Friday, May 29th is the last day of school for Hastings Area Schools, Maple Valley, Barry County Christian & Martin Public school.

Tuesday, June 2nd Ionia Public school year comes to an end

Wednesday, June 3rd Lakewood Public & Thornapple Kellogg  last day

Thursday, June 4th Delton Kellogg, Wayland Union & Gull Lake Schools last day

Friday, June 5th Bellevue Community School & Caledonia Community School end their school year.

The Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board has appointed
Katlin Hall as Interim Director, effective May 30, 2026, to lead the agency.
Hall currently serves as Deputy Director and has been a member of the Barry County Central Dispatch team since 2013, bringing more than a decade of experience in emergency communications and public safety operations. She has played a key role in day-to-day operations, personnel support, and system coordination, and is actively involved in agency leadership and countywide public safety collaboration.

Barry County Central Dispatch operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, serving as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the county. The center handles tens of thousands of calls annually and coordinates response efforts among law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.

“We are confident in Katlin’s ability to lead,” said Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board. “Her experience within the organization, steady leadership, and strong working relationships with our public safety partners will help ensure continued consistency and reliability in service to our community.”

Hall holds the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) designation, a nationally recognized certification in 911 leadership and management, and has continued to advance her professional development in public safety communications.

The Board extends its appreciation to outgoing Director Stephanie Lehman for her service to Barry County Central Dispatch. Lehman began her career with the agency in 2008 as a dispatcher and advanced through leadership roles, including Dispatch Supervisor, before being appointed Director in 2017. Her tenure reflects a longstanding commitment to the field of emergency communications and to Barry County Central Dispatch operations.

Brandon Strong, a longtime school administrator at Barry County Christian Schools, announced on Tuesday his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Michigan’s 78th House District. Strong is running to succeed current State House Representative, Gina Johnsen’s seat. The district represents portions of Eaton, Barry, Kent, and Ionia counties.

A longstanding resident of the 78th District, Strong expressed his excitement to enter the race and represent his community, saying, “Michigan families deserve leaders who will listen, lead with integrity, and put the next generation first.”

Strong further added that he is committed to a Michigan where “faith, family, and freedom are respected, and where opportunity is real for every child, in every community.”

Strong, a former Chairman of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, known for his continued support of workforce development efforts, says he will take that same commitment to Lansing. When asked to comment on his legislative priorities, Strong said “I am focused on legislation that will cut red tape and bring affordable solutions back to the constituents of the 78th District.”

“I will fight to protect all constitutional rights, support parents, grow local jobs, and hold Lansing accountable to the people it serves. The time has come for new representation, and I will work closely with Speaker Matt Hall and House Republicans to do just that,” he said. Strong has been endorsed by State Representative Jennifer Wortz who said “I am pleased to support and endorse Brandon for the 78th district house seat. With Brandon’s background in education, small business, and raising a family in Michigan, he knows the challenges facing Michigan families. He has a heart for serving his community, and we need his common-sense voice and leadership in Lansing.” In addition to Wortz’s endorsement, Brandon is also endorsed by long-time Barry County Businessman and County Commissioner, Bob Teunessen, Bob said “Brandon and I have gotten to know each other very well over the past several years, he’s deeply committed to our community, he believes strongly in education, has an incredible work ethic, and understands common sense solutions for Michigan. Brandon will be an exceptional representative for the 78th District in Lansing.”

Strong earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Trinity Bible College and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from South Dakota State University. He lives in Hastings with his wife Samantha, and have five children together, with their second-oldest graduating high school this spring. In addition, he currently serves as an elected precinct delegate on the Barry County Republican Party Executive Committee. Prior, Strong worked as a high school principal in North Dakota, a special education teacher in Wyoming, a college instructor and head college baseball coach.

Area Memorial Day Observances 2026

Several area communities will hold ceremonies, parades and events to observe Memorial Day and honor our nation's fallen heroes:

Hastings

The Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade at 9:30am.  The Parade will form at the corner of Boltwood and State Streets at 8:30am and travel west on State Street to North Broadway, North on Broadway to the Veteran's Memorial where two wreaths will be placed, one honoring all veterans and one a POW-MIA wreath.  A rifle salute will be followed by Taps, there will be a short presentation honoring all veterans.

Next stop will be on the Broadway Bridge to place a wreath in the Thornapple River in honor of military personnel who have served on and under the seas.  The Honor Guard will fire a rifle salute, followed by Taps.

Riverside Cemetery will be the final stop at the GAR Monument at the end of the Avenue of Flags where Memorial Day ceremonies will be held.  The grave of the most recently buried Veteran at Riverside Cemetery will receive the final wreath and honors of the event.

Those that wish to participate in the parade are asked to register with Post 45 by phone or by email. No political signs, banners, posters, sirens or horns will be allowed in the parade.

Woodland

A Memorial Day Service will be held at Woodland Cemetery on Velte Rd. at 10am. 

Lake Odessa, Clarksville

The Jackson Mutschler VFW Post 4461 will participate in the Clarksville Memorial Day Parade at 8:30am Monday, followed by a service at Clarksville cemetery, then the Woodland cemetery service at 10am.  At 11am a Memorial Day Service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa.

Hickory Corners

Annual Memorial Day activities will be held in Hickory Corners starting with a pancake breakfast served from 7:00 to 9:30am at the fire station.   

The Memorial Day Parade begins at 10am and is perhaps the biggest Memorial Day Parade in the area, usually with 125 to 150 participants, weather permitting. The parade has been held in Hickory Corners for over 60 years and includes The Delton Kellogg and Gull Lake High School bands, Shriner’s Mini-T Patrol, tractors, horses and carriages, fire trucks, floats, classic cars, scout troops, 4-H members and local children on decorated bikes.

After the parade, Memorial Services will be held at East Hickory Cemetery. Guest speaker is Retired Colonel Frank J. Walker.  A flyover is also scheduled.

Following memorial services, Hot Dog and Pulled Pork and Pulled Chicken baskets will be available at the Simmonds Williams American Legion Post 484 in Hickory Corners, open to the public.

Gun Lake Memorial Day Cruise

The 7th annual Gun Lake Memorial Day Cruise, honoring all who served, is Monday May 25th.  Staging begins at Gun Lake Community Church at 9:00am.  The Cruise begins at 11:00am and ends around noon. The Cruise will end at the Chief Noonday Car Park, as they are hosting a Rally event from noon to 3:00pm,  ending with the playing of Taps at 3.

Orangeville

Orangeville hosts a Memorial Ceremony annually on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend at 2:00p.m.  at the Veteran’s Memorial in Orangeville.

Middleville

The Middleville Lion's Club Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10:30am on Monday and is followed by a ceremony of remembrance at the cemetery, organized by American Legion Post #140. 

Wayland

In Wayland, a bus will transport veterans between six sites for Cemetery Honors starting at 7:15am.

The Annual Memorial Day Parade hosted by Wayland VFW Post #7581 will be held Monday starting at 11:00am, beginning at the Michigan State Police Post, marching south, and concluding at the Wayland VFW Post.   Following the parade the public is invited to the VFW to a luncheon.

Caledonia

Caledonia American Legion Memorial Post 305 will hold the community’s Memorial Day Parade at noon Mondayon Main Street. Flags will be placed on military graves at Caledonia Lakeside Cemetery with a ceremony. Afterward a Luncheon will be held for veterans, their families, and first responders at the Legion Post.

The severe storms that swept across the state Monday afternoon resulted in downed trees and numerous power outages,  and caused  major damage to the Lakewood Early Childhood Education Center in Woodland. 

In a letter to Lakewood Public Schools families, Superintendent Jodi Duits said that a shelter in place was issued at 2:27pm Monday following activation of emergency sirens in Woodland due to a severe thunderstorm warning and high winds.  Shortly before 3pm the administration office was compromised and the storm blew a portion of the roof off the building.

Duits said thanks to the swift action of the Lakewood team and cooperation of the school family everyone was kept safe and there were no injuries of students or staff.

The Lakewood Early Childhood Center building has been scheduled to close under the district’s streamlining plan as it can no longer safely serve students. Superintendent Duits said the west entrance to the administration office is not safe and the district is still assessing the storm damage. Other buildings in the district including the middle school and high school were still without power Monday evening while Lakewood Elementary was unaffected by the storm.

The Early Childhood Center will be closed Tuesday,  and families of all Lakewood students are urged to watch for further announcements concerning classes on Tuesday.

**Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral Mass will take place at St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S Jefferson St, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.**

Longtime broadcaster and our friend Dave McIntyre passed away Friday at the age of 88. Dave was the voice of “Hastings and Barry County”  on WBCH radio for 65 years before retiring in August 2025. Dave was hired by Ken Radant in 1959 and has been a longtime trusted voice on WBCH AM & FM, entertaining and informing listeners throughout Hastings and Barry County day after day, year after year,  with news, sports, weather and more for over six decades.  Dave touched many lives over the years and will be truly missed by all who knew him. 

WBCH congratulates our Area High School Seniors! Graduation dates as follows:

Caledonia  May 19th 7pm @ Calvin University's Van Noord Arena

Hastings Area Schools 7:00pm

Lakewood Public Schools 7:00pm

Thornapple Kellogg Middleville 7:00pm

Delton Kellogg 7:00pm

Maple Valley  School 6pm.

Gull Lake Schools June 4th at WMU's Miller Auditorium

To emphasize the importance of wearing seat belts, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) announces a “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign, running from May 18–31.

During the two-week period—which includes Memorial Day weekend—the Michigan State Police (MSP), along with officers from local and county police agencies across the state, will be actively conducting seat belt enforcement.

In 2024, a total of 222 people who were killed in traffic crashes died because they were not wearing their seat belt, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

“Each year for the last five years, Michigan has lost more than 200 people in crashes where a seat belt could have saved a life,” said Alicia Sledge, OHSP director. “As the temperatures rise and summer travel picks up on our busy roadways, we’re reminding everyone to buckle up, no matter how short the trip.”

Michigan has a primary seat belt law, which means a police officer can stop and ticket a motorist solely for not wearing a seat belt. It is estimated that more than 1,900 lives have been saved since 2015 due to Michigan’s primary seat belt law.
 

Gov. Whitmer Lowers Flags in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex and upon all public buildings and grounds across the state of Michigan to be lowered to half-staff Friday, May 15, in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day. 

"Today, we honor the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice to our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “These men and women in uniform stepped up every day to protect their communities, risking their own safety to protect ours. As we reflect on their sacrifices, let’s honor their memories and recommit to supporting their families and fellow first responders.” 

Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed on Friday, May 15. It falls within National Police Week, which Congress established in 1962 to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. 

The State of Michigan honors Peace Officers Memorial Day by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.  

To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day. 

Flags should return to full staff on Saturday, May 16, 2026. 

After several years of planning, fundraising and effort to make it a reality,  Hastings finally has a non-profit Compassion Home to serve Barry County families who are facing end-of-life decisions for a loved one.

Serenity Village Compassion Home opened on January 26^th of this year and has already had the honor of caring for a few guests.  As a new resource in Barry County, they are really hoping to raise awareness of who they are, what they do, and how they can support families during end-of-life care.  

 Greg Hooson, Executive Director of Serenity Village Compassion Home joined WBCH on-air to talk about how this new resource works along side Hospice agencies to helps ease the burden during a difficult time. Click link to listen below.

Barry ISD will hold an Information meeting Monday May  4th at 6pm in the Hastings Public Library on the topic: Public Education, Where does the money come from. Presented by Rich Franklin BISD Superintendent, Amber Holland BISD Business Services and Carl Schoessel, Retired County Superintendent.