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News That Affects You Archives for 2020-07

Remus man arrested on domestic violence charges in Isabella Co.

A Remus man is behind bars following a domestic violence incident Wednesday evening.

 

Michigan State Police say troopers were dispatched to a domestic assault in Isabella County, Broomfield Twp.


Troopers found that the suspect, a 30-year-old Remus man, was intoxicated and had just assaulted
and strangled a female victim.

 

When the victim attempted to contact 911, the suspect took the phone from her to stop her attempt to call for help.

 

The victim was able to call 911 from a cellphone at a neighbor’s residence.


The suspect was arrested for Felony Domestic Violence, Assault by Strangulation, and Interfering with
Electronic Communications.

 

He is being held at the Isabella County Jail pending arraignment.

MHSAA announces limited sports for Fall season; football, volleyball and soccer yet to be determined

The Michigan High School Athletic Association says competition can begin August 19th and 21st for golf, tennis and cross country, but it has held off on allowing the start of football, volleyball and soccer games during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The group says it will make decisions about competition timelines for football, volleyball and soccer by August 20th.

 

The MHSAA's representative council voted to cancel scrimmages in all fall sports and limited the number of teams that can compete in regular-season tournaments, invitationals and other multi-team events.

Big Rapids man arrested on kidnapping and sex crime charges

Michigan State Police arrested a 30-year-old Big Rapids man in connection with an investigation into kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct in Mecosta County, Austin Township.

 

Troopers started an investigation into the report of an adult female being sexually assaulted by an adult male subject.
 

Troopers determined sexual assaults on the female had taken place at two different residences over a two-day period.
 

The victim was allegedly held against her will, threatened with a weapon, and sexually assaulted.


After further investigation into the reported crimes, the Mecosta County Prosecutor’s Office issued a three-count felony warrant for the male suspect which included Kidnapping, Criminal Sexual Conduct -1st degree, and Criminal Sexual Conduct-3rd degree.


The suspect was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail and is awaiting arraignmen

BR Police Blotter: Man steals from tip jar to pay for pizza

7/27

 

20-986-400 block of W Bridge.  Civil.  

 

20-987.  Called out as a fight between 2 females on the sidewalk by ice arena.  One female, a 24 year old female was arrested for domestic assault on her sister, a 25 year old.  

 

20-988 – Trespassing in the 1100 block of Catherine Lot.  Female wanted a male trespassed as she found out he is a sex offender and she no longer wanted him around her kids. He was trespassed from her property.

 

20-989 – Larceny in the 200 block of Maple. Workers reported that a customer, a 48 year old male, ordered food for pick via a phone call, came to the restaurant, stole money out of the tip jar (approximately $40.00), used that money to pay for his pizza and then left with his food. They verified this over the video later that he actually stole money from them.  He was contacted over telephone, where he admitted to stealing the money.  He never arrived for his interview in person at BRPD. He was seen on city camera arriving from S Warren area and leaving to S Warren area on a bicycle. Charges will be sought.

 

20-990 – Suspicious in the 100 block of Sanborn Ave; strange banging noise on wall was heard by tenant. House and outside were checked nothing seen or heard.

 

7/28

 

No calls of significance to report.

Mecosta Co. jury tampering case overturned in Michigan Supreme Court

The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned the jury tampering conviction of a West Michigan man.

 

Keith Wood was distributing pamphlets back in 2015 outside the Mecosta County courthouse in Big Rapids.

 

Wood told people they could choose their conscience over the law if they were picked to serve on a jury.

 

Wood was charged with jury tampering and convicted of a misdemeanor.

 

But the Supreme Court ruled people who haven't actually participated in a case aren't jurors under Michigan law.

Big Rapids Police weekend blotter

7/24

 

Traffic Non Crim - Initially no insurance then found there was a mistake made by insurance company.  Vehicle released to owner. 

 

Hit and Run / OWI - A 42 year old male was going home from the 1100 block of Catherine St and turned in front of a Jeep.  The Jeep struck the truck but not $1000 dollars in damage.  The truck was found 15 minutes later at residence on 15 Mille Rd and 180th Ave.  After field sobriety tests, he was found to be under the influence and was lodged at MCSO for Fail to stop and ID and OWI.

 

7/25

 

1300 block of Catherine.  Female wanted to report that someone had keyed into her apartment while she was gone, but nothing was taken and the lights were left on.

 

Resident in the 300 block of W Bridge reported a W/M peering into the windows. Unknown direction of travel. Searched the area with the thermal and on foot and did not locate anyone.

 

900 block of Maple. Emergency alarm via SiriusXM was activated in male's truck.  No issues.  He was unaware he even had the feature in his truck.

 

7/26

 

Suspicious in the 400 block of Maple St.  Smoke alarm was going off without any smoke being present. Alarm was disabled; residence is under renovation.

 

Fatal crash in Montcalm Co.

There was a fatal crash Sunday in mid Michigan's Sidney Township, south of Stanton, killing one woman and injuring several children.

 

A 23 year-old woman was killed after the minivan she was in was initially rear ended and pushed into the southbound lanes of M-66. It was then hit by a pickup truck.

 

Five children were injured and taken to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital by helicopter and by ambulance.

 

The 23-year-old driver of the minivan, a man, had minor injuries and was treated at the scene as was the driver of the pickup and a couple of passengers.

Candidates for Sheriff of Mecosta County come together to promote an "Ask an Officer" Campaign

Yesterday 2 candidates for Mecosta County Sheriff came together with friends and family to promote what both are calling the "Ask an Officer" campaign.

 

Both candidates Brian Miller of Big Rapids PD and Jared Christensen of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Department came together for a moment of unity to promote a concept aimed at relaying what local officers have to say about each candidate.

 

But what does that mean?

 

According to attendees from both sides, it simply means if you have any questions about who to vote for on August 4th, "just ask an officer".

 

Brian Miller (pictured left) has been with the Big Rapids Police Department for more than 20 years and is currently the Police Chief of the Village of Barryton.

 

Jared Christensen (pictured right) has16 years experience as a police officer with 13 of them coming as a Mecosta County Sheriff's Department Road Deputy. Jared is currently the Police Chief of the Village of Morley.

 

 

Mark Solis and James Taylor (both not pictured) are also running for Sheriff of Mecosta County.

 

Mark has an extensive history with local police duty and training while James Taylor currently serves as Mecosta County Sheriff Todd Purcell's Undersheriff.

 

The Republican Primary for the Sheriff of Mecosta County takes place on August 4th, 2020.

Police suspect alcohol in Mecosta County rollover accident

A 23-year old Rockford man sustained non-life threatening injuries following a rollover accident in Mecosta Co. 

 

It happend just after 1:30am, deputies say they were dispatched to Eisenhower near Newcosta, Aetna Twp for a one vehicle rollover accident. 

 

An investigation found that a 23-year old man from Rockford was driving westbound on Eisenhower when he ran off the roadway to the right striking a tree and overturning. 

 

The driver was taken to Butterworth Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. 

 

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. 

Michigan man sentenced for Cedar Springs gun theft

A federal judge has sentenced a Michigan man to over 40 years in prison for stealing dozens of guns from a Cedar Springs store.

 

40-year-old Charles Skipp was convicted for the thefts which occurred almost three years ago.

 

U.S. District Court Judge Janet Neff called Skipp a “one-man crime spree” as she handed down his sentence.

 

The Family Farm and Home in Cedar Springs was robbed in November of 2017.

 

Court documents indicate thieves sawed their way through a loading dock door and stole 89 guns from the store.

Walmart, Meijer among stores requiring shoppers to wear masks

Shoppers heading into a Meijer or Walmart store today must wear a mask.

 

In a statement, Meijer says the requirement is to help ensure the continued health and safety of its workers and customers.

 

The new requirement is in addition to the locations where executive orders are already in place requiring people to wear face coverings.

 

For those who don't want to wear a mask or go inside, Meijer says customers can use the Meijer Home Delivery or Curbside pickup options.

 

Meantime, Walmart and Sam's Club customers will also have to wear masks.

 

Walmart will have a "health ambassador" at the entrances of its stores to remind customers without masks of its new requirement.

Car show in Reed City to benefit the new Osceola County Veterans Memorial Park

Calling all car buffs! the Veterans Park Memorial Car Show will be taking place this weekend to benefit the Reed City/Osceola County Veterans Memorial Park.

 

Organizer Russ Nehmer says the event will take place this Saturday, July 18th from 10am-3pm at 223 E. Fifth Ave Reed City at the Reed City Scout Building behind H&R Block. 

 

There will be food, 50/50 drawings, raffles, bake sale and music. 

 

Awards will also be given for the Mayor's choice, People's choice and Veteran's choice. 

 

The Car show entery fee is $20.00, registration takes place from 9am-11am, judging starts at noon and awards will be presented at 3pm. 

 

According to Nehmer, all proceeds will be given to the new Reed City/Osceola County Veterans Memorial Park.

State Police looking for fatal hit & run suspect who hit and killed Newaygo County motorcyclist and passenger

A motorcyclist and his passenger were killed in a hit and run accident in west Michigan over the weekend.

 

State Police are asking the public for information, saying a silver car was trying to pass another vehicle on 56th Street in Croton Township, when it hit the motorcycle head-on.

 

The 63-year old man and 61-year old woman from Newaygo on the motorcycle were killed.

 

State police say the suspect vehicle is missing its passenger-side mirror and has damage on that side.

Two vehicle accident claims life of teenager; seriously injures two other passengers in Isabella County

A two car accident in Isabella County claimed the life of a 17-year old girl and seriously injured two other passengers.

 

It happened on Friday just after 5pm.

 

Deputies say it was determined that a car traveling northbound on Lincoln road and failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by an eastbound SUV.

 

A 17-year old female/driver was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

 

The two other females in that car (one of which was ejected) was taken to area hospitals in serious conditions.

 

The other three people in the SUV sustained injuries but were not life threatening.

Hardy Dam Rd closed July 20th for three weeks due to soil study by Consumers Energy

Just a reminder, Consumers Energy announced Hardy Dam Road will be closed both directions for approximately three weeks beginning July 20.

 

The temporary closure is needed to allow crews to safely perform soil studies at Hardy Dam for a future auxiliary spillway project there.

 

Detour signs will direct motorists south to Croton Drive as the shortest alternative route.

 

All recreational access sites on both sides of Hardy Dam – Hardy Dam Marina and launch, Operators Village Park, and the canoe portage -- will remain open during the road closure.

Police Blotter: Two arrested after trying to flee and elude police

7/8
 

Flee and Elude - An officer initiated a stop on a vehicle.  The vehicle fled making a weird loop through the residential area behind Taco Bell.  MCSO joined in and the pursuit went south to 12 Mile Rd.  The male ditched the car at an address on 230th Ave, near 13 Mile Rd and took off on foot with a female in the car with him.  The female stopped and was detained, while the male ran into the woods.  The male, a 20 year old male, was apprehended and taken into custody.  He was lodged on DWLS, Bond Vio, Flee and Elude, and VCSA marijuana.  Officers were assisted by MCSO deputies and FSUDPS officers.

 

Civil in the 500 block of S Bronson. 

 

Misd Traffic - A 20 year old male was cited for no ops.  His vehicle was impounded. 

 

20-904 - Civil - in the 1700 block of S State.  

 

Obstruct -Male from above provided false information during course of contact with him.  City ordinance warrant request for provided false information during an investigation.

 

Suspicious in the 100 block of N Michigan.  Officer observed 4 juveniles downtown on a window ledge.  No damage, all transported back home. 

Big Rapids Walmart asking customers to wear a mask before entry

Starting today, the Walmart store in Big Rapids is asking its customers to wear a mask before they come in to shop. 
 

The store made the announcement on his Facebook page Wednesday evening.

 

The post additionally stated, 

 

"To assist with this request, our entrances and exits for customers will be restricted to the grocery entrance only"

 

we will have more of the story as it becomes available.

UPDATE: Missing Isabella Co. man found safe in Mt. Peasant

 

UPDATE: 

 

ACCORDING TO THE ISABELLA COUNTY SHERIFF, ERNEST DIPZINSKI HAS BEEN LOCATED SAFE IN MT. PLEASANT. 

 

60-year old Ernest Dipzinski went missing around June 21st from the Lake Isabella Area (Clubhouse drive).

 

According to the Isabella County Sheriff's Office, Mr. Dipzinski’s family last saw him walking on Coldwater Road towards Baseline Road.

 

The family has not heard from him since. Currently there is no known clothing description for the 60-year-old man.

 

If anyone has seen him or knows his whereabouts, please contact Isabella County Central Dispatch.

Big Rapids Police Blotter 7/3-7/6

7/3

 

Assist fire with intox female in the 1100 block of Perry.

 

MISD Traffic - Female was stopped for an expired plate.  Her insurance had been reminded for non-payment and her vehicle was towed.  She was cited and released. 

 

Abuse/Neglect - Officer responded to apartment complex parking lot for a suspicious car.  On arrival, there was an infant in the car.  The car was left idle for about an hour according to witnesses.  The owner was located at the apartment complex and interviewed.  CPS was notified and a warrant will be sought.  No harm was done to the infant.  

 

7/4

 

Suspicious situation - Initial call was a woman with a crowbar looking like she was robbing another motorist in the 100 block of S Michigan.  Officers arrived quickly to neither party involved being on scene.  Cameras were reviewed and some weird activity was seen but it did not appear as if there was a larceny or an assault.  Both parties left in different directions.  Both parties left some property behind and those are logged in evidence if they claim them.  

 

Assist - A 31 year old male was in Hemlock Park and found to be highly intoxicated.  Through officer's contact he was found to have a few misdemeanor and felony warrants for his arrest.  He was arrested and turned over to Kent County on the felony warrant their agency had for him.

 

Harassment over telephone in the 1300 block of Catherine. 

 

Suspicious in the 300 block of Finley.  

 

7/5

 

300 block of Second for an assault.

 

1800 block of Milton for a citizen assist.

 

Civil in the 300 block of S Stewart. 

 

7/6

 

Breaking and entering of a business in the 200 block of S Michigan.  The front window of the business had a couple large rocks thrown through them.  Investigation led to video showing the male suspect breaking the windows of the front door at approximately 0135 hours, entering the business and taking out a display of jewelry.  The suspect, a 36 year old male, has been identified.  No contact has been made at this time, however a search warrant was executed at a residence he has been staying at, with items identified from the business being recovered.  The investigation remains open, with contact attempting to be made with the male and a female friend.  The amount of the loss is estimated to be near $8,000.

 

Threats complaint in the 100 block of Woodward.

 

Larceny of package from residence in the 100 block of N Stewart. Occurred between 7/1 and 7/2. No suspects.

 

Assist 54 with hold up alarm in the 2400 block of Perry.  Accidental trip.

 

Suspicious in the 700 block of  S State. Blue/Silver colored F250 had been sitting at the entrance to business for about 20 minutes and the caller advised a male was asleep inside. Made contact with driver, who had trouble waking up.  Cleared by EMS. Learned he had been awake since Thursday and fell asleep at the wheel. Vehicle was turned over to his wife.

Free drive thru COVID-19 testing at Trinity Fellowship Church in Big Rapids this week

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is offering free drive-through community testing for COVID-19 on Wednesday and Thursday, July 8 and July 9, at Trinity Fellowship EFC in Big Rapids. In collaboration with the National Guard, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Local Law Enforcement and Emergency Management and Trinity Fellowship EFC, testing information is as follows:

 

COVID-19 Drive-Through Community Testing Site
Trinity Fellowship EFC Parking Lot
15085 220th Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Wednesday, July 8, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday, July 9, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

 

  • Anyone age 18 or older is welcome to be tested for COVID-19
  • Please bring picture ID
  • Not accepting appointments; first come, first served
  • Open to all surrounding counties
  • Not limited to symptomatic individuals
  • Testing is to determine current COVID-19 status; Not offering antibody testing
  • Testing is nasopharyngeal swab (long cotton-tipped swab inserted in nose)
  • Test results will take 7-9 days. You will receive instructions for logging in to BioReference Laboratories Patient Portal to obtain results. You will only be contacted by DHD#10 if your results are positive for COVID-19.

 

In addition to COVID-19 testing, DHD#10 is offering free Hepatitis A vaccines to interested community members during the COVID-19 testing clinic.

For questions, email info@dhd10.org or call 231-305-8659.

There are also other options for getting tested. Check out Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website to find no-cost COVID-19 testing sites across the state.

Governor Whitmer signs order to temporarily shut down indoor bar service in much of lower Michigan

After outbreaks of COVID-19 were linked to crowded bars, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is rolling things back, signing an executive order closing indoor service at bars throughout most of lower Michigan.

 

The governor also signed a package of bills allowing cocktails-to-go at bars and restaurants to help these businesses serve more Michiganders during this time.

 

Over the past week, every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, and nearly 25% were of people ages 20 to 29 with major outbreaks in cities like East Lansing and Kalamazoo.

 

Regions 6 and 8, which include the Upper Peninsula and much of northern Michigan, are excluded from the order, and bars statewide can continue to serve outdoors.

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Weather

Local High School Schedule & Scores

CSAA Basketball (Boys)

3/1/24

 District 35 Championship @Manistee

  Ludington @ Reed City - 7:00pm

    -> Game broadcasting on Big Country 100.9

2/28/24

 District 35 Tournament @Manistee

  Hart 42 @ Reed City 57

    -> Game broadcasting on Big Country 100.9

  Manistee 38 @ Ludington 67

 District 36 Tournament @Gladwin

  Chip Hills 38 @ Clare 50

 District 41 Tournament @Fremont

  Newaygo 61 @ Grant 57

 District 74 Tournament @Hesperia

  Ravenna 50 @ White Cloud 53

 

CSAA Basketball (Girls)

2/26/24 - 7:00pm

Tri County @ Montabella

2/27/24 - 7:00pm

 CSAA Tournament

  Grant @ Kent City

  Reed City @ Morley Stanwood

  Chip Hills @ White Cloud

2/29/24 - 7:00pm

Tri County @ White Cloud

 

Big Rapids Ice Hockey (12-12-1)

MHSAA Regional 21: 2/24/24

Big Rapids#4 4 @ E Grand Rapids#1 5 (OT)

CSAA Basketball Standings

CSAA - Boys

  1. Reed City 18-3 (10-0)
  2. White Cloud 16-5 (8-2)
  3. Big Rapids   15-6 (8-2)
  4. Grant   13-6 (8-2)
  5. Newaygo 13-8 (6-4)
  6. Central Montcalm 8-12 (4-6)
  7. Kent City 7-14 (4-6)
  8. Tri County 6-15 (3-7)
  9. Chip Hills 5-16 (3-7)
  10. Morley Stanwood 2-17 (1-9)
  11. Lakeview 5-16 (0-10)

CSAA - Girls

  1. Morley Stanwood 15-3 (8-1)
  2. Grant 13-4 (8-1)
  3. Kent City 15-4 (7-2)
  4. Reed City 11-8 (7-2)
  5. Big Rapids 10-8 (6-3)
  6. Lakeview 10-9 (4-5)
  7. Central Montcalm 8-11 (4-5)
  8. Newaygo 10-9 (3-6)
  9. White Cloud 7-13 (2-8)
  10. Tri County 3-14 (1-8)
  11. Chip Hills 1-18 (0-9)

This Week's Poll

What place will the Lions finish in the NFC North?