The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force recently announced the arrest of a Cadillac man.

34-year-old Dayne Alexander Scott was taken into custody after an investigation led to the seizure of his cellphone, on which child sexually abusive material was discovered.

Scott was arraigned Friday, July 10, in the 84th District Court on six counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, one count of using a computer to commit a crime and as a habitual offender, third offense.

The Michigan ICAC Task Force was assisted by the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police.

This weekend, the Crossroads Car Club will host its annual car show during Celebrate Reed City weekend.

The show will benefit the Reed City Veterans Memorial Park project, which is in its sixth year of fundraising. Organizer Russ Nehmer said there has been strong interest in the show and in helping fund the park.

“This year we’ve had 136 sponsors and several thousand dollars in great raffle prizes that were donated,” Nehmer said. “We’ve had over $10,000 in monetary donations already. So many people are starting to get behind it.”

Over the last five years, Nehmer has raised more than $70,000 for the park. Recently, the project became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and launched its own website to educate people about the park’s mission and allow online donations.

Phase 1 of the project includes a 100-foot flagpole that will be installed along the Purple Heart Trail near the intersection of U.S. 10 and Old U.S. 131.

“Once we start Phase 1 and put up the flag, we’re going to start doing brick pavers around the flag,” Nehmer said. “People can put their family name or the name of someone who passed away who was a veteran, or someone who is still serving. They don’t necessarily have to be from the area to put their name on a brick.”

The park’s pathway, which is not yet finalized, will resemble a ribbon to honor those who served. Once the flag and pavers are in place, Nehmer said he will be collaborating with an ArtPrize artist to plant a symbolic oak tree.

“There was a guy at ArtPrize who was making trees, and an oak tree is something that has a good foundation and strong roots,” Nehmer said. “I talked to him about this whole plan and that I wanted to get one of his trees and sell dog tags so people could put a name on a dog tag. Then it would turn into a chime tree.”

Nehmer said the project is nearing completion of its architectural plans. No groundbreaking date has been set.

The car show is a major fundraising event for the park. Last year, the show raised more than $15,000.

For more information on the park and the car show, visit https://www.reedcityveterans.org/.

Ferris State’s new residence hall is on track to open ahead of the incoming fall semester.

Stadium Hall, which is located on the north side of Top Taggart Field, is the university’s newest dorm since 2017.

According to university officials, a grand opening ceremony is being planned for late August.

“Right after I made it to Ferris State, one thing that I realized very early is that our learning spaces are very state of the art, but our living spaces concerned me,” President Pink said. “The deeper we looked into that, the more we saw that we have living spaces on this campus built in the 1960s. That's not good enough for our students.”

The four-story building holds 280 beds and costs a total of $38 million. It will serve as the second freshmen-only residence hall on campus, joining the newest addition, North Hall.

Along with standard suite-style housing, the building will also house six hotel-style rooms on the lower level. These cordoned-off rooms will be used to house university guests, such as board members and interview candidates, who visit.

“When you have someone who comes and is here for an interview to look for a job, we don't have to put them down the street at one of our hotels here,” Pink said. “We can put them here right on campus. You've got the fitness center very close to you, two eating halls about the same distance from that space, and you've got the best football team in the country playing just a few feet away from you. So, you've got all those amenities.”

Stadium Hall is one of two new buildings slated to open this fall. The other is the new Jim Crow Museum, which is opening on Sept. 30.

To hear more from President Pink on Stadium Hall and other new projects on campus, check out this Behind the Bulldogs podcast episode on Spotify here: Summer EP 8: Future of Facilities at Ferris State. Other platforms include YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and WBRN.com.

_{Photo credit to Ferris State University.}

Mecosta County sheriff’s deputies responded to a two-car wreck Sunday, July 12, in Mecosta Township.

The crash occurred shortly before 8:18 a.m. at the intersection of Northland Drive and 11 Mile Road in Rogers Heights.

According to a release, a 24-year-old Big Rapids man disregarded a stop sign and struck a vehicle traveling northbound. The second vehicle was driven by a 61-year-old man from Stanwood.

Both drivers were taken to Corewell Health Hospital in Big Rapids with minor injuries.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services, Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue and Mecosta Central Dispatch.

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

A motorcyclist was seriously injured Saturday, July 11, after trying to avoid multiple deer along a curve and crashing.

The crash occurred in Morton Township near the intersection of 11 Mile Road and Gilbert Drive about 10:30 p.m.

Deputies said a 66-year-old man from Paris was traveling westbound on 11 Mile Road with members of the Nozzleman Motorcycle Club at the time of the crash. He was found lying in the roadway when deputies arrived at the scene.

“As the rider was negotiating a series of curves in the roadway, multiple deer had run out in front of the rider, causing him to fall off the motorcycle,” the sheriff’s office said. “The rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and sustained serious injuries.”

He was taken to Corewell Health Hospital in Big Rapids by Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services. As of Monday morning, there is no update on his condition.

“Sheriff Brian Miller and the Mecosta County sheriff’s office would like to remind the public of the importance of wearing proper riding equipment while operating or riding on a motorcycle," the sheriff’s office said.

The Mecosta County sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by Mecosta Central Dispatch, Morton Township Fire Rescue, Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services and Big Rapids Towing.

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

Multiple parcels of land will be up for online auction coming up in Lake County.

The Michigan DNR will be starting the auction at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 27. It will run until 7 p.m.

All three plots are just north of US-10, near Bray Lake east of Baldwin. Here are more lot details on each biddable lot:

• Lot #10073: 80 acres west of S. Forman Road, north of W. Dobias Trail, and south of W. 16th Street
• Lot #10074: 80 acres west of S. Forman Road, north of W. 32nd Street, and east of S. Merrillville Road
• Lot #10075: 80 acres west of S. Otis Street, north of Rainbow Trail, and east of S. Merrillville Road

Absentee bids can be made up to 30 days before the auction.

For more information on the auction, visit https://www.tax-sale.info/. You can search each by the number, or use the "Advanced Search" tool and click "Lake DNR."

With much of Michigan under a heat advisory or heat warning, Ferris State University professor Jake Guest has a clear message for homeowners looking to stay safe: act before the system fails.

Ferris State is one of only two institutions in the United States to offer a Bachelor of Science in HVACR, preparing students for careers in a rapidly growing field.

Guest, an assistant professor in the School of Built Environment at the College of Engineering Technology, said one neglected maintenance task tops the list of causes for service calls when extreme heat arrives.

"The simplest and most commonly overlooked maintenance item is changing the air filter," Guest said. "A dirty filter restricts airflow, reduces cooling capacity, and forces the system to work much harder. During periods of extreme heat, that additional strain can push an already stressed system into failure."

Guest outlined six steps homeowners can take now to stay cooler without raising their energy bills.

Keep the thermostat steady. Large temperature swings make the system work harder. Holding a consistent setting throughout the day is more efficient than constantly adjusting it.

Replace or clean the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow and reduces efficiency — and it is one of the easiest fixes a homeowner can make, Guest said.

Close the blinds. Blocking direct sunlight through windows, especially during afternoon hours, reduces the heat load the air conditioner has to overcome.

Use ceiling fans the right way. Fans cool people, not rooms, Guest said. Turning them off when leaving the room avoids wasting energy.

Avoid heat-generating appliances during peak hours. Ovens, dryers, and similar appliances add heat the air conditioner has to counteract. Running them in the evening eases that burden.

Check the vents. Furniture, rugs, or curtains blocking supply or return air vents restrict airflow without the homeowner realizing it. Vents should remain open and unobstructed.

That last tip connects to one of the most persistent myths in home cooling: that closing vents in unused rooms conserves energy. Guest said the opposite is true.

"Most residential HVAC systems are designed to move a specific amount of air," he said. "Closing vents increases system pressure, can reduce efficiency, create comfort issues throughout the home, and in some cases contribute to equipment wear. It's usually much better to leave vents open and allow the system to operate as designed."

A struggling air conditioner often signals trouble before it fails — but most homeowners miss the signs, Guest said.

A system running much longer than normal, struggling to reach the thermostat setting, producing weak airflow, or making unusual noises warrants attention. Water around the indoor unit or ice on refrigerant lines are also indicators. Catching those issues early can prevent a far more expensive repair, he said.

Cooling the inside air is only part of the equation. Limiting heat-generating activities during the hottest hours — skipping the oven, for example — and improving insulation or sealing air leaks reduces how hard the air conditioner has to work.

The most valuable question a homeowner can ask, Guest said, is one almost no one asks: Is the system operating the way it was designed to?

"Many people only ask whether the air conditioner is running," he said. "A system can still produce cool air while operating inefficiently because of poor airflow, improper refrigerant charge, dirty coils, or other issues. Having the system inspected before problems develop can improve comfort, lower energy costs, and extend equipment life."

That diagnostic mindset drives how Ferris State prepares students in the HVACR program. Students spend significant time diagnosing actual equipment rather than studying theory alone, practicing airflow measurement, electrical performance, refrigerant system operation, and system controls through real troubleshooting scenarios.

"We emphasize a systematic diagnostic process, so graduates understand how to identify the root cause of a problem instead of simply replacing parts," Guest said. "Our program is very lucky to have large labs with multiple types of equipment, from residential to commercial units, for the students to get their hands on."

Guest earned both his associate and bachelor's degrees in HVACR at Ferris State, one of only two institutions in the United States to offer a Bachelor of Science in HVACR.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that HVACR employment will grow 8% to 9% through 2034. This rate is "much faster than average" for all jobs, with an estimated demand for more than 40,000 new job openings every year.

Ferris State’s Associate of Applied Science in HVACR Technology is a two-year, hands-on program where students learn how to repair, troubleshoot, and install electrical and mechanical HVAC systems.

The Bachelor of Science in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management program is a two-year, upper-division program. It bridges the gap between field technicians and engineers, with students learning to design systems, perform energy audits, and manage building automation.

Students work in state-of-the-art facilities like the Granger Center for Construction and HVACR on the Big Rapids campus.

The program includes environmental chambers used to simulate heating and cooling extremes, and a top-tier Direct Digital Control lab to study building automation.  An Energy Lab allows students to operate a real mechanical room with chillers, boilers, and air handlers.

The bachelor’s degree can be completed on the main campus or fully online. Online students visit the campus for a short, one-week summer lab.

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

Monday, July 6

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 20

Traffic Accidents: 3

Tuesday, July 7

• At 1:56 a.m., deputies responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Sheridan Township. A male subject was arrested for Domestic Assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 8:23 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Chippewa Township. The male driver was arrested on multiple undisclosed warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 10:24 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Fork Township. A male subject and female subject were arrested on multiple undisclosed warrants.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 2

Wednesday, July 8

• At 6:10 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Aetna Township. A male subject was arrested on Resist/Obstruct, Possession of Methamphetamine, and an additional warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 11

Traffic Accidents: 4

Thursday, July 9

• At 10:59 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Millbrook Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male passenger being arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 11

Traffic Accidents: 0

Friday, July 10

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 17

Traffic Accidents: 2

Saturday, July 11

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 3

Sunday, July 12

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 13

Traffic Accidents: 3

The National Weather Service is warning residents across west-central Michigan about this week’s extreme heat.

Peak heat indices are expected to reach the mid- to upper 90s from Monday through Wednesday, with humidity pushing feels-like temperatures potentially above 100 degrees.

As of early Monday morning, all local counties have been placed into a Heat Advisory for Tuesday, July 14, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on relatives and neighbors,” the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids said in an alert. “Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.”

Current forecasts remain uncertain, but people should make backup plans for outdoor activities. Follow the Big Rapids Daily News for severe weather alerts on Facebook, Instagram and X. Listen to WBRN for hourly weather forecasts on 1460 AM, 96.5 FM and 107.7 FM, as well as WBRN.com and the WBRN mobile app.

_{Article updated at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 13, for new NWS advisories.}

On Sunday, July 12, four people were injured in a three-vehicle crash in Wheatland Township.

The crash occurred around 2:47 p.m. at the intersection of 9 Mile Road and 25th Avenue in Remus. According to deputies, there was a traffic backup waiting to turn into a business when a rear-end collision occurred.

A Ford Fusion, driven by a 17-year-old man from Midland, didn’t stop in time and caused a chain reaction involving a Ford Focus, driven by a 28-year-old woman from Big Rapids, and a Dodge Caravan, driven by a 24-year-old man from Mecosta.

“Two passengers in the Dodge Caravan were injured," the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office said. "A 22-year-old woman from Mecosta had a minor injury and was transported to Corewell Health Hospital in Big Rapids. A 74 year-old man from Mecosta was transported by Aeromed to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for serious injuries. The driver of the Ford Focus was treated at the scene and released.”

Deputies were assisted by Mecosta County EMS, Aeromed, Wheatland Township Fire and Rescue, Michigan Conservation Law Enforcement Division, and Meceola Central Dispatch.

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

The Mid-Summer Classic rosters were released this past weekend, and the Tigers will be sending four stars to Philadelphia: shortstop Kevin McGonigle, catcher Dillon Dingler, outfielder Riley Greene and pitcher Justin Verlander. This is the third year in a row that the Tigers have sent multiple players to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

First-time All-Star Kevin McGonigle burst onto the scene this season as he became the third youngest player in 100 years to have four or more hits on Opening Day and just the 21st player to record four or more hits in their debut. Since that stellar performance on Opening Day, he has continued his reign of terror against opposing pitchers. McGonigle, as of July 10, has a 4.9 bWAR, which is metric used to estimate the number of wins a player adds to their team compared to a hypothetical readily available replacement-level player. This number ranks first among all rookies and fourth in the entire major leagues. From a more standard stats aspect, McGonigle comes in with a .287 AVG and a .398 OBP, which ranks sixth in all of MLB and first among rookies. Patience at the age of 21 is almost unheard of to the level of McGonigle, as he is the only qualified rookie with more walks than strikeouts and one of only seven qualified players across the league to hold that statistic. After an incredible first half of the season, McGonigle became the second-youngest Tiger All-Star ever, with the youngest being none other than Mr. Tiger himself, Al Kaline.

Another first-time All-Star will be making his way to the City of Brotherly Love for the All-Star Game. In his second full season in the majors, Dillon Dingler has fully broken out with 19 home runs, which ranks third among catchers, and 60 RBIs, which ranks first among catchers. The 27-year-old has solidified his spot as one of the top catchers in the league as he holds a 3.9 FanGraphs WAR (FanGraphs version of bWAR), which ranks tied for fifth in the entire MLB. Out of all qualified catchers, Dingler entered play on July 10 with the second-best slugging percentage at .516. The 2025 Gold Glover has continued his domination and looks to become the fourth Tigers catcher to win back-to-back Gold Gloves and the first catcher selected to the All-Start Game since Alex Avila in 2011.

For the third Tiger headed to Philadelphia, outfielder Riley Greene will be making his third All-Star Game appearance. As of July 10, he entered play with a .289 AVG, to go along with 13 HR and 46 RBI. Greene has played in all but one game for the Tigers this season, starting 83 games in left field and eight at DH. After launching 36 balls out of the yard last season, Greene has seen his home run number drop. On the flip side, not only has he already reached the same number of walks as he had last season, but he is also on pace for career highs in games played, hits, doubles, average, on base percentage, and on-base plus slugging percentage. With his third All-Star Game selection, Greene becomes the first Tiger since Miguel Cabrera to be selected to the Mid-Summer Classic three times in a row.

It’s been a wild ride for 43-year-old Justin Verlander. He's played on four teams during his 21-year career, including 14 amazing seasons in the Motor City. On July 8, Verlander announced this would be the end of the ride and one last playoff push with Detroit. On the same day, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Verlander would be the “Legend” pick for the American League. The future Hall of Famer is currently on the 60-IL working his way back, and will be unavailable to pitch in the game, although he will still be in attendance and honored for his illustrious career. This will be the 10th All-Star nod for the pitcher and his 7th for the Tigers.

Although the Tigers enter play on July 10 with a record of 43-50, the ball club will still be well represented in Philadelphia. As the Tigers head into a pivotal stretch before and after the All-Star Game, they’ll hope their trio of stars, backed by a healthy pitching staff, can turn their season around. 

Listen in to Tigers baseball, all season long, on NewsRadio WBRN via 96.5 FM and 1460 AM.

According to a recent analysis by CNBC, Michigan was named one of the top states for business competitiveness and success.

This is the fifth time the state has been selected in the top 10 since 2019.

“Michigan is a place where everyone can succeed,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make this ranking possible, such as creating jobs, bringing advanced manufacturing home, preparing our workforce, and lowering costs. This national recognition is a sign that Michigan is on the move, and when people do business here, they win big. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves and getting things done for every Michigander.”

CNBC’s rating system is based on a computation of 138 metrics within 10 categories: infrastructure, economy, workforce, quality of life, cost of doing business, technology and innovation, business friendliness, access to capital, education and cost of living.

Michigan’s highest rating was cost of doing business, in which it was fourth best in 2026. Its worst category was education at 29th.

The top five states were Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Minnesota. Other Great Lakes states included Indiana (10th), Illinois (12th) and Wisconsin (22nd).

See the full rankings here: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/09/americas-top-states-for-business-full-rankings.html.

Fair week is officially around the corner, as festivities begin Saturday, July 11, and will last through Saturday, July 18.

Before you make your way to the grounds, here are 10 essential tips and details you should know:

1. Parking Costs
   • Daily parking passes cost $5 at each gate or $20 for a weekly pass. All proceeds go to local organizations, teams and groups.
2. Prohibited Items
   • Alcohol, drugs and smoking are strictly prohibited on the fairgrounds. Pets, including dogs, are not allowed.
3. New Rodeo
   • 2D Rodeo Company will host the Friday night rodeo this year. The event will include pre-show music at 6:30 p.m. and new youth and adult events. More information can be found at 2D Rodeo Mecosta Free Fair. More information can be found here: 2D Rodeo Mecosta Free Fair.
4. Midway Opens Tuesday
   • Rides, games and fair food will open Tuesday morning. Daily hours are from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m., except for Wednesday’s Kids Day, which runs from noon to 11 p.m. Ticket rates and pricing can be found here: Skerbeck Family Carnival Info.
5. Chicken BBQ Returns
   • Angels of Action will host its sixth annual Chicken Barbecue event to help local residents facing food insecurity. Dinners are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. The cost is $18 for a full meal and $6 for a children’s meal.
6. Two Pulling Events
   • On Wednesday at 2 p.m., participants will compete in the annual pedal pulls near the fair office building. There is no cost to watch or participate. The large truck and tractor pulls will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. in the grandstands. Tickets are $15 per person,except $5 for those 5 and under.
7. New Foam Parties
   • A new addition to the fair this year is a pair of foam parties. Kids can enjoy DJ music and a foam pool from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, in the Exhibit Building.
8. Two Live Auctions
   • On Saturday, July 11, a culinary arts auction supporting local youth starts at 5:30 p.m. in the Exhibit Building. The market livestock auction takes place in the Covered Arena at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 16.
9. No Infield Party
   • Wednesday’s local celebrity race will start at 5:30 p.m., but there will be no infield party this year. Cost is $10 per person and $5 for children 5 and under. Standard harness racing will also be held Monday and Tuesday, with both days starting at 5 p.m.
10. Big Country 100.9 Attending
    • Tune into Big Country 100.9 FM for hourly fair reports, featuring daily schedules, participant interviews, and event updates. The station will also be on-site throughout the week for interactive activities and giveaways. Follow their Facebook page here: Big Country 100.9 Facebook.

For more details on their fair, visit www.mecostafreefair.com.

On Wednesday, July 8, a 37-year-old man from Big Rapids was injured in a motorcycle collision with a deer.

According to deputies, the crash occurred at the intersection of 195th Avenue and Grass Lake Road. The driver was traveling northbound on 195th Avenue when a deer hit the right side of the motorcycle. He went to the hospital under his own power for injuries to his right ankle and foot.

Deputies were assisted by Big Rapids City Fire and Rescue, Mecosta County EMS and Mecosta Central Dispatch.

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

On Wednesday afternoon, July 8, the Big Rapids Fire Department welcomed a special guest to its headquarters.

Congressman John Moolenaar joined city and township officials to mark the station’s upcoming new fire engine. The new pumper-tanker truck, which is still being manufactured, was partially funded by $378,000 in federal money secured by Moolenaar.

“I appreciate people who go into danger and will risk their lives to serve and protect us,” Moolenaar said. “This is a good investment for taxpayers. I don't think anybody can ever question how important it is to protect our communities and safety, and I just want to honor those who are serving.”

The accepted bid for the new engine was just under $770,000. Arrival is expected sometime in the next year. It will replace the department’s current 1998 model.

Fire Chief Steve Schroeder said the new truck will be a major upgrade for the department.

“We’re continuing to grow,” Schroeder said. “We have a new fire contract with Big Rapids Charter Township, so we respond to a large area and population. We need to provide an apparatus to give better service for our rural community. This engine is expected to carry more water than our current engine does. Our current engine has 1,000 gallons on it, while the new engine will have 1,800.”

Mayor Fred Guenther also spoke to the crowd. Guenther, along with Schroeder, Moolenaar and recently promoted Fire Capt. Bethany Hamilton, took an honorary fire engine ride around downtown Big Rapids following the ceremony.

Big Rapids Fire and Rescue was one of seven groups to receive federal funding from Moolenaar. Other projects can be found here: https://moolenaar.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/moolenaar-brings-funding-community-projects.

Monday, June 29

• No incidents reported. 

Tuesday, June 30

• An officer responded to Riverside Park East on a complaint of a suspicious subject. Contact was made with the subject who had multiple outstanding warrants. The subject was arrested on those warrants.   
• An officer was advised of multiple subjects riding a quad in town with no lights on. The subjects were located and the driver was cited for multiple violations.

Wednesday, July 1

• An officer was dispatched to a local business regarding a person they wanted a no trespassing notice served to. 
• An officer was dispatched to assist with a civil dispute at the splash pad. It was determined that no crime had been committed, and all parties went their separate ways.
• An officer was dispatched to a local business regarding the larceny of a motorcycle. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.

Thursday, July 2

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a harassment complaint. The complaint remains open pending further investigation. 
• An officer assisted Evart Fire & Rescue with a medical call.
• An officer was dispatched to a domestic incident. It was determined the offense took place at another location outside of the city limits. The officer stood by with the Osceola County Sheriff's Department until the complaint was investigated.
• An officer conducted a traffic stop for a moving infraction. The driver was taken into custody for multiple outstanding warrants.

Friday, July 3

• An officer was dispatched to a local business on a fail to pay complaint.
• An officer was dispatched to a local business for subjects who had run away from a residence outside of the city limits. Contact with the subject was made, and the officer assisted the Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy with transporting the subject back to their residence. 
• Officers were dispatched to a larceny complaint. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.
• An officer was dispatched to investigate a property damage accident.
• An officer was dispatched to a civil complaint. The officer assisted with resolving the issue.  
• An officer was dispatched to investigating a property damage crash involving two vehicles. One of the drivers received minor injuries, but denied medical assistance.   

Saturday, July 4

• No incidents reported. 

Sunday, July 5

• No incidents reported. 

The American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) recently recognized ice hockey players from across the country for their academic success during the 2025-26 season and 13 student-athletes from Ferris State University's team were honored as Krampade All-American Scholars.

To qualify, student-athletes must have attained a 3.75 GPA for each semester and had to appear in 40% of the team's games. Exceptions were granted to injured players and back-up goalies.

"I am very proud of the success our team had off the ice as well," Riley said. "We talk about winning in all areas and the time, effort, and commitment these young men put into their academic excellence truly shows. Being recognized as ACHA All-American Scholars is a tremendous accomplishment and it reflects the character, discipline and dedication they bring every day both in the classroom and as members of our program.”

Ferris State's Nic Belpedio, Gavin Best, Holden Doell, Hobie Hedquist, Logan Heroux, Christopher Lie, Martin Lundberg, Carter Rapalje, Noah Rupprecht, Tyler Schleppe, Jack Silich, Mason West and Josh Zary were recognized by the AHCA as Krampade All-American Scholars for this past season. 

The entire list consists of 723 Division I men (404) and women (319). FSU's 13 recipients ranked among the highest in the country.

The full release can be found here: ACHA WEBSITE.

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

A 52-year-old woman died following injuries from a two-car crash in Lake County two weeks ago.

The crash occurred on Friday, June 26, at about 11:30 p.m. at the intersection of South Saddler Road and East 40th Street in Pinora Township.

According to published details of the investigation, a 17-year-old man from Chase was traveling northbound and failed to stop. His vehicle then traveled into the intersection, colliding with a westbound vehicle driven by the 52-year-old woman. She was transported via AeroMed to the hospital in Grand Rapids with serious injuries, but died a short time later.

"At this time, investigators have not determined whether speed was a contributing factor," the Lake County Sheriff's Office said. "Drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash. The crash remains under investigation."

No additional details have been released regarding the identities of both individuals.

Assistance was provided by the Reed City Fire Department, Life EMS, Mecosta County EMS, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Lake County 911 Central Dispatch.

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

In part of the fiscal year 2027 state budget, Ferris State University has secured $22.1 million towards the renovation of the Allied Health Sciences Building. 

Initially proposed in 2021, the project would add about 20,000 square feet to the building at a total estimated cost of $29.5 million. Ferris State plans to fund the remaining $7.4 million and will not require a tuition increase. 

“Ferris State leaders deeply appreciate receiving planning authorization funding for the Allied Health Building,” said Dave Murray, vice president of communications and marketing. “This is an important first step and allows us to move forward with formal preconstruction, engineering and design work. Updating the Allied Health Building will modernize these learning spaces for generations of Ferris State students who graduate to become critical health care workers in communities all across Michigan.”

The project is currently in the funding and planning phase. No official renderings have been released at this time.

Located at 200 Ferris Drive, the building was constructed in 1979 and supports students and faculty in nursing, dental hygiene, health information technology and management, radiography, sonography, nuclear medicine technology, medical laboratory science, and health care system administration. 

Notable improvements include updated mechanical and infrastructure systems, enhanced instructional spaces, and renovations to the university’s nursing simulation lab.

State Rep. Tom Kunse, who helped secure the funds on the House floor, said the investment will help address the state’s health care workforce needs.

“Ferris State University plays a vital role in preparing the next generation of health care professionals,” Kunse said. “This investment gives students access to modern classrooms and hands-on training while helping ensure our communities have the skilled workforce they need for years to come.”

The Allied Health program is one of Ferris State’s largest, with the broader College of Health Professions and related health programs graduating nearly 900 students annually. University officials have noted that demand exceeds current capacity, with students often waitlisted due to limited space.

For more information on the project, visit here: ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES BUILDING PROJECT PURPOSE.

Photo courtesy of Ferris State University.

Following a trial in Mecosta County Circuit Court, Ryan Cox was acquitted of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Cox, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer from Mancelona, was sued for $250 million in a federal lawsuit after a shooting at Merrill-Gorrel County Park in Barryton.

The incident occurred May 13, 2023, when Cox — 22 at the time — was off duty and camping with his father, David Cox, and other family members. After reportedly hearing a woman scream, Cox and his father intervened in a verbal argument that turned physical between David Cox and Brandon Davis of Mount Pleasant. Ryan Cox then identified himself as a DNR conservation officer.

According to the defense, Davis was shot after he refused commands and raised his arm to continue assaulting David Cox. According to the prosecution, Davis was walking away when he was shot without justification. Davis was hospitalized and lost a kidney.

Cox was placed on administrative leave after the shooting, prompting a Michigan State Police investigation. He was charged in December 2023 by Attorney General Dana Nessel with one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and felony firearm. He was bound over for trial in May 2024, in which the felony firearm charge was later dismissed.

The jury deliberated for about two hours before returning a not-guilty verdict. The case was decided in the 49th Circuit.