Caledonia High School will be closed through September 11th because of the virus exposures to students.

Classes will be conducted on line.

As of August 28th, five students and one staff member tested positive for the virus, up from four students.

The issue started Tuesday, the first day of school when school officials became aware that a student was showing virus systems.  The student did not attend class that day.

Storms, some severe moved through lower Michigan Friday knocking out electric service to thousands.

Consumers Energy is reporting over 22,455 customers out of service.

Allegan County 1,900

Barry County 13

Calhoun County  565

Ionia County 1,563

Kalamazoo County  263

Kent County 11,577

Great Lakes Energy reporting 444 of their customers out of service.

Four Caledonia School students have tested positive for the virus. Only three attended school hours and all have been in self quarantine since Tuesday August 25th.

School Administrators issued a letter about the cases thursday August 27th and that same day announced a suspension of in-person classes for  friday.

For more than a year, Freeport Historical Society members planned an Aug. 26 2020 celebration of the 100^th anniversary of ratification of the 19^th amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote.

Serious events, including speakers, the Irving Township clerk registering people to vote, a skit poking fun at the mores of the time was planned, along with cake, coffee, tea and fellowship. The centerpiece of the event was to be more than 100 women in period dress marching down Freeport’s main street with posters demanding the right to vote, recreating a scene out  of the 1880’s, early 1900’s struggle.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office had called to discuss her possible involvement.

However, along with most other events planned for the 2020 summer season, the corona virus forced the abandonment of their plans. But Society organizers wouldn’t let the day pass without some kind of recognition.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, several ladies in clothing depicting the era, long skirts,  long sleeved blouses, large brimmed hats, and sashes and joined by three men, marched in the village with posters demanding the right to vote to formerly recognize the day when American women won the right to legally vote for the first time.

“Those women were trailblazers. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to vote today,” Society Vice President Sherry Graham said. “We had to do something.”

 “My grandmother was in the first generation of women to legally vote, so I feel a connection,” Society Treasurer Colleen Smelker said. “We wanted to do something to honor the women who worked so hard so we could vote today.” Smelker said the cancellation “was really disappointing, but things happen.”

However, many members say they are ready to stage the 101^st anniversary in 2021.

The woman’s suffrage movement unofficially began in 1848, when a women's rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. The meeting was not the first in support of women's rights, but suffragists later viewed it as the meeting that launched the movement. Just one young lady at the convention lived long enough to vote, but she was too ill to go to the polls.

Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other many women were critical to the movement. They fought for the right to vote despite widespread condemnation, derision and mistreatment. At that time, women couldn’t own property, go to college, walk on the street unescorted, speak in public and if divorced, left the marriage with no money or contact with their children.

Tortured, jailed and put in asylums, women still registered and demanded the right to vote. They persevered, suffering indignities and shame until August, 1920 when they won the right to vote in local, state and federal elections.

The Tri-River Historical Society, a network of 33 member museums in Barry, Eaton, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm counties adopted “Celebrating Women’s Right to Vote- 1920-2020” as its theme this year.

Photo cutlines: Taking part in the parade to mark the 100^th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote are, (front, left to right) Dave Yoder, Natalie Cairns, Lavonne Yoder, Sue Thaler, Mary  Ellen Miner, Darla Burghdoff, Colleen Smelker, Sherry Graham, Dick Dolate and Tim Miner.

Darla Burghdoff portrays a suffragette during the planning of the event.

A small parade marking the formal observance of the 100^th anniversary of women’s right to vote was held in Freeport Wednesday after the main event with more than 100 marchers was cancelled due to the covid 19 virus.

Lavonne Yoder joins the group of marchers in Freeport Wednesday to observe women winning the right to vote. 

Freeport Historical Society logo

Michigan State Police Troopers were responding to a report of a boy possibly hitch hiking on M-43 North of Hastings  when they learned he was walking to a nearby home, saying he was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed. Troopers located the crash site, where they found a 38-yerar old Hastings Township woman unresponsive. She died at the scene. Troopers believe Kristina Joy VanDenberg Camphouse was driving north on North Broadway M-43 when she lost control of her vehicle causing it to flip over. Speed, alcohol nor drugs are not belived to be a factor in the crash.

The Wayland/Yankee Springs Township Fire Department  responded to a tructure fire at 3:45am Tuesday morning at 1773 N. M-37 highway.

It was reported that a pole barn or garage which was unattached to the residence was on fire. Fire units arrived to find a pole barn engulfed in flames.  The fire was extinguished in a short period with no injuries to firefighters or civilians.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Assisting on the incident were Thornapple Township Emergency Services, Wayland Area EMS, The Barry County Sheriff Department, and Barry County Central Dispatch.  

More Hastings business's continue to remodel and upgrade.

The attached picture is remodeling going on at the former Marathon Station located with Taco Bell on West State Street,  that has been closed for a number of weeks. Heavy equipment removing fuel tanks.

City Manager Jerry Czarnecki gives WBCH News a report of the Monday August 24th Hastings City Council meeting.

Widespread wildfires continue to burn along the West coast in California. Now the smoke from these fires is now moving throughout the country and impacting West Michigan with a hazy smoky look to our skies. The winds  are bringing the smoke to our area but is not expected to mix down into the lower levels of the atmosphere,  just leaving West Michigan with a hazy smoky look to our cloud deck.

Police are investigating a vehicle crash that occured Monday morning near walmart west of Hastings on West M-37-43. No other information available at this time.

Hastings Central Elementary School that underwent major construction this summer will begin their school year on  Monday August 31st.  The delay was caused by construction supplies being scarce and delivery times delayed.

Edgenuity, is experiencing very high volumes as many students are going virtual throughout the state. 

Because of this the Hastings School System roll out is taking longer then we were promised and longer than expected.  Hastings will not be starting their online virtual academy until Tuesday September 8th.

Telephone service in and around Hastings Barry County was interrupted for a period of time on Thursday. no information as to the cause.  Service was restored around 5-pm

Yankee Springs Golf Course Pro Ben Cook won the 99th Michigan PGA Professional Golf Championship on Wednesday with a record setting score.

Cook fired off an eight-shot victory at the Flint Golf Club finishing the three day tournament at 20 under par.

City Manager Jerry Czarnecki gives WBCH News a report of the August 18th Hastings Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting.

Sunday afternoon many people were enjoying the sunny weather and dining out in downtown Hastings and watching the demonstration on the court house lawn emphasizing unity. A number of individuals were camped out in front of Al & Pete's Sport Shop and at the veterans memorial monument at Tyden Park.

Hastings fire fighters rushed to the Thornapple River in Hastings Sunday afternoon to pull an adult male out of the river.

Hastings fire Chief Roger Caris said, "the man was riding on a tube when he fell into the water". Caris said the individual was taken to the hospital but didn't have any information on the man's condition.

33 year old Diego Garcia Palencia from the Kalamazoo area was killed Friday morning in a two vehicle crash at the intersection of 141st avenue and 56th street in Allegan County's Fillmore Township.

The Michigan State Police said Palencia failed to stop at the intersection and his vehicle was struck by a second vehicle that had the right of way.

The driver of the second vehicle Nathan Patmos of hamilton was taken to a nearby hospital with non life threatening injuries.

The Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association today announced it will move the 2020 Fall football season to Spring 2021, due to football’s higher risk for spreading COVID-19, with the rest of Fall sports proceeding as scheduled.

The football season switch was made based on consultation with state health department officials and after surveying MHSAA member high schools on their progress and preferences after the first four days of practice. Football is considered a high-risk sport for potential spread of the COVID-19 virus because of its level of player-to-player contact.

A total of 34,219 student-athletes played football at MHSAA member schools during the 2019 season. A total of 520 11-player teams and 83 8-player teams were anticipated during late summer to play football this fall season.

“At the end of the day, we did everything we could to find a path forward for football this fall,” MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl said. “But while continuing to connect with the Governor’s office, state health department officials, our member schools’ personnel and the Council, there is just too much uncertainty and too many unknowns to play football this fall.

“No one is willing to take the risk of COVID being passed on because of a high-risk sport. Decisions have to be made on our other sports as well, but none of those carry the same close, consistent, and face-to-face contact as football.”

Throughout the remainder of August and the 2020 Labor Day holiday weekend, police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the Michigan State Police are encouraging motorists to celebrate safely and make smart driving decisions. During a three-week period, August 14 through September 7, there will be increased enforcement and additional messaging about the dangers of driving impaired on the roads.

“The aim is to drastically reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired driving,” said Michael L. Prince, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) director.  “This should be a time for friends and family to enjoy the final days of summer. Impaired driving puts everyone at risk and is always unacceptable.”

Officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol throughout the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement period. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. Michigan has what is commonly referred to as a zero-tolerance drugged driving law.

During last year’s Labor Day holiday, there were 10 fatalities, with three fatalities involving alcohol.

On average, a driving under the influence charge can result in $10,000 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, etc.

63 year old Jon Otis Burnett was convicted of two counts of murder and multiple other charges Wednesday afternoon in Barry County Circuit Court concluding a jury trial that began August 3^rd. The double homicide took place near Lindsey and Lewis roads northwest of Delton in June, 2019.

Burnett was found guilty of the following charges:

First Degree Murder by Premeditation in the death of Gary Peake

First Degree Murder by Premeditation, Felony Murder and Unlawful Imprisonment, in the death of Bryce DeGood

Assault With a Dangerous  Weapon of Lynn Burnett, Tracy Schisser, G.  Schisser, Ashley Glumm, Mallory Gray, Daniel Robinson, M. Robinson, Gary Harps, Nola Harps, Jason Wyatt, David Harrison Jr. and Michael Geist

He was also found guilty of two counts of Resisting and Obstructing Police regarding Dep. Kevin Erb and Dep. Brian Hansford, Assault With Intent to Murder Joseph Powell and 15 counts of possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

Barry County Prosecuting Attorney Julie A. Nakfoor Pratt said sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Michael Schipper.

City Manager Jerry Czarnecki gives WBCH News a summary of the August 10th Hastings City Council meeting.

Monday night Thunderstorms with their high winds knocked out electric service to many Consumers Energy Customers in Lower Michigan.

Barry County 449

Allegan County 640

Calhoun County 726

Kalamazoo County 4,255.

The City of Hastings, villages and school boards in Barry County have opted to have non-partisan elections. Those positions and candidates will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot along with the Republican/Democratic choices made in the recent primary election.

Here are the candidates and the offices they are seeking, provided by the Barry County Clerk.

CITY AND VILLAGES

City of Hastings: (all terms 12-31-2024)

Mayor: David Tossava

Ward 1: Al Jarvis

Ward 2: John Resseguie

Ward 3: Norman Eugene Barlow

              Don Bowers

Ward 4: Willard R. Redman

               Jacquie McLean

               Shawn Winters

Board of Review:

               Melissa A. Winick

               Timothy James Girrbach

Village of Freeport:

President: Bill Andrews (full term 11-20-2022)

Village Clerk: Shawna Hill (full term 11-20-2022)

Trustees: Shawna Hill (partial term 11-20-2022)

                Lani Forbes (full term 11-20-2024)

Village of Middleville:

President: Charles T. Pullen (two year term 11-20-2022)

Trustees: Sherry Lynn Ronning (all four year terms 11-20-24)

              Kim A. Selleck

              Mike Lytle

Village of Nashville:

President: Mike Kenyon (all full terms 11-2024)

Trustees: Tanett A. Hodge

                Johnny L. Hartwell

Village of Woodland:

Mayor: Ronald Martin (full term 11-20-2022)

Trustees: Rick Denker (full terms 11-20-2024)

              Arlene Barry

              John Kennedy

              Kevin Duits

SCHOOL BOARDS OF EDUCATION:

Delton Kellogg School Board:

Brandy Shooks (all full terms 12-31-2024)

Craig Jenkins, Jr.

Jessica Brandli

Kelli Martin

Hastings School Board:

Luke Haywood (all full terms 12-31-2026)

Mike Nickels

Bradley Tolles

Elden Shellenbarger

Lakewood School Board:

Melissa McClelland (partial term 12-31-2024)

Jamie Brodbeck Krenz (full term) 12-31-2026)

Kerry Possehn

Darin Weller

Maple Valley School Board:

Justin Keiffer (full term 12-31-2024)

Jennifer Burns (write in-full term 12-31-2024)

Jonathan Lynn Denton (write in-full term 12-31-2024)

Kimberlee Kenyon (write in-partial term 12-31-2022)

Thornapple Kellogg School Board:

Kirsten R. Cove (all full terms 12-31-2026)

Anne Hamming

David Smith

Donald Haney

Risa Lovell

COUNTY JAIL MILLAGE PROPOSAL

Barry County requests approval to issue general obligation tax bonds for $25 million dollars to pay for design, engineering, construction, property acquisition, furnishing and equipping a new county jail and sheriff’s offices.

The bonds will be outstanding for a maximum of 26 years (2021 through 2046). It is estimated that it will be necessary to levy 0.1722 mills for debt service on bonds the first year and an estimated average of 0.451mills for debt service for the remaining years until the bonds are paid.

Property in the county with a taxable value of $50,000 will pay an estimated $8.61 the first year and on average and $22.51 in subsequent years.

TOWNSHIP MILLAGE PROPOSALS:

Orangeville asks for renewal of 1.5 mills for township road improvements for the period of 2021 through 2024, inclusive, raising an estimated $240,242 the first year.

Woodland asks for renewal of 2 mills for fire, cemetery and the township for the period of 2021 through 2024, inclusive, which would raise an estimated $182,600 the first year.

LIBRARY MILLAGE PROOSALS:

Dowling Public Library asks for renewal of .30 mills for the library for the years 2021-2024 inclusive in Baltimore Township which will raise an estimated $17, 261 the first year.

Dowling Public Library also asks for renewal of .30 mills for the library for the years 2021-2024 inclusive in Johnstown Township will raise an estimated $33,624 in the first year.

Yankee Springs Golf Course professional Ben Cook needed a big round friday to make into Saturday and Sunday's competition in the 102nd PGA Championship in San Francisco.

Cook finished with a 6-over-par 146, which placed him  well down the leaderboard.

Dennis Bowman who lived for years in Allegan County has been charged with the murder of his daughter back in 1989.

Bowman was initially charged in November 2019 with the 1980 murder of Kathleen Doyle in Norfolk, Virginia.

While be held in Virginia on charges related to that murder he confessed to police to the 1989 killing of his adopted daughter Aundria Bowman.

The Prairieville  Township Police Department said a 85 year old man died in a tractor accident around 10:30 friday morning on private property off M-43 between Milo and West hickory roads in Hickory Corners.

Officers say the man was trying to pull a tree stump from the ground with his tractor when it flipped over.

Barry Eaton District Health Department has organized a community testing event in partnership with the Spectrum Pennock Foundation, Barry County United Way, Barry County Emergency Management, and other community partners. 

200 tests available on a first-come first-served basis.  No insurance is needed, and insurance will not be billed.  The event will be held Tuesday, August 18 from 3 to 7pm at 1230 West State Street in Hastings, next door to the Burger King restaurant.

This will be a drive-thru testing event,  and you must bring a drivers license or ID card and a face covering to be tested.

On Thursday, August 6, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department became aware of an outbreak of COVID-19 at Camp Michawana, located in Barry County's Hope Township between Hastings and Cloverdale. So far, 5 staff members and 1 camp visitor have tested positive for the virus, and an additional individual is considered a probable case due to their exposure history and current symptoms.

Based upon an initial investigation the Health Department believes that people who have attended or stayed at Camp Michawana on or after July 24th may have been exposed to the virus.

Barry-Eaton District Health Department recommends that these individuals self-quarantine at home for 14 days past the last date of their stay at the camp.  Individuals should monitor themselves closely for symptoms and seek testing immediately if symptoms develop.

Camp Michawana is fully cooperating with Barry-Eaton District Health Department and will remain closed for the next two weeks to all visitors.

Camp Michawana contains a children’s overnight camp, a family camp, and a traditional-style campground. All three camp styles were active while individuals with the virus were present.

Approximately 250 persons attended or staffed the camp in the past two weeks and are at greatest risk of exposure.  Approximately 180 campers were children under 18 who attended the children’s overnight camp either last week, or this week.  An additional 70 persons were either attendees at the family-style camp, or staff of the camp. BEDHD is partnering with Camp Michawana management to notify those persons directly of their exposure, as many of them are from outside of the local area. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, congestion, and loss of taste and smell. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should speak with their healthcare provider and seek testing for COVID-19.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit BEDHD’s page at https://www.barryeatonhealth.org/coronavirus or MDHHS’ page at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.

A woman nearly drowned Wednesday evening in Lake Odessa's Jordan Lake. Lake Odessa Police said the 59 year old woman was found unresponsive in the water around 6:20pm.

Four people pulled her from the water and one individual performed CPR until the fire department arrived. Authorities continued life-saving efforts and the victim regained a pulse and was able to breath on her own. She was taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Lake Odessa Police arrested and charged 29 year old Jesse James Thompson in connection with the murder of a 47 year old woman.

Thompson was arraigned on 1-count of open murder in Ionia District Court.

According to online court documents, Thompson has been charged with violent crimes in other counties. Thompson is expected back in court later this month.

--------------

The Lake Odessa Police Department was dispatched shortly before 10pm Monday night to a residence at Lakewood Mobile Home Estates for a report of a 47 year old female who was determined to be deceased.

Lake Odessa Police Chief Kendra Backing said in a news release that police are searching for a suspect who killed the woman. The victim’s name has not been released. Authorities believe the suspect and victim knew each other.

Backing has not provided any other information at this time about a possible motive.

Lake Odessa Police were assisted by Ionia County Central Dispatch, Michigan State Police, Ionia County Victims Advocates and the Lake Odessa Fire Department.

Tuesday’s primary election cleared the way for the election of local office seekers in November.

If they are Republican and bested a Republican challenger, or had no competition within their party, they are virtually assured of a seat with few facing Democratic opposition.

With 24 out of 24 precincts reporting, the Barry County Clerk’s office reports the following figures. Totals from No Party Affiliation and the U.S. Taxpayers Party were not immediately available. The election results are unofficial until certified by the board of canvassers.

COUNTY COMMISSION:

District 1: Howard R. Gibson (R) 1,071, Martha Reyff-Banash (D) 580

District 2: Catherine Getty (R) 1.463, Cody Hayes (D) 448

District 3: David Jackson (R) 1,309

District 4: Jon Smelker (R) 1,588, Rich Burtts (US Taxpayers) ****

District 5: Ben Geiger (R) 1,085

District 6: Vivian Lee Conner (R) 1,551

District 7: Bruce D. Campbell (R) 905, Ben McLeod (R) 448

OTHER COUNTY OFFICIALS:

Sheriff: Dar Leaf (R) 10,061

Register of Deeds: Barbara D. Hurless (R), 5,193, Jordan Brehm (D) 3,323, Heather L.Wing (R) 4,777

County Clerk: Pam Palmer (R) 9,872

Prosecutor: Julie Nakfoor-Pratt (R) 9,867

Drain Commissioner: Jim Dull (R) 6,833, Kyle Staines (R) 3,642

Treasurer: Susan VandeCar (R) 4,614, Jennifer Meyer (D) 3,309  Susan Vlietstra (R) 2,153, Justin Straube (R) 3,333

 Surveyor: Brian Reynolds (R) 9,539 

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS:

Assyria:

Supervisor: Mike Timmons (R) 163, Thomas J. Wing (R) 218

Clerk: Annette J. Terry (R) 230, Tandra S. Angus (R) 151

Treasurer: Terry Ryder Stephens (D) 86

Trustee: James D. Miller (R) (two seats) 345

Baltimore:

Supervisor: Chad VanSyckle (R) 280

Clerk: Penelope J. Ypma (D) 75

Treasurer: Melissa L. VanSyckle (R) 275

Trustee: Michael Altoft (NPA) **** Gerard R. Ypma (R) 192, Aaron VanSyckle (R) 206 (two seats)

Barry:

Supervisor: Wesley Kahler (R) 521, Rodney Dye (NPA) ****

Clerk: Debra Knight (R) 556,

Treasurer: Judith E. Wooer (R) 371, Michael Dye (R) 170, Ingrid Pagano (R) 92,

Trustee: Lee A. Campbell (R) 313, Barry Bower (R) 372, Ricky Lawrence (R) 212 (two seats)

Carlton:

Supervisor: Brad Carpenter (R) 433

Clerk: Amanda Brown (R) 431

Treasurer: Terri Geiger (R) 432

Trustee: Gary VandeCar (R) 265, Cary Smith (R) 219, Scott Bond (R) 221 (two seats)

Castleton: Supervisor: Cheryl Hartwell (R) 327

Clerk: Marcia Scramlin (R) 318

Treasurer: Joy E. Mulder (R) 317

Trustee: Earl M. Wilson (R) 247, H. Michael Trahan (R) 235 (two seats)

Hastings Charter:

Supervisor: Jim Brown (R) 311, James M. Partridge (R) 234

Clerk: Anita S. Mennell (R) 507

Treasurer:  Jenee S. Phillips (D) 171

Trustee: Timothy B. McNally (R) 362, Scott Savage (D) 169, William Wetzel (R) 353 (four seats)

Hope:

Supervisor: Douglas E. Peck (R) 321, Joyce Snow (R) 250

Clerk: Deborah Jackson (R) 518

Treasurer: Arlene Tonkin (R) 521, Jolene Payne (D) 161

Trustee: David Messelink (R) 336, Matt Peake (R) 341, Wendee J.Wendt (R) 223 (two seats)

Irving:

Supervisor: Jamie R. Knight (R) 359, Tim Ross (R) 325

Clerk: Sharon Olson (R) 622

Treasurer: Alesse Cross (D) 161

Trustee: Michael Buehler (R) 487, Dean Bass (R) 296, Rhonda VanPolen (R) 294 (two seats)

Johnstown:

Supervisor: Barbara J. Earl (R) 379, Roy Thunder (R) 243

Clerk: Sheri M. Babcock (R) 564

Treasurer: Karmen Kay Nickerson (R) 579

Trustee: Deana M. Powell (R) 454, Jeffrey T. Warren (R) 435 (two seats) 

Maple Grove:

Supervisor: Jeff Butler (R) 214

Clerk: Holly Carpenter (R) 222

Treasurer: Ginger Cole (R) 221

Trustee: Larry Hook (R) 147, Doug Westendorp (R) 182 (two seats)

Orangeville:

Supervisor: Thomas J. Rook (R) 613

Clerk: Mel Risner (R) 619

Treasurer: Michelle Ritchie (R) 605

Trustee: Linda Ribble (R) 302, Chad Kraai (R) 316,  Phillip Joseph (R) 110, Jodi L. Patrick (R) 283, Jake Bronson (R) 166 (two seats)

Prairieville:

Supervisor:  Jim Stoneburner (R) 341, Mark A. Doster (R) 228

Clerk: Rod Gobel (R) 483

Treasurer: Judy Pence (R) 471

Trustee: Richard L.Van Niman (R) 235, Ted DeVries (R) 393, Mark D. Doster (R) 298 (two seats)

Office of Parks: Judith A. Risdon (D) 216, Scott Kuebler (R) 352,  Kevin Louden (R) 369,  Joanna Haneckow (D) 230, John Kurak (D) 210 (five seats)

Rutland Charter:

Supervisor: Larry Watson (R) 621

Clerk: Robin Hawthorne (R) 639

Treasurer: Sandra Greenfield (R) 623

Trustee: Sandra L. James (R) 425,  Marlin Walters (R) 220, Brenda Bellmore (R) 320,  Matt Spencer (R) 390,  Gene D. Hall (R) 365, Eric Miller (R) 307 (four seats)

Thornapple: 

Supervisor: Dan Parker (R) 673, Eric Schaefer (R) 568

Clerk: Cindy Willshire (R) 1,191

Treasurer: Debra K. Buckowing (R) 1,178

Trustee: Ross DeMaagd (R) 877, Curt Campbell (R) 888, Sandra L. Rairigh (R) 842 (three seats)

Woodland:

Supervisor: Jeffrey S. MacKenzie (R) 320

Clerk: Nancy Stanton (R) 317

Treasurer: Shawn K. Durkee (R) 333

Trustee: Gabriel Steward (NPA) **** Mikel Slater (R) 309 (two seats)

Yankee Springs:

Supervisor: Mark W. Englerth (R) 519, Rob Heethuis (R) 825

Clerk: Michael Scott Cunningham (R) 784, Ron Heilman (R) 482

Treasurer: Debra L Mousseau (R) 1,193

Trustee: Shanon VandenBerg (R) 581, Larry Knowles (R) 722, Dave Van Houten (R) 825 (two seats)

TOWNSHIP MILLAGE REQUESTS:

Barry Township asked for renewal of 2 mills ($2 per $1,000 of taxable value) for fire protection, 2020-2023, which would raise an estimated $260,000 the first year. Passed 627 to 221.

Barry Township also asked for renewal of 2 mills ($2 per $1,000 of taxable value) for police protection for 2020-2023 which would raise an estimated $260,000 the first year. Passed 572 to276

Carlton Township asks that 1.5 mills, reduced to 1.4925 mills by required millage rollbacks, be renewed and increased to the original voted 1.5 mills and levied for four years, 2020 through 2023, to provide fire protection in the township, raising an estimated $117,000 in the first year which a portion will be distributed to the Freeport Fire Association, Woodland Fire Association and the BIRCH Fire Department. Passed 447 to 147.

 Hope Township asked 1 mill for fire protection and cemetery maintenance (.75 mills for fire and .25 mills for cemetery), reduced to 0.944 mills by required rollbacks, be renewed and increased up to the original 1mill for four years, 2020 through 2023, raising an estimated $137,765 the first year. Passed 598 to 222.

Hope Township also asks that 1 mill, reduced to 0.994 mills by required millage rollbacks, be renewed and increased up to the original 1 mill for four years, 2020 through 2023, for road repair, maintenance and operating expenses, which would raise an estimated $137,765 the first year. Passed 573 to 246.

Irving Township asked for a renewal of 1.4566 mills for six years, 2021through 2026, for fire protection, which is estimated to raise $199,039 in the first year. Passed 562 to 204.

Johnstown Township asked for renewal of 0.7882 mills for the acquisition, operation and maintenance of fire protection and equipment, including fire and rescue equipment for the years 2020-2023, which is estimated to raise revenue of $84,845 in the first year. Passed 589 to 175.

Maple Grove Township asked for renewal of 1 mill for four years, 2020-2023, for dust control and road maintenance which is estimated to raise $45,000 the first year. Passed 201 to 101.

Maple Grove Township also asked for the renewal of 1 mill for four years, 2020-2023, for fire department apparatus, maintaining, housing and operations, raising an estimated $$45,000 the first year. Passed 250 to 52.

Orangeville Township asked for renewal of 0.75 mills for five years, 2022 through 2026, for fire department equipment, estimated to raise $120,121.35 in the first year, and become effective when current millage expires in 2021. Passed 673 to 191.

Rutland Township asked for a 1 mill increase for five years, 2020 through 2024, to maintain and improve public roads in the township and raise an estimated $158,814.25 in the first year. Passed 489 to 478.

Thornapple Township Thornapple Township asks for renewal of 1.7169 mills for four years, 2020-2023, for fire protection, emergency services and equipment which will raise an estimated $578,000 the first year. Passed 1,151 to 469.

Delton Kellogg Schools asked for renewal of an 18 mill levy on non-homestead property for five years, 2021-2025, to continue to receive its per pupil foundation revenue and an increase of 0.5 mills for the five years, for operating purposes to restore millage lost as the result of the edlee Amndment. Headlee Amendment. If approved, the levy is estimated to raise approximately $3,174,000 the first year. Passed 1,852 to 1,097.

In state and national races, Barry County voters heavily supported Republican candidates.

In the race for United States Senate seat, Republican John James gathered 10,008 votes; his opponent Democrat Gary Peters counted 3,696.

For the 87^th State Legislative seat, Republican Julie Calley polled 10,142, Republican Jay Molette 3, 614.  For the 3rd U.S. Congressional seat county voters gave Democrat Hillary Scholten 3,619 votes. On the Republican side, Lynn Afendoulis got 2,293 votes; Joe Farmington, 520; Peter Meijer, 4,929; Thomas J. Norton, 2,499 and Emily Rafi, 501.

Lakewood Public Schools Parents will receive a Return to Learn communication in their mailboxes outlining In-Person Learning and Remote instruction options for the 2020-21 School year. The School is requesting parents carefully review the document that oulines the options and submit a quick response.   Visit http://lakewoodps.org

At approximately 6pm Monday evening the Wayland/Yankee Springs Township Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1850 Parker Drive in Yankee Springs Township.

It was reported to Barry Central Dispatch that there was a fire on the outside of the residence. 

Automatic mutual aid from the Orangeville Twp. Volunteer Fire Department was summoned as well as Wayland Area EMS.  First Yankee Springs Fire Unit at the scene reported heavy smoke coming from the multi story home.

Hastings Fire Department was called for their Air Trailer as well as firefighters from Martin Township Fire Department to assist. 

Fire Units cleared the scene approximately 9pm. There were no injuries and the fire remains under investigation.  

The family sought temporary housing on their own. 

Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki with a recap of the Hastings Planning Commission meeting Monday, August 3rd:

The general election held every four years has a daunting list of various offices at the federal, state, county, city and village levels to be decided by voters. The first step in the process is the primary election Aug. 4 to determine the candidates on the Nov. 3 general election ballot.

The following is a run-down of the local positions and millage proposals in the Barry County primary.

R=Republican

D=Democrat

NPA= no party affiliation

COUNTY COMMISSION:

District 1: Howard R. Gibson (R), Martha Reyff-Banash (D)

District 2: Catherine Getty (R), Cody Hayes (D)

District 3: David Jackson (R)

District 4: Jon Smelker (R), Rich Burtts (US Taxpayers)

District 5: Ben Geiger (R)

District 6: Vivian Lee Conner (R)

District 7: Bruce D. Campbell (R), Ben McLeod (R)

COUNTY OFFICIALS:

Sheriff: Dar Leaf (R)

Register of Deeds: Barbara D. Hurless (R), Jordan Brehm (D), Heather L.Wing (R).

County Clerk: Pam Palmer (R)

Prosecutor: Julie Nakfoor-Pratt (R)

Drain Commissioner: Jim Dull (R), Kyle Staines (R)

Treasurer: Susan VandeCar (R), Jennifer Meyer, (D), Susan Vlietstra (R), Justin Straube (R)

 Surveyor: Brian Reynolds (R)

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS:

Assyria:

Supervisor: Mike Timmons (R), Thomas J. Wing (R)

Clerk: Annette J. Terry (R), Tandra S. Angus (R),

Treasurer: Terry Ryder Stephens (D)

Trustee: James D. Miller (R) (two seats)

Baltimore:

Supervisor: Chad VanSyckle (R)

Clerk: Penelope J. Ypma (D)

Treasurer: Melissa L. VanSyckle (R)

Trustee: Michael Altoft (NPA), Gerard R. Ypma (R), Aaron VanSyckle (R) (two seats)

Barry:

Supervisor: Wesley Kahler (R), Rodney Dye (NPA)

Clerk: Debra Knight (R)

Treasurer: Judith E. Wooer (R) Michael Dye (R) Ingrid Pagano (R)

Trustee: Lee A. Campbell (R) Barry Bower (R), Ricky Lawrence (R) (two seats)

Carlton:

Supervisor: Brad Carpenter (R)

Clerk: Amanda Brown (R)

Treasurer: Terri Geiger (R)

Trustee: Gary VandeCar (R) Cary Smith (R), Scott Bond (R) (two seats)

Castleton: Supervisor: Cheryl Hartwell (R)

Clerk: Marcia Scramlin (R)

Treasurer: Joy E. Mulder (R)

Trustee: Earl M. Wilson (R), H. Michael Trahan (R) (two seats)

Hastings Charter:

Supervisor: Jim Brown (R), James M. Partridge (R)

Clerk: Anita S. Mennell (R)

Treasurer:  Jenee S. Phillips (D)

Trustee: Timothy B. McNally (R), Scott Savage (D), William Wetzel (R) (four seats)

Hope:

Supervisor: Douglas E. Peck (R), Joyce Snow (R)

Clerk: Deborah Jackson (R)

Treasurer: Arlene Tonkin (R) Jolene Payne (D)

Trustee: David Messelink (R), Matt Peake (R), Wendee J.Wendt (R) (two seats)

Irving:

Supervisor: Jamie R. Knight (R), Tim Ross (R)

Clerk: Sharon Olson (R)

Treasurer: Alesse Cross (R)

Trustee: Michael Buehler (R), Dean Bass (R) Rhonda VanPolen (R) (two seats)

Johnstown:

Supervisor: Barbara J. Earl (R), Roy Thunder (R)

Clerk: Sheri M. Babcock (R)

Treasurer: Karmen Kay Nickerson (R)

Trustee: Deana M. Powell (R), Jeffrey T. Warren, (R) (two seats) 

Maple Grove:

Supervisor: Jeff Butler (R)

Clerk: Holly Carpenter (R)

Treasurer: Ginger Cole (R)

Trustee: Larry Hook (R), Doug Westendorp (R) (two seats)

Orangeville:

Supervisor: Thomas J. Rook (R)

Clerk: Mel Risner (R)

Treasurer: Michelle Ritchie (R)

Trustee: Linda Ribble (R), Chad Kraai, (R), Phillip Joseph (R), Jodi L. Patrick (R) Jake Bronson (R) (two seats)

Prairieville:

Supervisor:  Jim Stoneburner (R), Mark A. Doster (R)

Clerk: Rod Goebel (R)

Treasurer: Judy Pence (R)

Trustee: Richard L.Van Niman (R), Ted DeVries (R) Mark D. Doster (R) (two seats)

Office of Parks: Judith A. Risdon (D), Scott Kuebler (R), Kevin Louden (R), Joanna Haneckow (D, John Kurak (D)

Rutland Charter:

Supervisor: Larry Watson (R)

Clerk: Robin Hawthorne (R)

Treasurer: Sandra Greenfield (R)

Trustee: Sandra L. James (R), Marlin Walters (R), Brenda Bellmore (R), Matt Spencer (R), Gene D. Hall, (R), Eric Miller (R) (four seats)

Thornapple: 

Supervisor: Dan Parker (R), Eric Schaefer (R)

Clerk: Cindy Willshire (R)

Treasurer: Debra K. Buckowing (R)

Trustee: Ross DeMaagd (R), Curt Campbell (R), Sandra L. Rairigh (R) (three seats)

Woodland:

Supervisor: Jeffrey S. MacKenzie (R)

Clerk: Nancy Stanton (R)

Treasurer: Shawn K. Durkee (R)

Trustee: Gabriel Steward, (NPA), Mikel Slater (R) (two seats)

Yankee Springs:

Supervisor: Mark W. Englerth (R), Rob Heethuis (R)

Clerk: Michael Scott Cunningham (R), Ron Heilman (R)

Treasurer: Debra L Mousseau (R)

Trustee: Shanon VandenBerg (R), Larry Knowles (R), Dave Van Houten (R) (two seats)

TOWNSHIP MILLAGE REQUESTS:

Barry Township asks for renewal of 2 mills ($2 per $1,000 of taxable value) for fire protection, 2020-2023, which would raise an estimated $260,000 the first year.

Barry Township also asks for renewal of 2 mills ($2 per $1,000 of taxable value) for police protection for 2020-2023 which would raise an estimated $260,000 the first year.

Carlton Township asks that 1.5 mills, reduced to 1.4925 mills by required rollbacks, be renewed and increased to the original voted 1.5 mills and levied for four years, 2020 through 2023, to provide fire protection in the township, raising an estimated $117,000 in the first year. A portion of the millage will be distributed to the Freeport Fire Association, Woodland Fire Association and the BIRCH Fire Department

Hope Township asks 1 mill for fire protection and cemetery maintenance (.75 mills for fire and .25 mills for cemetery), reduced to 0.944 mills by required rollbacks, be renewed and increased up to the original 1mill for four years, 2020 through 2023, raising an estimated $137,765 the first year.

Hope Township also asks that 1 mill, reduced to 0.994 mills by required rollbacks, be renewed and increased up to the original 1 mill for four years, 2020 through 2023, for road repair, maintenance and operating expenses, which would raise an estimated $137,765 the first year.

Irving Township asks for renewal of 1.4566 mills for six years, 2021through 2026, for fire protection, which is estimated to raise $199,039 in the first year.

Johnstown Township asks for renewal of 0.7882 mills for the acquisition, operation and maintenance of fire protection and equipment, including fire and rescue equipment for the years 2020-2023, both inclusive, which is estimated to raise revenue of $84,845 in the first year.

Maple Grove Township asks for renewal of 1 mill for four years, 2020-2023, for dust control and road maintenance which is estimated to raise $45,000 the first year.

Maple Grove Township also asks for the renewal of 1 mill for four years, 2020-2023, for fire department apparatus, maintaining, housing and operations, raising an estimated $45,000 the first year.

Orangeville Township asks for renewal of 0.75 mills for five years, 2022 through 2026, for fire department equipment which will raise an estimated $102,121.35 in the first year the renewal millage is levied. This millage becomes effective when the current millage expires in 2021.

Rutland Township asks for a 1 mill increase for five years, 2020 through 2024, to maintain and improve public roads in the township and raise an estimated $158,814.25 in the first year.

Thornapple Township asks for renewal of 1.7169 mills for four years, 2020 through 2023, for fire protection, emergency services and equipment, which will raise an estimated $578,000 the first year.

Delton Kellogg Schools asks for renewal of 18 mill levy on non-homestead property for five years, 2021-2025, to continue to receive its per pupil foundation revenue and an increase of 0.5 mills for the five years, for operating purposes, to restore millage lost as the result of the edlee Amndment. Headlee Amendment. If approved, the estimated the revenue the school district will collect is approximately $3,174,000 the first year.

Maple Valley Schools First Day of School in 2020-21 will be August 24th.  A Survey for which option of school parents and their students want to select for this year will be sent out August 3rd and must be returned by 5pm on August 10th.  Any Family who does not select an option will be assigned to the face to face option. Response to the online survey, mailed survey, or you may call the school offices to have an administrative assistant complete the survey at 517-852-9275.

The State of Michigan has provided guidance to Michigan Public Schools should students return to face to face learning in the 2020-21 school year.  visit the schools website at http://mvs.k12.mi.us

63 year old Jon Otis Burnett charged in a double homicide in Orangeville township in June 2019 is now back in  Barry County Circuit Court in a jury trial before Judge Michael Schipper. Burnett was in Court a year ago for a forensic diagnosis to determine if he was competent to stand trial.

Burnett is charged in the murder of 73 year old Gary Peake of Plainwell and 21 year old Bryce DeGood of Haslett.

Burnett also attacked his wife and tried to strangle her.

The shooting took place near Lindsey and Lewis roads  northwest of Delton.

A Michigan State Police Trooper died friday after nearly a month in the hospital.

33 year old Caleb Starr was hit by a drunk driver while on duty, July 10th in Ionia County.

Michigan State Police made the announcement, saying  "With extreme sadness we announce the loss of Trooper Caleb Starr of the Lakeview Post.