Barry County voters did not ride the ‘Blue Wave’ on Tuesday, voting mostly Republican in the state wide races for Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and nearly 2 to 1 for Republican Mike Rogers over Democrat Abdul El Sayed for US Senate, and for John Moolenaar for Congress.

On Tuesday,  voters in the Hastings Area School district narrowly passed a bond proposal by just one percentage point, 4619 YES to 4501 NO.

The bond is poised to generate $24.8 million in revenue to fund district-wide improvements with an estimated zero-percent tax rate increase over the current rate. The projects were identified through a comprehensive, district-wide facilities study conducted this past spring that included input from all stakeholders, from administration and teachers to families and support staff. These projects aim to create a learning environment that is safer, more efficient, and more practical.

“The results of Tuesday’s election are just one of the many ways we see our community show up for our district and its students all the time,” said Superintendent Nick Damico. “We are beyond thankful for the support that voters showed us during this crucial ballot proposal, but we also acknowledge the many ways that countless individuals, organizations, and businesses chip in to help us build successful Saxons on a daily basis.”

The project list targets the highest priority improvements cited by the facilities study, including:
- Safety and security: Improving secure entryways at all schools, adding security glazing film, replacing PA systems, and replacing fire alarm systems.
- Facilities and infrastructure: Improving aging and overcrowded kitchen spaces at all elementary schools, improving parking and traffic flow, renovating high school restrooms, increasing stadium bleacher capacity, and replacing the aging bus fleet.
- Academic and learning spaces: Modernizing classroom environments for core academic subjects at the high school, and improving Career and Technical Education (CTE) and hands-on learning spaces at both the middle school and high school.

This decision by voters comes on the heels of a successful bond passed in 2023, which funded three years of campus-wide improvements, including new roofing, updated playgrounds, and new locker rooms, among many other projects. The full scope of the 2023 projects was completed slightly under budget, a feat that the district aims to replicate.

“A lot of hard work goes into identifying our facility needs and educating our district families about school funding and how bonds fit into that process. However, the work on our end is just beginning,” Damico added. “We look forward to bringing our families along for the ride with updates via social media, newsletters, and more, as we tackle these upcoming projects with our sights set on both transparency and fiscal responsibility. We’re dedicated to affirming with our taxpayers that we are good stewards of their funds.”

School Board Election:

Kevin Dickinson,  Luke Haywood, and Darrell Slaughter were elected to 6 year terms on the Hastings Board of Education, while Brad Tolles will serve a partial term ending 12/31/2028.

A factory building is re-opened following a mercury spill on Tuesday.  Barry Eaton District Health Department reported Wednesday morning the unidentified building has been cleared by HAZMAT and is safe to resume operations.

In a social media post Tuesday evening, the Barry Eaton District Health Department said "BEDHD was made aware of a mercury spill at a factory in Hastings, MI. The building has been evacuated while we identify where the mercury vapor might be present. We are working with local community partners to assess the building and make sure it is safe for workers to return."

The news post went on to say "We will continue to provide updates to the community as we are able to", however the Health Department did not identify what factory was evacuated.  It said "The health and safety of the workers and community are our top priority."

Bradford White workers will soon return to the production line following a majority voted over the weekend to accept a new contract proposal.

According to union officials, some 58.6% of the nearly 1300 UAW Local 1002 union members at the Middleville plant voted Sunday to approve the labor agreement, bringing an end to their strike that began September 16^th.

The company reportedly called it their best and final offer,  with terms similar to an offer that was rejected just over a week ago, but included bonuses of $250 for new hires and $500 for other existing workers. Details of the new agreement have not yet been made public.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers made a stop Friday morning in Hastings on his statewide “We have a State to Save” Bus Tour. Rogers campaigned in front of a packed house at The Jefferson in downtown Hastings to fire up his GOP base before heading off to stops in Muskegon and White Cloud. 

Meanwhile, Democratic supporters of Senate candidate Abdul El Sayed carried signs and demonstrated around the Barry County Courthouse and downtown sidewalks to make their views known.

Early in-person voting continues this weekend and ends Sunday.  The polls will be open on Election Day November 3rd from 7am to 8pm.

Hastings Fire was dispatched just after 5pm on Wednesday, Oct. 28 for a two-car PI accident with possible multiple victims. On staff personnel responded to the scene at 17:03.

While in route to the scene at the intersection of Broadway and Carlton Center Road,  HFD was updated confirming multiple patients with entrapment. Upon arrival at the scene  Hastings Fire noted multiple patients that required extrication and medical assessment; Hastings Fire requested further assistance from Freeport Fire Department as well as air medical assistance for the critically wounded.

Fire Department personnel immediately started the complicated extrication to remove all victims from the car. All four victims were safely removed from the car and turned over to medical personnel on scene for treatment and transport. Law Enforcement was able to fully re-open the roadway at 11pm.

Hastings Fire Department would like to extend a Thank you to all the supporting agencies of Freeport Fire Dept, LIFE EMS, Thornapple Twp EMS, Aeromed, and Barry County Central Dispatch. Due to the teamwork and professionalism by everyone the hazards were quickly mitigated on the complex scene, and all occupants were safely turned over to EMS staff.

Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to an Armed Suspect incident in Leroy Township.  At approximately 5:30pm on Monday, October 26^th.  Deputies from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to execute a search warrant and a probation violation warrant at a residence on Running Deer Ridge in Leroy Township.

The incident stemmed from a domestic situation the previous day involving 35 year old Travis Baker and his parents.  Concerns regarding Baker’s behavior and possession of firearms led deputies to the residence to execute the warrants related to a probation violation involving firearms.

During the response the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Special Response Team deployed a drone to assess the situation. As the Special Response Team attempted to enter the residence shots were fired from inside the home. Numerous rounds were fired toward responding law enforcement personnel, striking specialized response vehicles belonging to both the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Battle Creek Police Department.  Two Sheriff’s Office drones were shot down.

Although the residence is located in a rural area, the proximity of neighboring homes raised significant safety concerns due to the potential for stray gunfire. An emergency alert was issued advising residents  in the immediate area to shelter in place, remain indoors and stay away from windows and exterior walls.  Residents were also provided the option to evacuate.

During the incident, an officer with the Battle Creek Police Department discharged their firearm from a specialized response vehicle.  A fire rapidly engulfed the residence, preventing officers from  immediately confirming Baker’s condition.  Baker was subsequently confirmed deceased.

The immediate threat to the public was resolved Monday evening and the shelter in place advisory was lifted.  There is no ongoing threat to neighboring residents related to this incident.

The circumstances surrounding the officer involved shooting and structure fire remain under investigation.

Assisting agencies  included the Battle Creek Police Department, Michigan State Police, Albion Department of Public Safety, Marshall Police Department Emmett Township Department of Public Safety, Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority and Calhoun County Probation.

The MHSAA high school football playoffs start this week and Hastings is one of five local teams who will be in the  First Round District Semi-Finals this Friday:

Hastings travels to Stevensville Lakeshore – Broadcast at 6:50pm Friday on WBCH.

Thornapple Kellogg Middleville will host Coldwater

Maple Valley on the road at Decatur

Lakewood will be at home against Berrien Springs

Caledonia will host East Lansing

The Hastings Department of Public Service will begin its annual fall leaf and yard debris cleanup Monday, Nov. 2, and will run through Dec. 7, 2026.

DPS crews will be doing brush chipping ahead of the leaf crews.

The last day of compost site operation will be Monday Dec 7.

Updates will be communicated on the City of Hastings Facebook page and WBCH radio. Please check these resources for more information or call City Hall (269) 945-2468.

Curbside cleanup rules:

DO:

• Pile sticks and branches separately from leaves
• Pile materials in the yard just behind the curb
• Begin piling materials at curb two (2) weeks prior to cleanup

DON’T:

• Pile materials in the street or gutter
• Pile materials so they block the sidewalk
• Pile materials that restrict vision of motorists and pedestrians
• Pile materials after DPS crews have completed cleanup
• Place cement/ brick/ stones/ patio block/ landscape blocks/ landscape timbers
• Place materials generated by commercial contractors
• Place branches larger than 3” in diameter and/or longer than 4’ in length

UAW Local 1002 Union Members on Friday voted to reject a tentative collective bargaining agreement with Bradford White Corporation in Middleville that had been reached between the company and union negotiators last week.  As a result, the workers remain on strike, picketing in front of the water heater manufacturing facility. The workers walked off the job on September 16 after the old agreement had expired and a new agreement was not reached.

Union members have been seeking higher wages, a better paid time off program, and better health insurance benefits. 

A statement released Saturday by the company said:

"We are disappointed Local 1002 voted against ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement. The tentative agreement, which had been signed by local union representatives, offered meaningful wage increases and valuable benefits for our employees and their families. We are committed to being a leading employer in West Michigan, and the tentative agreement reflected that commitment. Our focus now is on establishing a clear, timely path forward that balances the interests of our workforce with the long-term needs of the business. Prolonged uncertainty does not serve our people or our customers, and we are evaluating next steps with those responsibilities in mind. In the meantime, we remain dedicated to serving our customers with the high-quality water heating solutions they depend on. We will continue to make thoughtful decisions that support our employees and position Bradford White for long-term success.”

It is unclear when the two parties will return to the bargaining table.

Early in-person voting for the November 3 General Election begins Saturday, October 24. City of Hastings residents can do so at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, Leason Sharpe Hall, 231 South Broadway in Hastings.  Voting hours are 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays,  and  10am to 6pm Monday through Friday. The early voting period ends November 1.  

Voters in other parts of Barry County should check with their township clerk’s office for their early in-person voting location.  Meanwhile absentee voting continues. 

On Election Day the polls will be open from 7am to 8pm.

On October 20th a 42 year old Clarksville man was found unresponsive in his cell at the Eaton County Jail of an apparent suicide.  Life saving efforts were initiated and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced  deceased.

The incident is under active investigation.  All information related to the incident will be provided to the Medical Examiner to assist with the investigation and determination of the official cause of death.

Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, we ask  that their privacy be respected as they grieve.  We recognize that losing a loved one under these circumstances is especially painful and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

The Sheriff's Office also recognizes the impact this tragedy may have on the staff members who work each day to care for and supervise those in our custody. Our thoughts are with everyone affected  by this loss and resources will be made available to them.

"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones.  Every person who comes through our doors is someone's son or daughter, parent or friend." said Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich.  "We are committed to treating those in our care with dignity and to helping them find a path toward a better future.  This loss is truly heartbreaking."

The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating a reported attempted abduction that occurred on October 20th at approximately 10:50a.m. near the intersection of Morgan Road and Norave Drive in Pennfield Township.

A 54 year old Pennfield Township woman was walking her dog along Morgan Road when she was approached from behind by an unknown male wearing a black ski mask, fluorescent yellow jacket and black gloves.  The suspect reportedly grabbed the woman from behind and lifted her off the ground.  Her dog intervened, attacking the suspect, who then fled into a nearby wooded area.

Deputies responded to the scene and searched the surrounding area with assistance from the Calhoun Aerial Support Team (CAST), which deployed a drone to assist in the search.  Despite these efforts, deputies did not locate the suspect.

The Sheriff's Office has notified surrounding law enforcement agencies and continues to investigate the incident.  Deputies will follow up with residents in the area to identify potential surveillance footage that may help identify the suspect.

Bradford White Corporation in Middleville said Tuesday it has reached a tentative deal with United Auto Workers Local 1002 members to end their month old strike. The more than 1200 union workers walked off the job at midnight on September 16th after the union failed to reach an agreement with the company.

A vote by Union members is scheduled for Friday to either ratify or decline this tentative agreement.

According to union bargaining chair Randy Tobias, the old contract that was agreed to in 2020 expired on September 1st, but a 15-day extension was put in place. Two offers were made by the company at that time but were both turned down by about 95% of the union workers.

Tobias said the union workers have been seeking higher wages, a better paid time off program, and better health insurance benefits.  

Bradford White manufactures water heaters at the Middleville plant.

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is once again taking part in a national initiative that encourages residents to safely dispose of expired and unused prescription pills. All of MSP’s 31 posts, including the Wayland post, will be open on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accept unwanted medications as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

“Safely disposing of unused and expired medications is a simple step that can have a lasting impact on our communities,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Clearing out medications that are no longer needed and using a safe disposal site can help prevent prescription drug misuse, protect the environment and keep potentially dangerous medications out of the wrong hands.”

All collected pills will be destroyed; no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes will not be accepted. To find a collection site near you, visit Michigan.gov/MSPPosts.

Anyone unable to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can anonymously surrender prescription drugs at any MSP post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

State Representative Gina Johnsen will hold a series of office hours this month giving constituents the chance to meet with her in person, ask questions, and share concerns. No RSVP is necessary and refreshments will be provided:

Monday, October 12

5:30 to 7:00 pm

Bowne Township Hall

8240 Alden Nash Ave SE, Alto, MI 49302

Monday, October 19

5:30 to 7:00 pm

Odessa Township Offices

3862 Laurel Dr., Lake Odessa, MI 48849

Monday, October 26

5:30 to 7:00 pm

Sunfield United Brethren Church

8436 W Grand Ledge Hwy., Sunfield, MI 48890

“I want to hear directly from the people I represent,” said Johnsen. “These office hours are a chance for folks to sit down with me, ask questions, and let me know what matters to them.”

For more information, contact Rep. Johnsen's office at (517) 373-1796 or GinaJohnsen@house.mi.gov.

Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) and Barry County Emergency Management Department (BCEM) are immensely grateful to the many organizations, agencies, businesses, and community members who contributed their time, expertise, resources, and support throughout the ricin response.

Response and public safety partners included: Hastings Police & Fire Department; City of Hastings; Barry County; Barry-Eaton District Board of Health; Barry County Humane Society; Barry County Dispatch/911; Barry County Prosecuting Attorney; Barry County Sheriff’s Department; Barry County Drain Commission, Barry County Animal Control; Hastings Department of Public Services; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Michigan State Police (MSP); Michigan National Guard’s 51st Civil Support Team; Thornapple Township Fire Department & EMS, Mel Oakley, Life EMS, Kent County Health Department; Kent County Sheriff's Department; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Team (START); Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS); MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories (BOL); Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); and Region 5 Healthcare Coalition.

Healthcare and service partners included: Barry County United Way; Barry County Commission on Aging; Barry County Community Mental Health Authority; The Ability Collective of Barry County; Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department; Corewell Health Grand Rapids; Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center; American Red Cross; and The Salvation Army of Battle Creek.

Community businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals included: Barry Community Foundation; Tyden Lofts (KMG Prestige & General Capital Group); BELFOR Environmental; Onterris; E3 Environmental; Barry County Transit; Hastings Pharmacy; The Shack in Delton; Manna’s Market; Serenity Club; Highpoint Community Bank; Seasonal Grille; Mexican Connexion; Walldorff Brew Pub & Bistro; Friends of Barry County COA; All Call Restoration; Holiday Inn Express Hastings; Court-Side Screen Printing and Embroidery; First Presbyterian Church; Hastings Baptist Church; Venue 1230; Living Waters Church; Applebee's; Hungry Howie's; Jimmy John’s; TriFit; Sports Tap; Peace Church; Nashville Baptist Church; Emmanuel Episcopal Church; Barry ISD; Consumers Energy; The Ziny Family; Andrew & Kristen Cove; Don & Carrie Wilgus; Chelsey Foster; and Megan Lavell.

The coordination, expertise, generosity, and continued commitment of these partners helped make it possible to assess and remediate the building, safely clear Tyden Lofts for resident re-entry, and support residents throughout their displacement. Community partners provided meals, clothing, personal care items, pet food and other animal care supplies, emotional and mental health support, financial and resource assistance, and many other forms of practical support. This response was a display of true community collaboration, and BEDHD is deeply grateful to everyone who stepped forward to help residents and the Hastings community during an extremely difficult and uncertain time.

On Friday, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) cleared Tyden Lofts for resident re-entry following environmental sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Based on the results of environmental sampling and public health consultation, Tyden Lofts was declared safe for all residents to return to their apartments, including the last group of residents who were displaced for 22 days.

The ricin-related health threat identified during the response has been removed and remediated. EPA environmental sampling found no remaining ricin contamination requiring additional remediation, and MDHHS provided a health consultation supporting the decision to allow residents to return.

Residents may see continued construction and remodeling taking place in portions of the building as they return to their apartments. This ongoing work does not mean the building is unsafe. The ricin-related public health threat has been addressed through the response and remediation process, and the building has been cleared for re-entry.

BEDHD recognizes the significant impact this incident and the resulting displacement have had on Tyden Lofts residents. Throughout the response, partners worked to protect residents’ health and safety while also helping address the practical challenges residents faced while away from their homes. Ongoing mental health support is being made available to all Tyden Lofts residents through Barry County Community Mental Health Authority (BCCMHA).

BEDHD is immensely grateful to the many local, state, and federal partners who worked tirelessly throughout this response. Their coordination, expertise, and continued commitment helped make it possible to complete the assessment and remediation process, safely clear the building for re-entry, and provide critical support to residents throughout their displacement.

With the public health threat from ricin remediated and the building cleared for re-entry, Barry County Emergency Management will take the lead as we transition to the recovery phase of the incident, including efforts to address ongoing impacts related to this incident. For questions or concerns, Tyden Lofts residents can contact the Tyden Lofts Resident Hotline at 269-798-4111 or FAC@bedhd.org.

The American Pickers are excited to return to Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan to film episodes of The History Channel television series this October.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable Characters and their collections.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell…we would love to hear from you!

Please note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, please send your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with
photos. 

americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184

The Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Katlin Hall as Director of Barry County Central Dispatch.

Hall was formally appointed to the position by the Administrative Board on Monday, September 28, 2026, after serving as Interim Director since May 30.

A member of the Barry County Central Dispatch team since 2013, Hall brings more than a decade of experience in emergency communications and public safety operations. Prior to stepping into the interim leadership role, she served as Deputy Director, where she played an integral role in day-to-day operations, personnel support, system coordination, and collaboration with public safety partners throughout Barry County.

“The Board has tremendous confidence in Katie and in her ability to lead Barry County Central Dispatch into its next chapter,” said Lani Forbes, Chair of the Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board. “Over the past several months, she has demonstrated steady leadership and a genuine commitment to both our employees and the communities we serve. Katie understands this organization, she understands the demands placed on our dispatchers, and she has earned the trust and respect of our public safety partners. We are excited to have her officially step into the role of Director.”

Hall holds the Emergency Number Professional (ENP) designation, a nationally recognized certification in 911 leadership and management, and has continued to advance her professional development in public safety communications throughout her career.

Barry County Central Dispatch operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving as the critical link between the public and emergency responders throughout the county. The center handles over 50,000 calls annually and coordinates response efforts for 27 law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services.

Sunday, October 4th, is the first day of National Fire Prevention Week and the Hastings Fire Department is holding a public open house from 12 to 4pm at the Department.

Hastings Fire Chief Mark Jordan said that during the event they will recognize the Keith and Elsie Sage Trusts' generous legacy gift of more than $1 million to the Hastings, Thornapple, Delton, Woodland, and Freeport fire departments. The gift made it possible to purchase a used 2018 Rosenbauer platform truck with a 101 foot aerial platform.  Chief Jordan said they are using the money they received for trading in the previous 2000 model Suphen platform truck,  along with the gift from the Keith and Elsie Sage Memorial Trust, to purchase the newer Rosenbauer truck. It will be on display at Sunday's open house.   A special ceremony will be held at 1pm to honor and celebrate the Sage family.  Mr. Sage was a long-time Hastings Fireman.

The open house will also offer light refreshments and activities and goodies for kids.

The new Barry County Commission on Aging Activity and Resource Center is officially open. On Tuesday, a ribbon cutting was held at the facility located at 2625 East M-79 Highway on the Thornapple Manor campus adjacent to Harvest Point. Afterward an open house was held giving the public an opportunity to tour the 16,600 square foot facility.

During the ceremony, COA Executive Director Courtney Ziny, Barry County Chamber and EDA president Jennifer Heinzman, Board of Commissioners Chair David Jackson, Thornapple Manor and Harvest Pointe Administrator Rebecca DeHaan and others thanked all who were involved and commented on the long process of planning, funding, and getting the new facility built, and the positive impact it will have on county residents for years to come.

Ziny said:

Former COA Director Tammy Pennington, who retired after leading the COA for over 35 years, said:

Hastings Business Connection is inviting you to Girl's Night Out this Thursday from 5 to 8pm in downtown Hastings.   Tuesday morning Chad Henry spoke to our guests from Locally Rooted, one of the participating locations, about the event:

After years and months of planning, community support, and a shared commitment to serving older adults throughout Barry County, the Barry County Commission on Aging is ready for the official opening of its' new senior center facility.

The Grand Opening Celebration of the Barry County COA Activity & Resource Center will be held Tuesday, September 29th at 2625 East M-79 Highway, Hastings.

A a ribbon cutting will take place at 3:30pm, with an Open House immediately following.  The celebration will include remarks from community leaders and project partners, recognition of those who helped make the new facility possible, tours of the new building, and an opportunity to learn more about the programs and services available to Barry County seniors and their families. The public is encouraged to attend.

The new facility was designed to expand opportunities for connection, wellness, education, support, and access to services as the needs of Barry County's aging population continue to grow.