life-threatening injuries. The 57-year-old Remus man was evaluated at the scene and was released without requiring transportation.”

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Barryton Fire/Rescue, Mecosta Central Dispatch and Huff’s Towing.

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

Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Natural Resources approved more than $109 million for public land investment, development and acquisitions throughout Michigan.

“Michigan’s parks, trails and public lands are some of the best places to spend time with family and friends, and these investments will help make them even better,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I’m proud we got a balanced, bipartisan budget across the finish line that includes grant funding for 75 projects in communities across our state. By partnering with local communities, we’re expanding access to the outdoors, protecting our natural resources and creating more places where people can live, work and play. Let’s keep getting it done.”

Among the 75 projects, four are in Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties.The largest investment was a $1.6 million acquisition of 354 acres of oak-pine barrens habitat in Newaygo County. This purchase connects the east and west units of the Muskegon State Game Area.

As the first of area developments, the city of Lakeview was awarded $400,000 to build off-road segments of a multi-use trail loop around Tamarack Lake, including two trailhead parking lots.

The city of Big Rapids will receive $391,400 for the Clay Cliffs Nature Area project. The funds will be used to build a three-quarters-mile stretch of universally accessible waterfront and two footbridges over Mitchell Creek.

A third investment is $280,000 for the installation of wayfinding and interpretive kiosks throughout White Pine Trail State Park. The 92-mile trail system runs north and south through Kent, Montcalm, Mecosta, Osceola and Wexford counties.

“Since its inception, the Trust Fund has awarded crucial grant dollars to local governments and state agencies for creative projects and acquisitions that greatly benefit residents and local economies in every county of the state,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “The protection and enhancement of Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities and cherished wild places are more important than ever. We’re grateful to the visionaries who created this unique funding source and to the many partners who continue to elevate its impact for current and future generations of Michiganders."

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry sustains 126,000 jobs and more than $4.7 billion in wages and salaries. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit.

For more information on the Trust Fund, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/Buy-and-Apply/grants/rec/mnrtf.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.}

Monday, Aug. 17

• At 11:29 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Green Township. A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 2

Tuesday, Aug. 18

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 3

Wednesday, Aug. 19

• At 3:15 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Aetna Township. A female subject was arrested on multiple warrants. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 8

Traffic Accidents: 2

Thursday, Aug. 20

• At 8:40 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Martiny Township. A female was arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 9:41 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids Township. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, Aug. 21

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 0

Traffic Accidents: 0

Saturday, Aug. 22

• At 5:18 p.m., a male subject was arrested in Big Rapids Township for Operating Under the Influence of Liquor. He was arraigned and lodged a Mecosta Couty Jail.

Calls for Service: 33

Traffic Accidents: 3

Sunday, Aug. 23

• At 8:29 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Sheridan Township. A male was located, arrested, and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail without incident.

Calls for Service: 31

Traffic Accidents: 4