Elizabeth Nguyen spent years circling the classroom before finally stepping to the front of it. The Holland native and new Ferris State University Elementary Education graduate initially pursued music therapy before a stretch working with children made the decision for her.

Watching kids hit those breakthrough moments — that "light bulb" flash, she called it — was the pull she could not ignore. She is now a student-teacher at Harrison Park Elementary School in Grand Rapids, with her mortarboard declaring: "My Turn to Teach the Future!"

Nguyen was one of about 1,500 Ferris State students celebrating their own light bulb moments in commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.

The university’s 157th commencement marked the first time graduates from Ferris State’s Kendall College of Art and Design walked with their classmates based on in Big Rapids as well as students who earned their degrees in Student Success Hubs across the state or online – some of whom visited the main campus for the first time.

“Welcome to this campus, whether you are part of our Big Rapids family Grand Rapids family, all of those Bigs and Grands, wherever it's at, we're glad that you're with us,” Ferris State President Bill Pink told graduates, families, and supporters.

“I will say to you that I am a deep believer that the work we do at this institution, whether it be our faculty or our staff or administration. When I think about the faculty that teach so many classes in Big Rapids, in our hubs across the state, in Grand Rapids, I know I put them up against anyone else in the country. Ferris State University is known to be that university that truly sent you to work into good paying jobs.”

Pink urged graduates to celebrate their hard work, but to go out into the world and use their newly acquired skills to use in rewarding careers and making the world better.

Among those heading to careers is the president’s daughter Lydia, who received a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Science, an associate degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and a certificate in Gerontology.

President Pink marked the occasion by revealing special socks with his daughter’s photo, showing them off to cheers from the packed Wink Arena. Kareli Perez-Zuniga crossed the stage on Friday as the first in her family to earn a college degree — a milestone her parents, who immigrated from Mexico as teenagers, helped make possible.

The Casnovia native and cum laude graduate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography watched her father work two jobs while she was in school, a sacrifice she said echoed the discipline they instilled in her from childhood.

A poem on her mortarboard, translated from Spanish, distills the journey: "Sometimes I cried / Sometimes I doubted / But I never gave up / My parents, the first of many."

Perez-Zuniga plans to remain at Trinity Health Muskegon, where she already has a role. Her goal is bedside sonography in breast imaging — meeting patients where they are and delivering results with care.

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

Last week, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

The legislation, commonly known as a Farm Bill, reauthorizes and improves vital programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Michigan farmers and ranchers rely on. The Farm Bill also makes key investments in rural communities to expand broadband access and create jobs.

"The Farm Bill is crucial for the 17,000 farmers in my district and producers across the nation. It is a win for Michigan, giving farmers certainty and allowing them to prepare for the future by reauthorizing and modernizing key programs that help farmers during challenging times. Affordability starts on our farms, and this legislation ensures family farms are able to thrive; keeping grocery shelves stocked and prices down," said Moolenaar. "The Farm Bill will also help residents in our rural communities by providing federal funding and grants for vital infrastructure projects and expanding broadband access."

The 2026 Farm Bill passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 224 to 200. Congress has not passed a similar bill since 2018, leaving farmers and rural communities to rely on short-term extensions of outdated policies to prepare for the future. The 2026 Farm Bill reauthorizes programs with needed updates through 2031.

Key policy wins for Michigan in the Farm Bill include: 

• Crop Insurance: The Farm Bill reauthorizes the crop insurance program, which helps Michigan farmers recover losses from unpredictable weather that can ruin crop seasons. Provisions in the legislation reduce crop insurance premiums, saving Michigan farmers millions of dollars.
• Rural Development: Enhances the USDA's rural development programs to improve broadband connectivity and water infrastructure in rural communities, and encourages private investment in rural areas to create jobs.
• Specialty Crops: Invests $1.1 billion in specialty crop research, grants, and crop insurance to support specialty crop producers.
• Farmland Protection: Includes provisions to prevent foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party, from purchasing American farmland.

A full section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here: Farm Bill Details.

Dry conditions and wind have elevated fire danger across much of Michigan, with the risk particularly high in the northern Lower Peninsula due to downed trees and branches from the March 2025 ice storm.

"Even with the heavy rains this spring, recent drier weather in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Michigan means that last year’s grasses and leaves are becoming dry and will readily burn,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "In the ice storm area from last spring, the downed wood has been on the ground for a year, is starting to dry out, and can contribute to much hotter and more dangerous conditions if a fire gets started," Rogers said. "While the temperatures have dropped, we are expecting to see elevated fire danger continue as we get closer to the weekend."

Nine out of 10 wildfires in Michigan are caused by human activity, including burning yard waste debris, leaving campfires unattended, using power equipment and off-road vehicles in dry conditions, or dragging trailer chains which can create sparks.

“There is fire danger associated with a lot of our favorite outdoor activities,” Rogers said. “We want people to enjoy the outdoors, but we're asking everyone to be especially aware this season because the downed wood adds greater risk and volatility.”

Even if the landscape looks green, vegetation on the ground still can be dry from winter. That includes clumps of grass, leaves and brush.

Check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit before you start a fire to make sure weather conditions allow for safe burning. In southern Lower Peninsula communities, consult local fire authorities. If a backyard fire gets away from you, call 911 immediately. Do not try to put it out yourself before calling authorities.

_{Release courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.}

The Michigan High School Athletic Association met in Gaylord this past weekend to discuss new proposals across a variety of sports, including approving a rule change that will bring a revamped playoff bracket to football this fall.

While playoff points will still guide the seeding process, the structure of the district and regional brackets will be different this season.

Each regional will now be seeded from first through eighth and then split into two districts. Under the new format, District A will consist of the first-, fourth-, fifth- and eighth-seeded teams, while District B will have the second-, third-, sixth- and seventh-seeded teams. Those two districts will then meet for a regional title in the third round of the playoffs.

The change is a result of perceived “lopsided” brackets under the current seeding model. Over the past several seasons under the old model, some of the top teams matched up inside the same district. That led to some of the state’s best matchups in the first two rounds.

As an example from this past season, Big Rapids headed up to Ludington in a battle of the 9-0 Orioles and the 8-1 Cardinals. Both squads would have been district favorites in multiple other districts, but instead they squared off in the first round of districts. Matchups like this have been seen across all divisions of football.

Although the new seeding may be more beneficial to urban schools than to smaller rural schools, the change gives urban schools a larger pool to work with, particularly in the metro Detroit and Grand Rapids areas. One aspect people may not be focusing on too much is that in rural areas, teams often play each other for the second time that season.

“One of the neat things with the old system was you would have a stronger chance of a rematch with a regular-season opponent,” said Scott Cripe, head coach of Central Montcalm football. “Those were always fun from a preparation standpoint and for the players.”

The Hornets have found themselves in a few rematches in the playoffs. Most recently in 2024, their only regular-season loss came at the hands of the Newaygo Lions, 21-12. In the district championship game, the two foes met again and Central Montcalm lost again, 35-34.

When asked, other coaches around the area had mixed feelings about the change.

“On one hand, it’s good to have the region seeded so the top teams are more likely to see each other in the later rounds, which is good,” said Mike Selzer, head coach of Big Rapids football. “That would have prevented us from meeting up with Ludington in the first round last year. On the other hand, it brings in a larger pool of teams to seed, and with our location and conference, it will be hard for us to secure a No. 1 seed. In the long run, it is better for football.”

Big Rapids has won two district titles over the past three seasons, both times losing to a private school from the Grand Rapids area in the regional championship round. For its U.S. 131 rival Reed City, the program’s mindset hasn’t changed.

“You still have to beat the best to be the best,” said Scott Shankel, head coach of Reed City football. “It’s still a district and it’s still a region.”

The Coyotes, who have won four straight district titles under the previous system, will move up to Division 5 this season.

The change may require an adjustment period, with some teams potentially facing disadvantages while others benefit. But in the end, the playoffs will continue to provide a highly competitive and exciting environment.

Removal of the failing dam on Buckhorn Creek in Paris will begin the week of May 11 and continue through this summer, restoring natural stream conditions to this important cold-water tributary to the Muskegon River.

A high, free-spanning bridge over an exceptionally scenic, pure Michigan creek will replace the unsightly, deteriorated dam. The newly installed bridge will be a popular stop along the White Pine Trail as visitors take in the beautiful sounds and scenery of free-flowing water.

John Henry Excavating will be doing the work, which was designed and engineered by the Spicer Group. The project is being coordinated by the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA).

Buckhorn Creek is a unique, steep gradient stream that is currently obstructed by a failing dam built under the original Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, now home to the popular Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park.

The former impoundment was drawn down a number of years ago. MRWA biological sampling already shows habitat improvement in the former impoundment. Dam removal will further restore natural stream function and reconnect Buckhorn Creek to the Muskegon River for the first time in more than one-hundred years. This reconnection will allow for the passage of trout and native fishes from the main river to 2.4 miles of cold-water refuge and spawning waters.

“Along with our excitement about restoring this exceptional cold-water ecosystem, we are excited about the community impact,” said Paul Haan, MRWA Executive Director. “This project will enhance year-round recreational enjoyment—cycling, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, and more—on the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail and at nearby Paris Park. A 100-year-old dam will be replaced with modern infrastructure that lets the stream flow freely, allows emergency access for improved safety, and supports life. It’s a really cool project.”

Buckhorn Creek has a robust, naturally-reproducing brown trout population. Reconnecting Buckhorn to the Muskegon River will provide access to refuge and spawning habitat for the nearly 20,000 brown and rainbow trout stocked by the Michigan DNR at Paris Park each year, improving this regional fishery.

John Henry Excavating is expected to mobilize equipment the week of May 11 and break ground the following week. At that time, the White Pine Trail will be closed, and trail users will experience a short detour along Northland Drive. The trail is expected to reopen by September 25 with a new state-of-the-art bridge.

Partners in the project include the Mecosta County Parks Commission, Friends of the White Pine Trail, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Project Management is being provided by Southpeat Environmental.

Total project costs are $2.2 million, including project development, planning, engineering, and construction. Funding partners include U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan DNR, National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Mecosta County Parks Commission, Great Lakes Fisheries Trust, and the Meijer Foundation.

The Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA) is dedicated to preserving, restoring, and sustaining the Muskegon River and its tributaries throughout a nine-county service area from Higgins Lake in Roscommon County to Muskegon Lake. The organization focuses on conservation and restoration initiatives that advance the Muskegon River Watershed Management Plan, including dam removals, bank stabilizations, and other conservation projects. The non-profit organization was formed in 2000 and is based in Big Rapids. More information can be found at mrwa.org.

_{Release and photo courtesy of Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.}

City commissioners will meet Monday, May 11, to discuss multiple proposals for Big Rapids.

On the agenda is a resolution to authorize a special land use permit for a new adult foster care facility on Third Avenue. The proposed 20-resident facility, located on the east side of the property at 203 S. Third Ave., did not meet the one-acre requirement or the 50-foot setback requirement but received an approved variance from the zoning board for conditional fencing.

The meeting will also approve an amended development agreement with the Big Rapids Housing Commission, a ground lease agreement for Roben-Hood Airport and the award of a bid to Reith Reily for the 2026 street resurfacing project.

Other business items include:

• Approving mayoral appointments to boards and commissions

• Accepting an audit proposal from Clark Schaefer Hackett

• Accepting a proposal from Dewpoint LLC for the City of Big Rapids Cybersecurity Assessment

• Approving a ground lease agreement at Roben-Hood Airport with Samuel M. Vance

• Approve a Brownfield reimbursement agreement for Allen Edwin Homes and the Sandy Acres Development

• Approve the amended development agreement with the Big Rapids Housing Commission for the purchase of 1714 Harding Drive and a portion of 1030 Mechanic Street

• Awarding a bid to Peerless Midwest Inc. to maintain and repair city wells

• Awarding a bid for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Project

The meeting will also include a study session with grant coordinator Megan Eppley regarding the MSHDA Michigan Neighborhood Grant.

All City Commission meetings are open to the public and streamed live on the City of Big Rapids YouTube channel. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday afternoon, Meceola Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle wreck involving a pedestrian in the Village of Morley. 

Deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, along with Morley Rescue and Mecosta County EMS, were dispatched to the scene around 3:42 p.m. Following an investigation, deputies determined that a 60-year-old man from Morley was traveling westbound on Jefferson Street, approaching the Pere Marquette Trail crossing. At the same time, a 15-year-old boy from Morley was riding his bicycle northbound on the trail and failed to stop at the posted stop sign at Jefferson Street. The juvenile entered the roadway and was struck by the vehicle.

The 15-year-old was transported to Corewell Health with serious injuries. No updates on his condition have been released since the crash.  Alcohol and speed are not believed to be factors in the crash.  

Mecosta County deputies were assisted by Meceola Central Dispatch, Morley Rescue, Mecosta Township Rescue and Mecosta County EMS.

Monday, Apr. 27

• Officers were dispatched to conduct a civil standby.
• Officers conducted a wellbeing check on a juvenile. The juvenile and their parent were fine and did not require any assistance.

Tuesday, Apr. 28

• Officers were dispatched to a possible domestic dispute. Officers investigated the incident and there were no indicators that an assault had occurred. The parties went their separate ways.
• Officers stopped a vehicle for a moving violation. The driver was issued an appearance citation for a license violation. The vehicle was turned over to the passenger who had a valid license.

Wednesday, Apr. 29

• Officers were dispatched to an out-of-county jail to pick up a subject with multiple warrants from our department. The subject was transported to and lodged at the Osceola County Jail without incident.
• Officers responded to a complaint of a disorderly subject at a local residence. The subject was advised the that the property owner wanted him to leave. The subject refused to leave after being advised multiple times. The subject was arrested and lodged on charges.

Thursday, Apr. 30

• Officers were dispatched to investigate a an accident involving private property damage at a local business.

Friday, May 1

• Officers conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle had multiple warrants. The driver was arrested and lodged on the warrants.
• Officers conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle had a warrant for their arrest. The driver was arrested and lodged on the warrant.

Saturday, May 2

• No incidents reported.

Sunday, May 3

• Officers were dispatched to a threats complaint. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.

Nationwide gas prices continue to rise as tensions involving the Strait of Hormuz persist, but some relief could be on the way.

Current prices in the Big Rapids area average around $4.83 per gallon for regular fuel, which is just above the state average of $4.81. As of Wednesday, May 6, the lowest prices in the region included Fremont at $4.58, Cadillac at $4.65, Mount Pleasant at $4.65 and Big Rapids at $4.69.

GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis, Patrick De Haan, has noted ongoing volatility, but optimism tied to refinery issues and the Strait of Hormuz. 

"Refinery issues (are) clearing up," DeHaan said via X. "If you're in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, or Wisconsin, don't be in a rush to fill. The way things are looking, average gas prices could fall 20-40 cents per gallon with diesel (prices) falling 25 to 60 cents in the next two weeks. This could change if (the) Strait destabilizes."

Over the last month, regular gas prices in Michigan have risen by approximately 95 cents.

Nationally, prices are hovering around $4.54 per gallon. A year ago on May 1, 2025, gas in the United States averaged about $3.15 per gallon. Midwestern states such as Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Indiana are showing prices above the national average.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration, which predicted a monthly peak of $4.30 for April, expects moderate prices into the second half of 2026 as oil premiums ease.

For update to date pricing around the Big Rapids area, visit our community resource hub here: https://bigrapidsdailynews.com/community/resource-hub.

Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded Tuesday to a report of human bones found at an excavation site in Lake Township.

Deputies were called around 3:58 p.m. to the area of 16000 and 17000 South Star Lake Drive near Big Star Lake. After declaring the site a possible crime scene, authorities closed the road after 6 p.m. It reopened Wednesday morning.

An anthropologist and representatives from the medical examiner’s office examined the remains and determined they are ancestral. The remains are now in the custody of the medical examiner’s office.

More details will be released as they become available.

Monday, Apr. 27

Calls for Service: 17

Traffic Accidents: 4

Tuesday, Apr. 28

• At 7:59 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Grant Township. A female subject was arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 9:37 p.m., deputies responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Martiny Township. A male subject was arrested for Domestic Assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 2

Wednesday, Apr. 29

Calls for Service: 11

Traffic Accidents: 2

Thursday, Apr. 30

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 0

Friday, May 1

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 1

Saturday, May 2

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 1

Sunday, May 3

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 3

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance regarding a malicious destruction of property complaint that occurred recently at Davis Bridge County Park.

It was recently found that one of the park's two restrooms near the boat ramp had been damaged on the inside. The incident is estimated to have occurred between Thursday, Apr. 30, and Monday, May 4. 

The restroom facility, as well as the boat ramp, were recently renovated last year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office at 231-592-0150 or through tips@mecostasheriff.org. 

Tullymore and St. Ives golf courses have been acquired by RedWater, a golf and hospitality company, the resort announced Friday.

The courses were previously owned by Peter and Joann Ministrelli for 19 years.

“The RedWater team shares our vision for Tullymore and St. Ives, and we’re confident they will continue to provide exceptional care for the resort, its courses and the members and guests who value these facilities,” said Joann Ministrelli, former owner of Tullymore Golf Resort. “We are proud to entrust these prestigious clubs to RedWater and are excited for our Tullymore staff to grow and succeed under their leadership."

RedWater, formerly known as Watermark Properties until 2020, owns eight other golf courses, nine restaurants and nine event venues throughout West Michigan. 

The company’s plans for Tullymore Golf Resort include expanding lodging capabilities, updating amenities, maintaining top-tier conditions on both courses and overseeing future residential development. It also aims to expand the resort’s offerings to provide more destination getaways such as weddings and group gatherings.

“We’re excited about what this means for the future of Tullymore,” said Matt Golden, general manager of Tullymore Golf Resort. “This is a special property with a strong identity and loyal following. Our focus remains on building on that foundation, continuing to deliver the quality and service our guests expect while thoughtfully growing what makes Tullymore unique.”

Tullymore Golf Resort spans more than 800 acres in Stanwood near Canadian Lakes. Both courses have received awards for being among the top courses in the state and country by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. The resort includes two hotels, clubhouses, cottages, a lodge, wedding spaces and dining facilities.

For more information on RedWater, visit RedWater.com.

_{Photo and logo courtesy of RedWater.}

The Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear goal: addressing positional needs.

Detroit entered the draft needing help at offensive tackle opposite three-time All-Pro Penei Sewell and an edge rusher to complement star Aidan Hutchinson.

The Lions ended last season winning just two of their final seven games, including a heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell have prided themselves on developing homegrown talent, selecting seven All-Pro players in their five previous drafts together.

In the first round, the Lions selected Blake Miller, an offensive tackle from Clemson. Miller was a four-year starter for the Tigers, starting 54 games and playing 3,778 offensive snaps. The athletic tackle brings a versatile playing style to Detroit. Miller is expected to open the season at right tackle, with signs pointing to Penei Sewell shifting to left tackle.

“I’ve watched a lot of his tape throughout my time in college,” Miller said. “There’s so much stuff that he does incredibly well — his ability to move, get out in space, his ability to pass and protect. He uses his hands effectively, how light he is on his feet. All those things are remarkable. Just to be able to sit in the same room as him, be on the same field as him, pick his brain and get his perspectives on things. I can’t wait.”

On the second day of the draft, the Lions kept former Michigan Wolverine Derrick Moore in the Mitten State. The 23-year-old edge rusher from Baltimore was a three-time All-Big Ten selection during his time at Michigan. At 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds, Moore can be a physical presence off the edge for Detroit. He showed that in his final college season, leading the Wolverines and finishing fourth in the Big Ten with 10 sacks.

Moore moved his mother with him to Michigan during his freshman year in Ann Arbor and has made the state his home ever since, showing family is a personal priority.

“It definitely means a lot for me,” Moore said. “I’m somebody who’s really familiar with the area and pretty much grew to love it. I’m just excited to be back. I feel like Detroit is my second home — really, all of Michigan is like my second home."

The third day of the draft in Pittsburgh proved busy for the Lions, who made a series of selections and trades. In the fourth round, they added another Wolverine, linebacker Jimmy Rolder. He spent all four years of his college career in Ann Arbor, appearing in 42 games with 11 starts. Rolder capped his career with All-Big Ten honors in 2025 from both the coaches and the media.

“I think with the way we play at Michigan and the way we play defense, we hang our hat on playing physical, playing tough and playing with high effort,” Rolder said. “That’s what you’re going to get out of a Michigan defender like Derrick Moore and like myself."

In the fifth round, Detroit bolstered its defensive backfield with cornerback Keith Abney from Arizona State. A former 2017 national champion speed skater, Abney shifted his focus to football during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his junior season with the Sun Devils, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors to go along with a two-interception season. At the NFL Combine, he ranked fourth among cornerbacks with 15 bench-press reps. At his pro day, Abney ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, which helped lead to his selection in the fifth round.

“I got to say, just the endurance from long drives — teams like to tempo — being able to have that endurance and those lungs, I feel I can go for a long time at a high intensity,” Abney said of how his speed-skating background translates to football

Later, with the 168th overall pick, the Lions selected wide receiver Kendrick Law from Kentucky. From Shreveport, Louisiana, Law matched Abney’s 4.45-second 40-yard dash, ranking 20th among all wide receivers at the combine. With the Wildcats last season, Law contributed 540 receiving yards thanks to strong short-area route running. A former Alabama special-teams player, Law transferred to Kentucky after the 2024 season to take on a larger receiving role. He is expected to contribute on special teams immediately.

With the Lions’ final two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Detroit added defensive tackles. At No. 205, they selected Skyler Gill-Howard from Texas Tech. Gill-Howard started the first six games of the season for the Red Raiders before an ankle injury sidelined him for the remainder of his senior year.

At No. 222, the Lions took Trye West from Tennessee. West played in 12 games with two starts for the Volunteers. A key rotational piece during his four years at Tennessee, he appeared in 48 games with 20.5 tackles for loss.

There’s plenty to like about the Lions’ 2026 draft class. Holmes and Campbell addressed key roster needs with a clear vision, adding immediate depth and long-term upside that could play a major role in pushing Detroit back into Super Bowl contention.

Earlier this week, State Rep. Joseph Fox voted to pass a new statewide budget that delivers on several issues he has prioritized in his service to the 101^st House District. 

“We’re delivering a budget that puts Michigan families first,” said Fox (R-Fremont). “Our budget funds critical infrastructure like roads and bridges while rejecting unnecessary tax hikes and the wasteful spending projects that cause them. People throughout our state are struggling with high costs, and we have a responsibility to use their hard-earned tax dollars on the resources and programs that are proven investments in Michigan’s future. These programs will have real positive impacts on our community, like improving early literacy—a key factor in a child’s lifelong success.” 

The House-approved budget preserves—and expands—important initiatives while reducing the overall state budget by $106 million and investing in the rainy-day fund. 

“It’s a responsible plan that promotes oversight without bureaucratic excess,” Fox said. “We have been working tirelessly to cut waste and fraud from state government, and this budget does just that. We’re funding resources to ensure that work requirements for food stamps and Medicaid are followed, and we’re removing ghost employees from our state payrolls. We owe it to the Michigan taxpayers to cut out financial abuse in state government whenever we see it.” 

While the House plan is not the final state budget, the priorities included in the House plan help serve as the basis of the funding in the final plan as negotiations begin between the House, the Senate and Gov. Whitmer. 

Fox represents Michigan's 101st District, which includes all of Newaygo County, and parts of Oceana, Lake, Mason, and Wexford counties.

_{Release courtesy of Rep. Joseph Fox.}

Monday, Apr. 20

• Officers were dispatched for a check well-being. Upon arrival, the individual did not show signs of distress or a medical event. The complainant was advised of the status and told if there should be a need in the future to call again.
• An officer was dispatched to a possible complaint of criminal sexual conduct. The matter is under investigation.

Tuesday, Apr. 21

• Officers performed security checks, traffic policing, interviews, and follow-up tasks on currently active cases.

Wednesday, Apr. 22

• An officer located an open door during security checks. The business was checked and cleared and then secured properly. Owners were advised.
• An officer transported a 29-year-old woman from Mason County Jail to Osceola County Jail for an active warrant on Failure to Appear in Court.
• While on follow-up for another report, a 33-year-old man was arrested on an active warrant in Mecosta County for Failure to Appear in Court. It was turned over to Mecosta County deputies.
• An officer stopped a vehicle for a defective muffler. The driver was found to not have a driver’s license, no insurance on the vehicle, and the vehicle was unregistered. The 24-year-old woman driver was released with appearance citations.

Thursday, Apr. 23

• Officers performed security checks, traffic policing, interviews, and follow-up tasks on currently active cases.

Friday, Apr. 24

• An officer took a report of suspected damage to a front door.

• An officer assisted an Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy on a child custody matter between several tense individuals.

• An officer issued a verbal warning for a dog running loose.

• An officer took a dispute between family members. This is a periodic ongoing matter and was determined to be verbal arguing only.

Saturday, Apr. 25

• An officer took a complaint of a barking dog.

• An officer took a complaint of a found dog. The owner was located and picked up the dog.

Sunday, Apr. 26

• An officer was dispatched to a possible underground water leak. The area is normally wet this time of year. DPW was contacted to evaluate the situation and act if needed.

The Michigan Senate on Wednesday adopted Sen. Roger Hauck’s resolution designating May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Month.

“ALS, commonly known by many as Lou Gehrig’s disease, makes even the simplest movements, like walking, speaking and gesturing, nearly impossible and strikes people regardless of race, sex, age or ethnicity,” said Hauck, R-Mount Pleasant. “Finding a cure for ALS will prevent the disease from robbing hundreds of thousands of Americans of their dignity and lives, and discovering new effective treatments for the symptoms of ALS can extend and improve the lives of those living with the disease."

ALS is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

“Raising public awareness of ALS can help in the effort to achieve a cure and new treatments while also showing much-needed support for people affected by this disease, their families and advocates working on their behalf.”

Senate Resolution 113 says, “Approximately 30,000 individuals in the United States are afflicted with ALS at any given time, with 5,000 new cases appearing annually,” and “Approximately 15 new cases of ALS are diagnosed every day, with a person losing their battle with the disease every 90 minutes.”

Read more on the resolution here: SENATE RESOLUTION 113.

_{Release courtesy of Senate Republican Policy & Communications.}

Bryce Allers, a Mecosta County native and graduate of Morley Stanwood High School, has been selected as the undergraduate commencement speaker for the School of Public Affairs at American University.

Allers will deliver the student address at the university's graduation ceremony on May 9, 2026, at Bender Arena in Washington, D.C., speaking before graduates, faculty, and families. 

The selection is a significant honor, recognizing leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to public service.

A native of Mecosta County, Allers' journey to the nation's capital reflects years of hard work and determination. At American University, Allers majored in Political Science with a concentration in American Government, combining academic study with hands-on experience in federal government offices.

Allers has interned with U.S. Senator from Michigan, Gary Peters, in Washington, D.C., and Congressman Jamie Raskin in Maryland, contributing to communications, constituent services, and policy research. These experiences provided a firsthand understanding of how government decisions affect everyday people and communities like those in West Michigan.

"Coming from a small town, opportunities like this didn't always feel within reach," Allers said. "Being selected to speak at commencement is something I never imagined, and it means everything to represent where I come from on a stage like this."

Allers' selection reflects a personal journey from a small town in West Michigan to the national stage, underscoring how opportunity, access, and determination can expand what once felt out of reach.

Following graduation, Allers plans to continue working in public service, focusing on government communications, constituent services, immigration, and public policy.

_{Release and photo courtesy of Allers.}

A Ferris State Kendall College of Art and Design senior will see her artwork on store shelves in Alaska this summer after winning a beer label design contest for a nonprofit search-and-rescue organization.

Ally Grant, a graduating illustration major from Fairbanks, Alaska, beat out 80 submissions from 72 artists worldwide to design the label for a new pale ale from Denali Brewing Company, brewed in partnership with Denali Rescue Volunteers, a Talkeetna, Alaska-based nonprofit. A three-panel vote — drawn from the public, the DRV board and Denali Brewing — selected her design.

Her label features a rescue worker hoisting a beer growler from a helicopter against a snow-capped Alaskan mountainside. She researched gear colors, helicopter models, and equipment details to ensure accuracy — a discipline she traces to her natural science illustration training.

"It's kind of similar to natural science illustration," Grant said. "I have to make sure what I'm depicting is accurate, because that information can be important."

Her family helped coin the beer's name: Denali Rescue Volunteers Saved My Pale Ale.

Grant donated the artwork to DRV, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The 5.5% ABV pale ale is set to roll out later this summer during Alaska's peak tourism season.

To build support during the public vote, Grant posted on Ferris360, the university's campus-wide message board, asking classmates to vote for her entry.

Grant completes her degree in fall 2026, taking two classes as a part-time student while pursuing freelance illustration work. Before that, she begins a six-week artist residency at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in Grand Rapids this summer.

For Grant, the win represented something beyond her Ferris State University degree.

"This was the first time I was judged not based on my resume, not based on my achievements in the past," she said. "This was purely based on my artwork alone."

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

Reed City High School Athletic Director Ryan Hansen has announced he will retire following this school year.

Hansen has served as the school’s athletic director for the past five years and has been with the district for 26 years as a teacher and coach.

“RCAPS allowed me to grow professionally and entrusted me with the opportunity to become a leader,” Hansen said. “I have been truly blessed to work for one school district for my entire career, raise a family in the middle of our town, and take advantage of being a part of an amazing community throughout it all.” 

Hansen’s last day will be Tuesday, June 30. The school is currently accepting applications for the position.

“(Ryan) bleeds red and black,” Superintendent Michael Sweet said. “His wealth of institutional knowledge and competitive nature influenced the whole department. He has meant a tremendous amount to Reed City Schools over his entire career as a math teacher and athletic director.”

Hansen graduated from Reed City High School in 1995. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in mathematics and a master’s degree from Walden University in education and teaching.

For more information on the position, visit here: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/rcaps/opening/166603.

_{Photo courtesy of Ryan Hansen.}