Tuesday November 4, 2025 is election day, and there are only a couple of issues to be decided in Barry County:

Voters who live in the Barry Intermediate School District are being asked to approve a Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal of 1 mill for ten years. If approved, it will provide funding to invest directly in specific educational and career-readiness programs benefitting all school districts and students within the ISD including Hastings Area Schools, Delton-Kellogg Schools, and Lighthouse Academy.

The ISD’s request for a Regional Enhancement Millage (REM) is a direct result of public feedback. Earlier this year, the Barry ISD used a district-wide survey to ask how they’re doing and where they can improve learning and career opportunities for students.

The survey results indicated the ISD should do more to address student behavioral issues, special education, and career and technical learning.

Meanwhile,  Thornapple-Kellogg and Caledonia school district voters are being asked to support a Regional Enhancement Millage request for the Kent ISD.

Castleton Township has three millage renewal requests on the ballot:  for Emergency Medical Services Operations, Fire Department Housing and Equipment,  and  Medical Services Housing and Equipment.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Lakewood Public Schools were closed Wednesday as Michigan State Police from the Lansing post investigated an “alleged threat.”

Superintendent Jodi Duits wrote in a letter to families that the district received the report Tuesday night of a Snapchat video and immediately contacted law enforcement. Troopers were told the video involved a 40-year-old Holt man and his 17-year-old Sunfield son.

“The video depicted a weapon and included statements suggesting the student might take the weapon to school and cause harm to faculty,” MSP wrote in their release.  District leaders decided to close Wednesday out of “an abundance of caution,” the Michigan State Police said. 

According to the Michigan State Police, troopers have identified those involved, and investigators do not believe there is a threat to the public.

Hastings Fire Department thanks the Barry Community Foundation for the  $7500. grant awarded to the Department in July.   The grant was specifically requested to advance medical training within the Department.  In August the Hastings Birch Fire Department became a Basic Life Support Transport agent, requiring additional training for the Department's Medical staff.   Advance Medical training has equipped the staff with knowledge to provide extra care to residents and visitors in our area.

Overall the grant provided over 1300 hours of training.  The Hastings Fire Department has 17 members, 14 of who are paid on call, and three are full time staff. They have responded to 980 calls for assistance since January 2025.

The Hastings Fire Department is currently seeking  new paid on-call members.   Those interested are encouraged to stop  into the Fire Station and see any member of the Department for details.

An apparent gas leak led to the explosion of a propane tank at a home north of Freeport, injuring two people.  The call came in around 7:05pm Tuesday night, and when fire and medical responders arrived at the scene, the home near the intersection of Freeport Avenue and 100^th Street was fully involved in flames.

Two persons suffered burns and were transported to the hospital.

Freeport Fire Department, Alto-Bowne Township Fire Department, and Clarksville Fire Department all reponded. The explosion and fire remains under investigation.

The Hastings Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is launching a new Strategic Planning process to guide the next chapter of revitalization and investment in the city's downtown district, the effort will run through February 2026 and your voice matters!  Residents, business owners and downtown visitors are invited to join in for a focus group-style listening workshop to share your ideas, priorities, and feedback about Downtown Hastings.  The Workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 6th at the Walldorff Ballroom in Downtown Hastings.  Time options are 8am, 3:30pm & 6:30pm   Sessions are informal, interactive and open to all.

To RSVP visit http://tinyurl.com/HastingsDDAWorkshop

Serenity Village, a compassion home dedicated to providing comfort and dignity to individuals at the end of life, is proud to announce that its facility is nearing completion. This milestone marks a significant step toward opening its doors to serve Barry County and surrounding communities with compassionate, residential end-of-life care.

Once open, the facility will Staffed by Serenity Village employees, trained volunteers and supported by hospice professionals.

As Serenity Village prepares to welcome its first guests, the organization has introduced Fred Jacobs as the newest member of its Board of Directors.

With construction nearly complete, Serenity Village is launching a Year-End Giving Campaign to help furnish the home, train volunteers, and ensure operational readiness.

Ways to Give:

• Online: Visit serenitybc.org to make a secure contribution.
  • For monetary donations click ‘Donate Now’ from the home page.
  • For additional ways to give, click ‘Support Us’ from the home page.

• By Mail – donations can be mailed to: Serenity Village, P.O. Box #414, Hastings, MI. 49058-0414                                                                                                                  
• Please feel free to email Serenity Village at director@serenitybc.org with any questions or other needs regarding donations.

Barry County Cares is registering those who would like to be in their Holiday Adoption Program and also those who would like to adopt a household.

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

Delton Area residents may contact the Delton District Library, 269-623-8040.

Nashville Area residents contact the Clerk's Office Mon-Thursday, 517-852-9544

Freeport Area residents contact the at the Freeport District Library 616-765-5181

All other Barry County Addresses contact Barry County Cares.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., October 15, 2025 – The Gerald R. Ford International Airport earned the top spot in the USA TODAY Reader’s Choice Awards for best small airport.

The 20 finalists for the category were selected by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public. The panel consisted of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, expert contributors and industry sources. 

“We are honored that the best guests in the country have helped us win the #1 spot for the best small airport!” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President & CEO Tory Richardson said. “The community’s incredible support continues to propel our commitment to providing a world-class airport experience, and we are thrilled to have won this award for the community.”

The top ten winners in the best small airport category were:

1. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) 
2. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
3. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
4. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) 
5. Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) 
6. Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) 
7. Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
8. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) 
9. Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
10. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) 

Surpassing a record-breaking number of 4 million passengers in 2024, the Ford International Airport serves as West Michigan’s gateway to the world. The Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, which has more than 100 team members who are responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance of airport facilities. Additionally, more than 1,300 team members from eight airlines, food and beverage providers, maintenance facilities and several other partners come together to offer air service and amenities to guests.

“We thank everyone who took the time to cast their vote for the Ford International Airport,” Richardson continued. “We also thank our dedicated team members and partners who help provide an exceptional guest experience to this award-winning airport.”

The Barry County Sheriff's Office reports that Deputies have recently located several items that are believed to be stolen.  If you have had anything stolen in the last 6 months to a year and can identify those items, please contact the Barry County Sheriff's Office at 269-948-4801 Monday thru Friday, 7am to 3pm.  Ask for Deputy Moore or Lt. Stevens.

You will need to be able to accurately describe the items with any identifying marks or photographs or have model/serial numbers to reclaim the property.

At its’ meeting Monday night the Hastings City Council adopted Ordinance 632, approving the final site plan as presented for the Planned Unit Development at 420 E. Mill Street.   That’s the location where the Hastings Riverfront Lofts housing development is being built that will include 135 units on the north side of the Thornapple River along with an on-site commercial hub, community space and daycare.

Council conducted the first reading of an Ordinance pertaining to a 3-to-4 Family Overlay District as recommended by the Planning Commission. If adopted it would allow another option for some residential property owners to slightly increase the number of living units on their property.

Also approved was a construction contract for the Clarifier #2 project at the Wastewater Treatment Plant,  an agreement for street line painting,  and a motion allowing the City Manager to accept letters of interest for the vacant city-owned parcel at 133 East State Street in downtown Hastings and negotiate a purchase and development agreement with interested parties.  (That’s the former ‘Vinnies’ location that was destroyed by fire).

Michigan State Police Paw Paw troopers are investigating an eight-vehicle crash involving a military vehicle, semi-tractor trailer, and passenger vehicles that occurred Monday on eastbound I-94 near Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo.

The Preliminary investigation indicates that the military vehicle's driver lost control after changing lanes, striking a semi, which then hit three passenger vehicles, causing a chain reaction with three more vehicles. A 10-year-old child was seriously injured and transported to Bronson Methodist Hospital. As of Tuesday, the child remained in the hospital, but was listed as stable. Other injuries were minor.

Alcohol and drugs were not factors, and seatbelts and child restraints were used. However, speed is believed to be a factor. MSP would like remind drivers to stay alert for slowed or stopped traffic, especially during heavy traffic periods.

The roadway was closed for nearly eight hours for scene processing. Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety and Life EMS assisted. This crash remains open pending further investigation. 

Update:   Sarah Molina did make contact with law enforcement and is ok. 

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The Wayland City Police Department is asking for the public’s help locating a missing person.

SARAH MOLINA, age 54, was reported missing by her family on Friday (10-03-25). Sarah is described as a white female, 5’06, 150 lbs.  She was last seen driving her 2012 blue Chevy Sonic with Michigan plate of EEY9252 on Friday. Since then, neither family nor law enforcement has been able to make contact with her.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Sarah Molina is asked to contact Allegan County Central Dispatch at 269-673-3899.