Mecosta County Deputies arrested a Reed City man on parole for bank robbery after they say he crashed a car then took off.

The sheriff’s office says 46-year old Timothy Cousins crashed a car on Maddison road near 220th Avenue near Big Rapids.

When deputies got there, they say Cousins and a passenger ran into the woods.

Deputies used a taser on Cousins and arrested him. The passenger was also caught and later released.

Cousins is now charged with resisting and assaulting an officer and driving on a suspended license.

A Big Rapids parolee is back in jail after police officers arrested him on several felony charges including assaulting an officer.

According to the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety, officers responded to the 800 Block of Water Tower Rd in reference to a possible Breaking and Entering in progress.

The caller stated her ex- boyfriend was in her residence and stealing her belongings.

When they arrived, they found Kavoceya Alexzay Vanassche exiting the rear of the residence. While attempting to take Vanassche into custody, he fought with officers. During the scuffle, one officer was injured.

Vanassche was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail for several charges, including Felonious

Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, and Felonious Domestic Assault.

Vanassche was arraigned through the 77th District Court and is being held on a $100,000 surety.

Michigan State Police say scammers are using new ways to get your money and personal information.

Troopers put out a warning on Monday after two people say they got scammed.

State police say scammers are contacting people about a subscription that will automatically renew for several hundred dollars.

When the victims say they do not want the subscription, the scammer will get in touch to cancel.

However, state police say the scammers are gaining access to the victim’s computer and stealing their information.

As always, never give out your personal information to a stranger for any reason.

A 19-year old man is in serious but non-life threatening condition following a snowmobile accident early this morning. 

Deputies from the Mecosta Co. Sheriff's Office say they got a call just after 2am this morning for a snowmobile that struck a tree in Hinton Twp. 

The 19 year old male driver was transported to the Big Rapids Spectrum Health Hospital for serious but non life threatening injuries. He was later transported to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for his injuries.

Alcohol and a high rate of speed were believed to have played a factor. 

A Lake City man is behind bars after being arrested on several outstanding warrants.

According to Michigan State Police, troopers were attempting to execute an arrest warrant for dangerous drugs on a 27-year-old Lake City man who had several additionaloutstanding warrants.

Troopers located the suspect inside his vehicle in the parking lot of the business in Marion.

He was taken into custody.

Additional investigation revealed the suspect to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine.

He was lodged at the Osceola County Jail and is awaiting arraignment.

A Ferris State University student succumbed to injuries from an apartment fire on campus last month.

Alisha Jaynes was found in the apartment bathroom unconscious by first repsonders January 17th.

She was treated for burn and smoke inhalation, but authorities say the 22-year-old woman had medical setbacks from her injuries.

Jaynes passed away Monday at a Grand Rapids hospital.

A $1,000 cash reward is being offered for information on the whereabouts of a missing Mecosta County man last seen on February 7.

Investigators say 70-year-old Richard Lee Wymer left his wallet, credit cards, cash, cell phone and favorite knife at home. He had been shoveling snow that morning. Then, about 10 a.m. was seen leaving in his gray 2000 Chevrolet Suburban, traveling north toward Michigan 20.

Wymer has shoulder-length gray hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a flannel coat, light brown stocking hat, blue jeans and green boots when last seen. He has a lion tattoo on his upper left arm.

The host of the nationally syndicated The Rush Limbaugh Show, author of 7 books and the premiere and impassioned voice of the conservative movement in the United States since the 1990s passed away today. He discussed his battle with lung cancer over the course of the last year during his live broadcasts, frequently thanking his listeners for their support throughout his career and in these last months. Over his almost 50 year career in broadcasting, Limbaugh received the Marconi Award 5 times and was inducted into both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Most recently, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during the 2020 State of the Union Address by President Donald Trump.

Limbaugh hailed from Cape Girardeau, Missouri where he began his career in radio at age 20 as a deejay. In the late 1970s, then on-air in Kansas City, Missouri, he began to develop his talk style. After disagreement with KFIX management in 1979, Limbaugh worked in group sales for the Kansas City Royals baseball team and became director of group sales and special events. In 1983 Limbaugh returned to Kansas City radio, eventually moving on to Sacramento, California replacing Morton Downey, Jr.  It was after the 1987 repeal of the Fairness Doctrine by the FCC—which required stations provide free air time for responses to any controversial opinions broadcast— that Limbaugh began to emerge on the national scene as a significant conservative talk voice.  He joined WABC-AM New York in 1988 and his national profile continued to grow through radio syndication, a tv show (1992-96) and the books he authored.  He founded the Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) Network in 1990 with Edward McLaughlin, former president of ABC. The show was ultimately sold to Clear Channel Communications and is distributed by Premiere Networks. Limbaugh maintained majority ownership of The Rush Limbaugh Show. Dominating radio news/talk formats and streams, accessible on his website and broadcast on American Forces Network (AFN), Limbaugh was arguably the most listened to voice in the world. He also ranked as one of the highest paid personalities in radio. 

The Rush Limbaugh Show has been on-air live on WBRN Big Rapids for more than 20 years. 

A Rodney man was arrested Sunday for assaulting deputies and resisting arrest.

55-year old James Hatchew was arraigned Monday on charges of Felonious Assault of a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest.

The charges stem from an incident at Hatchew’s home on Sunday, when Hatchew refused to return snowmobiles to their legal owner. When deputies arrived, police say Hatchew assaulted them, refused orders and resisted arrest.

According to a press release, one deputy was treated for a broken bone following the incident and is unable to work due to the injury.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected eight student-athletes from Class B member schools to receive scholarships through the MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award program. 

Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 32nd year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.

Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.

Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored during an online ceremony later this winter. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.

Hudson Alexander Harkness, Newaygo
Hudson Alexander Harkness played three seasons of varsity football, is playing varsity basketball this winter, and will play his third season of varsity baseball this spring.

Hudson served as captain of varsity football and baseball and junior varsity football and basketball teams, and made all-league for football while serving as class president for fourth year.

Hudson is participating in his second year of National Honor Society and has earned college credit in leadership from George Mason University. He is serving as yearbook editor for the third year and was selected as National Youth Correspondent for Washington Journalism & Media Conference at George Mason. He has had articles and news segments published by local media.

Hudson has also volunteered throughout high school as West Michigan Miracle League announcer and earned school’s Community Service Award while participating in the second year of the College Ambassador program where he served as the assistant community service director.

Hudson is attending Northwood University to study sports management in Fall of 2021.

Essay Quote: “With parents, students, and athletes yelling at officials throughout the entire game, it is sad to see the lack of sportsmanship in today's games. Sportsmanship isn’t just about being respectful to the other team but respecting officials too. … When I see or hear other people yelling at an official I think to myself “how stupid.” These men and women give up times to make sure we can play and learn to love the game. Without them, we would have no games.”

No one was injured when a Reed City Area School bus was involved in a accident with a pickup truck this morning. 

It happened just before 7am at the intersection of 21 Mile Rd/230th Ave in Paris (Green Twp). 

Deputies with the Mecosta Co. Sheriff's Office say an investigation determined the bus was  traveling eastbound on 21 Mile Rd when the pickup truck attempted to turn southbound onto 230th Ave in front of the school bus. 

A Newaygo man is in custody on multiple charges following an incident with police on Wednesday morning.

Mecosta Co. deputies say Al Thompson got his truck stuck on 230th Avenue in Aetna Township around 8:30am Wednesday morning.

When deputies arrived to the scene, they say Thompson got in his truck, tried to get away and threatened to shoot himself.

Thompson was taken into custody for assaulting an officer and operating under the influence of meth among other charges.

The Newaygo man remains in custody in the Mecosta County Jail on $100,000 surety bond.

A 29-year old Evart man is behind bars on drug and felony weapons charges in Mecosta County after police received a call about an abandoned snowmobile.

According to the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office, a manager at the Hampton Inn alerted deputies about a possible abandoned snowmobile.

An investigation led to the arrest of Johnathan Emanuel-Franklin-Char Roys, who was found to be in possession of meth and a handgun.

Roys was arraigned Wednesday on charges of Possession of Meth and Felony Weapons Offense.

He's being held on $50,000 bond.

A teacher at Cadillac High School is on administrative leave due to concerns over emails.

Superintendent Jennifer Brown said that police were notified and the teacher was put on administrative leave January 4.

The staff member was told not to have any contact with students or staff while on leave.

Cadillac Area Schools says the health and safety of students and staff is its first priority.

The Board of Education plans to hold a special meeting on Thursday, “to review and consider tenure charges.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Michigan State Police are looking for a Remus man who went missing around 10am Sunday morning.

Troopers say 70-year old Richard Lee Wymer was shoveling his driveway when he left in his 2000 gray colored Suburban with a large Harley Davidson decal on rear window. Most likely will have Trump MAGA hat on dashboard.

Wymer was heading northbound from his residence towards M-20. Police say Wymer left his wallet, credit cards, cash, cell phone, and his favorite knife at home.

His vehicle had approximately 1/3 of a tank of gas with minimal spare change in it, unknown if any other money was in the vehicle.

Wymer spent most of his life in the Gratiot County area but does have property in the Mancelona area, according to MSP.

If you have information about Wymer's whereabouts, call 911.

Current and future Ferris State University student-athletes will soon be able to train and compete with the best as the university's Board of Trustees have officially approved a $15.3 million upgrade to the Bulldogs' athletic facilities.

A project intended to fortify Ferris' student-athletes and advance its programs into the future, the Center for Athletics Performance has secured institutional funding and started formative planning with architects and a general contracting firm for a major upgrade.

The university's Board of Trustees recently approved the renovation and construction project, which will include a new and expanded strength and conditioning space, a new multipurpose arena and competition space for the volleyball program and practice area for other sports, additional and renovated locker room facilities along with team meeting spaces. Further, the project features a new connector and entrance to athletic facilities and renovations to offices and the sports medicine area. 

The upgrades will offer championship-caliber training and conditioning facilities to the nearly 400 Bulldog student-athletes and 17 varsity programs. 

"We are excited for what this means for our current and future student-athletes, who will now be able to prepare themselves to compete at the highest level in modernized and much improved facilities," said FSU Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger said.

The university community identified the need for the renovation and expansion of the Ewigleben Sports Complex as part of its Big Rapids campus master plan several years ago. The Board of Trustees officially approved a revised budget and scope for the Center for Athletics Performance in late January with construction set to begin this fall once plans and contracts are finalized. The new multipurpose area is slated to be completed in June 2022 with the Center for Athletics Performance to be finished in July 2022 and the entire three-phase project and renovation work wrapped up by December 2022.

"The Center for Athletics Performance is an important resource to continue Ferris' national stature in NCAA Division II athletics," Vice President for Administration and Finance Jim Bachmeier said. "The combination of extraordinarily low interest rates and our ability to pay off an existing piece of debt provided the opportunity to borrow funds for this project, without increasing annual debt service."

The Athletic Department and Ferris' University Advancement and Marketing division will continue to collaborate on the project as it moves forward with the Bulldog Athletic Association supporting the outreach to potential donors for naming opportunities.

Weisenburger said this undertaking comes about at a "great time for Bulldog athletics."

"We could not be more excited about moving forward with this extremely important project," Weisenburger said.  "Every team and program will utilize the Center for Athletics Performance in so many ways, allowing for greater energy towards life balance, student-athlete growth and physical development, team building, competition preparation, coaching continuity, championship success and of course, recruiting. The CAP is the missing piece for Ferris State Athletics and this multi-faceted facility will provide amenities, space and enhanced flexibility that will greatly benefit our student-athletes and programs.

"We are also extremely appreciative of the vision and energy of Ferris State alum and developer Jeff Schmitz, who greatly contributed to this project," he added.

Physical Plant Senior Project Manager Joseph Haupt said an Ann Arbor-based architecture, design and planning firm, The Collaborative, is currently contributing to the CAP project.

"The Collaborative was our clear choice, offering an extensive portfolio and relevant experience designing athletic facilities, of similar size and complexity, for Division I, II and III higher education institutions," Haupt said. "He said design team has begun the program validation portion of the project, where they identify and prioritize the scope of facility improvements that the approved budget will allow."

Haupt said Granger Construction will oversee the subcontracting firms, who will take up approximately 7,200 square feet of renovation work and the development of nearly 16,000 square feet of new construction to create the Center for Athletics Performance. This work includes a new home for the volleyball program, Bulldog Arena, in addition to a new entry and connector space.

The Center for Athletics Performance will provide student-athletes with increased space for strength and conditioning, cardio work, training and nutrition.

"This upgrade and facility project will be a wonderful addition for all of our student-athletes," said head football coach Tony Annese. "We're so thankful to the university for making this project a reality, and it is one that will transform the way our athletes train and develop on an everyday basis."

The Ewigleben Sports Complex was originally constructed in 1974 with the current volleyball arena, which will be transformed into the new Center for Athletics Performance, added on in 1982. Ferris State built Jim Wink Arena off the existing structure in 1999 and renovations to the ice arena were last made in 2007. The new Bulldog Arena addition will sit to the east side of the main concourse near both the existing Ewigleben Ice Arena and Wink Arena.

"Our building and our volleyball arena in particular have so much history and tradition and while we will always remember so many wonderful moments within it, this will be exciting to see the facility upgraded in so many ways," said volleyball head coach Tia Brandel-Wilhelm. "I'm thrilled for our student-athletes who are so deserving of this expansion and the opportunities it will create for them to maximize their success."

For additional information regarding the Center for Athletics Performance, please visit this link:
https://www.ferris.edu/administration/adminandfinance/physical/CAPProjectInfo.htm

It will be another three days of conditioning for high school athletes before they can start practicing and playing games.

The state Health Department issued an updated order Thursday allowing contact sports, like basketball, hockey, wrestling and competitive cheer, to resume Monday.

Masks must be worn by the student-athletes, or those who can't must be tested.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association says while first games will be Monday, the hockey and competitive cheer seasons will wrap up in late March, while the basketball and wrestling seasons will have championships in April.

Per the MHSAA:

Girls Basketball

Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the floor if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed.

Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday.

First contest: Feb. 8

Districts: March 22, 24, 26

Regionals: March 29, 31

Quarterfinals: April 5

Semifinals: April 7

Finals: April 9

Boys Basketball

Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the floor if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed.

Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday.

First contest: Feb. 8

Districts: March 23, 25, 27

Regionals: March 30, April 1

Quarterfinals: April 6

Semifinals: April 8

Finals: April 10

Competitive Cheer

Masking/testing: Teams may compete without testing or face coverings, but must wear masks at all times outside of active competition or stunting/tumbling practice.

Competition limit: Teams may participate in 12 days of competition, not counting MHSAA Tournament events.

First contest: Feb. 12

Districts: March 15-20

Regionals: March 22-24

Finals: March 26-27

Ice Hockey

Masking/testing: All participants must wear face coverings at all times – during all practices and non-game activities, and during games. A testing requirement may allow participants to remove masks while in active participation on the ice if they test negative that game day; more details will be provided to schools when confirmed.

Competition limit: Teams may play up to three games per week, Monday through Sunday. Teams also may play two games on one non-school day twice; during those two weeks, teams are allowed up to four games Monday through Sunday.

First contest: Feb. 8

Regionals: March 15-20

Quarterfinals: March 23

Semifinals: March 25-26

Finals: March 27

Wrestling

Masking/testing: Testing is required for wrestling, but competitors will not be required to wear face coverings.

Competition limit: Teams may compete two days per week, Monday through Sunday, with no more than four teams at a site (with each individual competing in up to three matches per day.)

First contest: Feb. 12

Districts: March 15-20

Regionals: March 22-28

Team Finals: March 30

Individual Finals: April 2-3

District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) announces we will still be hosting vaccine clinics for those with appointments on Friday and Saturday despite the chance for inclement weather.  

If you have an appointment scheduled to receive your vaccine at one of our DHD#10 offices, please take your time getting there and drive safely. It's okay if you're late. We will hold your vaccine for you during our clinic hours on the day you are scheduled.  

If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please email us at covid@dhd10.org to let us know. You will be placed back on the waiting list and we will contact you via phone, text, or email when we can get you rescheduled. We will do our best to get you rescheduled as soon as possible. 

 Morton Township received a $10,000 donation from Nestlé Waters North America Inc. (NWNA) to help support the community's recycling center.

Since 2012, Nestlé Waters has contributed a total of $95,000 to Morton Township to help support the recycling center's operations, including the purchase of a compactor in 2015.

"Nestlé Waters' donation to the Morton Township Recycling Center is meaningful and greatly appreciated," said Morton Township supervisor Mark Klumpp. "The Township's success in collecting tons of recyclable materials is a direct result of their long-term support of our program." 

The Morton Township recycling program serves approximately 250 customers per week. The recycling center is located at 8560 Midstate Drive in Mecosta. It is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

"Nestlé Waters North America is pleased to support the Morton Township Recycling Center and its important work of keeping materials out of landfills," said NWNA Natural Resource Manager Arlene Anderson-Vincent. "We take our commitment to the environment and being a good neighbor very seriously. Ice Mountain bottles are carefully designed to be 100 percent recyclable, and our goal is to help them get transformed into new bottles, so it's a natural fit to help sustain recycling efforts in our community."

 

A 22-year old Jackson woman is recovering following a Thursday morning rollover accident on US-131 near Woodward.

According to police, the driver hit some snow on the edge of the roadway causing her to lose control. 

She ran off the side of the road and over turned. 

She was the only occupant in the vehicle. 

She was taken to Spectrum Health BR for non-life threatening injuries.

The Michigan Department of Treasury says it will start processing individual income tax returns next Friday, February 12th.

It's the same processing date as the IRS. State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks said in a statement that the IRS pushed back the date because of software updating and testing.

All state income tax returns and tax payments must be submitted by April 15th.

82% of local fans don't think the 2021 Detroit Tigers will finish 1st in the AL Central. Most analysts agree placing the Tigers in an easy last with some projecting 51 wins and 111 losses in 2021.

However, the grass is getting greener for the Tigers after 4 straight losing seasons. Despite Miguel Cabrera’s whooping annual contract of $30+ million through the 2024 season and his replacement level offensive performance since 2016, the Tigers are coming into 2021 below the league average payroll ($110,688,124) at $66,170,00.

While there’s a 0% chance he’ll use his full $120mil soft cap space signing free agents like Trevor Bauer or Ryan Braun, it does give GM Al Avila leeway to fill temporary gaps.

For instance, in January the Tigers inked outfielder Robbie Grossman to a 2 year, $10mil contract. In 2020 Grossman outperformed his A’s contract by almost 79% and in 2021 he’ll provide stability, experience, and depth to an exceptionally young outfield.

A few days ago, Avila signed veteran catcher Wilson Ramos to a 1 year, $2mil contract. The 10 year veteran is notoriously hard to strike out and boasts a career average WAR of 1.56. 2020’s Tiger catchers combined for a .177/.217/.277 slash and a league worst -1.2 WAR. So he’s an upgrade even if he repeats his worst season (-.5 WAR in 2015).

While these signings aren’t ‘Stafford for Goff’ moves, they help improve a young ball club in need of a veteran presence.

I wouldn’t expect the Tigers to be done either. Detroit has been linked to former Cardinal 2^nd baseman Kolton Wong and recent rumblings talk of another outfielder being added to the mix. Names such as former Red Adam Duvall, Jay ‘Big Wrists’ Bruce, outfield magician Kevin Pillar, and former Indian Tyler Naquin have been linked. Even graduated Tiger Matt Joyce has been mentioned.

The Tigers did unfortunately say goodbye to Jonathan Schoop after his 1-year contract expired. Schoop turned in a solid effort in 2020 (.278/.324/.475 & 1.8 WAR) and appears to be trying to parlay that into a multi-year deal elsewhere.

Returners Jacoby Jones, Niko Goodrum, Victor Reyes, Jeimer Candelario, Willi Castro, youngster Issac Paredes, and pitchers Spencer Turnbull, Tyler Alexander, Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Jose Cisnero, Daniel Norris, and Bryan Garcia look to continue to improve on solid 2020 showings with Rule 5 pick Akil Baddoo tossing his name into the mix.

While the Tigers do in fact look very bad on paper, I wouldn’t rule them out of existence in 2021. A new skipper who knows how to win (in more ways than allowed), a talented core of starters, a decent and young bullpen, a couple new veterans who should provide a stable presence in the clubhouse, and some everyday players who simply ‘grind’ while on the diamond could make the Tigers more surprising than the ‘analysts’ and ZiPS think.

Every 2021 Tiger baseball game is on News/Radio WBRN 1460AM & 107.7FM including most Spring Training games.

First game is February 26^th. Opening day is also the Home Opener versus Cleveland on April 1^st.

A few hundred high school athletes, their parents and other supporters rallied outside Michigan's Capitol in Lansing Saturday in support of the reopening of sports programs shut down by COVID-19 restrictions.

Orders released earlier this month by Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services bans contact winter sports like basketball, wrestling, hockey and competitive cheerleading.

Various coaching associations have written letters to Governor Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials urging that their sports be allowed to continue.

Bars and restaurants are gearing up to reopen for in-door dining today -- ending nearly two months of a “pause” that forced thousands out of work and threatened to permanently shutter thousands of businesses.

Restaurants will be open under new restrictions that include a 10 p-m curfew and 25 percent capacity limits.

No more than 100 people will be allowed to dine inside any bar or restaurant at one time.

The new order will last three weeks, until Sunday, February 21st -- when it will be re-evaluated.