The Hastings City Council held a special workshop session Monday night before the regular council meeting for the purpose of interviewing four applicants to fill the vacant Fourth Ward council seat.

During the regular meeting, after three ballots failed to produce the needed five votes for any one candidate to be appointed,  Council voted to temporarily suspend their rules to allow election by simple majority. Fourth Ward resident Deborah Hatfield was then elected 4 votes to 3 and will be sworn in at the next meeting to fill the vacancy.

Much of the time at the meeting was spent updating the council and public on the status of the Ricin exposure situation at Tyden Lofts apartments and thanking the City Staff, Fire Department, Police Department, First Responders, Health Department, and all parties involved for their excellent response in handling the situation.

In other business, Council approved equipment purchases for the Fire Department including a positive-pressure ventilation fan, thermal imaging camera, and replacement of expiring protective clothing.

The fall Girl’s Night Out event by Hastings Business Connection was approved for October 1^st.

City Council approved a proposal from Lettinga Carriage Service to allow their carriage service to operate within city limits. The carriage, drawn by their horse named “Bud” will be allowed to operate for special events and occasions in the downtown area.

On Monday many of the residents of Tyden Lofts in Hastings were allowed to return home to their apartments on the second and third floors of the three story complex according the Barry Eaton District Health Department after it was deemed safe. First Floor residents, however, are still prohibited from entering their apartments while response teams continue to collect and test environmental samples. During a news briefing on Monday, Health Deparment officials said the top two floors as well as the elevator and a stairwell are now open, while the affected first floor is sealed off.

145 tenants were evacuated on Thursday and one person was hospitalized after tests confirmed a resident was exposed to ricin. According to the BEDHD, the person hospitalized allegedly was making the deadly poisonous substance in their first floor apartment. The FBI is looking into how and why the ricin was made.

Testing was also offered to first responders and to residents and employees of Tyden Lofts, who may have been concerned that they were exposed to ricin. Barry-Eaton District Health Department spokesperson Emily Smale said so far there haven’t been any other symptomatic people who were involved in the incident at all.

On Thursday, September 10, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) received information about a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts in Hastings, MI, and at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department. Presumptive testing of the substance indicated the presence of ricin. Confirmatory testing has since confirmed the presence of ricin.

Testing was offered to residents and employees of Tyden Lofts, as well as first responders who were concerned that they may have been exposed to ricin. Being offered a test does not mean that a person was exposed. Testing can help address concerns and make sure anyone who needs follow-up can get the care and support they need.

The health and well-being of pets remaining in the building has been a priority from the beginning of the response.  Officials have been able to safely access the building, pets have been provided with ample food and water. As of Saturday, response partners have been working to safely retrieve the remaining pets. The health department and its partners recognize how important pets are to their families and will continue to make their care and safe removal a priority as response activities allow.

Response teams have now moved into the sampling phase at Tyden Lofts, an important next step in the response plan. Teams will collect environmental samples to help determine whether ricin is present and whether additional cleanup or other actions are needed. This is an important next step toward allowing residents to safely return to their homes. Residents should not return to Tyden Lofts until they are told it is safe to do so. We understand how difficult the uncertainty has been for residents and their families, and we are working as quickly as possible to move as safely as we can through this process.

BEDHD has issued orders restricting access to Tyden Lofts while testing, assessment, and any necessary remediation are completed. Residents, employees, contractors, visitors, and other individuals are not permitted to enter or re-enter affected areas unless specifically authorized.

The orders were issued under the authority of the Michigan Public Health Code. Access restrictions will remain in place until the necessary public health actions are completed, and the health department provides written notice that the restrictions have been lifted.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We understand the community has questions and concerns, and we are committed to sharing timely and accurate information throughout the response.

HASTINGS, MI - On September 10, 2026, Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) received information about a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts in Hastings, MI, and at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department. Presumptive testing of the substance indicates the presence of ricin. Additional testing is being conducted to confirm the results. The physically impacted areas have been contained and there is no threat to the public.
Emergency responders acted quickly to notify and evacuate residents, out of an abundance of caution, while the substance was being tested. When the individual arrived at the hospital, Corewell Health team members took immediate action to isolate the patient. Patient care and healthcare operations remain safe and available at Corewell Health Pennock Hospital.
Residents of Tyden Lofts have been evacuated from the complex, and the American Red Cross has set up a shelter at an off-site location. Residents and hospital staff have been informed that responders are actively managing the situation.
Ricin is a natural poison that comes from the beans of the castor plant or castor oil. It can harm the body if swallowed, breathed in, or injected. You can be exposed to ricin if you encounter someone who has ricin on their body or clothes or through ricin in the form of fine powder in the air. Ricin poisoning does not spread from person to person through casual contact. If you think you were exposed you should take your clothes off and place them in multiple sealed bags, wash your body with soap and water, and get medical care as quickly as possible.
Symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on the amount of ricin someone was exposed to and how they were exposed. Symptoms of ricin poisoning by breathing may occur between 4 and 24 hours after exposure. Symptoms may include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Cough
• Nausea
• Tightness in the chest
• Heavy sweating
• Fluid buildup in lungs
• Blue skin

• Low blood pressure
• Respiratory failure
There is no treatment for ricin. Ricin is treated with supportive therapy to minimize the discomfort of symptoms. For information about ricin, view the CDC webpage here: https://www.cdc.gov/chemical-emergencies/chemical-fact-sheets/ricin.html
Barry County responding partners have been working in collaboration with Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
This is an active investigation, and information will be provided as BEDHD is able to.

Four Michigan Farm Families will be inducted into Farmers Hall of Fame during the 2026 Induction ceremony at 2pm ,Saturday, Sept. 12^th at the Presbyterian Church in Hastings.

This Year’s inductees are Phil and Becky Wenger of Middleville.  The Wengers began farming in 1976, building an operation that included a 150 head of Dairy and 1400 acers of cash crops.  Phil adapted corn planters to help local farmers promote minimum tillage at planting and continues to provide custom fieldwork, The operation has focused on growing grains, corn, soybeans and alfalfa, and raising dairy steers.   The farm is on track to become a Centennial Farm in 2027, with their son preparing to take over the operation as the fourth generation.

Darrell and Kathy Newton of Nashville built their farm from the ground up to an operation of 2000 acres and maintained a cow-calf operation from more than 45 years before retiring in 2021.  Their commitment to agriculture and their community includes service on the Farm Bureau County Committee Board and as 4-H leaders.  Their contributions have been recognized with the Barn Again Award in 1988, sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Successful Farming magazine and Distinguished Service Award in 2005.

Dennis and Dawn Iott’s  Seed Farm have been farming for more than 45 years growing approximately 27 million pounds of seed potatoes each year along with wheat and rye in the Kalkaska area.

And Darwin & Kathy Sneller of Sebewaing farming for more than 50 years on a 943 acre registered Holstein dairy and cash crop operation.

The Hall of Fame Ceremony is open to family, friends and fellow farmers and community members.  The Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame continues its tradition of recognizing farmers whose dedication, perseverance and service have helped shape Michigan Agriculture and their communities.

The Ionia County Health Department learned that a bat recently sent to the state lab from the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) tested positive for rabies. This is the first case of rabies in an animal in Ionia County this year. As of September 9, 2026, there have been 50 reported cases of animals with rabies in the State of Michigan. No humans have contracted rabies. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be prevented. The risk of exposure to rabid bats is higher from May through September when bats are more active so residents should take steps to protect themselves and their families and animals from rabies.

The only way to know if a bat has rabies is through laboratory testing, so it is important to collect the bat for testing. People who are exposed to a potentially rabid animal should receive treatment after contact. Treatment is not necessary if the animal tests negative for rabies.

People and pets are usually exposed to rabies when they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal. Of particular concern are exposures that occur when a bat is found in a room with people who have been asleep. Also concerning is when a bat is found with an unattended child or adult who cannot communicate clearly and who cannot be sure of their contact with the bat.

Protect your family and pets from rabies by taking these simple steps:

• Never touch or handle bats and other wild animals. Do not keep wild animals as pets and do not try to rehabilitate wild animals yourself. Wild animals can carry rabies without looking sick.

• If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek immediate medical attention.
• If you find a bat in your home, do not release or get rid of it. Safely confine or collect the bat if possible and contact ICHD at (616) 527-5341 to determine if it should be tested for rabies. If collection isn’t possible, contact a pest control company for assistance.
• Protect your pets by getting them vaccinated against rabies. Even cats that live indoors and never go outside can encounter a bat that gets inside the home.
• If your animal is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or if you believe they have had contact with wildlife when you weren’t watching, contact your veterinarian immediately. Even if your pet is currently vaccinated against rabies, additional actions may need to be taken to prevent them from becoming infected. If possible, safely confine or capture the wild animal without touching it directly and contact your local animal control officer or veterinarian, as the animal may need to be tested for rabies.

Michigan State Police say a 47 year old Dowling man died in a Kalamazoo County Motorcycle crash Tuesday Night after losing control of his motorcycle on a rain slicked road in Ross Township.

MI State Police Troopers from the Paw Paw Post are investigating the fatal crash that occurred at approximately 10:15pm Tuesday, Sept. 8th.

Preliminary investigation and witness account indicates the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed when the operator lost control and struck a guardrail.  The roadway was wet from rain at the time of the crash.

The Motorcyclist sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  He was wearing a helmet.  Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing.

With travelers gearing up for one final summer road trip, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is removing lane restrictions on nearly 60 percent of its road and bridge projects statewide to ease traffic delays for holiday traffic.

Drivers are urged to slow down, put away those devices and focus on the road.

Travelers are also reminded that for safety and security, the Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day, Sept. 7, from 6:30 a.m. to noon during the Annual Bridge Walk. 

Beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, and continuing until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 91 out of 156 MDOT projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed. While motorists will see suspended operations in most state road work zones for the weekend, drivers are advised that equipment and certain traffic configurations may remain in place, like temporary shifts or shoulder closures. 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is celebrating the grand opening of major enhancements delivered through its Terminal Enhancement Project, marking a significant milestone in the Airport's ongoing ELEVATE capital development program.

The newest improvements introduce a transformed ticketing experience, expanded passenger processing capabilities and one of the nation's most advanced checked baggage handling systems. The Terminal Enhancement Project, which broke ground in April 2024, expands the terminal’s west end and represents a $135 million investment in the Airport's future. 

At the heart of the project is a new Consolidated Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) utilizing an Individual Carrier System (ICS) to create a single, integrated baggage screening network that improves operational efficiency and strengthens security. The system increases baggage processing capacity from approximately 600 bags per hour to nearly 1,000 bags per hour when fully operational.

The advanced ICS technology uses RFID-enabled totes to transport checked luggage throughout the screening process, improving tracking, reliability and throughput. The Ford International Airport is the first airport in the United States to pair this technology with a self-service bag check process. 

The Terminal Enhancement Project also includes expanded ticketing areas, consolidated airline check-in counters and enhancements that will improve passenger flow throughout the terminal. 

Starting on Sept. 9, guests traveling on American Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier Airlines will experience the new ticketing and self-service baggage check options. The redesigned system allows travelers to check in at kiosks, tag their own luggage and utilize automated bag drop technology, streamlining their journey from curb to gate. Guests who prefer traditional check-in methods will still be able to check in with a ticketing agent. 

Several additional infrastructure improvements under the ELEVATE program are also underway or have been completed, including:

• Relocation of the air traffic control tower, to make way for diverse terminal-area developments such as additional tenant hangars and more parking. The Federal Aviation Administration has selected a new site and completed design of a new tower on the east side of the airport. The tower is ready for construction pending federal funding.
• The addition of a federal inspection station, which will enable the Airport to offer nonstop international commercial passenger flights. The first phase – the addition of a new baggage claim area, restrooms and operational infrastructure – has been completed and are currently being used for domestic flights.
• The expansion of Concourse A, which opened in 2024 and added eight new gates, increased the number of concession and retail options, added an executive lounge and provided a greater variety of seating options. 
• The creation of a new Consolidated Rental Car Facility, or CONRAC, which opened in July  2026,  brought all rental car operations under one roof, streamlining activities for rental car partners while enhancing the guest experience and increasing capacity.
• Additional parking capacity to accommodate increased guest traffic.

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.