Deputies from the Barry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single vehicle crash at Maple Grove Road near Wright Road just after 7am Friday morning.  The crash was reported as a single vehicle versus tree crash. 

Upon further investigation, Deputies learned a Ford Escape being driven by a 19 year old male from Hastings, MI, with 5 passengers was traveling westbound on Maple Grove Rd when the vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a tree.  All the people involved in the crash were transported to the hospital.

This is an ongoing investigation and all names are being withheld at this time.

ASSISTED BY:  Mercy Ambulance, Hastings Fire Department, Nashville EMS, AeroMed, Barry County Central Dispatch and Barry County Road Commission.

INVESTIGATORS:  Deputy Romph, Deputy JM Cooper and Sgt. Ware

RELEASED BY:   Sgt. Lehman

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is observing International Overdose Awareness Day, Saturday, August 31st by raising awareness, supporting those affected by substance use, and working together to build a healthier, safer community for all. 

According to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 108,000 lives were lost to drug overdose in the US in 2023. While overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids decreased in 2023 compared to 2022, deaths from cocaine and methamphetamine increased.

In 2023, the Western Michigan University Medical Examiner’s Office reported that 9 individuals in Barry County lost their lives due to drug-related causes.
• Fentanyl was involved in 78% of these deaths
• Methamphetamine was found in over half (67%) of the fatal overdoses, suggesting possible polysubstance use.

In 2023, the University of Michigan - Sparrow Medical Examiner’s Office reported that 19 individuals in Eaton County lost their lives due to drug-related causes.
• Fentanyl was involved in 85% of these deaths
• Cocaine was present in over half (54%) of the fatal overdoses, suggesting that many may have been using more than one substance at the same time (polysubstance use).
 

If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose you should call 911 immediately and administer naloxone, if it’s available. Do not leave the person alone.

BEDHD is proud to partner with local organizations to make overdose prevention resources, including naloxone and drug testing strips, available in the community for no cost. Thanks to these partnerships, harm reduction vending machines and access points are available throughout the Barry-Eaton district including at the Delta Township District Library, Corewell – Pennock Health and Wellness Center, and Eaton County Sheriff’s Department. These machines provide access to naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, first aid kits, CPR masks, safer sex kits and more.

For additional naloxone distribution locations or more information on overdose prevention resources, please visit www.barryeatonhealth.org/harm-reduction

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Barry County Commissioners ended their meeting this week with a Resolution to honor Michael C. Brown, Barry County Administrator, upon his retirement after 30 years of service to the county. He steps down as of the end of August.

Brown was hired in January of 1995, as the first County Administrator for Barry County at a time when the county was facing budget challenges. The resolution acknowledges that Brown “applied conservative and sound budgeting principles to developing the county budget throughout his tenure as County Administrator, earning the county a Double-A bond rating from Standard and Poor’s for many consecutive years.”

Brown worked for over 40 county commissioners providing information, guidance and support, and was always ready to listen and offer wise counsel to commissioners, elected officials, department heads, staff and the public. He shared and improved his leadership skills by serving in various positions on the Michigan Association of County Administrative Officers board, including President; serving on the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System Board for over 16 years, including serving as Board Chair for over 11 years, and serving on the Barry County United Way Board and Executive Committee for 13 years, including serving in the positions of Vice President and President, and serving on the Finance and Audit Committee for 10 years.

The Commission has hired Eric Zuzga as the new County Administrator, succeeding Brown. Zuzga is a resident of Barry County and has been serving as Director of Community Services for the City of Marshall.

The City of Hastings and Downtown Development Authority cut the ribbon Tuesday on its downtown streetscape project that was completed throughout the summer. The new streetscape includes replaced sidewalks, new street trees, LED and dark sky-compliant lighting, an outdoor fireplace, two mid-block crossing areas, additional outdoor dining and gathering areas, planters, landscaping, and similar amenities.

The design was selected after several public input sessions and cost $3.5 million, which was primarily funded by the DDA and a $474,500 grant from The Right Place, Inc. 

David J Tossava, Mayor of the City of Hastings, invites everyone to experience the new amenities downtown. “As Mayor of the City of Hastings, I would like to invite everyone to downtown Hastings. Through the years we have tried to make Hastings a destination! We have a beautiful music venue, a beautiful library and now we have a rejuvenated downtown streetscape. The City and the DDA went to great pains to invite and involve downtown merchants and the public in the design of the streetscape. We are very pleased with the results! We hope that we have created a very inviting experience for shopping, dining and visiting our beautiful city.  I would like to extend a personal invitation to all to come down and support our local businesses.”

“Placemaking is critical for economic development,” said Sarah Moyer-Cale, Hastings City Manager. “We are proud to present these updates that make downtown Hastings a destination that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.”

This Labor Day weekend the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is moving orange barrels to the side of the road and removing lane restrictions on 60 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday travelers.  

"Labor Day weekend is reminder that it’s time to soak up the last few weeks of our Pure Michigan summer sunshine," said Governor Whitmer. Drive safe!” 

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 96 out of 161 projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most MDOT work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures.? 

Travelers are also reminded that for safety and security, the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day from 6:30 a.m. to noon during the Annual Bridge Walk.  For more information, visit the Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) website at www.MackinacBridge.org/Walk

The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred Friday morning at the intersection of M-66 highway and Guy Road in Maple Grove Township.

The preliminary investigation revealed a Pontiac Grand Prix was traveling northeast on M-66. The vehicle veered off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver and sole occupant was a 32 year old female from Vermontville. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released.

The crash remains under investigation. Drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash.

The Barry County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Nashville Police Department, Nashville Fire and EMS, Barry County Central Dispatch, Goldsworthy’s Towing, Michigan Department of Transportation.

Around 09:12 AM Wednesday, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a personal injury accident involving two semi-tractors/trailers, one of which, caught on fire. The accident resulted in westbound lanes of I-96 being blocked off at Jordan Lake Rd. and one man sent to the hospital for treatment.

Deputies say a semi-tractor/trailer driven by a 50-year-old man from Highland Park had fallen asleep behind the wheel, colliding with another semi-tractor/trailer driven by an Iowa man. The Highland Park man was able to escape out the driver’s side window after his semi had become engulfed in flames but had suffered burns from the incident. The Iowa man did not have any injuries and was able to drive away from the scene.

As a result of the crash, the Highland Park man was transported to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids with non-life threatening injuries..

The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Michigan State Police, LIFE EMS, Berlin & Orange Fire, Lake Odessa Fire, Greens’ Towing, I-96 Towing, MDOT, and the County Road Commission.

Sara Edelman from Pierce Cedar Creek Institute tells WBCH about all the exciting upcoming events and activities at the institute. Click link below to listen.

Allegan County Central Dispatch received a call just after 6am Wednesday morning due to a serious traffic crash US-131 near Plainwell in Gun Plain Township. 

A pickup travelling southbound struck a disabled SUV that was on the shoulder of the freeway.  Two persons were outside working on the vehicle when it was struck.  One of the two individuals was killed,  the second individual suffered serious injuries, and was transported to a local hospital.  The pickup was occupied only by the driver, who was not injured. 

The driver of the pickup was arrested at the scene and transported to the Allegan County Jail where he is currently awaiting arraignment on charges related to the crash.  

The crash remains under investigation by the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team.  The names of the victims and pickup truck driver will not be released until the arraignment and notification of family/frineds.

The Allegan County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Plainwell Department of Public Safety, Otsego Police Department, Gun Plain Fire Department, Plainwell EMS, MDOT, Allegan County Medical Examiner’s Office, and Allegan County Central Dispatch.

Earlier this Spring a new Saxon Baseball Board was unveiled on the concession stand at the Hastings Saxon's Baseball field.  At that time, it was noted that further adjustments would be necessary to ensure the board accurately reflects the achievements of Saxon Baseball.

Former Saxon Coach Bernie Oom is pleased to announce a special ceremony on Thursday, August 29th at 5:30pm to finalize these updates and celebrate the exceptional 2009 and 2010 Saxon Baseball teams.  The 2009 Team recognized as one of the finest in Saxon history, set several records during a standout season that concluded with a 24-9 record.

This Event will bring together many members of the 2009 and 2010 team who will be present to see the updated Record Board. The Ceremony will feature a special addition of Dann Howitt, Hastings only Major League Baseball player.

All Saxon baseball fans and members of other Saxon teams are invited to join in this celebration.

The Barry County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development and Ecostrat announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone "A" Rating.  The Barry County BDO Zone is the first rating in the State of Michigan for Woody Biomass and extends a 75-mile drive distance from the center point in Hastings.

Barry County's "A" rating denotes high prospective viablity of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low expectations of default risk in the Zone.  Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered strong.  The region features a well developed timber and forest products industry, with many generational operations providing stability to the wood supply. The Supportive community and pro-business environment of Barry County are advantageous for attracting workers and new bioeconomy operations.

'The BDO Zone "A" rating underscores our community's potential to lead globally in the bioeconomy" stated Nichole Lyke, Economic Development Director of Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance.  " This rating provides an excellent opportunity to expand and diversify our robust manufacturing and agricultural assets.  We are excited to collaborate with bioenergy, biochemical and bioproduct companies to propel Barry County to the forefront of bio-based manufacturing."

To see the full BDO Zone Rating for Barry County, Michigan visit http://bdozone.org

US Senator:  Mike Rogers defeated three other Republicans in the Primary and will face Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the General Election.

Michigan House  District 78:   Gina Johnsen beat John Rocha in the Republican Primary 72% to 28%. Johnsen will face Democrat Christine Terpening in the fall.

Unofficial Results for Barry County 8/6/24:

Of 52,872 registered voters in Barry County, a total of 17,500 votes were cast in Tuesday’s Open Primary -- a turnout of 33% of the electorate.

The county-wide millage renewal proposition for funding the operation of Older Citizen Services through the Barry County Commission on Aging was approved 60% to 40%.

All of the township millages that were voted on Tuesday including police, fire, roads, cemetary and library millages were approved.

Barry County voters re-elected Sheriff Dar Leaf on the Republican ballot. Leaf received 58% of the votes,  Richelle Spencer 34%, Mark Noteboom 7% and Joel Ibbotson received 1% of the votes. Leaf will be unopposed in November.

Three Republicans were on the ballot for County Treasurer, with Kelli Shumway defeating Yuliya Gallagher and Heather Wing.

Incumbent Drain Commissioner Jim Dull received the Republican nomination with 62% of the votes, beating out Mark Doster. 

Republican Emily Reed will be unopposed in November for Register of Deeds and Julie Knakfoor Pratt will be unopposed for Prosecuting Attorney.

Sarah Vandenburg will be the new Barry County Clerk, replacing Cynthia White who did not run.

In the City of Hastings non-partisan race, incumbent Mayor David Tossava received 69% of the votes, William Nesbitt 23%, and  Jason Fogg 8%.

Barry County Commissioners saw Republican primary races in 6 of 8 districts:

District 1,  incumbent Bob Teunessen was unopposed on Tuesday, and will face           Scott Savage, the only Democratic candidate running for Commissioner, in November.

District 2, incumbent Catherine Getty beat David Laansma 55% to 45%.

District 3, current Board Chair David Jackson was unopposed.

District 4, incumbent John Smelker beat John Gallager 67% to 33%.

District 5, incumbent Mike Callton defeated Gary White 65% to 35%.

District 6, Marsha Bassett will be a new face on the Board. She defeated Phillip Joseph 61% to 39%.

District 7,  incumbent Bruce Campbell beat Chris Allen 58% to 42%.

District 8, incumbent David Hatfield beat Zackery Corey 68% to 32%.

The Barry County United Way is excited to help local children K-12 grade start the school year off right by partnering with our community for our annual Backpack Program. The Backpack Program runs completely on donations of items and also by utilizing monetary donations that come in to support it.

Lani Forbes, Executive Director of Barry County United Way, “We are so blessed to have an amazing community who supports our local youth.  This program could not happen without our generous donors and volunteers.”

Some of the items needed include: backpacks, notebooks, 3 ring binders, folders, pencils, pencil boxes, washable markers, colored pencils, crayons and more.  A full list of what is needed can be found on the Barry County United Way’s Facebook page.

Families who qualify are able to schedule an appoint for their children to choose their own new backpack and fill it with the supplies that they need to start the school year off right.  Forbes explained, “Last year this program helped send almost 300 local children back to school with NEW supplies.  We understand that our economy continues to change and that the need will likely increase this year.”

The goal of this program is to ensure that every youth in Barry County is able to go back to school feeling confident and ready with all of the supplies they need in hand on the first day of school.  Donations of NEW items can be dropped off during the event itself or to the following locations at any time:

Barry County United Way in Hastings; any Highpoint Community Bank location; Edward Jones offices in Hastings, Nashville and Middleville; any Thornapple Credit Union location; Rehmann (formally Walker, Fluke & Sheldon Hastings).

Families who are in need of school supplies are encouraged to call the Barry County United Way at 269-945-4010 to qualify for this program up until the start of the 2024/2025 school year.

The City Police department said the Hastings DPS  will be replacing a sewer line in the 300 block of N Church St and will need to close the street beside the Post Office to through traffic. The mail drop off behind the post office will only be accessible from W Thorn St.

This area is estimated to be closed for 2-5 days dependent on weather.

Tuesday is Primary Election Day with the polls open from 7am to 8pm.  Turnout was reportedly light during the 9 days of early voting that ended Sunday, and it’s not known yet how many voters cast absentee ballots.

A County-Wide millage renewal proposition is on the ballot for funding the operation of Older Citizen Services through the Barry County Commission on Aging. This is to renew and restore the millage that has been in effect since 2004 for the next five years.

You are permitted to cast your partisan ballot in only one party section.  Voters will select their candidates for U.S. Senator and Representative to Congress,  State Representative, and local offices. 

Locally, there are four names on the Republican ballot for Barry County Sheriff including incumbent Dar Leaf and challengers Richelle Spencer, Joel Ibbotson, and Mark Noteboom.

There are three Republicans squaring off for Barry County Treasurer and two for County Drain Commissioner.

There is a non-partisan section for the City of Hastings where Mayor David Tossava is seeking re-election against challengers Jason Fogg and William Nesbitt.

Many townships also have primary races for Board positions.

Twenty-nine Right Aid Stores in Michigan will close including locations in Caledonia and Kalamazoo.  According  to an article in the Detroit news, Rite Aid in the past month and a half has shut or marked for closure two-thirds of the 186 stores it had in the state. Rite Aid filed for Chapter elevan bankruptcy protection in October 2023 after posting annual losses for several years.