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.