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Big Rapids Daily News

Ferris State women's basketball team falls in NCAA DII Final Four appearance

The Ferris State University women’s basketball team fell to Texas Women’s University in the NCAA DII National Semifinals on Wednesday.

Texas Women’s University, the tournament’s second seed, moved out to a 25-16 lead by the end of the first quarter, then was in front 39-22 at the half, finishing the game 68-52 to advance to the national finals.  

Bulldogs went into the contest with a 26-5 record and celebrating the team’s first Final Four appearance.

Ferris State was making its seventh NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament appearance in the program's history and third in the past four full seasons. Ferris State advanced to the tourney in 2019-20 before it was cancelled due to COVID and fell in a first-round tournament thriller at Ashland two years ago before claiming the program's first regional championship this year.

This is the first time both Ferris State basketball teams advanced to the NCAA DII Elite Eight. The men’s team fell to Minnesota State University on Tuesday in Evansville, Indiana.

 

*Image courtesy of Ferris State University.


"Behind the Bulldogs" podcast wins top college sportscast at student broadcasting awards

Starting in 2019, Ferris State sports coverage entered the airwaves courtesy of two freshman sports communication students. Formerly under the name, “The MVSP,” the show was led by Brandon Wirth and Joe Nagy as just a Spotify podcast.

Five years later, the show has expanded onto 11 different platforms, officially partnered with Ferris State University and the Big Rapids Radio Network, and now has two statewide honors for their show.

“What’s crazy about the whole thing is that it started with a text from Brandon asking if I wanted to do a sports podcast,” Nagy said. “I had some free time in my schedule so I thought, why not, this could be fun. Fast forward four years, 250 episodes, and a lot of hard work, we’re receiving these honors for the show.”

Wirth and Nagy applied for the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Student Awards in December of 2023. Following the submission review period, the duo received word that both of their show submissions were selected as finalists. They would also be invited to the Awards Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing on Mar. 18. 

At the reception, the two waited to hear their names called alongside a group from Michigan State University representing the “Green and White Report.” Wirth and Nagy had submitted eligible entries from both the original show format as “The MVSP” and the newly branded version of “Behind the Bulldogs.”

“While we were standing at the staging area, I was thinking about how far we had come,” Wirth said. “Once we heard the Michigan State group announced as the honorable mention, Joe and I immediately looked at each other with a smile and a fist bump. It was a surreal moment that wouldn’t happen without the support of our great fans sticking with us and helping us grow.”

The show currently has over 550 social media followers as well as hundreds of weekly listeners through podcast platforms. “Behind the Bulldogs” also airs every Saturday at 3 P.M. on NewsRadio WBRN via 96.5 FM, 107.7 FM,1460 AM, WBRN.com, and the WBRN mobile app.

For more on the show, visit https://linktr.ee/Behind_Bulldogs.


Mecosta County Sheriff's Office: Weekly Blotter (3/18 - 3/24)

Monday, March 18

Calls for Service: 22

 

Tuesday, March 19

Calls for Service: 21

Traffic Accidents: 1

Car/Deer Accidents: 4

 

Wednesday, March 20

Calls for Service: 23

Traffic Accidents: 3

Car/Deer Accidents: 1

 

Thursday, March 21

  • At 10:00 A.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Green TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the female driver being arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

  • At 4:56 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Big rapids TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver and female passenger being arrested, after a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine was found in the vehicle. Both subjects were lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

  • At 5:30 P.M., deputies searched a residence in Big Rapids TWP. The search resulted in the recovery of several stolen guns.

Calls for Service: 17

Traffic Accidents: 1

 

Friday, March 22

  • At 08:00 A.M., deputies made an arrest in Big Rapids TWP. A male subject was arrested and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

  • At 4:51 P.M., deputies responded to an assault complaint in Chippewa TWP. A male subject was arrested for assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 22

Traffic Accidents: 1

 

Saturday, March 23

  • At around 11:53 A.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Mecosta TWP. A female subject was arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 15

 

Sunday, March 24

  • At around 4:32 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna TWP. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 35


Ferris State PGA Golf Management alum Scott Barla named Indiana PGA section's 'Teacher of the Year'

Scott Barla has traveled many rewarding paths as a golf professional and the 1994 graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management program claimed his latest honor from the PGA Indiana section receiving its Teacher of the Year award.

Barla has nearly 30 years in professional roles, serving as a Class A golf instructor in Illinois, Michigan and Indiana, an equipment company representative and a stint as a merchandising professional for the PGA championship and Ryder Cup events. Barla now is the successful owner and director of instruction of Barla Golf Academy in Noblesville, Indiana, just north of Indianapolis.

“One of my early and very rewarding teaching experiences was helping establish the Midnight Golf Program in Detroit, working with founder Renee Fluker,” Barla said. “This great program introduces inner-city youngsters to golf, as an inspiration to follow personal and academic pursuits. I have given individual lessons throughout my career, so my wife and I decided the academy would be a way to apply top-flight instruction and technology, to benefit players of all ages through our indoor facility.” 

Beyond efforts in youth instruction, which has included high school coaching, support of First Tee, a program mixing golf lessons with social skills learning and his current role as a PGA Junior League host at his academy, Barla is proud to be involved with PGA HOPE, for Help Our Patriots Everywhere. 

The program has a six-to-eight-week curriculum, with 90-minute sessions where veterans and active military personnel learn the game, but also gain a greater sense of well-being. The sessions are offered without cost and begin in April.  

Receiving the Teacher of the Year Award from the Indiana PGA section caps a fulfilling five-year stretch for Scott.  The award was presented in late February in a ceremony in Muncie. 

“I received the Indiana PGA Player Development Award in 2019 and I was honored to have the Ferris PGM Alumni Association select me for the Bill Strausbaugh Excellence in Teaching Award in 2022,” Barla said. “I believe the regional prestige of Ferris’ Professional Golf Management program was influential in my receiving the Indiana PGA’s #GameChanger Award last year, and the recent Teacher of the Year Award.” 

Finally, teaching young people and others the game has brought Scott rewards beyond trophies and business success. 

”Junior golfers and high schoolers in my area have expressed interest in a career as a golf professional,” Barla said. “As a University Alumni board member, I am proud my current intern from Noblesville High School has chosen to pursue his dream at my alma mater, after I took him and his father on a tour of the Ferris campus. 

It is gratifying to encourage competitive golfers, along with those looking to focus their talents on a lifelong association with the game. I am committed in my role with golf’s resurgence and my facility and staff are dedicated to offering our energies and expertise every day.”  

Barla was one of ten 2024 Indiana PGA award winners and the field included 1984 Ferris Professional Golf Management alumnus Roger Lundy, who received the section’s Youth Player Development Award for the third time in his career. 

“I considered Roger a great friend, as we collaborated on PGA HOPE at the Highland Golf and Country Club for several years,” Barla said. “Though we were on opposite sides of the Indianapolis metro area, I knew of Lundy’s service as a coach at Manchester University and Franklin College. As a tribute to Roger’s service, as he died suddenly in late October, our section’s Junior Leader Award will now be known as the Roger Lundy Youth Player Development Award.”

 

*Image provided by Scott Barla.


Big Rapids Elks hosting annual Easter egg hunt this Saturday

The Mecosta County Fairgrounds will be packed this weekend as the annual Big Rapids Elks Easter egg hunt will be in full swing.

Over 16,000 eggs will be spread around the grounds for kids to hunt with candy, certificates, and other labeled prizes. Some certificates include free crazy bread coupons for Little Caesar’s Pizza, and free ice cream from the Milkshake Spot. Labeled prizes include giant easter baskets, donut holes from Bernie’s Place, and fudge from Patterson’s Flowers.

These eggs will be spread out for three different age groups to collect based on difficulty: 2–4-year-olds, 5–7-year-olds, and 8–10-year-olds.”

“Those 16,000 eggs will be picked up in about a minute in a half,” Elks President Josh Eling said. “It is amazing to watch. It is a really fun event.”

This free event will begin at 1 P.M. from the Fairgrounds on Saturday, Mar. 30. Participants also can arrive early to take photos with the Easter Bunny and Elroy the Elk.

“Please try to get there a little bit early. The event does fill up so you will want to have your spot when we begin.”

Sponsors for the event include Y-102 WYBR, 19 Mile Veterinary Hospital, Isabella Bank, Big Rapids Tire, Chuck and Meredy’s Auto Service, Karla Alley Real Estate, and Quinn’s Music.

For more info, visit the Elks Lodge #974 on Facebook.


Reed City Police: Weekly Blotter (3/18 - 3/24)

Monday, March 18

  • An officer responded to a call regarding a welfare check on a 12-year-old. After arriving at the location and speaking with the minor, everything was ok.

  • Officers investigated possible sharing of prescription narcotics. The matter has been turned over to the prosecutor for review.

  • An officer responded to a well check on a 62-year-old male. The officer spoke to the male and it was determined that he was ok.

Tuesday, March 19

  • An officer issued an abatement notice to a resident for city violations regarding large amount of garbage and other items.

  • Officers responded to a call regarding a two-vehicle accident in town. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for evaluation. One of the vehicles had to be towed from the scene.

Wednesday, March 20

  • No incidents. 

Thursday, March 21

  • While patrolling, an Officer found a business back door unlocked. After contacting the owner, the building was secured and locked. No issues.

Friday, March 22

  • An officer took a report of a lost bank envelope containing cash. The owners believed they may have dropped it in the parking lot of a local business but were unsure.

  • An officer took a report of an individual being dragged a short distance by a vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The 40-year-old male driver was later located at his residence and arrested for felonious assault and for violating his parole by consuming alcohol.

Saturday, March 23

  • Officers assisted the Osceola County Sheriff Department with several juveniles who ran away from a youth facility.

Sunday, March 24

  • Officers assisted the Osceola County Sheriff Department with an arrested individual who was combative.

  • An officer stopped a vehicle for defective equipment. The driver refused to cooperate with the officer and to provide a driver’s license and other documents. The officer was able to verify the driver was the registered owner of the vehicle. The matter will be forwarded to the prosecutor for possible charges of obstructing an officer.


Final Four bound! Ferris State women's basketball advances to NCAA D2 national semifinals

The Ferris State University women's basketball squad advanced to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals for the first time in school history as the Bulldogs pulled out a 60-53 win over Tampa on Monday (March 25) afternoon in St. Joseph, Mo.

With the win, Ferris State will now move into Wednesday night's first national semifinal at 7 p.m. (ET) versus either Daemen (N.Y.) or Texas Woman's University.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 16-8 first-quarter lead and held a six-point halftime lead over the Spartans. The lead grew to as many as 13 points late in the third period before FSU lost senior guard Mallory McCartney due to injury.

From there, Tampa made a strong push and got back within a single possession, but the Bulldogs made several timely shots down the stretch to garner the win.

Senior standout Chloe Idoni had a big game for the Bulldogs with a contest-high 27 points while both McCartney and junior guard Kadyn Blanchard added nine points each. FSU's Elle Irwin tallied six points while Kenzie Bowers added five points and DeShonna Day scored four points in the triumph.

Blanchard added a game-high 13 rebounds for the Bulldogs in the win.

The Bulldogs shot 37.9% overall, but also went 12-of-26 (33.3%) from three-point range and made four-of-nine (44.4%) free throws in moving to 26-5 overall this campaign.

On the glass, the Bulldogs owned a 39-31 rebounding edge and FSU also forced 17 turnovers while outscoring the Spartans 17-15 in points off miscues.

FSU outscored Tampa 13-9 in the third period before the Spartans put up 20 fourth-quarter points while tying to climb back into the game.

Tampa, which closed the year with a 31-7 overall record, was led by Mya Giusto with 16 points. Audrey Ramsey added 11 points and Sarah Jones scored 10 points.

Wednesday's national semifinal game will be carried live by CBS Sports Network. In addition, the live local radio broadcast will air on Sunny 97.3 FM and the Bulldog Sports Network with pregame coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. (ET).


Three women hospitalized in Monday afternoon accident in Mecosta Township

On Monday, Mar. 25 at approximately 4:04 P.M., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a two-vehicle personal injury accident at the intersection of Northland Dr. & Old-State Rd. in Mecosta Township. 

The investigation revealed that two females, a 20-year-old female driver from Rockford and her 18-year-old female passenger from Trufant, were heading northbound on Old-State Rd. approaching Northland Dr. As the two females advanced onto Northland Drive, they failed to yield to oncoming southbound traffic and was struck by a 74-year-old female from Stanwood traveling southbound.

The Rockford female was transported by Mecosta County EMS to Butterworth Hospital. The Trufant female was transported by Mecosta County EMS to the Big Rapids Hospital. The Stanwood female was transported by Mecosta County EMS to the Big Rapids Hospital. All 3 injured females did not have any life threatening injuries. 

Deputies were assisted on scene by, Mecosta County EMS, Big Rapids City Fire / Rescue, Auto Hook Towing and Meceola Central Dispatch.


FEMA reopening disaster recovery center opening in Alpine Township

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) will be re-opening a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Alpine Township at the Henze Center Community Room (Alpine Township Fire Station 1) located at 1100 Henze Street NW in Comstock Park for residents and business owners impacted by the August 24 - 26 tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding.

The DRC will be open for one additional week starting on Monday, March 25 and ending on Saturday, March 30. The hours of operation for the DRC will be Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  

The purpose of this DRC is to assist people who are applying for FEMA or Small Business Administration (SBA) financial assistance including temporary lodging, basic home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. 

Residents and business owners who suffered property damage or other losses due to this weather event have until April 8, 2024 to apply for assistance from FEMA or SBA. They can do so by either calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or going online at disasterassistance.gov to complete the application. It is important to note that multilingual operators are available to assist those who may require language support.

If residents or business owners need assistance filling out their application, have questions about their application, or if they have received a notice of ineligibility that they wish to challenge, they can come to the DRC to meet in-person with FEMA and SBA representatives. Notices of ineligibility are routine in this process and do not necessarily mean that one cannot receive assistance. Many times, it means that they have not yet provided enough information for the application to be approved.

FEMA has also assembled numerous press releases that address many of the frequently asked questions people have when applying for assistance. Click here to review this information.


Ferris State Track squads get off to good start in outdoor season at Lee Invite

The Ferris State University men's and women's track and field squads opened outdoor season action over the weekend (March 22-23), competing at the Lee University Invitational in Cleveland, Tenn.

The Bulldogs had a selected number of student-athletes take part in the opening event of the outdoor season.

FSU's Aaron Pierce won the long jump (20-9) while Devin Dennison took third in the hammer throw (165-9). Cooper Sorsen placed fifth in the 10,000 meters (31:23.81) while Brendan Cairney came in seventh in the same race (32:03.31).

Hunter Richardson placed 10th in the shot put (39-11.25) on the men's end with Blaine Rogers 11th in the 110-meter hurdles (15.82).

For the women, FSU's Claudia Wilkinson came in fourth in the high jump (5-2.25) while Nyah Tyron came in fourth in the 400-meter hurdles (1:06.99).

Rebecca Marvin was fifth in the discus (109-11), seventh in the shot put (36-6.25) and 16th in the hammer throw (127-10).

FSU's Angela Kotecki took sixth place in the 400 hurdles (1:12.14) and Abigail Winkle wound up sixth in the 400 meters (59.55) while Daisey Englund finished ninth in the 800 meters (2:23.12) with Ella Kowatch 13th in the event (2:25.04).

Hanna Brock was 11th in the 5,000 meters (17:43.00) while Isabel Dziadzio finished 12th in the javelin (82-9). Lacey Zimmerman was 15th in the 100 meters (12.70) and Whitney Farrell placed 16th in the 5,000 meters (17:58.10).

The Bulldogs will head to the Hilltopper Relays March 29-30 in Louisville, Ky.

Visit the link below for complete meet results:
https://live.xpresstiming.com/meets/32222/teams/794298


How Ferris State fans can follow the men's and women's basketball team's Elite Eight competition

Ferris State University has announced ticket information and game coverage details for the 2024 NCAA Division II Basketball Elite Eight for both the men’s and women’s team games, with fans having options to follow the action in person and at home.

The women’s team is making its first-ever NCAA D2 Elite Eight appearance and captured the program's first NCAA D2 Midwest Regional Championship this past week in Allendale. Ferris State’s 25 wins this season are a school record.

The Bulldogs will take on the University of Tampa in the national quarterfinals at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, March 25 in the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri. The team departed Friday to preparations for the women’s basketball team’s first trip to the Elite Eight.

The winners of Monday's quarterfinal games advance to the D2 National Semifinals at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. The national championship game is set for 8 p.m. on Friday, March 29.

Fans can purchase tickets for the Division II Elite Eight online from the St. Joseph Sports Commission Box Office at stjomosports.com or via NCAATickets.com. All seats are general admission.

The Bulldogs will compete in session one at the Elite Eight on Monday with ticket prices $20 for adult single session or $10 for youth - age 5 to college students -- along with senior citizens aged 65 and older. An all-session pass is also offered for $40.

The Ferris State University Alumni Association is planning a pregame reception prior to the quarterfinal-round contest at Geneo's Pizza and Pub, which is located at 809 Francis Street in St. Joseph.

Monday's gathering will take place from 9:30-11 a.m. Central Daylight Time. The free event will be open to Ferris State alumni and fans with a variety of breakfast pizzas, pastries, and beverages available along with a cash bar featuring a mimosa and bloody mary bar. Fans are asked to RSVP in advance at this direct link.

The men’s team, which own a 28-7 overall record this year, will square off against top-seeded Minnesota State in the national quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time in Ford Arean in Evansville, Indiana. Ferris State will depart on Saturday afternoon to continue preparations for the school's third-ever Elite Eight appearance.

The winners of Tuesday's quarterfinal games advance to the D2 National Semifinals on Thursday, March 28 at 4:37 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The national championship game is set for Saturday, March 30, at 3:09 p.m.

Fans can purchase tickets for the Division II Elite Eight at Ticketmaster.com. All seats are general admission. The Bulldogs will compete in session two at the Elite Eight on Tuesday with ticket prices $18 per session online plus applicable fees.

The Ferris State University Alumni Association is planning a pregame reception prior to each Bulldog contest at the Elite Eight. The event will take place at Chaser's Bar and Grill, which is located at 2131 W. Franklin in Evansville. Tuesday's gathering will take place from 3:30-5 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The free event will be open to all Ferris State alumni and fans with a variety of appetizers and beverages available along with a cash bar.

Additional information about the event is at this link.

All Ferris State tournament games will be carried live by local flagship station Sunny 97.3 FM and the Bulldog Sports Network at FerrisStateBulldogs.com. Both national quarterfinal games will be streamed live online at NCAA.com.

A watch party for all games is planned for all Bulldog games at Buffalo Wild Wings, 1264 Perry Ave. in Big Rapids.

The women’s team is making its first NCAA D2 Elite Eight appearance and captured the program's first NCAA D2 Midwest Regional Championship this past week in Allendale. Ferris State’s 25 wins this season are a school record.

The men’s team is 28-7 overall this season and will be making its third overall NCAA D2 Elite Eight appearance and first since claiming the school's first NCAA D2 National Championship in 2018. FSU captured the NCAA D2 Midwest Regional Championship this past week in Indianapolis.


Ferris State, BAMF Health partner to build talented workforce

Ferris State University is partnering with BAMF Health, a world leader in molecular imaging and theranostics headquartered in Grand Rapids, to provide students with in-demand skills in a rapidly changing field and support the company’s trailblazing work.

BAMF, which stands for Bold Advanced Medical Future, started in 2018 and uses the most advanced AI-enabled technology to detect and treat cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease, and more.

Leaders from BAMF Health and Ferris State on Friday signed an agreement pledging to explore collaboration in a variety of areas to grow and enhance Michigan’s workforce. The goal is to support the growing theranostics field in the state by providing in-demand skills for Ferris State students and continuing education opportunities for BAMF Health employees at all levels.

This collaboration has strong support from several Michigan state legislators including House Speaker Joe Tate. Speaker Tate, along with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, are committed to growing Michigan’s knowledge economy through public-private partnerships such as this. Speaker Tate was on hand for the signing ceremony at Ferris State’s David L. Eisler Center.

The Ferris State – BAMF Health partnership includes creating certification programs for Quality Control/Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, and Nuclear Medicine Technologists. Areas of focus also include creating student experiences and research opportunities and looking at ways to improve patient experience and program thinking.

Ferris State President Bill Pink said there is already a strong connection between the two, as many Ferris State and Kendall College for Art and Design of Ferris State University alumni play key roles on the BAMF Health team.

“Ferris State, throughout its nearly 140-year history, has partnered with leaders in many fields to help our students gain valuable, in-demand skills and grow a talented workforce,” Ferris State President Bill Pink said. “We are especially proud to work with BAMF Health, an innovative organization that is committed to finding new ways to tackle some of society’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Our students will have unimaginable opportunities to be a part of impactful work, and we can help BAMF Health employees gain new skills to help them advance in their careers.”

BAMF Health is revolutionizing precision medicine and theranostics by leveraging the most advanced imaging technology to detect and treat cancer and other devastating diseases. The company is also a leading clinical trials site for testing new diagnostic tools and therapies developed by radiopharmaceutical companies around the world.

“BAMF Health has ushered in a new frontier of medicine and is pushing the limits of what’s possible,” said BAMF Health CEO Dr. Anthony Chang. “We need new talent with advanced skillsets to make precision medicine accessible and affordable for all. Strategic partnerships with academic centers like Ferris State help us to curate this next generation of talent who will do what we never thought possible.”

The company is planning to work with Ferris State’s College of Pharmacy and other programs to train current employees as well as work with Ferris State students looking to enter the field.

This partnership connects so many dots for our university’s numerous stakeholders,” Provost Bobby Fleischman said. “From our alumni working at BAMF Health, to our students and faculty who will work together at the company’s cutting-edge facility, this represents one of our strategic pillars—and, that is, innovation. Taken together with our applied learning approach to instruction, it distinguishes Ferris graduates from others as they graduate to the tech-focused workforce in West Michigan and throughout the state”.

Kasey Thompson, Ferris State’s special assistant to the president for innovation and entrepreneurship, said the collaboration with BAMF is a perfect example of how the university can work with partners in new ways, building a talented workforce here in Michigan. 

“It’s exciting to think about the impactful work that will transpire through this collaboration,” said Dr. Kasey Thompson, an associate professor and special assistant to the president for innovation and entrepreneurship. “Bringing together the expertise of Ferris State faculty and the innovative team at BAMF will create opportunities that we are still imagining.”


Ferris State Tennis sweeps Davenport in first conference action

The Ferris State University men's and women's tennis squads opened up Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play on Friday (March 22) with a road sweep over Davenport in league action.

The men's squad earned a 6-1 triumph over the Panthers while the Bulldog women came away with a 4-3 victory in the first conference match of the year.

The two contests were played at the Grand Rapids Racquet and Fitness Club.

In the women's contest, Ferris State faced a Davenport team that entered the tilt with 11 wins already this season. DU scored the initial point of the match by taking the second and third doubles spots in the lineup, although the FSU combination of Morgan Waller and Ana Hernandez Ferrer were victorious by a 6-4 score at the top position.

FSU came back strong in the singles round, winning at four of the six flights. Waller was a straight-set winner at one singles while Sophie Daavittila came away with a win at two singles and Maria Hernandez Ferrer posted a 6-3, 6-4 victory at the fourth spot. Finally, FSU's Kennedy Dumas clinched the match for the third time this year, coming away with a big win to secure the victory in the last match on the court.

In the men's encounter, Ferris State captured the opening point with wins at two and three doubles. The Bulldogs then dominated the singles round, winning in straight-sets at one, three, fourt and five singles along with a three-set triumph at six singles. DU's only point came via a three-set victory at two singles.

The Bulldogs will continue league road action on Saturday (March 23), visiting Purdue Northwest for a league twin bill starting at 2 p.m. (ET). The match will be contested at the Match Point Tennis and Fitness Center in Griffith, Ind.

Below are links to the match results:

Men - https://dupanthers.com/sports/mens-tennis/stats/2023-24/ferris-state/boxscore/72665

Women - https://dupanthers.com/sports/womens-tennis/stats/2023-24/ferris-state/boxscore/71998


Extensive environmental studies done on Gotion's property have found no evidence of eagle nest

Gotion Inc. today announced that extensive environment studies done from the fall of 2022 until this week on its Green Charter Township property found absolutely no evidence of an eagle nest or eagle activity.

Barr Engineering Co., a top-tier engineering and environmental consulting firm with an office in Grand Rapids, performed the independent studies on 252 acres of the property’s mature forested area. The evaluations “identified no bald eagle nests or nesting activities.”

Misinformation quickly spread on social media after an area resident trespassed on Gotion’s property, took several photos of a small nest, and posted them on social media claiming the nest was an eagle nest.

“Protecting and preserving our environment continues to be a top concern for Gotion Inc. as we move forward with our battery components facility in Green Charter Township,” said Chuck Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc. – North American Manufacturing.  “And safeguarding our environment also means ensuring the protection of our state’s beautiful and diverse wildlife.

“It’s our understanding that two elected officials have contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the issue,” Thelen said. “Gotion Inc. welcomes and invites USFWS officials on our property at any time so they can also verify there are no eagle nests on our property.”

In an attempt to stop the ongoing misinformation, Thelen said he is willing to give a representative from the opposition group a personal tour of the property to check for eagle nests.

“We realize most people who still oppose our facility don't try to distort the truth in any way, which is greatly appreciated,” Thelen said. “But the simple truth is that a small minority of people within this opposition group continue to deliberately spread misinformation.

“Gotion has contracted with an environmental company to evaluate the site for species present that range from ants to zebras. The report repeatedly shows there are no endangered or protected species on the site,” Thelen said. “The most recent extremist hoax executed by pathological liars has again manipulated my community into outrage using fabrications specifically designed to destroy the community. The good and honest people in our area must speak out against such blatant and continuous disrespect from these extremists. I am sick of them making my community the laughingstock of our great nation.

"The American bald eagle is a symbol of freedom,” Thelen said. “If eagles ever decide to nest on our property, we would defend it and preserve it with the attention that our national symbol deserves. No self-respecting American would use our American symbols of freedom to promote fear and bigotry."


Vehicle rolls into lake near boat launch at Jensen Lake

On Thursday, Mar. 21, Mecosta County Deputies were dispatched to single vehicle accident at 90th Ave. and Lakeview Blvd. The vehicle was located at the boat launch in the water.

It appeared that the vehicle had rolled multiple times and landed in the lake. Upon arrival nobody was in or around the vehicle. The driver was identified as a 35-year-old male out of Muskegon County. The male was located at his residence by Muskegon County Deputies and is being treated for non-life threating injuries in Muskegon County.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office was assisted by Barryton Fire & Rescue, Chippewa Martiny Township Fire & Rescue, Mecosta County Dive Team, Mecosta County EMS, And Meceola Central Dispatch.


This weekend's Ferris State softball home games postponed due to expected weather

Due to expected weather conditions, this weekend's Ferris State University softball home games have been postponed.

The Bulldogs were slated to open Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) play at home against Saginaw Valley State on Saturday and Wayne State on Sunday, but the two twin bills have been called off as significant snowfall is expected to arrive prior to the weekend.

The matchup between the Bulldogs and SVSU has been moved to Monday, March 25, starting at 2 p.m. (ET) for the opening game of the league doubleheader in Big Rapids if weather permits.

Meanwhile, the two games versus Wayne State have been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 2, also starting at 2 p.m. (ET) for the opener.

Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for further schedule updates as needed.


Nearly 1.3M jobs, $69B in wages supported by Michigan food and agriculture industries

The food and agriculture industries support 1,292,344 jobs in Michigan while creating $68.8 billion in wages, according to the latest Feeding the Economy report.

Released March 19 in conjunction with National Ag Day, the report details national, state and county-level estimates for the direct and indirect economic contributions of the industries.

In addition to impressive jobs and wages, Michigan’s food and agriculture industries contribute an estimated $29 billion in taxes.

In total, the industries’ total output in Michigan is estimated to be $246.55 billion.

“The report again confirms that agriculture and food is a key economic driver in the prosperity of Michigan,” said Loren Koeman, Michigan Farm Bureau lead economist.

“The starting point of all that activity is the diversity, abundance, and efficiency of Michigan’s farms. Michigan farm families are proud to be the backbone of one of the largest industries in the state, while providing healthy and delicious food for Michigan, the U.S. and world with over $2.5 billion dollars in exports.”

For the study, the food industry includes any business involved in food agriculture, food manufacturing, food wholesaling, and food retailing.

Nationally, the report shows that the total economic impact for the food and agriculture-related industries grew 11.8% over the last year, reaching $9.63 trillion — representing 20.01% of total U.S. output.

Meanwhile, jobs in the food and ag sectors have grown by nearly 20% since the 2020 report, now totaling 48.6 million in the U.S. The total number of direct jobs in agriculture has also grown by 800,000 since the 2020 report, representing a 20% increase.

From the 2020 Feeding the Economy report to now, food and ag manufacturing jobs grew at a faster rate than any other job category. As a result, manufacturing of agricultural production now accounts for almost 20% of America’s manufacturing jobs, over twice as many as automobile manufacturing.

Wages have grown exponentially as well, jumping to $2.77 trillion nationally — an increase of nearly 34% since the 2020 report — while total taxes generated by the industries have also increased by nearly 37% to $1.25 trillion.

Learn more about the report here.


Osceola County Sheriff's Office warning public of personal and online fraudulent activities

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office has been receiving numerous reports of fraudulent activities.

One such scam involved an older couple who fell victim to a scheme where impostors posed as representatives from an insurance company. Pretending to have the couple's grandson on the line, the scammers claimed he had been involved in a severe accident and demanded $8,000 for alleged damages. To further influence the situation, a person mimicking the grandson's voice spoke, supposedly injured and in need of medical assistance.

In another case, several people reported encountering scams on Facebook Marketplace. Sellers attempted to deceive buyers by requesting upfront payment to secure products, despite the absence of any guarantee or assurance of delivery. When buyers refused, sellers resorted to coercion, claiming the items would only be reserved upon receipt of payment.

Please use extreme caution and verify the authenticity of such claims before taking any action.

This type of activity can be reported to the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 202-835-3323 or visit www.fraud.org for assistance.


Ferris State men's basketball battles back to top Lake Superior State, advance to Elite 8 in NCAA DII national tournament

Ferris State University will have two basketball teams competing in the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Division II National Tournament as the men’s team battled back to win the Midwest Regional Championship on Tuesday.

The Bulldogs trailed Lake Superior State University by 16 points early in the game, but won 86-81 to advance to the next round of the tournament, which will be played in Evansville, Ind.

The men join the women’s team, which secured its first berth in the Elite Eight by topping archrival Grand Valley State University on Monday night on GVSU’s home court. It’s the first time both Ferris State teams have advanced this deep into the tournament at the same time.

It’s the third Elite Eight performance for the men’s team, which won the national title in 2018.

Head Coach Andy Bronkema said he was impressed by how his team battles back, doesn’t lose focus, and figures out how to make mid-game adjustments.

“If you look at any of these conference games, we were down at halftime of all three,” he said. “Overcoming the deficits we had here, it’s just a team that won’t give up. It stays the course and believes in the mission. They believe in each other, and they sacrifice a lot, too. And once you get at team to that point, you have your best chance.”

Ferris State fell behind early as Lake Superior State caught fire early and built a 16-point lead at one stage of the game. The Bulldogs fought back within five at halftime and erased the deficit by scoring the first nine points of the second half to grab the lead.

From there, the game went back and forth down the stretch. LSSU held a four-point lead with less than three minutes to go, but Ferris State rallied and came away with the win, notching the regional crown on the heels of last week's Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship.

Ferris State was led by Ethan Erickson with 23 points in the game, including making his first five three-point attempts in the opening half to help Ferris State climb back into the game. He was joined in double-digits by seniors Ben Davidson and Vejas Grazulis with 11 points each while both senior Dolpao Olayinka and junior Reece Hazelton added 10 points apiece.

Lake Superior State, which had split the regular-season series' with the Bulldogs, were led by Devin Womack with 20 points. Kingsley Perkins added 16 points while Tyson Edmondson scored 14 points, Hunter Soper tallied 13 points and Xander Okerlund netted 10 points.

Ferris State improved to 28-7 overall this season with its sixth-straight postseason win.

Both Erickson and Davidson were named to the regional all-tournament team and Erickson brought home Most Valuable Player accolades.

Bronkema said he’s excited to have both the men’s and women’s teams advancing in the tournament, saluting the squad led by Head Coach Kurt Westendorp.

“I almost wished we would have played first because Kurt put a lot of pressure on me!” Bronkema joked. “We watched that game in the lobby of the hotel. Very, very proud of Kurt and his team. Those girls are awesome people. They make it fun to be around and they are a joy to travel with. It’s a pretty cool experience for Ferris State. Soak it in because it’s rare. Championships like this are uncommon. We’ve got two teams going in to the Elite Eight!”


Lions sign unrestricted free agent offensive guard Kevin Zeitler

The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed unrestricted free agent G Kevin Zeitler. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Zeitler comes to Detroit after spending the last three seasons (2021-23) with the Baltimore Ravens, starting all 47 games in which he appeared. He was named to his first-career Pro Bowl following the 2023 season.

Originally entering the NFL in 2012 as a first-round draft pick (27th overall) out of Wisconsin by the Cincinnati Bengals, Zeitler split the first 12 seasons of his career with the Bengals (2012-16), Cleveland Browns (2017-18), New York Giants (2019-20) and Ravens. He has appeared in 182-career games (181 starts) and has started seven-career postseason contests.


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