The University of Michigan fans can now proclaim they are among the nation’s “leaders and best” at college football gameday recycling.

Wolverine fans who attended the Nov. 2 game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor against the top-ranked Oregon Ducks helped achieve the largest recycling event in the University of Michigan history.

Together, they collected a new record of more than 22 tons of recyclable materials at pre- and postgame tailgate parties and during the game inside the stadium as part of the school’s second-ever Recycle Bowl.

On any given Saturday during a Wolverine football game, the more than 111,000 people who filter in and out of Michigan Stadium generate approximately 6.5 tons of recyclable materials, such as cardboard pizza boxes, aluminum cans and plastic bottles and containers. They also produce approximately 2 tons of compost, including specially designed compostable food trays, napkins, coffee lids, soda cups, cheese cups and lids, deli wraps, popcorn bags, spoons, forks, knives, straws and food waste that Michigan Athletics serves to patrons through its Michigan Stadium food and beverage vendors.

Recyclable plastics collected from the 2024 Recycle Bowl will be turned into new water bottles and distributed free to fans attending the Michigan vs. Michigan State basketball game on Feb. 21 in Ann Arbor

The driver accused of striking and killing tow truck driver Keagan Spencer of Hastings in November 2023 in Southern Kent County has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge.

Payton Ferris entered his plea Wednesday morning on a charge of a moving violation causing death, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail. The crash happened on Nov. 4th, 2023 on eastbound M-6 near Kraft Ave. in Caledonia Township.

Ferris remains free on bond and will be back in 63rd District Court in Grand Rapids for sentencing Monday December 16th.

AAA expects record-setting travel numbers for Thanksgiving. Nearly 2.6 million Michigan residents are forecast to travel 50 miles or more for the holiday. That’s an all-time high for Thanksgiving and 65,000 more travelers than last year.

Automobile travel will set new records nationwide and in Michigan. AAA projects nearly 2.3 million Michiganders will take a road trip over Thanksgiving – that’s 50,000 more travelers than the previous record set last year.

Gas prices are slightly lower this Thanksgiving season compared to 2023. The national average last Thanksgiving Day was $3.26. The state average was $3.19. Currently, Michigan drivers are finding an average price of $3.13. 

The Ionia County Sheriff's Office says 41 year old Joseph Daniel Dean left his
residence November 10th on M21 in Easton Township and they have been unable to reach him.

His family reported that Dean is schizophrenic and has not been taking his prescribed
medications.

All efforts to locate Dean have been unsuccessful and the public’s
assistance is requested. Dean is described as being 5’9” tall, approximately 150 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Dean please contact the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office or Silent Observer.

Sara Edelman from Pierce Cedar Creek Institute gives WBCH an update of upcoming events at the Institute. Click link below to listen.

Michigan State Police reported Thursday night that 76 year old Michael John Hodges from Delton has been found dead after going missing over the weekend.

MSP said they found Hodge's body during an "extensive K-9 search.

MSP also thanked everyone who assisted in the search.

Barry County household's who would like to sign up for the Holiday Adoption program through Barry County Cares may sign up through November 27th. 

Hastings and Middleville residents may contact Barry County Cares Monday through Friday 9am to 1pm at 269-948-9555.

Delton area contact Delton District Library at 269-623-8040. M-Sat.

Nashville area contact the Nashville Clerk's Office@517-852-9544 9a-5p M-F

Freeport area contact the Freeport District Library 616-765-5181 M-Sat.

Those who would like to adopt a household may contact Barry County Cares.

Hastings will be one of only ten small towns in the U.S. to host “Rock The Country 2025 – A Festival for We The People ” --  a massive 2-day music festival at the Barry Expo Center next June 13 & 14.

Headlining all ten Rock The Country festivals are none other than rock legends Nickelback and Kid Rock.  According to the West Michigan Tourist Association the lineup for Hastings will feature powerhouse artists including the southern rock kings Lynyrd Skynyrd, the legendary Travis Tritt, Big and Rich, one of the hottest up-and-comers Gavin Adock, Sammy Kershaw, Mark Chesnutt, Deana Carter, Little Texas, Hudson Westbrook, Logan Crosby, Afroman, Ying Yang Twins, and Dee Jay Silver. 

The event is expected to draw anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 guests according to members of the Hastings DDA.  The show’s promoter is Peachtree Entertainment, and pre-sale and general tickets are going on sale this week with information and links at   www.RockTheCountry.com

Barry County produced a high voter turnout of 73%  in the General Election cycle.  Of the County’s 53,251 registered voters, some 38,845 cast ballots according to unofficial results, including:

13,266 in early voting

10,482 by absentee ballots

15,097 on election day

In Tuesday’s General Election, Barry County Voters by large margins cast their votes for Republican candidates across the ballot including Trump for President, Rogers for US Senator, and Moolenaar for Congress.

In State Representative races,  Republicans Rachelle Smit in the 43^rd district, Gina Johnsen in the 78^th district, and Angela Rigas in the 79^th district were selected by Barry County voters 2 to 1 over their Democratic opponents.

There was only one contested race for Barry County Commissioner, in district #1 where Bob Teunessen defeated Scott Savage.

Voters in the Hastings Area School District voted 59% to 41% in favor of the Sinking Fund Millage Renewal for Hastings Schools.

The Millage Renewal for funding Barry County Transit was also approved by a 59 to 41% margin.

In the City of Hastings,  Mayor David Tossava was re-elected over challenger William Nesbitt,  and Abby Taylor won a 3rd Ward City Council seat over Charles Hertzler.

Fire Departments battled a fire this morning(Monday) at Smith and Doster, a car dealership in Delton.  No information on what caused the former Ford dealership to catch on fire. A WBCH Reporter on the scene said the building was destroyed.

This weekend is the last chance to vote early in person for the November General Election.  You can vote in person this Saturday or Sunday from 8am to 4pm at your assigned voting location – for Barry County those locations can be found on the county website in the County Clerk’s section.

Tuesday,  Election Day,  polls will be open as usual from 7am to 8pm.