Families spend months planning for dropping off their university students for their first semester on move-in day, but almost none of that preparation covers the week after – and the emotional jolt for the whole family.

Andrew Slater, director of the Ferris State University’s Personal Counseling Center and Anti-Violence Prevention Programming, said the transition hits harder than students expect the first days run in every direction.

He described the 72 hours after the family leaves as grief, fear, excitement, feeling lost and overwhelmed, then excitement again – which is normal.

October is the center's busiest month. By then the first failed test, the first breakup and the first cold week have landed together, and students who feel behind are measuring themselves against a performance.

"It's not any one specific thing," Slater said. "It's all of the things changing all at once."

His advice for students throughout this transition:

• Sleep, eat, move. Slater says students can protect their mental health with those three basics before they ever need a counselor. That means saying no to all-nighters, eating regular meals and finding ways to move around, which can be as modest as taking the long way across campus.
• Put your week on paper. Build a written weekly schedule that blocks out class time, club meetings and, deliberately, study hours so that it builds a routine.
• Go to something. Keep going. Slater encourages students to point students towards student organizations and on-campus events, such as Founder’s Day, since the first weeks are the easiest time to walk into a room cold. "Everybody is in the same boat," Slater said. "Everyone's looking to make friends. Everybody's from somewhere else."
• Learn one breathing exercise now. Slater recommends box breathing: in for four seconds, hold four, out four, hold four. Repeat five to eight minutes. He also uses a grounding count -- name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, then one statement that you will be all right.
• Fill out the paperwork before you need it. Slater said Ferris State students should not wait until they are struggling to make contact. The center's two intake forms take about 10 minutes to complete through the Healthy Dawg portal, and they stay good for the full academic year. Students who never call back lose nothing.

Slater’s advice for families on their end:

• Validate. Don't rescue. Slater, a parent himself, said the most common mistake comes from good intentions. The midnight phone call tempts families to "swoop in to save” and fix it fast. While the impulse is understandable, Slater said the pattern is not sustainable. He explained the way a family supports a student changes during college, and being more limited in the moment is not a reason to step back entirely. Students still need to know the support is there while they work through new challenges on their own.
• Have the hard conversation before you drive away. Slater urged families to hold one direct conversation about change and transition rather than a checklist, and to raise the hard subject they have been avoiding -- a medication routine, a diagnosis, a student who unravels without structure.
• Be the accountability text. Along with validation, Slater said offering to be an accountability check is just as helpful. One example: "Just text me when you get everything done at the end of the day, and I'll cheer for you and I'll send you a meme.”
• Set it up early. Academic accommodations and counseling paperwork both work better before a crisis than during one.
• Know what the office can tell you. Staff will listen to anything a parent shares and route it to the right people. Federal privacy law bars them from confirming a student is a client or discussing treatment. "I am here to listen and will ensure the info gets to the right person," Slater said.

Missing home, grieving high school and feeling anxious in new rooms all fall inside normal, he said. Constant panic attacks, sleeping through class, stopping meals and not leaving a residence hall do not. Slater added students in such a gradual decline often lose sight of it.

"If it's starting to mess with your ability to be functional, to be successful here, you should do something," he said.

Safety warrants an immediate call -- suicidal thoughts, or a student who does not feel safe with a roommate. Families can call the center, the Dean of Student Life office or the Department of Public Safety, which conducts well checks.

Ferris State University students can see a licensed counselor for free, with no session limits and no formal wait list. The Personal Counseling Center opens the week they move in.

The Personal Counseling Center is at 1019 Campus Drive, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed from noon to 1 p.m. Call (231) 591-5968 or email thepcc@ferris.edu. A walk-in hour runs at 3 p.m. every weekday for students in crisis. Ferris State also staffs a talk line at (231) 591-HELP (4357) around the clock, every day, with licensed clinicians. Students do not need to be in crisis to call it.

Counseling runs in person or virtually, and students may request a specific counselor. Most finish in four to seven sessions, or about a month. Seven clinicians work at Big Rapids, and one serves the Grand Rapids campus.

"I don't want your mental health to be the thing that stops you from being successful," Slater said. "College is hard enough. Don't let your mental health be the thing that makes it harder."

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

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is seeking information on a pair of suspects involved in a retail recent fraud incident.

Both individuals were seen inside the Beacon & Bridge convenience store on 19 Mile Road and Old US-131 at around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Both were seen wearing masks and one individual was seen taking what appeared to be two cases of beer from the store. Security photos also identified the suspect's vehicle as a black GMC SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Jordan Cloutier or Detective Sergeant Scott Morgan at (231) 592-0151 or at tips@mecostasheriff.org.

More information will be released once it becomes available.

_{Photos courtesy of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.}

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia today announced that $225,000 in grant funds will go to Central Montcalm Public Schools.

USDA provided the funding through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program. The program offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in rural communities.

“As school starts up again, these projects are reminders of how USDA Rural Development is helping school districts and libraries,” Restuccia said. “Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, we are making major investments in rural communities across Michigan.”

Central Montcalm Public Schools, in Montcalm County, plan to use the $225,000 grant to renovate unused classrooms and convert them into licensable space for daycare and before- and after-school programs. The existing rooms and outdoor areas will receive updates to meet childcare licensing requirements. In addition to the building updates, the district will build a new playground.

"Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with the exceptional staff at Central Montcalm Public Schools and see their vision for providing a safe and secure learning environment for children,” said Rep. John Moolenaar. “The federal funding I secured for this project will promote the educational development of children in Stanton and the surrounding area. I am grateful for USDA’s Rural Development programs and will continue to support their efforts to invest in our communities.”

The USDA also announced an additional $300,000 for Friends of Hubbard Lake, near Alpena, toward furnishings and technology to equip the community’s library and community center. These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services.

Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/mi.

Release courtesy of the _{U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.}

This weekend, the Ferris State volleyball team will host a three-day tournament featuring five of the top programs in the country.

The six-team tournament will run from Thursday, Aug. 27, through Saturday, Aug. 29. It will include 12 matches, four of them featuring host Ferris State.

The opposing teams are:

• MSU Denver — 2025 national champion, ranked No. 3 in the AVCA preseason poll
• Minnesota State — went 23-6 last season and received AVCA honorable mention
• Emporia State — coming off its most wins in a season (21) since 2011
• Illinois Springfield — 30 wins over the past two seasons
• Purdue Northwest — finished 2025 with its best record of the past decade

The Bulldogs enter the season ranked No. 10 nationally in the AVCA poll.

Tickets are $10 per day for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for faculty, staff and children ages 5-17. Children younger than 5 and Ferris State students are admitted free. A tournament pass good for all matches is available for $15.

For more tournament information, including the game schedule and ticket purchasing, visit here: 2026 FERRIS STATE VOLLEYBALL INVITATIONAL.

_{Photo credit of Ferris State Athletics.}

Michigan State Police located and arrested a man wanted in Indiana on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at a home in Mount Pleasant.

Troopers said a search warrant was executed that morning at a residence in the 3600 block of E. Deerfield Road, near the Lexington Ridge apartment complex. The search turned up firearms and ammunition.

“Detectives are seeking local charges against a second individual who was present at the residence,” Michigan State Police said. “The names of those involved are being withheld at this time, as formal charges have not yet been authorized and the individuals have not been arraigned.”

The investigation is ongoing. The suspect will be extradited to Indiana.

On-scene assistance was provided by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, Central Michigan University Police Department, Mid-Michigan Investigative Narcotics Team and Grand Rapids Police Department.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police - Sixth District.} 

On Monday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is reminding survivors of April’s severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that one week remains to apply for federal financial assistance. 

“Nearly every part of our state felt the impact of April’s severe weather, from widespread flooding and damaging winds to devastating tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer. “We know these storms left families and communities facing unexpected damage and costs. With the August 31st deadline to apply for federal assistance just one week away, I encourage every Michigander who was impacted to take advantage. If your home or property was damaged, this application can help you access the needed resources to help you recover and rebuild.” 

The deadline for survivors to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. The deadline to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan for physical damage is also Aug. 31, 2026. 

As of August 23, there have been over 5,000 approved applicants for aide. $28,091,691.70 in IA funds has been approved to support recovery efforts for Michigan’s April storms. 

"With the August 31 deadline for federal assistance approaching, we want to make sure everyone impacted by April’s severe weather knows help is available,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “If your home or property was damaged, or you experienced other losses from these storms, tornadoes, or flooding, we encourage you to apply. Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth taking the time to see what resources may be available to help with your recovery.” 

“The application deadline is approaching for Michigan survivors impacted by April’s severe weather to apply for federal assistance,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. (MSP/EMHSD.) “If your home or property was damaged, or you experienced other losses as a result of these storms and flooding, we encourage you to apply before the Aug. 31 deadline. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, taking the time to apply could help you access resources to support your recovery.” 

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online or by using the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. Assistance is also available in person by visiting any Michigan Disaster Recovery Center (MI DRC). Find a nearby center by using the interactive dashboard found on the April 2026 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding disaster website. 

Applying for a SBA low-interest disaster loan can be done online or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center. For more information or to check an application status, call SBAs Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. 

Between April 10 and April 21, severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes caused widespread damage and flooding in 43 counties across the state. Throughout the entire month, the National Weather Service issued 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings, and 25 flood advisories.? 

A major disaster declaration, approved by President Donald J. Trump on June 30 opened?the path for FEMA’s IA program?and SBA low-interest disaster loans for 27 counties, including: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wexford Counties.?The program provides financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to damage caused by severe weather. 

Ebels General Store is undertaking a large-scale solar project to help mitigate its energy expenses.

The flagship store in Falmouth already has three solar projects online. At the Evart and Reed City locations, the company is installing overhang solar panel structures, with completion estimated within the next 60 days.

The project aims to reduce the company’s energy costs and ease strain on the electricity grid, according to Tom Ebels, chief financial officer of Ebels General Store.

“With the rise of data centers, we see electricity becoming more costly as well as unstable,” Ebels said. “With parking lots and roofs to use for solar installations, one of the barriers traditionally seen in solar installations is limited. We are fortunate we can install solar and not have to occupy valuable farmland or green space.”

The family decided to begin the project a few years ago and estimates it will reduce the company’s electricity consumption by 50%.

“We are seeing quite a difference in our energy use,” Ebels said. “We are producing in some cases more than half the electricity we require.”

Ebels plans to start and complete an additional solar project in Falmouth in 2027.

At approximately 1:04 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, a two-vehicle crash in Sheridan Township injured a 51-year-old man from Blanchard and a 57-year-old man from Remus.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Taft Road and 10th Avenue, between Remus and Barryton.

According to deputies, the Blanchard man was traveling northbound on 10th Avenue and failed to stop at a posted stop sign. He then collided with the passenger side of an eastbound vehicle driven by the Remus man.

“Both drivers sustained minor injuries as a result of the crash,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “The 51 year-old Blanchard man was transported from the scene by Mecosta County EMS to a hospital in Mount Pleasant for treatment of minor, non-life-threatening injuries. The 57-year-old Remus man was evaluated at the scene and was released without requiring transportation.”

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Barryton Fire/Rescue, Mecosta Central Dispatch and Huff’s Towing.

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

Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Department of Natural Resources approved more than $109 million for public land investment, development and acquisitions throughout Michigan.

“Michigan’s parks, trails and public lands are some of the best places to spend time with family and friends, and these investments will help make them even better,” said Gov. Whitmer. “I’m proud we got a balanced, bipartisan budget across the finish line that includes grant funding for 75 projects in communities across our state. By partnering with local communities, we’re expanding access to the outdoors, protecting our natural resources and creating more places where people can live, work and play. Let’s keep getting it done.”

Among the 75 projects, four are in Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties.The largest investment was a $1.6 million acquisition of 354 acres of oak-pine barrens habitat in Newaygo County. This purchase connects the east and west units of the Muskegon State Game Area.

As the first of area developments, the city of Lakeview was awarded $400,000 to build off-road segments of a multi-use trail loop around Tamarack Lake, including two trailhead parking lots.

The city of Big Rapids will receive $391,400 for the Clay Cliffs Nature Area project. The funds will be used to build a three-quarters-mile stretch of universally accessible waterfront and two footbridges over Mitchell Creek.

A third investment is $280,000 for the installation of wayfinding and interpretive kiosks throughout White Pine Trail State Park. The 92-mile trail system runs north and south through Kent, Montcalm, Mecosta, Osceola and Wexford counties.

“Since its inception, the Trust Fund has awarded crucial grant dollars to local governments and state agencies for creative projects and acquisitions that greatly benefit residents and local economies in every county of the state,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “The protection and enhancement of Michigan’s outdoor recreation opportunities and cherished wild places are more important than ever. We’re grateful to the visionaries who created this unique funding source and to the many partners who continue to elevate its impact for current and future generations of Michiganders."

Parks and recreation facilities are a big part of Michigan’s economy, generating value for surrounding communities, creating jobs and helping sustain small businesses. Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry sustains 126,000 jobs and more than $4.7 billion in wages and salaries. On average, every $1 invested in land conservation leads to $4 in economic benefit.

For more information on the Trust Fund, visit https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/Buy-and-Apply/grants/rec/mnrtf.

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

Monday, Aug. 17

• At 11:29 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Green Township. A male subject was arrested on an undisclosed warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 2

Tuesday, Aug. 18

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 3

Wednesday, Aug. 19

• At 3:15 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Aetna Township. A female subject was arrested on multiple warrants. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 8

Traffic Accidents: 2

Thursday, Aug. 20

• At 8:40 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Martiny Township. A female was arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 9:41 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids Township. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, Aug. 21

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 0

Traffic Accidents: 0

Saturday, Aug. 22

• At 5:18 p.m., a male subject was arrested in Big Rapids Township for Operating Under the Influence of Liquor. He was arraigned and lodged a Mecosta Couty Jail.

Calls for Service: 33

Traffic Accidents: 3

Sunday, Aug. 23

• At 8:29 p.m., deputies made a warrant arrest in Sheridan Township. A male was located, arrested, and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail without incident.

Calls for Service: 31

Traffic Accidents: 4

Taking a break from the grind of preseason strength and conditioning, Ferris State Hockey players traded workouts for a different kind of work about 15 miles south of Big Rapids.

At the Morley Community Center, a group of players and coaches joined community members in an assembly line to pack and distribute produce and other food items to people arriving by vehicle.
This effort supports Feeding America West Michigan and helps provide food to people in need.

Ben Mumah, a longtime equipment manager for the Ferris State Hockey program, is a Class of 1972 graduate of nearby Morley Stanwood High School, and his family has been involved in the effort for years.

"My sister and her husband help set everything up, and they've been doing it for years," he said. "Since I have a little more time on my hands now, my wife and I usually come down to help them out."

Mumah was joined by Ferris State Hockey head coach Brett Riley, associate coach Zack Cisek, and several Bulldog student-athletes to help bag a wide range of items, including fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, milk, and more, for community members receiving them from their vehicles outside the community center.

Mumah suggested that the coaches invite the players to take some time away from their preseason schedule to give back.

"I like the interaction between the players and the community members," Mumah said. "It allows our players to see a little different part of life. If you help somebody, then it helps you feel good about yourself, too. These are great kids. If they can play half as well as they are as people, we'll be great."

The players enjoyed the opportunity to serve, interact with fellow volunteers and meet community members benefiting from the effort.

"I think it's always important to come out to the community and help out," said senior forward Holden Doell, a native of Martensville, Saskatchewan. "They come out and support us, so we've got to come out and support the community as well."

For several Bulldogs, the experience also provided an opportunity to share with community members where they are from and learn more about the area they now call home.

Among those Bulldogs was junior defenseman Chris Lie, a native of Hamar, Norway.

"It's always fun to help the community in the Big Rapids area," he said. "It's a small community, and just bringing some of our guys out here and helping out is always fun for us."

Bulldog Hockey begins the 2026-27 season on the road with a two-game set at Canisius, Oct. 2-3, before traveling to Kalamazoo for a matchup at Western Michigan on Oct. 8. Ferris State opens at home against Western on Oct. 9, with puck drop scheduled for 7:07 p.m. at Ewigleben Ice Arena.

_{Image and releae courtesy of Ferris State Athletics.}

A 48-year-old Ionia man died Saturday evening after a crash in Aetna Township.

The crash occurred just before 6:26 p.m. on Aug. 22 near the intersection of 200th Avenue and Jefferson Road, just west of Morley near U.S. 131. Upon arrival at the scene, the driver was found unresponsive behind the wheel and had to be extricated from the vehicle.

“Life-saving measures were performed by first responders at the scene; however, the man was unable to be resuscitated,” deputies said. “Preliminary investigation revealed the man had been leaving the park-and-ride on 200th Avenue when he suffered a severe medical episode and drove into the west ditch. Neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to be a factor in the crash.”

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Mecosta County Emergency Medical Services, Morley Area Fire Rescue, Mecosta Central Dispatch, Mid-Michigan Medical Examiners Group, Currie’s Towing and Daggett’s Funeral Home of Barryton.

Release information courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

On Friday, Aug. 21, at approximately 8:57 a.m., deputies from the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash in Big Rapids Township.

According to the investigation, the crash occurred at the intersection of Northland Drive and Gilbert Drive just south of Ferris State's campus. The investigation revealed that a 24-year-old woman from Big Rapids failed to stop at the red light. She crashed into a 17-year-old man from Newaygo who was turning left through a green light.

The 17-year-old was transported to Big Rapids hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

Deputies were assisted by Central Dispatch, Mecosta County EMS and Big Rapids Police.

Release information courtesy of Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

Big Rapids Police responded to a motorcycle crash on Friday morning, Aug. 21, at approximately 8:03 a.m.

The wreck occured in the 1000 block of S. State Street when a 47-year-old man from Evart was ejected from his motorcyle after colliding with a truck. He was transported via AeroMed to Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids.

According to Big Rapids Police, the crash is under investigation.

The Big Rapids Police Department was assisted on scene by the Big Rapids Fire Department, Ferris State University DPS, the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office, The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Posse, Mecosta County EMS, and Meceola Central Dispatch.

Release information courtesy of Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.

On Friday, Sept. 18, Save The Ponds will host a community celebration and groundbreaking to mark the start of the Paris Fishponds restoration project.

The six-phase project will address the ponds’ condition, including repairs to the raceway and intake system, restoration of Pond 3 walls, and replacement of the Pond 2 exit dam and adjacent raceway. As of Thursday, Aug. 20, more than $480,000 has been raised, and a construction contract has been awarded for the first three phases after engineering, permitting and public bidding requirements were completed.

The ponds date to 1881, when the Department of Conservation established the Paris State Fish Hatchery to produce and distribute salmon and trout fingerlings throughout Michigan. The property was expanded and improved in the 1930s and was closed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 1964. The Mecosta County Park Commission acquired the property in 1973 and opened it as Paris County Park in 1976.

“When we started talking to people about the ponds, we kept hearing stories,” said Save The Ponds Committee Chairman Rick Hatkowski. “People have strong memories of this place. It is part of our community’s history. It is in rough shape, but we are going to fix it.”

Fundraising efforts launched in November 2024 and included a $75,000 contribution from the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners. Community members, businesses and organizations have since supported the effort through donations, fundraising events and programs such as “Adopt a Trout.”

The public is invited to two free events Friday, Sept. 18, at Paris County Park to celebrate the occasion. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 3 p.m., followed by a Community Concert in the Park with live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Vehicle entry fees will be waived for attendees. Visitors should report to the Paris County Park office for directions to the groundbreaking site.

“We want this to be a celebration for everyone,” Hatkowski said. “This project belongs to the community. The people who remember the ponds, the people who have supported the project, and the people who are discovering the ponds for the first time are all part of the story.”

For more information on the event, follow the project’s Facebook page here: SAVE THE PONDS FACEBOOK PAGE.

_{Release information and photo courtesy of Save the Ponds & Mecosta County Park Commission.}

Monday, August 3

• No calls/arrests reported.

Tuesday, August 4

• Officers were advised of a civil dispute that occurred during 'National Night Out Event' regarding parking spots.

Wednesday, August 5

• Officers were dispatched to check on a 911 open line. It was found to be an accidental call.

Thursday, August 6

• No calls/arrests reported.

Friday, August 7

• An officer was dispatched for a fail to pay. The incident remains under investigation.

Saturday, August 8

• Officers were requested to assist the Osceola County Sheriff's Department with searching for a missing juvenile. The juvenile was located and returned home.  

Sunday, August 9

• An officer was dispatched for a found property complaint. The property was seized and brought back to the police department for safekeeping.
• An officer was dispatched for an assault complaint. The complainant advised they were pushed to the ground. The suspect left the scene prior to officer's arrival. The report remains open. 
• An officer assisted Osceola County Sheriff Department's with a concealed carry complaint involving a subject threatening another subject with a firearm.

Monday, August 10

• An officer responded to a complaint involving suspicious activity. After meeting with the reporting party and conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances, officers determined that no criminal offense had occurred. No further police action was required.
• Officers were dispatched to a second report of suspicious activity. The situation was investigated, including gathering information from those involved. Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined that no criminal violation had taken place, and the incident was closed.
• An officer responded to a complaint regarding possible fraudulent activity. Information was collected from the complainant, and an investigation was initiated to determine the nature and extent of the alleged fraud. The case remains open and under active investigation pending the collection of additional evidence and follow-up.
• Officers were dispatched to a report of items believed to have been stolen from a vehicle. During the initial investigation, the complainant was uncertain whether the property had been stolen or simply misplaced. A larceny investigation was started, and officers documented the reported missing items. Several days later, the complainant contacted the department to report that the items had been located and were determined to have been misplaced rather than stolen. The investigation was subsequently closed with no criminal activity found.

Tuesday, August 11

• No calls/arrests reported.

Wednesday, August 12

• No calls/arrests reported.

Thursday, August 13

• No calls/arrests reported.

Friday, August 14

• An officer responded to a civil dispute involving two parties. Prior to the officer's arrival, one of the involved subjects left the area after learning that 911 had been contacted. Officers gathered information from the remaining party and documented the complaint. The matter remains open pending contact with the other involved individual to obtain their statement and determine whether any further action is necessary.
• An officer made contact with an individual who had an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The subject was informed of the warrant, taken into custody without incident, and transported for processing. Custody of the individual was subsequently transferred to the Mecosta County Sheriff's Department.

Saturday, August 15

• No calls/arrests reported.

Sunday, August 16

• No calls/arrests reported.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The crash remains under investigation.

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police.}

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

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

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

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

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

_{Release information courtesy of Michigan State Police.}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_{Image courtesy of Cole Andrews.}