On October 20th a 42 year old Clarksville man was found unresponsive in his cell at the Eaton County Jail of an apparent suicide.  Life saving efforts were initiated and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced  deceased.

The incident is under active investigation.  All information related to the incident will be provided to the Medical Examiner to assist with the investigation and determination of the official cause of death.

Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, we ask  that their privacy be respected as they grieve.  We recognize that losing a loved one under these circumstances is especially painful and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

The Sheriff's Office also recognizes the impact this tragedy may have on the staff members who work each day to care for and supervise those in our custody. Our thoughts are with everyone affected  by this loss and resources will be made available to them.

"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones.  Every person who comes through our doors is someone's son or daughter, parent or friend." said Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich.  "We are committed to treating those in our care with dignity and to helping them find a path toward a better future.  This loss is truly heartbreaking."

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating a reported attempted abduction that occurred on October 20th at approximately 10:50a.m. near the intersection of Morgan Road and Norave Drive in Pennfield Township.

A 54 year old Pennfield Township woman was walking her dog along Morgan Road when she was approached from behind by an unknown male wearing a black ski mask, fluorescent yellow jacket and black gloves.  The suspect reportedly grabbed the woman from behind and lifted her off the ground.  Her dog intervened, attacking the suspect, who then fled into a nearby wooded area.

Deputies responded to the scene and searched the surrounding area with assistance from the Calhoun Aerial Support Team (CAST), which deployed a drone to assist in the search.  Despite these efforts, deputies did not locate the suspect.

The Sheriff's Office has notified surrounding law enforcement agencies and continues to investigate the incident.  Deputies will follow up with residents in the area to identify potential surveillance footage that may help identify the suspect.

Bradford White Corporation in Middleville said Tuesday it has reached a tentative deal with United Auto Workers Local 1002 members to end their month old strike. The more than 1200 union workers walked off the job at midnight on September 16th after the union failed to reach an agreement with the company.

A vote by Union members is scheduled for Friday to either ratify or decline this tentative agreement.

According to union bargaining chair Randy Tobias, the old contract that was agreed to in 2020 expired on September 1st, but a 15-day extension was put in place. Two offers were made by the company at that time but were both turned down by about 95% of the union workers.

Tobias said the union workers have been seeking higher wages, a better paid time off program, and better health insurance benefits.  

Bradford White manufactures water heaters at the Middleville plant.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is once again taking part in a national initiative that encourages residents to safely dispose of expired and unused prescription pills. All of MSP’s 31 posts, including the Wayland post, will be open on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept unwanted medications as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

“Safely disposing of unused and expired medications is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on our communities,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Clearing out medications that are no longer needed and using a safe disposal site can help prevent prescription drug misuse, protect the environment and keep potentially dangerous medications out of the wrong hands.”

All collected pills will be destroyed; no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes will not be accepted. To find a collection site near you, visit Michigan.gov/MSPPosts.

Anyone unable to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can anonymously surrender prescription drugs at any MSP post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

State Representative Gina Johnsen will hold a series of office hours this month giving constituents the chance to meet with her in person, ask questions, and share concerns. No RSVP is necessary and refreshments will be provided:

Monday, October 12

5:30 to 7:00 pm

Bowne Township Hall

8240 Alden Nash Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302

Monday, October 19

5:30 to 7:00 pm

Odessa Township Offices

3862 Laurel Dr., Lake Odessa, MI 48849

Monday, October 26

5:30 to 7:00 pm

Sunfield United Brethren Church

8436 W Grand Ledge Hwy., Sunfield, MI 48890

“I want to hear directly from the people I represent,” said Johnsen. “These office hours are a chance for folks to sit down with me, ask questions, and let me know what matters to them.”

For more information, contact Rep. Johnsen's office at (517) 373-1796 or GinaJohnsen@house.mi.gov.

Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) and Barry County Emergency Management Department (BCEM) are immensely grateful to the many organizations, agencies, businesses, and community members who contributed their time, expertise, resources, and support throughout the ricin response.

Response and public safety partners included: Hastings Police & Fire Department; City of Hastings; Barry County; Barry-Eaton District Board of Health; Barry County Humane Society; Barry County Dispatch/911; Barry County Prosecuting Attorney; Barry County Sheriff’s Department; Barry County Drain Commission, Barry County Animal Control; Hastings Department of Public Services; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Michigan State Police (MSP); Michigan National Guard’s 51st Civil Support Team; Thornapple Township Fire Department & EMS, Mel Oakley, Life EMS, Kent County Health Department; Kent County Sheriff's Department; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START); Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL); Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); and Region 5 Healthcare Coalition.

Healthcare and service partners included: Barry County United Way; Barry County Commission on Aging; Barry County Community Mental Health Authority; The Ability Collective of Barry County; Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department; Corewell Health Grand Rapids; Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center; American Red Cross; and The Salvation Army of Battle Creek.

Community businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals included: Barry Community Foundation; Tyden Lofts (KMG Prestige & General Capital Group); BELFOR Environmental; Onterris; E3 Environmental; Barry County Transit; Hastings Pharmacy; The Shack in Delton; Manna’s Market; Serenity Club; Highpoint Community Bank; Seasonal Grille; Mexican Connexion; Walldorff Brew Pub & Bistro; Friends of Barry County COA; All Call Restoration; Holiday Inn Express Hastings; Court-Side Screen Printing and Embroidery; First Presbyterian Church; Hastings Baptist Church; Venue 1230; Living Waters Church; Applebee's; Hungry Howie's; Jimmy John’s; TriFit; Sports Tap; Peace Church; Nashville Baptist Church; Emmanuel Episcopal Church; Barry ISD; Consumers Energy; The Ziny Family; Andrew & Kristen Cove; Don & Carrie Wilgus; Chelsey Foster; and Megan Lavell.

The coordination, expertise, generosity, and continued commitment of these partners helped make it possible to assess and remediate the building, safely clear Tyden Lofts for resident re-entry, and support residents throughout their displacement. Community partners provided meals, clothing, personal care items, pet food and other animal care supplies, emotional and mental health support, financial and resource assistance, and many other forms of practical support. This response was a display of true community collaboration, and BEDHD is deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward to help residents and the Hastings community during an extremely difficult and uncertain time.

On Friday, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) cleared Tyden Lofts for resident re-entry following environmental sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Based on the results of environmental sampling and public health consultation, Tyden Lofts was declared safe for all residents to return to their apartments, including the last group of residents who were displaced for 22 days.

The ricin-related health threat identified during the response has been removed and remediated. EPA environmental sampling found no remaining ricin contamination requiring additional remediation, and MDHHS provided a health consultation supporting the decision to allow residents to return.

Residents may see continued construction and remodeling taking place in portions of the building as they return to their apartments. This ongoing work does not mean the building is unsafe. The ricin-related public health threat has been addressed through the response and remediation process, and the building has been cleared for re-entry.

BEDHD recognizes the significant impact this incident and the resulting displacement have had on Tyden Lofts residents. Throughout the response, partners worked to protect residents’ health and safety while also helping address the practical challenges residents faced while away from their homes. Ongoing mental health support is being made available to all Tyden Lofts residents through Barry County Community Mental Health Authority (BCCMHA).

BEDHD is immensely grateful to the many local, state, and federal partners who worked tirelessly throughout this response. Their coordination, expertise, and continued commitment helped make it possible to complete the assessment and remediation process, safely clear the building for re-entry, and provide critical support to residents throughout their displacement.

With the public health threat from ricin remediated and the building cleared for re-entry, Barry County Emergency Management will take the lead as we transition to the recovery phase of the incident, including efforts to address ongoing impacts related to this incident. For questions or concerns, Tyden Lofts residents can contact the Tyden Lofts Resident Hotline at 269-798-4111 or FAC@bedhd.org.

The American Pickers are excited to return to Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan to film episodes of The History Channel television series this October.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you!

Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with
photos. 

americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184

The Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Katlin Hall as Director of Barry County Central Dispatch.

Hall was formally appointed to the position by the Administrative Board on Monday, September 28, 2026, after serving as Interim Director since May 30.

A member of the Barry County Central Dispatch team since 2013, Hall brings more than a decade of experience in emergency communications and public safety operations. Prior to stepping into the interim leadership role, she served as Deputy Director, where she played an integral role in day-to-day operations, personnel support, system coordination, and collaboration with public safety partners throughout Barry County.

“The Board has tremendous confidence in Katie and in her ability to lead Barry County Central Dispatch into its next chapter,” said Lani Forbes, Chair of the Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board. “Over the past several months, she has demonstrated steady leadership and a genuine commitment to both our employees and the communities we serve. Katie understands this organization, she understands the demands placed on our dispatchers, and she has earned the trust and respect of our public safety partners. We are excited to have her officially step into the role of Director.”

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 throughout her career.

Barry County Central Dispatch operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the county. The center handles over 50,000 calls annually and coordinates response efforts for 27 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.

Sunday, October 4th, is the first day of National Fire Prevention Week and the Hastings Fire Department is holding a public open house from 12 to 4pm at the Department.

Hastings Fire Chief Mark Jordan said that during the event they will recognize the Keith and Elsie Sage Trusts' generous legacy gift of more than $1 million to the Hastings, Thornapple, Delton, Woodland, and Freeport fire departments. The gift made it possible to purchase a used 2018 Rosenbauer platform truck with a 101 foot aerial platform.  Chief Jordan said they are using the money they received for trading in the previous 2000 model Suphen platform truck,  along with the gift from the Keith and Elsie Sage Memorial Trust, to purchase the newer Rosenbauer truck. It will be on display at Sunday's open house.   A special ceremony will be held at 1pm to honor and celebrate the Sage family.  Mr. Sage was a long-time Hastings Fireman.

The open house will also offer light refreshments and activities and goodies for kids.

The new Barry County Commission on Aging Activity and Resource Center is officially open. On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting was held at the facility located at 2625 East M-79 Highway on the Thornapple Manor campus adjacent to Harvest Point. Afterward an open house was held giving the public an opportunity to tour the 16,600 square foot facility.

During the ceremony, COA Executive Director Courtney Ziny, Barry County Chamber and EDA president Jennifer Heinzman, Board of Commissioners Chair David Jackson, Thornapple Manor and Harvest Pointe Administrator Rebecca DeHaan and others thanked all who were involved and commented on the long process of planning, funding, and getting the new facility built, and the positive impact it will have on county residents for years to come.

Ziny said:

Former COA Director Tammy Pennington, who retired after leading the COA for over 35 years, said: