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.    

The first two phases of the Green Street/Market Street reconstruction project in Hastings are complete, and the city is ready to re-open Green Street from Broadway to Market on Monday, August 3rd, as well as Market Street from West State Street to Green on Monday.

Motorists and pedestrians will have to adjust to the new mini roundabout that was built at the intersection of Market & Green.

City Manager Sarah Moyer-Cale said the third phase of the project will begin on Monday. Green Street from Market Street west to Pennock Hospital will close for reconstruction,  however Green Street west of the hospital will remain open.  The fourth and final phase will be the short stretch between the hospital and Fish Hatchery Park.

Moyer-Cale said that overall, the entire project is on track and all work should be completed by the end of November.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is investing approximately $1.4 million to repair the 144th Avenue and the 146th Avenue bridges over US-131 in northern Allegan County. The project includes beam replacement, bridge deck repair and new barrier wall.

The 144th Avenue bridge near Dorr was struck by an over-height semi-truck on December 10, 2025.  

The 146th Avenue bridge was struck by a too-tall semi-truck on August 26, 2025 and then was struck again on November 3, 2025 when a semi-truck carrying a heavy piece of machinery hit it.

The repair project is scheduled to start August 3rd and to be completed by mid November.  Lane closures and traffic shifts will be in effect throughout the project. A full closure and detour of southbound US-131 will be utilized over one weekend for beam setting at 146th Avenue. Short-term total closures will be needed for beam setting at 144th Avenue over northbound US-131.   

Michigan State Police troopers from the Wayland Post are investigating a fatal single vehicle crash that occured 6:00pm Saturday, July 25th on East Brown Road and  West of Fry Road in Carlton Township.

According to a preliminary investigation, a pick-up truck traveling westbound left the roadway, struck a tree and caught fire.

The 17 year old male driver, a resident of the Freeport area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A female passenger from the Sunfield area suffered critical injuries and was airlifted by Aeromed to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.

The Crash investigation remains open. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the crash. It is also unknown if drugs or alcohol were factors.

Michigan State Police were assisted at the scene by Barry County Sheriff, Freeport Fire Rescue, Nashville Police Department, Life EMS and Aeromed.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department, in collaboration with community partners across Barry and Eaton Counties, is proud to announce the inaugural event, Growing a Village: An Event to Support Our Families. The event will be held on Tuesday, August 4 from 4-7pm in the Nashville Community Garden, bringing together local organizations and resources to support young families and strengthen community connections.

Families can explore a wide variety of resources designed to support parents and caregivers, including breastfeeding support, nutrition education, child safety information, caregiver resources, and much more.

Maria's Tacos food truck will have food available for purchase, Lemony Lane will offer a limited supply of free lemonade along with additional lemonade for purchase, and the Nashville Fire Department will bring a fire truck for a "Touch-a-Truck" experience.

The event will also feature live music, free snacks, guided garden tours, and even more activities for the whole family.

The City of Hastings & Thornapple Arts Council is putting safety first and cancelling the Friday evening Hastings Live Concert,  Classic Women of Country feature at the Thornapple Plaza.

Friday at the Fountain featuring Doug Acker and friends has been moved to The Community Room at the Hastings Public Library at 12:00pm

With temperatures in the upper 90's Tuesday through Thursday, Barry County Emergency Management has a list of Cooling Centers in Barry County. If you need a break from the heat you may visit the following cooling centers;

Hastings Public Library open 9am to 8pm

Delton Public Library, Tues & Thurs. 9am-6pm Wed & Fri. 9am-5pm

Dowling Public Library, Wed, Friday 11am-6pm Thursday  11am-7pm

Yankee Springs Township Fire Dept.  M-F 8am to 4pm 269-795-1650

Commission on Aging, Woodlawn Ave Hastings Mon-Thurs. 9am-4pm

Thornapple Township Hall, Mon-Thurs. 9am-4pm 269-795-7202

Woodland Fraternal Order of Eagles, 125 N. Main, Open M-F at 3pm Closed Sat. 2pm Sun.  269-367-4041

Call 211 for information on the nearest cooling center near you.

This summer, one hour of your time could mean a lifetime for someone else. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is partnering with the American Red Cross to host two community blood drives simultaneously on Friday, July 24, giving community members the opportunity to donate at either of the district's office locations.

Community members can choose the location most convenient for them:

Barry County - Hastings Office:
Friday, July 24th, 2026
9am - 3pm
Barry-Eaton District Health Department:
330 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI
Sign up: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=BarryDHD

Eaton County - Charlotte Office:
Friday, July 24th, 2026
9am - 3pm
Barry-Eaton District Health Department: 1033 Health Care Drive, Charlotte, MI
Sign up: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=BEHD

Appointments are encouraged, though walk-in donors will be welcomed as space allows.

"Every blood donation has the power to save lives," said Rebekah Condon, Health Officer. "Patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment, recovering from serious injuries, experiencing childbirth complications, or facing other medical emergencies rely on donated blood every day. By hosting blood drives in both Hastings and Charlotte, we're making it easier for our community to give this lifesaving gift."

At approximately 07:15 Friday morning, Deputies from the Ionia County Sheriff’s
Office were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Jordan
Lake Road and West Clarksville Road in Odessa Township.

Deputies said a Chevrolet Impala was eastbound on Clarksville Road and ran the stop sign at Jordan Lake Road and struck a semi-truck that was traveling northbound. The Chevrolet Impala was being driven by a 64-year-old man from Lake Odessa who was pronounced dead at the scene.   The semi-truck was being driven by a 45-year old male, he was not injured during this crash. Their names have not been released.

Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors. The crash remains under
investigation.

Sheriff’s Deputies were assisted at the scene by Lake Odessa Police, Michigan State
Police, Life EMS, Lake Odessa Fire, Greens Towing, Reed and Hoppes Towing, and
the University of Michigan Health Medical Examiner’s Office.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) is advising residents and visitors to use caution after a harmful algal bloom was found at Gun Lake.

Harmful algal blooms happen when blue-green algae grow quickly in lakes and ponds. You cannot tell if a bloom is harmful just by looking at it, so it is best to avoid any water that has visible algae.

Do not swim, wade, water ski, or play in water that is discolored or has algae floating on the surface. Harmful algal blooms can make the water look bright green, blue-green, brown, or red. It may also look like spilled green paint, pea soup, or have thick mats of algae on the surface.

Pets are at greater risk because they may drink lake water or lick algae off their fur after swimming. Keep pets away from water with algae, and do not let them drink lake water. If your pet gets into the water, rinse them off with clean water right away. Contact your veterinarian if they become sick.

People can be exposed to harmful algae by touching the water, swallowing it, or breathing in water spray during activities like swimming or boating.

Symptoms may include:
Skin rash or irritation
Red or irritated eyes
Irritated nose or throat
Stomach pain
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Headache
Fever
Coughing or trouble breathing after breathing in water spray
Symptoms can start within a few hours or up to a few days after exposure.

If you or your child come into contact with water that may have a harmful algal bloom:
Rinse off right away with clean, fresh water.
Wash swimsuits and towels before using them again.
Watch for symptoms over the next few days.
If you become sick, contact your healthcare provider.

BEDHD will continue to monitor conditions in coordination with state partners and provide follow-up information as needed or until the harmful algal bloom has resolved.

Michigan homeowners and renters in Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wexford counties with uninsured damage to their primary home, personal property loss or disaster-related emergency needs due to the April storms and flooding may apply for FEMA assistance.

You should first file an insurance claim:

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

FEMA Assistance:
FEMA may be able to help if you are displaced, have serious needs, need temporary lodging, require basic home repair costs, lost personal property or have other uninsured disaster-caused needs. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language DisasterAssistance.gov/es.

You will need to provide the following information:

-Your contact information (phone number, current mailing address, email address, and damaged home address).
-Your Social Security number.
-A general list of damage and losses.
-Annual household income.
-Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
-If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you need more information or additional help call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.

In the coming days, the state of Michigan and FEMA will be offering one-on-one support to residents in community spaces and recovery centers around the affected areas.

Drivers should be on the lookout beginning Saturday as Adopt-A-Highway volunteers fan out across the state picking up litter. Participants in the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) program will clean highway roadsides from July 11 to 19 during the second of three scheduled pickups this year.

The popular Adopt-A-Highway program began in Michigan in 1990. As of last year, about 2,600 groups have adopted more than 6,000 miles of state highway through the program. An estimated 19,000 participants collected almost 40,000 bags of trash from roadsides during the three annual pickup periods in 2025.

Getting involved in Adopt-A-Highway is straightforward. Volunteers include members of civic groups, businesses and families. Crew members have to be at least 12 years old and each group must include at least three people. Groups are asked to adopt a section of highway for at least two years. There is no fee to participate. Adopt-A-Highway signs bearing group names are posted along the stretches of adopted highway.

When working in the highway right of way, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers wear high-visibility, yellow-green safety vests required by federal regulations. MDOT provides free vests and trash bags, and arranges to haul away the trash.

The Ionia County Health Department (ICHD) has 6 confirmed cases and 2 suspected cases of cyclosporiasis. ICHD is working closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to support the ongoing investigation and response.

State and local officials are interviewing cases to try and identify a common exposure and prevent additional illness. Individuals diagnosed with cyclosporiasis are encouraged to talk to health department staff to help identify a potential cause.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite. Infection typically occurs when a person consumes contaminated food or water.

Common symptoms include:
• Prolonged watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps or bloating
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or increased gas

Symptoms typically begin about one week after exposure but may appear between 2 days and 2 weeks. Without treatment, illness may last several days to more than a month, and symptoms may return. If you have these symptoms, contact your primary care provider.

• Seek medical evaluation promptly if you experience sudden or prolonged
gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Follow your clinician’s instructions regarding testing and treatment.
• Stay hydrated and monitor symptoms closely.