Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is offering flu vaccine with no out-of-pocket cost at both Charlotte and Hastings office locations. Widespread flu vaccination will reduce the spread of flu during the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent serious illness and related hospitalizations or deaths. Flu vaccination can also reduce the chance of people becoming infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

Upcoming Barry-Eaton District Health Department Flu Vaccine Clinics

- Tuesdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the BEDHD Charlotte office (1033 Health Care Dr., Charlotte, MI 48813). For everyone 19 years and older. These clinics will take place on Tuesdays starting Nov. 24th through Dec. 15th.

- Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the BEDHD Hastings office (330 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI 49058). For everyone 19 years and older. These clinics will take place on Wednesdays starting Nov. 25th through Dec. 16th.

For the safety of staff and community members, we ask that interested individuals schedule an appointment to reduce the number of people entering the building at the same time. To make an appointment, please visit: barryeatonhealth.org/immunizations .

We also ask that those with insurance consider going to a pharmacy or health care provider for flu vaccines. This allows us to use our supplies for community members without insurance.

When arriving for vaccinations, individuals will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the door and will be required to wear a mask. All vaccine is quadrivalent and protects against four strains of flu. We will not have high-dose vaccines (typically recommended for adults 65 years and older).

Why Get Vaccinated?

Flu vaccination is even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination can protect against severe cases of illness, hospitalization, and death due to flu, as well as reduce the spread of illness. Getting vaccinated also protects the people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. Good handwashing, covering your cough, and staying away from others when sick also prevents the spread of flu and other contagious diseases.

In addition to vaccination against the flu, it is important to stay home if you are sick, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands often using soap and warm water, and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

Where Else to Get Vaccinated

Flu vaccine is widely available at area medical offices, pharmacies, and community events. Most people with insurance can get flu shots at their doctors’ offices or pharmacies for free. See vaccinefinder.org for local options and call before visiting.

About Flu

Flu is a contagious illness that can be spread person to person through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Symptoms of the flu include coughing, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, sore throat, headache, fatigue, fever, and/or chills. The flu can affect anyone, but older adults, children and individuals with chronic health conditions are at greater risk for severe complications from flu.

The Hastings Area School Board met Monday, Nov. 23rd.  The Board received a Resignation letter from Superintendent Dan Remenap effective Dec. 23, 2020 and appointed Matt Goebel as Interim Superintendent through June 30, 2021.   A decision was made to continue Virtual learning for K- 12 grades thru January 15 2021.

City Manager Jerry Czarnecki gives WBCH news a report on the Monday November 23rd Hastings City Council meeting.

The Michigan State Police are warning the public of a  new twist to an old scam. The victims are being contacted by one of their own friends on Facebook.  The friend is not a friend. It is a hacked account  or spoofed to look like a friend. They want you to send a gift card, or furnish them with a gift or card numbers and redemption codes on line or by text...DO NOT SEND GIFT CARDS or furnish numbers or codes.. This Facebook friend is not a friend they are after your money or other information..

Just because you receive a message from a Facebook Friend, do not click on links within that message.

The President of the Middleville Village Council, Charles T. Pullen, has died from complications of Covid-19 at the age of 71.

According to Village Manager Patricia Rayl, Pullen died Friday, November 20^th after being hospitalized with the virus.

Charlie Pullen served on the Village Council since 2002. Before that, he served on Middleville’s Planning Commission.  While on the council he was instrumental in seeing the Crane Road Bridge project completed, and in improving and extending the Paul Henry Trail through the Village, among many other accomplishments.

Barry County cares offers help for the Holidays. They connect individuals and families with churches, businesses, organizations and others who provide food and toys for children. Get registered. Signup is open through Nov. 25, 2020.

Hastings and Middleville residents contact Barry County Cares 269-948-9555, Monday thru Friday 9-am to 1:00 pm.

Delton residents may sign up at the Delton Library, Mon-Wed-Fri 9 am to 5 pm and Tues and Thurs  9 am to 6 pm  269-623-8040

Nashville residents sign up at the Village Clerk's office Mon thru Fri 9 am to 5 pm.  Closed Wed and Fri  from noon to 1:00 pm  517-852-9544

Freeport residents.  Call Freeport United Methodist Church 616-765-5316. Leave your name and telephone number.

Residents of all other barry County Addresses may call Barry County Cares 269-948-9555. or email barrycountycares@yahoo.com

60 year old Bradley Greenfield of Hastings was found dead Thursday in his hunting blind near Hastings by a family member, after he had not been heard from since Sunday or Monday.

During their investigation the Michigan State Police in Hastings said Greenfield was accidently shot when his hand gun still in its holster somehow discharged.

Their investigation along with the autopsy report said there was no indication of foulplay.

Patients visiting Spectrum Health Pennock for an outpatient COVID-19 swab test are now being seen behind the hospital in the old retail pharmacy drive-thru.

The relocation of COVID-19 testing away from the emergency department entrance allows for less congestion at the main entrance, more room for traffic flow and a safe and sheltered place for staff and patients as cases continue to rise and inclement weather approaches.

Patients will enter the testing site through the east entrance into the hospital off W. Green Street and follow signs along the Wellness Center building to drive up to the new testing area for a brief swab procedure, while remaining in their vehicle.

“We’re very excited to roll out this drive-thru process,” said Spectrum Health Pennock president, Angela Ditmar. “We’ll be able to conduct tests in a more efficient and safe manner. This allows us to meet the needs of our community through the colder months.”

Due to an increasing demand for COVID-19 testing and a nationwide shortage of supplies, Spectrum Health announced eligibility changes for those seeking a test. The modifications ensure that those who are most in need can quickly and easily get tested.

The following changes went into effect on November 13:

A scheduled appointment is required to get a COVID-19 test. Spectrum Health will not be able to accommodate walk-ins or drive-ins at any of its COVID-19 testing sites without an appointment for that day and location. Click here to learn more about how to be screened and schedule a test.

If seeking only a test, do not go to the Emergency Department, Urgent Care or Walk-in-Clinics to be tested. Only go to these locations when seeking urgent or emergent care.

Spectrum Health will be regularly assessing the testing criteria for our patients to ensure that it reserves enough tests for symptomatic patients. As the demand for COVID-19 tests decreases, it will be able to widen the opportunities for people to get a COVID-19 test.

Other resources. Spectrum Health understands that those who are asymptomatic may still want to be tested. Please go to the State of Michigan website for a list of test sites.

It is recommended those with an exposure to COVID-19 follow public health guidelines and quarantine for 14 days.

The community is urged to continue practicing social distancing, to wear a mask in public and to wash hands frequently. Spectrum Health thanks the public for its support and cooperation as it responds to the increase of COVID-19 in our communities.

For more information, visit Spectrum Health’s COVID-19 resource center here.

The Following is a press release from Lakewood Superintendent Steve Skalka:

Let me start by saying thank you for supporting school staff, our students, and me over the last thirteen weeks. We are one of the few school districts in the state to offer in-person and remote instruction five days a week since the start of the school year. As we look forward to Thanksgiving break next week, it has become clear to me that by closing school and not engaging in in-person or remote instruction on Monday and Tuesday next week as well, we have an opportunity to positively impact the physical and emotional health of our school community moving forward. With a nine-calendar day (November 21-29) break, we can contribute to reducing the number of cases by allowing anyone who we are currently not aware is positive or their close contacts to isolate and quarantine at home thereby protecting in-person instruction for several weeks afterward. In addition, while working hard on behalf of their students, our staff members are not immune to the virus and its effects on them, their families and their extended families. A longer break will allow them time to recharge for the stretch run to Christmas break. It will also provide the District the opportunity to get staff members who are quarantined back, which is important right now as we are short substitute staff. I know the decision not to have school is disruptive to some families. My hope is that by modifying these two days (actually, a day and half) it will lead to less disruption to fewer families moving forward. You certainly can help in that by continuing to practice every day safety measures, rethinking routines and traditions, and staying home as much as possible. 

By unanimous vote, the Thornapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education has selected Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap to become the next superintendent for the TK district. The decision was made following final interviews Tuesday night with Remenap and one other finalist, Tim Reeves, Superintendent of Shelby Public Schools. The Thornapple Kellogg position became vacant after Rob Blitchok retired at the end of September.  Dan Takens has been filling the position on an interim basis. Remenap will start at Thornapple Kellogg in January, pending agreement on a contract.

Remanap has been the Superintendent of the Hastings Area School System only since April, 2019.  His quick departure leaves Hastings school officials disappointed at losing him at a difficult time during the pandemic. The Hastings school board will discuss its’ options and will likely appoint an interim superintendent. No timeline or plans for a new superintendent search have been announced.

Allegan County Deputies and a State Police  Trooper were called Wednesday to the Village of Pullman on a report of a domestic disturbance. After contacting Nathan Strample, officers attempted to take him into custody and were met with resistance.

 During the struggle officers observed he was no longer breathing and life saving measures were attempted but were uable to revive him and he was pronounced dead.

The Michigan state Police Special Investigating section along with the MSP Laboratory are now investigating.

In email and robo-calls to parents, Maple Valley Schools announced late Monday that it has come to the decision that for the safety of Students, Staff and Families, the following will be implemented:

Starting this Wednesday, November 18, 2020, Maple Valley Jr/Sr. High School, grades 7-12, will begin virtual learning at home through January 18, 2021, returning to face to face learning on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020, Maplewood school ONLY will be closed due to staff shortage.  Staff must Report. Maplewood school will report for a half-day of instruction on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, where they will be issued chromebooks to take home.

Starting this Thursday, November 19, 2020, Maplewood school grades 3-6 will begin virtual learning at  home through January 18, 2021, returning  to face to face learning on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. 

Fuller Street and Little Lions will proceed as normally scheduled.

Power companies including Consumers Energy continue to restore electric service to their customers after winds over the weekend knocked out power to thousands across Michigan. 

At this time Consumers energy is reporting 271 of their Barry County customers are out of service.

The Thornapple Kellogg Board Selects Finalists for Superintendent Search. Dan Remenap and Tim Reeves have been named as the two finalists to fill the TK Superintendent position. They will return to the district for tours and to meet staff n Monday and Tuesday and continue with the second round of interviews Nov. 17 in the middle school room 1616. Remenap will be interviewed at 6 p.m. with Reeves to follow at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be open for the public to attend and it will also be available to attend virtually.

Remenap is the current Superintendent of Hastings Area Schools and Reeves is the current Superintendent at Shelby Public Schools. Remenap was interviewed Wednesday night along with Dr. James Konrad, Superintendent of Washington Schools, Pennsylvania

Remenap is the brother of TK High School assistant principal Kevin Remenap. “I don’t want that to be a reason I get the job or that I don’t get the job,” said Dan. “No one will hold him (Kevin) more accountable than I will and he will do the same for me.”Dan Remenap admitted he may not be the most experienced candidate, but he said skill sets matter. “My strength is that I do have experience but not so much that I’m ingrained in my ways.”Remenap attended Central Michigan University and taught at Grandville High School. He moved to Spring Lake where he worked as an assistant principal and then to Allendale where he was a high school principal for 10 years. He was hired to be the superintendent at Hastings in 2019.When asked about the immediate challenges TK faces, Remenap said he sees any challenge as an opportunity. “TK has an incredible opportunity and challenge with growth. The challenge is to accept the growth but maintain the identity that is TK. You have something special going on here and you don’t want to lose that.” While he said things are going good at TK now, it’s important not to rest on laurels but continue to strive for improvement.He also said the pandemic is an obvious challenge for all. “Education is about relationships. It’s very difficult to build relationships through a screen.” He said it’s obvious this community values education and that he believes in the public education system.Addressing a question about his style of leadership, Remenap said he’s a situational leader. “Every problem is not the same. You have to use different tools in your toolbox to deal with them."

Dr. James Konrad was the second interview of the night. Konrad said he loves and misses Michigan and is looking for an opportunity to move back to this state. He said he saw this district and thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.He described himself as a passionate and collaborative leader who will work with staff, parents, the community and the board to find ways to remove barriers to success.When asked about challenges, he said he believes TK needs some stability. With the pandemic, the retirement of a superintendent and the challenges that come from both situations, he said stability is a key. He said open and honest communication is also very important to keep everyone moving in the same direction.He also said maintaining the climate and culture of the district is important. “We have to make kids safe. We have to give people a voice and we have to give kids a voice. We have to remove fear of retaliation

and ensure that everyone has an important voice. The superintendent is the driver working collaboratively with the board to set the tone for the district,” he said.If he is the next superintendent, Konrad said he would hope TK will continue to see much success and continue to toot their own horn more so that everyone knows what TK is about.“You have the collective focus of success. I want to be part of a district that focuses on success for all students.”

After both interviews board members discussed all four candidates and ultimately decided to ask Remenap and Reeves back for Second Interviews.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has suspended its Fall tournaments for girls volleyball, girls swimming & diving and football, and all winter practices and competitions scheduled to begin over the next three weeks per the emergency order to pause activity announced Sunday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The volleyball and swimming & diving tournaments have one week remaining, with MHSAA Finals for both previously scheduled for Nov. 21. The 11 and 8-Player Football Playoffs also are nearing their conclusions, with the 8-player postseason two games from completion and 11-player down to its final three rounds. 

Superintendent Rich Franklin's letter to  Barry ISD Parents and Guardians was sent out today (Nov. 13).  Along with Hastings Area Schools, Barry ISD will going completely Virtual with instruction learning begining Monday, Nov. 16th through the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Student's Teachers and other staff who work with students will send home or notify parents of specific learning plans. 

Buildings will remain open to staff. All programs and services that require in-home visits will be re-evaluated for safety and will go to virtual if possible.   Our Buildings  may continue to be available for scheduled student evaluations. Anyone visiting will need to follow health screening, masking, physical distancing and sanitation procedures.

Maple Valley Board of Education approved the change of schedule for the balance of this year.  Every Friday beginning Nov. 13th, will be a half day in the morning for Fuller and Maplewood Elementary Schools and a Full day of at home learning for Jr./Sr. High School Students, unless any unanticipated circumstances modify the 'Return to Learn' Plan.

Virtual students will stay the same at elementary schools.  The Virtual and Face to face students at the Jr./Sr. High School will have increased flexibility in access to their teachers in the afternoons via Google Meet office hours.

Maple Valley Schools are working diligently to give all students as much access as possible for their academic success and are monitoring this adjustment to see how it impacts student achievement in the upcoming weeks.

Maple Valley Families are encouraged to check the schools website tag 2020-21 in Communications for all important updates and information about changing conditions, requests to change learning plans in the next semester and other ongoing notifications http://mvs.k12.mi.us

Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap posted a letter addressing Hastings Saxon Families on the Hastings Area Schools Facebook page this afternoon...Stating that due to increased Covid-19 cases in and around our county and increased infection levels among staff of Hastings Area School system they will shut down all Hastings Area Schools until Monday, Nov.30^th at the earliest and move forward with fully Virtual Instruction at all levels and buildings.

There is not a major spread or outbreak going on anywhere in any of the Hastings Area School buildings.  It only takes one positive case or two per building to render it impossible to staff for an extended period of time.

Starting Monday, Nov. 16^th Virtual Instruction will begin..  All students will be bringing home a Chromebook today (Nov. 13^th). and packets will be available to those who prefer them (at the Elementary and Middle School levels). 

Friday, Nov. 27^th  the School Administration will do a staff assessment of health and wellness The School Administration will then make a determination of how school will proceed for Monday, Nov. 30^th and communicate plans to all families via robo call and email.  There is a chance plans could differ by building.  This communication will come no later than 7:00p.m. Friday, November 27^th.

If parents have specific questions, please direct your questions to your child’s teacher or building Administrator.

The Lakewood girls Volleyball teamed defeated Lansing Catholic 3-0 Thursday to advance to the Quarterfinals. Lakewood will now play Ann Arbor Father Gabriel this Tuesday November 17th at 7:00 PM at Tecumseh High School.

As the number of cases and positivity rates of COVID-19 continue to climb in our community, Spectrum Health is seeing significant increases of patients being admitted to its hospitals. Therefore, the health system announces changes to its visitor policies. The revisions are intended to reduce the number of people in its Grand Rapids and regional hospitals and outpatient care sites in order to help prevent the spread of illness and protect patients, health care workers and our communities.

Effective Thursday, November 12 at 6 a.m., adult patients are allowed no family members or visitors, unless they have cognitive impairment or need significant assistance with the activities of daily living. Those with exceptions must have the same visitor during their entire stay. The following exceptions will apply:

-- Patients with COVID-19 are not allowed in-person visitors, however the care team will work with patients and families to coordinate virtual visits.

-- Labor and delivery obstetrics patients are allowed one adult family member or visitor.

-- Intensive care unit (ICU) patients may have one adult family member or visitor between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

-- Hospital surgical patients may have one adult family member or visitor in the surgical waiting area during the time of surgery.

-- Emergency department patients with cognitive impairments are allowed one adult family member or visitor.

-- Outpatient radiology, lab, rehabilitation patients with cognitive impairments or who need physical assistance are allowed one adult family member or visitor.

-- Patients at Spectrum Health Medical Group physician offices, urgent care, surgical and endoscopy centers are allowed one family member or visitor.

For pediatric patients, the following exceptions remain in place:

-- Pediatric hospital and emergency department patients under the age of 21 are allowed two adult family members or guests per patient stay.

-- For pediatric outpatient services, physician offices and surgery, pediatric patients are allowed one adult family member or guest per patient visit.

-- Pediatric radiology patients are allowed one adult family member or guest per patient.

In addition, to prevent the spread of coronavirus, all visitors are screened and are required to wear a mask that covers their mouth and nose to enter the hospitals and outpatient facilities. Spectrum Health dining rooms will be closed to visitors. Hospital food service will be available in the cafeteria through to-go orders.

More information about visitor restrictions can be found here. Spectrum Health’s COVID-19 resource center can be found here.

The Ionia County Health Department will offer a drive-thru flu vaccination event for Ionia
County residents. The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17th and Thursday, November 19th, at the Ionia County Road Department, 170 E. Riverside Dr., Ionia.

Residents can receive a flu vaccine from the comfort of their vehicle. No appointments or reservations needed.

The Ionia County Health Department will bill Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Medicare, Medicare
Part D, and Medicaid. You need to bring a copy of your insurance card with you. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, a $28 administrative fee is requested. However, no one will be turned away for their inability to pay.

“It is more important than ever to get your flu vaccination. Offering a drive-thru flu event in Ionia is a
convenient and safe opportunity for everyone to get vaccinated.” said Ken Bowen, Ionia County Health
Officer.

For more information, call the Ionia County Health Department at (616)527-5341.

The Lakewood girls volleyball team advanced to the state regionals Tuesday after defeating Marshall.

The Lakewood Ladies will now meet Lansing Catholic on Thursday Novembert 12th.

High winds and Thunderstorms that moved through Michigan Tuesday night brought down trees and limbs knocking out electric service to many Consumers Energy Customers.

Barry county   206

Calhoun County  173

Eaton County 174

Kent County 2539.

Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is alerting the public that due to the extreme increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Barry and Eaton Counties, case investigations conducted with individuals will now be prioritized based on risk.  BEDHD is beyond capacity due to the level of spread within the community. BEDHD may not be able to contact every individual who tests positive for COVID-19, and will be focusing on highest-risk cases to conduct investigations.  People who are positive may not receive a call from the health department.

BEDHD is requesting that all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 complete an isolation period of 10 days, regardless of if you are contacted by BEDHD or not. These people should remain in isolation until all of these conditions are met

-10 days from when symptoms began (or they tested positive)

-they have been fever-free for 24 hours, and

-symptoms have improved.

Individuals who are positive for COVID-19 are also asked to contact their own close contacts to alert them of the exposure. Close contacts should quarantine for 14 days post-exposure. Close contacts are people who:

-Were with the COVID-19-positive person while contagious (while symptomatic or up to two days before symptoms began, or the individual received a positive test if asymptomatic), AND

-Spent 15 or more minutes over the course of 24 hours within six feet of the COVID-19-positive person

Both isolation and quarantine mean staying at home, even away from other household members as much as possible.

Individuals with COVID-19 who will receive priority case investigation are those who are at higher risk of spreading COVID-19. These individuals include those who live or work in congregate care settings (jails, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, etc.), individuals who attend or work in schools, and first responders.

Most testing facilities will provide COVID-19 test results through an online portal or through other means of communication. Individuals who have received a test but have not received their results within a few days should contact the site where they were tested. Do not assume that because you have not been called, you are not positive.

BEDHD continues to urge the general public to take COVID-19 precautions seriously to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Barry and Eaton counties.

City Manager Jerry Czarnecki gives a summary of the Monday November 9th Hastings City Council meeting.

Two tickets matched the six numbers drawn in Saturday's Lotto 47 drawing to split the games record $32.2 million  dollar jackpot. The winning tickets were sold at the Lake Odessa shell gas station at 1203 Jordan Lake Street in Lake Odessa and the Select Wine Shop, located at 1318 West 9 mile road in Ferndale. Each ticket holder will receive half of the record 32.2 million dollar jackpot.

The winning numbers were 04-16-33-38-40-44.

The Barry County Commission on Aging is closed to the public from November 09 through November 20, 2020.

Tuesday morning, Hastings DPS crews will resume leaf pickup at North Jefferson Street and North Street,  then continuing North on Jefferson Street. 

The Hastings National Weather Service Climatological Weather Station recorded a new record high temperature for Hastings of 76 degrees on Monday November 09, 2020. The old record of 72 degrees was recorded on November 09, 2009.

The Thornapple Kellogg Schools Board of Education continues to move forward with the process of selecting a new Superintendent of Schools. Twenty-five educators submitted applications for the position. Applicants consisted of current superintendents, central office administrators, principals and individuals with non-traditional backgrounds. The Board has invited four of those educators to be interviewed on November 10 and 11.

The interview schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00 pm: Louis Steigerwald, Superintendent of Norway-Vulcan Schools

Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30 pm: Tim Reeves, Superintendent of Shelby Schools Wednesday,

November 11 at 6:00 pm: Dan Remenap, Superintendent of Hastings Schools Wednesday,

November 11 at 7:30 pm: Dr. James Konrad, Superintendent of Washington Schools, PA Board

The interviews are open to the public and the public is encouraged to attend, however, seating will be limited in order to follow safety protocols.

A Zoom connection will be available for individuals who do not wish to attend but would like to view the interviews. All interviews will be held at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School, Room #1616, located at 10375 Green Lake Road, Middleville.

The superintendent search became necessary when Rob Blitchok retired as of October 1. The process has been facilitated by the Michigan Leadership Institute.

Barry County voters, 36,157 of them, Tuesday decided who they want to represent them in the future. They also denied a county-wide request to fund a new $25 million jail and sheriff's office by a margin of 18,930 to 13,390.

Here's a run down of  unofficial results for millages and positions on the Barry County ballot for national, state, county, township, city and village offices and local school boards.

All candidates are republican (R) unless identified as a democrat (D). No party affiliation is (NPA) for  no party affiliation

First, Barry County positions, candidates and proposals, followed by city, village and school board races, and the state and national contests.

COUNTY COMMISSION:

District 1: Howard R. Gibson - 2,656

Martha Reyff-Banash (D) - 1,627

District 2: Catherine Getty, - 4,042

Cody Hayes (D) - 1,559

District 3: David Jackson - 3,584

District 4: Jon Smelker - 4,169

Rich Burtts  (US Taxpayer) - 508

District 5: Ben Geiger -  3,433

District 6: Vivian Lee Conner - 3,857

District 7: Bruce D. Campbell - 3,678

COUNTY OFFICIALS:

Sheriff: Dar Leaf -25,466

Register of Deeds: Barbara D. Hurless - 23,066

Jordan Brehm (D) - 10,898

County Clerk: Pam Palmer - 27,234

Prosecutor: Julie Nakfoor-Pratt -27,108

Drain Commissioner: Jim Dull - 26,806

Treasurer: Susan VandeCar - 23,739

Jennifer Meyer (D) - 10,311

Surveyor: Brian Reynolds - 26,920  

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS:

Assyria:

Supervisor: Thomas J. Wing - 910

Clerk: Annette J. Terry - 934

Treasurer: Terry Ryder-Stephens (D) - 484

Trustee: (Vote for two) James D. Miller - 862

Zachary Haralson - 828

Baltimore:

Supervisor: Chad VanSyckle - 848 

Clerk: Penelope Ypma (D) - 629

Treasurer: Melissa VanSyckle -844

Trustees: (Vote for two) Gerard Ypma - 736

Aaron VanSyckle - 624

Michael Altoft  (NPA) - 355

Dowling Public Library Board: (Vote for 3)

Jennifer J. McKeever - 593

 Laura Sue Kingma - 572

Roxanne Frey - 567

Barry:

Supervisor: Wesley Kahler - 1,062

Rodney Dye (NPA) - 592 

Clerk: Debra Knight - 1,447

Treasurer: Judith E. Wooer - 1,445

Trustees: (Vote for 2) Lee A. Campbell - 1,220

Barry Bower - 1,337

Carlton:

Supervisor: Brad H. Carpenter - 1,140

Clerk: Amanda Brown - 1,143

Treasurer: Terri Geiger - 1,132

Trustee: (Vote for 2) Gary VandeCar - 1,041

Scott Bond - 1,029

Castleton: Supervisor: Cheryl Hartwell - 1,188

Clerk: Marcia Scramlin - 1,181

Treasurer: Joy Mulder - 1,178

Trustees: (Vote for 2) Earl M. Wilson - 1,075

H. Michael Trahan - 1,084

Hastings Charter:

Supervisor: Jim Brown - 1,364

Clerk: Anita S. Mennell - 1,370

Treasurer:  Jenee S. Phillips (D) - 962

Trustees: (Vote for 4) Timothy B. McNally - 1,171

Scott Savage (D) - 631

William Wetzel -  1,121

Hope:

Supervisor: Douglas E. Peck - 1,416

Clerk: Deborah Jackson - 1,460

Treasurer: Arlene Tonkin - 1,291

Jolene Payne (D) - 515

Trustees: (Vote for 2) David Messelink - 1,063

Matt Peake - 1,224 

Irving:

Supervisor: Jamie R. Knight - 1,619

Clerk: Sharon L. Olson - 1,667

Treasurer: Alesse Cross (D) 992

Trustees: (Vote for 2) Michael Buehler - 1,548

Dean Bass - 1,532

Johnstown:

Supervisor: Barbara J. Earl - 1,315

Clerk: Sheri M. Babcock - 1,356

Treasurer: Karmen Kay Nickerson -1,375

Trustees: (Vote for 2) Deana M. Powell - 1,267

Jeffrey T. Warren - 1,205 

Dowling Public Library Board: (Vote for 3)

Eve Sidney - 809

Grethel Inman - 850

Georgia Robinson - 863

Maple Grove:

Supervisor: Jeff Butler - 643

Clerk: Holly Carpenter - 654

Treasurer: Ginger Cole - 655

Trustees: (Vote for 2) Larry Hook - 561

Doug Westendorp - 621

Orangeville:

Supervisor: Thomas J. Rook - 1,496

Clerk: Melody Risner - 1,532

Treasurer: Michelle Ritchie - 1,514

Trustees: (Vote for 2) Linda Ribble - 1,380

Chad Kraai - 1,408

Prairieville:

Supervisor:  Jim Stoneburner - 1,383

Clerk: Rod Gobel - 1,369

Treasurer: Judy Pence - 1,362

Trustee: (Vote for 2) Ted DeVries - 1,281

Mark D. Doster - 1,298

Office of Parks: (Vote for 5) Judith A. Risdon (D) - 790

Scott Kuebler - 1,172

Kevin Louden - 1,171

Joanna Haneckow (D) - 877

 John Kurak (D) - 786 

Rutland Charter:

Supervisor: Larry Watson - 1.891

Clerk: Robin Hawthorne - 1,923

Treasurer: Sandra Greenfield - 1,922

Trustee: (Vote for 4) Sandra L. James - 1,712

Brenda Bellmore, - 1,658

Matt Spencer - 1,629  

Gene D. Hall - 1,615

Thornapple: 

Supervisor: Dan Parker - 4,167

Clerk: Cindy Willshire - 4,196

Treasurer: Debra K. Buckowing - 4,182

Trustee: (Vote for 4) Ross DeMaagd- 3,609

Curtis Campbell - 3,608

Sandra L. Rairigh, - 3,590

Kim  Selleck (NPA) - 1,787

Woodland:

Supervisor: Jeffrey S. MacKenzie - 946

Clerk: Nancy Stanton - 950

Treasurer: Shawn Durkee - 961

Trustee: (Vote for 2) Gabriel Steward (NPA) - 357

Mikel Slater - 863

Yankee Springs:

Supervisor: Rob Heethuis - 2,561

Clerk: Michael Scott Cunningham - 2,531

Treasurer: Debra L Mousseau - 2,543

Trustee: (Vote for 2) Larry Knowles - 2,343

Dave Van Houten - 2,386 

Constable: Dennis Buist - 2,448

COUNTY JAIL MILLAGE PROPOSAL

Barry County requests approval to issue general obligation tax bonds not to exceed $25 million dollars to pay for design, engineering, construction, 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, $22.51 in subsequent years.

Yes: 13,390

No: 18,930

DOWLING LIBRARY PROPOSALS

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

Yes: 650

No: 388

Also, .30 mill for the library for the years 2021-2024 inclusive in Johnstown Township which will raise an estimated $33,624 in the first year.

Yes: 962

No: 650

CITY AND VILLAGES

City of Hastings:

Mayor: David Tossava - 2,603

Ward 1: Al Jarvis - 686

Ward 2: John Resseguie - 530

Ward 3: Donald Bowers - 546

Ward 4: Willard R. Redman - 339

               Jacquie McLean - 399

               Shawn Winters - 109

Board of Review:  (Vote for 2) Melissa A. Winick - 2,470

Village of Freeport:

President: Bill Andrews - 158

Village Clerk: Shawna Hill - 164

Trustees: (Vote for 2) (two year term) Shawna Hill - 156               

(Vote for 2) (four year term) Lani Forbes - 164

Village of Middleville:

President: Charles T. Pullen -  1,221

Trustees: (Vote for 3) Sherry Lynn Ronning - 931

Mike Lytle - 951

Village of Nashville:

President: Mike Kenyon - 469

Trustees: (Vote for 3) (two year term) Tanett A. Hodge - 462

(Vote for 2) (four year term) Johnny L. Hartwell - 460

Village of Woodland:

Mayor: Ronald Martin - 144

Trustees: (Vote for 4) Rick Denker - 114

Arlene Barry - 125

John Kennedy - 113

Kevin Duits-121

TOWNSHIP MILLAGE PROPOSALS:

Orangeville Township 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.

Yes:1,207

No: 611

Prairieville Township asks for renewal of:

(1) .8174 mills for four years, 2021through 2024 to fund the township police department, raising an estimated $145,992 in the first year.

Yes: 1.297

(No: 579

(2) .9087 mills for four years, 2021 through 2024 for township roads, raising an estimated $162,298 in the first year.

Yes: 1,456

No: 411

(3) .9559 mills for four years, 2021 through 2024 to fund the township fire department, raising an estimated $170,729 in the first year.

Yes: 1,585

No: 297

Woodland Township 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.

Yes: 804

No: 297

SCHOOL BOARDS OF EDUCATION:

Some school board figures represent just Barry County residents who live in those school districts.

Bellevue School Board: (Vote for 2)

Seth C. Madry - 350

Wayne B. Root - 234

Michael DeRyder - 294

Caledonia School Board: (Vote for 2)

Andrew Backus - 23

Brittany N. Barber Garcia - 58

Christopher Behm - 32

Trevor DeGroote - 19

Bill Donahue - 18

Katie Isic - 16

Andrew Pastoor - 13

Delton Kellogg School Board: (Vote for 4)

Brandy Shooks - 2,969

Craig Jenkins, Jr. - 3,116

Jessica Brandli - 3,296

Kelli Martin - 3,342

Gull Lake School Board: (Vote for 4)

Eddie Keene - 282

Carole McFee Mendez - 331

Paul K. Riker - 271

Krystal S. Scott - 398

Hastings School Board:

Luke Haywood - 6,130

Mike Nickels - 5,144

Bradley Tolles - 4,986

Elden Shellenbarger - 3,009

Lakewood School Board: (Vote for 3)

Jamie Brodbeck Krenz - 1,070

Kerry Possehn - 1,079

Darin Weller -849

Lakewood School Board Partial: (Vote for 1)

Melissa McClelland - 1,243

Maple Valley School Board: (Vote for 3)

Justin Keiffer - 1,257

583 unresolved write ins:

Maple Valley School Board Partial: (Vote for 1)

218 unresolved write ins

Martin School Board: (Vote for 2)

Rosemary Andrews - 143

Austin Marsman - 150

Martin School Board Partial: (Vote for 1) Art Shook - 187

Pennfield School Board: (Vote for 3)

Dawn Bayman - 10

Jack Branham - 13

Alicia Bronson -13

Greg Kapus-18

Chad Peterson - 15

Stephen Herbstreith - 21

Sarah Marie Jones - 41

Dana Wells-Jenney -18

Tim Wood - 24

Todd Woodworth 14

Pennfield School Board Partial: (Vote for 1)

10 unresolved write ins

Plainwell School Board: (Vote for 3)

Mike Hopson - 31

Jill  Dunham - 35

Anthony McNeel - 33

Thornapple Kellogg School Board: (Vote for 3)

Kirsten R. Cove - 3,889

Anne Hamming - 3,660

David Smith - 3,278

Donald Haney - 3,130

Risa Lovell - 2,178

Wayland School Board: (Vote for 4)

Teresa Dobry - 430

Dan M. Cassini - 398

Jason M. Shane - 372

Becky Hohnke - 416

Cinnemon L. Mellema - 379

How Barry County residents voted in the national and state level contests:

U.S. President/Vice President:

Donald J. Trump/Michael Pence - 23,473

Joe Biden/Kamala Harris -11,804

U.S. Senate:

Gary Peters  (D)-11,379

John James  (R) -23,499

Marcia Squire  (Green Party) -241

Doug Dern   (Natural Law Party) -95

Gregory Charles Jones  (other) NA

Valerie Willis  (U.S. Taxpayers Party)-366

Michigan House of Representatives  87^th District:

Julie Calley  (R) - 24,870

Jay Molette  (D) -9,739

U.S. House of Representatives  District 3:

Hilary Scholten  (D) -12,066

Peter Meijer  (R) -23,084

State Ballot Measures:

Proposal 1:

Michigan use of state and local park funds amendment:  revises formula for how state and local park funds from trusts can be spent.

Yes: 26,588

No: 5,655

Proposal 2:

Michigan search warrant for electronic data amendment:  requires search warrant to access a person’s electronic data.

Yes: 28,922

No: 3,930

Just before midnight on November 2, Allegan Central Dispatch received a call of a shooting at a residence near 130^th Ave. and 30^th St. in Monterey Township. When officers arrived they were told that an individual who had been visiting the home had shot one of residents outside and then fled the area. 

Officers found the body of the resident, 35 year old Cody Cline of the Allegan area, lying in the driveway, fatally shot. Information was obtained regarding a possible suspect, who was later located and arrested Tuesday in Grand Rapids and is awaiting formal charges and arraignment.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by the Michigan State Police, Gun Lake Tribal Police, Hopkins Area Fire Dept. and Wayland Area EMS.

City Manager Jerry Czarnecki gives WBCH News a summary of the Monday November 2nd Hastings Planning Commission meeting.

The Hastings DPS crews will continue their leaf cleanup on Tuesday,11-3-20, beginning at Washington St. and Bond St. heading east towards South Broadway

High winds and light snow battered most of lower Michigan Sunday.

Here in Hastings the National Weather Service Climotological Station recorded   .2 tenths of an inch for the first snow of the season.