The National Weather Service calls for hot and dry conditions in lower Michigan to continue through at least the weekend.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, fire danger in Michigan remains extreme in much of the state. Officials are urging residents not do any outdoor burning at this time.

The Barry County Burn Permits site says open burning is prohibited in Barry County until further notice. Camp and cooking fires are still allowed but should never be left unattended.

Bishop Elect Edward Lohse 61, currently the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania, was name by Pope Francis as the new Bishop for the Diocese of Kalamazoo. 

At a Tuesday news conference Bishop Elect Lohse said, "I promise of give my all. Moments and grace and challence...I do not think I have all the answers, but let's seek the answers together."

Ordination of the new Bishop has been scheduled for 2-pm on July 25 at St.  Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo.

The Diocese of Kalamazoo is made up of nine counties of Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph and Branch.

As required by church law Bishop Bradley, submitted his resignation to the Holy Father Pope Francis when he turned 75 on October 18, 2020.

Barry County Christian School of Hastings will offer a third partnership with Kilpatrick Church, 10005 E. Barnum Rd., Woodland, to expand beyond the Hastings and Middleville areas.  Barry County Christian School operates as a Classical Christian, private, state recognized school, that is celebrating its 50th year in operation in Barry County.  Barry County Christian School's Kilpatrick campus will offer K thru fifth grades.  For tuition and registration information contact Hastings Barry County Christian School. 

A man was seriously hurt sunday morning in a boating accident on Pine Lake in Barry Countys' Prairieville Township.

According to the Prairieville Fire and rescue two boats collided on the lake knocking one man off his boat.

The man, who was steering his sailboat was seriously injured and sent to the hospital. The boating accident remains under investigation.

The Hastings City Council met Monday night.

Mayor Tossava declared May 19 and 20 as Poppy Drive Days in Hastings and presented Darlene Hopkins of the American Legion Auxiliary with an official proclamation.

Council approved the request from Lawrence J Bauer American Legion Post 45 to hold the annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 29, stepping off at 9:30 AM.

The City Manager was authorized to file a claim for a grant payment for the Protecting Michigan Pension Grant Program. Hastings’ pension fund has been underfunded for many years, and is currently about 46% funded. If the grant is received from the state, it would bring the pension funding to 60%.

Council adopted new stormwater standards for the city to update best practices and set public hearings on May 22^nd for the downtown parking assessment district and to receive comment on proposed drinking water system improvements.

The appointment of Rick Krouse as interim Hastings Fire Chief was unanimously approved.

Update:  The deceased driver has been identified as John Lewis Fisk, 41 years old, from Hastings MI.

The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal traffic crash, involving two vehicles, which occurred Monday morning on M-37 Highway near Rork Road in Rutland Twp.

Sgt. Scott Ware said a Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 41 year old Hastings man and a Jeep Wrangler driven by a 48 year old Middleville woman were both traveling north on M-37 when the driver of the Chevrolet pulled on to the shoulder and attempted to make a U-Turn near Rork Road. The Chevrolet pulled into the path of the Jeep. The Jeep struck the Chevrolet on the driver’s side, sending both vehicles into the ditch. 

The male driver was found unresponsive. Despite lifesaving efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Middleville female was treated for non-life threating injuries at an area hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

ASSISTING AGENCIES:

Michigan DNR, Michigan State Police, Mercy EMS, Thornapple Township EMS, Hastings Fire Department, Barry County Central Dispatch, Goldsworthy’s Towing, MDOT.

INVESTIGATORS: 

Deputy JT Cooper and Sergeant Scott Ware

Voters in Woodland voted on a pair of requests for a Special Project Millage and an Operations Renewal...  both passed by the same margin: 51 YES  to 2 NO.

Voters in the Caledonia School District passed a 61-million dollar millage request by just 75 votes.

Wayland School District voters passed a Bond Proposal by a 58 to 42-percent margin.

Hastings DPS Crews have completed spring cleanup!