Governor Gretchen Whitmer celebrated passage of the balanced and bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2027 that includes $45 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants for 75 land acquisition and park development projects across the state. 

One of the included grants for the coming year is for $200,000 for the DNR to upgrade the Barry Shooting Range in Yankee Springs, adding electricity, water, septic, a range tower and accessible facilities. 

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund celebrates its 50th anniversary year this year. It is a restricted fund that was established to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. 

Sunday night at approximately 8:30 PM, Bellevue Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in Assyria Township where a barn was on fire. Upon arrival, it was confirmed that a large 60x100 barn was fully involved and had already collapsed before the fire.

BFD set up hose lines to initiate extinguishment efforts, prioritizing the protection of a nearby animal enclosure that was under threat. BFD established a Rural Water hitch for our water supply, with support from Johnstown Fire’s tanker and BFD Tanker 115. Additionally, Johnstown Fire worked to establish a draft at a nearby site for refilling tankers.

The crews faced significant challenges due to the roof collapse, which hampered access to the remaining flames. A mini excavator was brought to the scene to assist in removing debris for effective extinguishment.

After a vigorous 5-hour effort and approximately 37,000 gallons of water used, the fire was successfully extinguished.

In addition to Bellevue Fire Dept.,  assistance on scene was provided by; LifeCare Ambulance, Johnstown Fire Department Michigan, Barry County Central Dispatch, Barry County Sheriff's Office and GDH & Sons (Mini Excavator)

As the school year kicks off, social media will light up with proud parents posting first-day photos. It's a heartwarming tradition, but it can also unintentionally expose sensitive information about your child.

Details like school name, grade level, teacher, age and even physical characteristics may seem harmless, but they can be exploited by predators or scammers targeting your child or family.

Even with strict privacy settings, the safest choice is to limit what you share online.

Avoid posting:

• School name or location
• Age or birthdate
• Teacher’s name or classroom
• Physical details like height or weight
• Personal clues (e.g., answers to security questions)

Allegan County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched Monday morning to a single vehicle crash at 4th St. and Pierce Rd in Gun Plain Township. Upon arrival a minivan was found in the woods, and the driver was deceased. There were no other vehicles involved, or other occupants of the vehicle.

Preliminary investigation shows a minivan was driving east on 106th Ave. and failed to negotiate the curve as the roadway turns into Pierce Rd. The vehicle left the roadway crashing into a large tree in a wooded area. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and information on the involved party is being withheld pending family notifications. 

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

Michigan State Police say the body of a missing teenager drowned Wednesday in Gun Lake was recovered by search crews Friday morning.

The teen, who's name has not been released, was last seen swimming in Gun Lake Wednesday night near Orangeville Island.  He went underwater and did not resurface. 

Crews searched Wednesday night until about 1 a.m. They resumed the search Thursday morning when visibility improved and continued looking all day,  then finally located the body when the search resumed Friday morning. The search was made more difficult murky water and muck at the bottom of the lake.

Public boat launches were closed and no boat traffic was allowed on Gun Lake today while Law Enforcement conducted the search and recovery operation. All boach launches on Gun Lake have now re-opened.

Agencies at the scene included the Orangeville Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Barry County Sheriff's Office, Allegan County, and Great Lakes Rescue.

The Hastings Area School System Board of Education last month approved placing a $24,800,000 bond proposal on the November 3, 2026, ballot. If approved by voters, the proposal would fund improvements throughout the district with an estimated zero increase to the current bond millage rate of 5.75 mills.

The proposed bond is intended to address facility, infrastructure, safety, and instructional projects across the district. Planned projects were identified through the district's facility planning process and focus on updating school buildings, improving learning environments, and addressing aging infrastructure.

The proposal is organized around three priorities:
* Safe: Improving school security systems and life safety infrastructure for students and staff.
* Efficient: Addressing aging building systems and infrastructure while improving operational efficiency.
* Practical: Updating instructional spaces and district facilities that support current educational programs and day-to-day operations.

If approved, bond proceeds would be used for projects including:

* Modernizing classroom environments for core academic subjects at the high school
* Improving secure entryways at all schools
* Adding security glazing film
* Replacing public address (PA) systems
* Replacing fire alarm systems
* Improving aging and overcrowded kitchen spaces at all elementary schools
* Improving parking areas and traffic flow
* Renovating high school restrooms

* Increasing stadium bleacher capacity
* Replacing the district's aging bus fleet
* Modernizing the CERC and improving daycare classrooms and entry
* Improving Career and Technical Education (CTE) and hands-on learning spaces at the middle and high school

According to district estimates, the bond could be issued without increasing the current debt tax rate, which is projected to remain at 5.75 mills.

The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are expected to be available beginning Sept. 24.

Residents can learn more about the proposal by visiting the district website at hassk12.org

Barry County Commission on Aging (COA) is pleased to announce the addition of Christa Wetzel as the agency’s new Senior Services Navigator. This newly created position will help meet a growing need in Barry County by providing older adults and their families with personalized support as they navigate healthcare access, long-term care planning, health insurance, and community-based resources.

In her role as Senior Services Navigator, Christa will work directly with older adults and caregivers to identify needs, understand available options, overcome barriers, and connect with programs and services that support healthy and independent living. She will also coordinate State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) services, including community outreach and support for program volunteers.

Christa brings more than 25 years of experience in social work to the COA, along with a master’s degree in counseling and experience as a community health worker. 

The Commission on Aging extends its sincere appreciation to the Barry Community Foundation for helping establish this position through grant funding from the Barry Health Access Fund. This investment provides an opportunity to strengthen access to healthcare information, resources, and individualized support for older adults throughout Barry County.

The Hastings Fire Department responded to the Hastings Public Library Wednesday morning for a report of a fire in the building. Hastings Fire Chief Mark Jordan told WBCH news that investigation shows an electrical issue on a roof top air conditioning unit caused smoke to fill the library. Firefighters were able to turn off the electricity to that air conditioning unit and use big industrial fans to vent the smoke out of the library building. Chief Jordan said the library will be closed for the next couple of days. 

The Library has posted on Facebook their Drive-thru will be open 9am to 3pm for limited services. August 12th & 13th.

The annual B.I.E. Luncheon was held Tuesday at the Hastings Performing Arts Center bringing together leaders from the Business, Industry, and Education sectors of Barry County. This collaborative event between the Hastings Area School District and the Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance is held just before the start of each school year.

Speakers focused on Career and Technical Education programs in Barry County with new Hastings High School Principal Clayton Powell and new Assistant Principal Ryan Mitchell presenting the expanding CTE pathways at Hastings Area Schools.   

Greta Munger, Delton Kellogg High School Principal, presented a look at the many career-focused opportunities available through the DK school district.

Peter Hungerford of the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center West in Grand Rapids spoke about rebuilding the pipeline of skilled trades workers through a joint effort to partner schools with employers, offer internships and apprenticeships, and promote careers through hands-on experience.

Jennifer Forell, Chief Operating Officer of Flexfab,  stated the need manufacturers in Barry County and throughout the region face to build tomorrow’s workforce together.

Eric Greene presented the history of the KCC Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings and future building expansion the Hastings campus would like to achieve in order to offer more programming for skilled trades.  Julia Faist, Director of the Fehsenfeld Center, said the current building is undergoing some renovations and preparing to offer additional programs including medical programs.

Finally, Emily Quiggle, the Workforce Development Coordinator for the Barry County Chamber & EDA covered the downward K-12 school enrollment trend at Hastings, TK, Delton, Lakewood, and Maple Valley Schools.

Hastings First Ward has a new City Council member;  Kari Jo Shepler was appointed unanimously Monday night to fill the seat left vacant seat after John Rocha resigned in July.  Shepler is the business owner of Paws & Claws Grooming Boutique in Hastings. She will be sworn in at the August 24 meeting and will serve the remainder of the current term ending in 2028.

The City Council still will not be full, however, after accepting the resignation this week of Jordan Brehm from his Fourth Ward Council seat. Brehm and his family is moving out of the Fourth Ward so is no longer eligible to hold the seat. The Council will commence the appointment process to fill the vacancy.

In Other business:

The Barry Roubaix Fall Fondo cycling event was approved for October 11^th in Fish Hatchery Park.

Central Elementary PTO’s request for their Walk-a-thon fundraiser on September 22 was approved.

Adopted Ordinance 638 to amend the zoning ordinance & map of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission.

Granted Waste Management a 5-year renewal of its’ franchise agreement for garbage collection.

Approved a number of large equipment purchases for the city’s DPS fleet.

Approved the expansion of the parking lot at Hammond Hill park.

A new McDonald’s is open to serve Middleville! McDonald's Owner/Operator Keith Berg and his team celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new McDonald's restaurant in Middleville with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring state and local leaders, business partners and community members.  The new restaurant located at 800 MidVilla Lane.

The new restaurant represents an investment in the Middleville community, creating new employment opportunities while providing a welcoming place where families, friends and neighbors can gather. The restaurant is currently hiring team members and offers flexible scheduling, competitive benefits and opportunities for career growth.

"Opening this restaurant is about much more than serving great food," said Keith Berg, McDonald's Owner/Operator. "We're proud to invest in Middleville by creating jobs, supporting local organizations and becoming a place where the community can come together every day. We look forward to building relationships and serving our neighbors for years to come."

As part of the celebration, The Berg Organization presented a donation to Thornapple Kellogg Schools, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to supporting local students, educators and families.

In Tuesday’s Primary Elections,  in the Republican race for Governor, John James was selected over Perry Johnson 50% to 35% statewide.  James will face Democratic candidate Jocely Benson in the November General Election to become Michigan’s next Governor.

The Democratic primary for US Senator came down to the wire, with Abdul El-Sayed the projected winner over Hailey Stevens by a thin margin of 48.5 to 47.5%. The winner will face Republican Mike Rogers in November.

Locally in the 78^th State House District,  Brandon Strong won the Republican primary with 50% of the vote, Terence Frewen with 26%, and Kaleb Hudson and Miguel Pilar each with 12%.  Strong will face Democrat Rachel Gross in the fall.

All of the non-partisan proposals on Tuesday’s ballot were passed, including:

-Johnstown Township Fire & Road millage renewals

-Maple Grove Township Emergency Services renewal

-Orangeville Township Fire renewal

-Yankee Springs Township Fire & Emergency Services renewals

-Woodland Township Parks, Special Projects, and Operations renewals

-Freeport District Library millage,  and Putnam District Library millage

-Maple Valley Schools passed their Operating Millage.

Overall  16,825 out of 53,589 registered voters in Barry County cast their ballots on Tuesday for a turnout of 31.4%.

8/4/26:  Beach Water  Qualtity  Update at Tyden Park. Follow-up  water testing shows that E. coli bacteria levels have returned to acceptable levels.  The Water quality advisory has been lifted, and swimming, wading, fishing and other water contact activities may resume.

A Beach Water Quality advisory at Tyden Park in Hastings is posted after routine water quality testing of the Thornapple River conducted Monday, July 27th, showed high levels  of E. Coli.  The Barry-Eaton District Health Deparment advises against activities involving direct contact to surface water, including swimming, wading and fishing the water at this time. 

E-Coli levels can increase after rainfall, runoff, wildlife activity an other environmental factors.  Follow-up testing is underway, and the advisory will remain in effect until bacteria levels return to acceptable levels.

Rock the Country will take place Saturday, Aug. 8th & Sunday Aug. 9th at the Barry Expo Center. General Admission parking lots open at noon each day, with performances to begin at 2:30pm and end around 11:15pm.  Camping for this event begins Friday and campers will leave by 12:00pm Monday.

Upwards of 15,000 are expected to attend daily.  Local Emergency Management and law Enforcement agencies are taking proactive steps to ensure traffic flow and community safety before, during and after the event.

Residents and visitors shoul be prepared for traffic delays, and back-ups are expected into Middleville and Hastings on M-37 Highway.

Routing information will be shared in advance through County Social Media, Facebook and Instagram and local media outlets.

Drivers are asked to follow all posted signs and obey law enforcement instructions to ensure emergency routes remain open and accesible.

Some neighbors, especially those in Cul-de-sacs, may experience restricted access during peak event hours 8am to noon and 4pm to 10pm Friday.  Saturday & Sunday 8am to 2pm and 11:30pm to 1:30am. Monday 8am to 12pm.  Community members are encouraged to sign-up for RAVE alerts, which provide real time updates via text or email.  To sign-up for RAVE alerts, text ROCK to 226787. For event information call 269-305-5483.

For more information and to sign up for local alerts visit www.facebook.com/BarryCountyEMD

Michigan Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th  as voters of each political party select their candidates for the November General Election.   Most highly contested are the Democratic US Senate primary between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, and the Republican Governor primary between John James and Perry Johnson.

There are four republicans in the primary for 78th State Representative district, and  three democrats in the primary for US Representative in the 2nd Congressional district.

You may only vote in the partisan section of one party. There is also a non-partisan proposal section in some townships, such as the Freeport District Library millage proposal and various millage proposals for fire protection, emergency services, and road improvements.

Polling locations are open Tuesday from 7am to 8pm.  

If you are not already registered to vote, you can do so in-person at your local or township clerk’s office by 8pm in order to vote in Tuesday’s primary.