The rejuvenated Ferris State Marching Band is back for its second year, and members of the public are invited to watch the new show come together during band camp.

The Top Taggart Field stands will be open for anyone who wants to watch the band rehearse from 6 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 30. Admission is free.

At least 90 students will march this season, up from about 60 last fall. None of them major in music. While Ferris State does not offer a music degree, Director of Athletic Bands Dan Atwood said his roster reaches every college on campus, with members studying Pharmacy, Welding, Education and Engineering.

The band debuts its show on that same field at the home opener Friday, Sept. 4. Its roster already passed the program's goal of 75, and Atwood has room for more.

"I want to hit that triple digit mark; 100 students would be really great to have," he said.

Growth reached the sections that struggled to fill last year. The color guard went from three members to 13. The mellophone line doubled from four to eight. About 35 freshmen joined.

The Ferris State marching band started in 1955 and performed for decades, including at President Richard M. Nixon’s second inauguration parade in 1973. Waning interest and downsizing led to the band being discontinued in the mid-1990s. The band returned in 2025 after more than a year of planning and fundraising.  

What visitors see at band camp depends on when they come. Camp opened with two full days of nothing but marching technique -- how to mark time, how to stand at attention, how to move forward and backward. The show itself reaches the field later in the two weeks.

"Even if you marched before, what we do here might be different than what you did in high school, so we have to get everybody back to square one and build on that," Atwood said.

This year's show centers on what Atwood described as powerful women of music, with arrangements of Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Pink. He and Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Micah Laird picked the theme by weighing what students enjoy learning against what a stadium crowd wants to hear. A composer wrote arrangements for this band alone, charts no other program has.

"We don't want to put Mozart or Beethoven on the field because that's just not the college gameday atmosphere we're looking for," Atwood said.

Camp compresses a season's worth of instruction into 14 days. Students work from 9 a.m. often until 8 or 9 p.m. Eight staff members run the field, including specialists in brass, woodwinds, percussion and marching. That number drops to two once fall classes begin and rehearsals shrink to three and a half hours a week.

"These two weeks of band camp are paramount in terms of getting us to where we need to be," Atwood said.

Atwood's doctorate is in organizational leadership. Asked what has to be true for the season to work, he named nothing musical.

"What has to be there is the culture," Atwood said.

Building it takes deliberate work after eight-hour days in the sun. The band runs leadership development sessions on handling frustration alongside its music rehearsals.

"We change from that ‘I-Me’ mentality to a ‘We-Us’ mentality," Atwood said.

Ferris State's initial marching band program ended more than 30 years ago. Its alumni keep a Facebook page and return for homecoming, and Atwood said several told him they cried the first time they saw the new band take the field.

"They helped to build something that was just no longer here," Atwood said.

He wants this year's students to come back in a decade and take the same credit for building something.

Students join the Bulldog Marching Band without auditioning and without marching experience, though members audition for part placement during camp.

Those who register for MUSI 240 earn one credit and pay tuition for that hour. Those who register for MUSI 240z earn no credit and still qualify for the Activity-Based Scholarship, which goes to members who march the full year and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Marching shoes are the only other expense. The band fields brass, woodwind, drumline, color guard and majorette sections, and rehearses Wednesday and Thursday evenings once the fall semester begins.

_{Release and photo courtesy of Ferris State University.}

A serious two-car wreck on M-46 resulted in both drivers being taken to a hospital on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

The crash occurred around 6:07 p.m. on the curve between Jones Road and Federal Road in Reynolds Township.

According to Michigan State Police troopers, a 35-year-old man from Howard City was traveling westbound in a Pontiac and attempted to pass a vehicle slowing in its lane. The Pontiac then struck an eastbound BMW head-on. The BMW was driven by a 35-year-old man from Lakeview. Both drivers were taken to Butterworth Hospital for further treatment.

The crash remains under investigation.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police.}

Gerald Griffin, 21, of Lansing, has been arraigned on five counts in connection with a shooting that occurred on Friday, Aug. 7, in Mecosta County.

During an altercation in a Martiny Township home, Griffin pulled out a handgun and shot a 41 year-old man in the shoulder and a 19-year-old man in the abdomen with the same bullet. Both men are expected to make a full recovery from their injuries.

“Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Griffin,” Michigan State Police said. “He was located and arrested in the Lansing area on Aug. 13, 2026.”

Griffin was arraigned on two counts of assault/bodily harm less than murder/strangulation, two counts of felony firearm and one count of felony firearm possession by a prohibited person.

Troopers were assisted in the investigation by the MSP Sixth District Special Investigation Section (SIS), Fugitive Team, Lansing Major Crimes Unit (MCU), Lakeview Post and the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police.}

After only a year as Big Rapids’ athletic director, Stephanie Shaw decided to step down at the end of July. Now, the school has found its newest leader of sports.

Cole Andrews was announced as the school’s newest athletic director on Monday, Aug. 17. He last served as Rockford’s athletic director for the past seven years. He also spent time as the athletic director at Oxford, Frankenmuth and Pellston.

“Rockford is a special place,” Andrews said. “I’m not going to lie to you and say it wasn’t a dream of mine. I got to live that dream for seven great years and made lots of memories."

When asked what made him consider leaving Rockford, Andrews said it was the opportunity to give back to his family ties.

“Both my parents graduated from Big Rapids,” Andrews said. “It was exciting to think about giving back and serving the same community that my parents were in. I also did a lot of research and found a lot of my professional connections here, which made me feel that there’s really good support for athletics.”

Although it was only his first day on the job, Andrews mentioned having ideas to help revamp the technology around athletics, such as the school’s athletic website, graphics and other resources, as well as help with team branding in apparel and community support.

According to Superintendent Tim Haist, there was lots of interest in the position.

“We were very pleased with the strength of our applicant pool,” Haist said. “We had the opportunity to interview multiple highly qualified candidates, including several who have served as athletic directors. Cole has a clear passion and enthusiasm for student athletics, and we are excited about the experience he will bring to this position.”

When talking about what set Andrews apart, Haist said his experience in highly touted school districts and his deep desire for community connection were key parts.

“We really value Cole’s desire to have his family become part of the Big Rapids community. That personal connection and commitment to our community will help make him an excellent fit for our district, our students and our athletic programs.”

A graduate of Western Michigan University, Andrews grew up in Boyne City and was a three sport high school athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He has been married to his wife, Allie, for 18 years. They have two sons in middle school, who began their first days of sports practices on Monday.

Andrews becomes the second new athletic director in the Central State Activities Association this year, joining Reed City’s Ethan Patrick, who was hired a few months ago. Chippewa Hills is also in the process of hiring a new athletic director after Joe Szombati resigned to accept a position as the Barryton Elementary School principal.

_{Image courtesy of Cole Andrews.}

Monday, Aug. 10

• At 10:11 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna Township. The traffic stop resulted in the female driver being arrested on an undisclosed warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

Tuesday, Aug. 11

• At 11:10 a.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Martiny Township. A male subject was arrested on a undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

• At 8:45 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Martiny TWP. The male driver was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and another warrant.  He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

Wednesday, Aug. 12

• At 12:37 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest, at a residence in Aetna Township. A female subject was arrested on several warrants. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 6:52 p.m., deputies responded to an indecent exposure complaint at a residence in Big Rapids Township. A male subject was arrested for Aggravated Indecent Exposure. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 3

Thursday, Aug. 13

• No incidents reported.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 0

Friday, Aug. 14

• At 8:42 a.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Fork Township. A female subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 9:46 p.m., deputies conducted an area check in Aetna Township. This resulted in a male subject being arrested for Resist & Obstruct, Possession of Methamphetamine, and another warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta county Jail.

• At 11:09 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Morton Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested for Operating While Intoxicated. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 23

Traffic Accidents: 6

Saturday, Aug. 15

• At 9:52 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Big Rapids Township. The male driver was arrested on multiple warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

Sunday, Aug. 16

• At 6:19 p.m., deputies responded to a domestic incident in Big Rapids Township. A male subject was arrested on multiple warrants and Domestic Assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 8:02 p.m., deputies responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Green Township. A male subject was arrested for Domestic Assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 3

Impaired driving—whether caused by alcohol or drugs—poses a constant threat on our roads. Late summer and the Labor Day holiday period are among the deadliest times of the year for crashes and fatalities involving impaired drivers. 

Over the Labor Day holiday weekends from 2021 to 2025, there were a total of 46 driver fatalities in traffic crashes in Michigan. In those crashes, 39.1 percent of the drivers killed were alcohol- and/or drug-impaired, according to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center. 

In 2025 alone, of the 1,002 fatal crashes that occurred across the state, 248 (24.8 percent) were alcohol-involved and 195 (19.5 percent) were drug-involved. 

During the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign—running August 14 through September 7—there will be increased enforcement as well as a statewide paid media campaign about the dangers of driving impaired. During the enforcement, the MSP, along with local law enforcement agencies across Michigan, will encourage motorists to celebrate the late summer and upcoming holiday weekend with safe-driving decisions. 

“Choosing to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs puts you, your passengers and everyone around you at serious risk,” said Alicia Sledge, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). “We urge people to make the right choice and find a sober ride home if they intend to take substances that impair driving.”

Sledge said that while impaired driving continues to be a problem on our roadways, there is positive news since alcohol-involved fatalities decreased to 264 in 2025, a 14 percent drop from the 307 deaths in 2024, and drug-involved fatalities fell to 210, a decrease of 23 percent from the 272 deaths in 2024.

“Impaired driving is still a serious issue, but seeing these numbers move in the right direction is encouraging,” Sledge said. “The drop in the number of fatalities shows that outreach and enforcement efforts under the SAFER by 2030 initiative are having a positive impact.”

SAFER (Statewide Action to Reduce Fatalities Encountered on our Roadways) by 2030 is a collaborative effort among state agencies and traffic safety partners to reduce fatalities on Michigan roadways 30 percent by 2030, emphasizing the three focus areas that save lives: Awareness, Engagement, and Enforcement.

During the enforcement, police officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although drivers can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. 

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, administered by the OHSP, is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Learn more by visiting the OHSP impaired-driving webpage.

 _{Release courtesy of Michigan State Police.}

The fall season on the gridiron is almost here and Big Rapids Media has officially announced its radio and coverage teams for football, including a new full time pairing. Here are the lineups:

Reed City High School

The dynamic duo of Brandon Wirth and Mark Holcomb return for the third season together calling Coyote football on Y-102 and WYBR.com. Wirth and Holcomb boast over a combined 15 years of broadcasting sports at the high school and college levels, including football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and softball. 

Both took part in last year’s debut season of Coyote boys and girls basketball, which was also on Y-102.

Additional season and radio information for the Coyotes can be found here: https://wybr.com/pages/reed-city-football-hub.

Big Rapids High School

Cardinal football returns this fall to Big Country 100.9 FM and WWBR.com. Fresh off his debut season with the network, Jack Heckman will take over as play-by-play voice of Cardinal football this fall. Heckman took over Big Rapids Basketball this past winter and previously served as the lead studio correspondent and board operator last fall. 

Joining Heckman will be Big Rapids High School senior Owen Strickler, who will be entering his first season on air in the color commentary role. The Cardinal golf standout filled in for last year’s rivalry game with Heckman.

Additional season and radio information for the Cardinals can be found here: https://wwbr.com/pages/big-rapids-football-hub.

Additional Coverage

Recent Reed City graduate and Ferris State University student Landon Lytle will serve as studio correspondent and board operator for both stations this fall. Lytle played varsity football for the Coyotes, winning three district titles and one regional championship with the ‘Yotes. He also played golf for Reed City and plans to study Sports Communication at Ferris State.

Coverage of the 2026 football season, as well as additional fall sports in the CSAA, can also be found on the award-winning sports podcast program, “The Rundown.” Wirth and Heckman will host the show as well as invite guest players, coaches and correspondents throughout the season. 

To find the most recent episodes, visit here: THE RUNDOWN ON YOUTUBE.

Six people died as a result of multiple shootings in Missaukee County on Friday.

According to Michigan State Police, troopers from the Cadillac Post were dispatched to a residence on South LaChance Road in Lake Township around 11:40 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14. Upon arrival, they found three people dead and one person in critical condition, who was transported to a local hospital. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Chad Hickman, fled the scene before troopers arrived.

During a subsequent search, troopers located a fourth deceased person at a second, separate residence in Missaukee County. The suspect’s white pickup truck was later found near a wooded area close to Whitlock Lake in Caldwell Township. Troopers then located Hickman and another deceased person in the wooded area.

“This situation is heartbreaking for the community and challenging for the investigators involved,” said Lt. Ashley Miller of the Michigan State Police. “We remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.”

The names of the deceased are being withheld as troopers notify next of kin and continue the investigation.

Hickman faced multiple charges in Missaukee County in 2024, including criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence and child abuse.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Michigan State Police say there is no threat to the public.

Monday, July 20

• Officers arrested and transported a 28-year-old man from Kent County to Osceola County Jail for an active warrant of Failure to Appear. The transport was made without incident.

• An officer took a complaint of an inoperable vehicle at a rental property. The complainant was advised of procedures, and that the vehicle could be then towed at the owner’s expense.

• An officer was dispatched for verbal threats complaint. This turned out to be a custody dispute, and the parties agreed to determine where the child stayed. A mutual decision was agreed upon.

• An officer was dispatched to the hospital for a patient that left against medical advice. The patient was contacted by this officer and agreed to return for treatment.

• An officer assisted Osceola County Sheriff's Department for a possible prowler complaint. A search of the area located no one.

Tuesday, July 21

• An officer assisted Reed City Fire Department for a call of smoke in a home caused by overheated cooking oil. No visible flames were present. Fire personnel ventilated the home and EMS was called to assess the occupants. No injuries were reported.

• An officer made traffic stops, wrote citations, performed security checks, patrolled the city, and followed-up on various active cases.

Wednesday, July 22

• Officers conducted patrol duties, security checks, and follow-up on active cases.

Thursday, July 23

• An officer was called for a well-being check. While at the residence, the individual could be heard talking inside. The person would not answer the door or the phone. The complainant was advised and would attempt contact again.

• An officer stopped a vehicle for having an expired plate. Upon further investigation, it was determined the plate did not belong on the vehicle. An appearance citation was issued for improper use of a registration plate.

Friday, July 24

• An officer was called for an argument between two adult sisters. They were advised it was a civil matter and to work out their differences.

• An officer was called for an unresponsive individual. The individual was located on arrival and could not be awakened so EMS was called. The individual eventually became alert and was checked. Conversation revealed no immediate danger, and the individual stated they were fine.

Saturday, July 25

• An officer was called for a well-being check. All was found to be okay and related to a lack of transportation. The complainant was advised.

• An officer was dispatched to assist Osceola County Sheriff's Department on a suicidal individual. The individual was transported to a friend’s home by Osceola County Sheriff's Department.

Sunday, July 26

• Officers performed area patrols, multiple traffic citations were issued, abatements were followed-up on, security checks were completed, and active cases were worked on.

Monday, July 27

• An officer contacted a property owner regarding an inoperable vehicle violation. The tenant was given a date for removal by the landlord. If the deadline is not met, a citation for the violation will be issued.

Tuesday, July 28

• An officer conducted case investigation follow-up, security details, road patrols and traffic control, and abatement information on multiple locations.

• An officer was dispatched to a downed powerline due to a semi collision. On arrival, Reed City Fire Department and Consumers Energy were requested due to down lines and a broken pole. Damages were to electrical equipment only, and there were no injuries.

Wednesday, July 29

• A 48 year-old woman was arrested for Active Contempt warrants out of Walker Police Department.

Thursday, July 30

• An officer served a grass abatement.

• Officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle property damage accident. There were no injuries and a report is on file.

Friday, July 31

• An officer was dispatched after a caller believed an individual standing on a corner looking at his phone was suspicious. No suspicious person was located.

• An officer served a trespassing notice to an individual for a local business.

• Officers were dispatched to a verbal argument. It was determined that no crime had occurred.

• An officer was dispatched for a domestic incident. Interviews revealed a verbal argument only. One person gathered their belongings and left the location to resolve the incident.

• An officer was requested for a complainant having an anxiety attack after an argument. The officer was able to help the individual calm down by talking to them. The matter was resolved.

Saturday, August 1

• An officer was dispatched to assist Mecosta County Sheriff's deputies in locating in individual.

• An officer located a vehicle running with an open door behind a local business after hours. The business owner was found to be inside the business finishing up for the day.

Sunday, August 2

• An officer performed traffic patrols, security checks, property inspections for abatements, and follow-up work on several open cases.

Evart High School recently announced it will add five new courses this fall.

The classes are Anatomy, Computer Essentials, Python Coding, Multimedia Arts and Rock Band. According to Evart High School Principal Tom Pashak, the classes are unique and will help students expand learning opportunities.

“We were looking for classes that would improve student engagement,” Pashak said. “You can create a class that a student likes, but more importantly, the class needs to have value for the student. These classes can help our students prepare for high-demand, comfortably paying jobs to support a family.”

The school has been applying for financial aid through grants and other resources, but Pashak said the teachers, Winter Cashman, Chase Hintermeister, Eli Vincent and Brittany Westendorp, have ultimately made it possible.

“We have the teachers to be able to teach these classes,” Pashak said. “More importantly, they have the passion too.”

Since 2020, Evart High School’s enrollment has decreased by more than 20 percent. In 2026, the school will have 222 students — the lowest since at least 1985. It is one of four local schools that will have lower enrollment this fall (Big Rapids, Chippewa Hills and Marion). Baldwin, Morley Stanwood, Pine River and Reed City all have reported increases for 2026.

When asked about enrollment concerns, Pashak said these unique classes aim to help students enjoy learning and create a positive educational environment.

“I definitely think it gives us a good chance of not only bringing in kids, but keeping them in our district. We want to improve engagement, which means learn more, behave better and show up more. We want to improve test scores and make sure our building is an ideal environment to learn. We are on the right track, but we still have a long way to go."

The school year for Evart High School begins Wednesday, Aug. 19.

The Band of Locals has announced the 58th Annual Labor Day Festival will take place on Monday, Sep. 7, in downtown Big Rapids.

The event will feature all sorts of activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including an arts and crafts show, car show, live music and kids carnival. An official festival kickoff will feature a call to colors by AmVets Post 1941 and national anthem singing by Allison LeVeque.

“We are very proud of the growth this event has seen since the move into downtown several years ago,” said Lisa David, Band of Locals board president. “We love seeing the influx of foot traffic and business this event provides for downtown and local establishments.”

The arts and crafts show will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other downtown businesses will also participate in various sidewalk or store sales.

River Valley Car Club plans to host its car show on Michigan Avenue from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For those interested in participating, registration for the event will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., and the first 100 registered vehicles will receive a dash plaque.

“We are excited to be back with the Band of Locals for this awesome festival,” said Bruce Reges, River Valley Car Club president. “The River Valley Car Club is a dedicated group of volunteers and car lovers with a mission of raising money to help support local nonprofit agencies, including our local veteran organizations. We hope everyone is able to stop downtown and experience some great vehicles and support local nonprofits we serve.”

Live music will take place at the Pocket Park throughout the day, including performances by Raised on Radio (10 a.m. to noon) and Elvis tribute artist Jake Slater (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.).

The kids zone carnival will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring inflatables, balloon animals, face painting, DJ music, cornhole and more. Various food trucks and vendors will also be on site with food, drinks and other items.

“The public gets to enjoy a day full of family friendly food and fun right in the heart of our community," David said. "This event represents everything the Band of Locals believes in: local businesses banding together in support of each other and their communities.”

Mote information can be found on their website at BandOfLocals.org/Events.

Another measles case has been confirmed in northern Michigan.

On Tuesday morning, Aug. 11, District Health Department #10 reported a case in Missaukee County. No public exposure sites were identified in the notice.

This is the 16th confirmed case in Michigan this year. In 2025, the state saw 30 cases and three significant outbreaks. There have been more than 2,465 cases nationwide so far in 2026, surpassing the 2,289 cases from the previous year.

Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, white spots inside the mouth and a red rash that starts around the face. These symptoms usually appear within a week or two of exposure.

According to DHD#10 Health Officer Kevin Hughes, one of the most recommended ways to combat measles is through immunizations.“Measles can spread very easily, but thanks to vaccination, infection is also preventable,” Hughes said. “The best protection for our community is making sure you’re up to date on your immunizations.”

Anyone who develops symptoms should call their health care provider before coming to the health department or going to a clinic, urgent care or hospital.

Release information courtesy of DHD#10.

State Rep. Tom Kunse will be coming to Big Rapids and Clare on Wednesday, Aug. 19, for local business hours.

Residents to meet face-to-face with Rep. Kunse to share their thoughts, questions, and concerns during these hours. The meetings are open to the public, and no appointment is necessary to attend.

Rep. Kunse will be at Big Rapids Township Hall from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Big Rapids Township Hall. Kunse will also be in Clare at Cops & Doughnuts from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Those who are unable to attend but would still like to share their thoughts with the representative may call his Lansing office at (517) 373-7317 or email TomKunse@house.mi.gov.

_{Release information courtesy of Rep. Tom Kunse.}

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 1:13 p.m., deputies from Mecosta County were dispatched to a two-vehicle collision on 20 Mile Road near 45^th Avenue in Fork Township. 

The investigation revealed a westbound travelling vehicle, driven by a 68-year-old man from Midland, crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound vehicle head-on, driven by a 55-year-old man from Wyoming (MI). 

Both drivers suffered non-life-threatening injuries from the crash. The 68-year-old was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Deputies were assisted on scene by Fork Township Fire and Rescue and Mecosta County EMS.

_{Release information courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}

The excitement is building as the four-time national champion Ferris State University football squad gears up for the 2026 campaign and both season and single-game tickets for all home contests are on sale now.

Tickets went on sale July 27 and are currently being sold for the Bulldogs' six home contests this fall at Top Taggart Field along with season ticket packages. All tickets are cheaper when purchased in advance prior to gameday.

A general admission season ticket for the 2026 campaign remains only $100 plus applicable fees for all six games, which represents a savings of $25 over the normal single-game advance rates.

Single-game tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens (65 ) and FSU faculty/staff along with $10 for children ages 3-17 plus applicable fees when purchased in advance online. All tickets purchased at the box office on gameday are $5 more.

Additionally, single-game parking rates for the 2026 campaign are $10 for a standard pass or $30 for an RV pass in addition to online fees. All parking is first-come, first-served and the main lot, Lot 5E to the west of the stadium, is pre-paid parking only. Gameday rates are $5 more per ticket.

Tickets and parking for all Gridiron Club members at applicable giving levels will be distributed beginning this week.

All tickets can be purchased online thru the Bulldogs' new online ticketing platform at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets.

For additional ticket information or questions, please call the FSU Athletics Ticket Office at 231-591-2888.

The Bulldogs will open the 2026 season on the road, visiting Pittsburg State (Kan.) in a D2 National Showdown on Thursday, Aug. 27, in Pittsburg, Kan. The home opener is on Friday, Sept. 4, versus returning playoff qualifier Bentley (Mass.) at Top Taggart Field.

Ferris State, which has captured four of the last five D2 national championships, has been chosen as the nation's preseason #1 team by Lindy's Sports.

_{Release courtesy of Ferris State Athletics.}

Monday, Aug. 3

• At 8:33 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Deerfield Township. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 3

Tuesday, Aug. 4

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 2

Wednesday, Aug. 5

• At around 11:30 a.m., deputies executed a search warrant at a residence in Morton Township. A search of the residence resulted in a small amount of methamphetamine, cocaine and other drugs being found and seized from the residence. Two female subjects were arrested on warrants and Possession of Methamphetamine. Both were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 1

Thursday, Aug. 6

• At 9:42 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Millbrook Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested for Driving with a Suspended License, Possession of Methamphetamine, and an additional warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 8

Traffic Accidents: 1

Friday, Aug. 7

• At 10:58 p.m., deputies responded to a concealed carry complaint at a residence in Sheridan Township. The investigation found that two male subjects, both from Isabella County, were involved in a verbal and physical altercation with a male subject from Lansing area. The male subject from Lansing shot the male subjects from Isabella County. Both victims were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.  The suspect fled the area and was last known to be back in the Lansing area. Deputies were assisted by the Michigan State Police.

Calls for Service: 17

Traffic Accidents: 4

Saturday, Aug. 8

• At 7:48 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Deerfield Township. A male subject was arrested on two warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 11:24 p.m., deputies responded to a one vehicle accident in Deerfield Township. Additional investigation resulted in the female driver being arrested for Operating While Intoxicated. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 3

Sunday, Aug. 9

• At around 12:00 p.m., deputies executed a search warrant at a residence just into Newaygo County. Deputies recovered stolen property from four retail frauds that had occurred in Big Rapids Township over the past couple months. Deputies also recovered evidence from a breaking and entering of an occupied dwelling complaint that took place in Mecosta Township on May 27, 2026. A male suspect was arrested on two warrants, Retail Fraud, and Breaking & Entering of an Occupied Dwelling. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail. Deputies were assisted by the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office.

• At 9:56 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Green Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (3^rd offense). The male driver and female passenger were also arrested for Possession of Cocaine and other dangerous drugs. Both subjects were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 2

The new Burlington location in Big Rapids is aiming to open at the end of September.

According to the store's website, the location is planning to open around Sep. 24 or 25. An attempt to confirm the date has been made with official Burlington personnel.

Located at 1290 Perry Avenue, the store is currently hiring for various supervisor roles. The building is the former home of Spirit Halloween, B2 Outlets, and Peebles.

Burlington began the move in process this summer, after submitting building permits in February.

Big Rapids is slated be the 40th Burlington location in Michigan. The store specializes in clothing, beauty products, accessories, and home decor. 

For more information on the store, visit https://www.burlington.com/stores/mi/big-rapids/1885.

Two men from Isabella County were shot Friday night at a residence in Sheridan Township.

The incident occurred about 10:58 p.m. After investigating at the scene, deputies determined that a Lansing man was involved in a physical and verbal altercation with the two men from Isabella County. As tensions escalated, the Lansing man shot both men and fled the scene.

Both men were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to unconfirmed online reports, a suspect has been identified and has family connections in Isabella and Mecosta counties.

“The suspect was last known to be back in the Lansing area,” deputies said.

No additional details have been released at this time. Attempts have been made to contact the Michigan State Police.

_{Release information courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}

Multiple milling and paving projects are slated to begin this week in Big Rapids.

On Monday, Aug. 10, and Tuesday, Aug. 11, the parking lot at 200 N. Michigan Ave. will be milled and paved. This lot serves businesses including E&M Hair, Preferred Office Machines, Bernie’s Place and Horizon Bank. See an attached map here: N. MICHIGAN PARKING LOT PAVING MAP.

“Please note that there will be no parking allowed on these streets on the days that work is taking place,” the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety said. “If your vehicle is parked there, you are subject to being towed.”

Other projects include:

• Thursday, Aug. 13, through Friday, Aug. 14: Linden Street (between State Street and Ives Avenue) and Roben-Hood Airport
  • LINDEN STREET PAVING MAP
• Friday, Aug. 14, through Saturday, Aug. 15: DeKrafft Avenue (between Maple Street and Milton Avenue) and Bjornson Street (between Milton Avenue and Speer Avenue)
  • DEKRAFFT & BJORNSON PAVING MAP
• Monday, Aug. 17, through Tuesday, Aug. 18: Michigan Avenue (between Horizon Bank and E. Grand Traverse Street)
  • MICHIGAN AVENUE PAVING MAP

These projects are weather-dependent and are subject to change. Please note that there will be no parking on Michigan Avenue during next week’s project as well.

_{Information and map images courtesy of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.}

Michigan State Police reported that all three missing tubers who went missing on a Muskegon River tubing trip have been safely located as of 4:36 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7.

Jazman Hock (28), Sarah Vida (28) and Kayden Kovalcik (9) were located about three-quarters of a mile northeast of the Mill Iron Road Boat Launch in the woods. They were last seen on Tuesday at the Maple Island Boat Launch, about an 8-mile float away.

“This is the outcome everyone involved had hoped for,” Michigan State Police said. “We are incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of the many law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, search and rescue teams, and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to this search.”

Investigators found what was believed to be their tubes on Thursday, Aug. 6, as well as a set of footprints linked to the tubers. Aerial, ground and water search resources were used to locate them nearly 24 hours later.

No additional information has been released at this time.

Update provided by Michigan State Police.