Late Thursday night, Oct. 22, 2026, law enforcement responded to multiple reports of shots fired in Martiny Township.

At approximately 8:08 p.m., Mecosta County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence on 13 Mile Road for a report of shots fired.. While en route, an additional call reported others rounds being fired into a nearby residence on the same road. Deputies made contact with the second caller, who showed them a bullet hole in the east side wall of the house.

While inside the residence, deputies heard several gunshots outside. They exited in an attempt to locate the source of the gunfire and heard several more shots some of which struck the residence. The sergeant on scene requested assistance from the emergency response team and declared a barricaded gunman situation. Deputies held the perimeter and evacuated nearby citizens until additional resources arrived.

A search and arrest warrant were quickly secured by the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office. It was executed by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team, which established communication with the suspect and negotiated his surrender from an armored vehicle. 

“The suspect was taken into custody without further incident,” Sgt. Shawn Stallard of the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office said. “Several firearms, including high-powered rifles, a shotgun and a pistol, as well as a stockpile of ammunition, were seized from the target residence. No injuries were reported.”

The suspect has been charged with two counts of discharging a firearm at or into an occupied dwelling and two counts of felony firearm.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Newaygo County Emergency Response Team, the Morton Township Fire and Rescue Drone Team, Meceola Central Dispatch, and Michigan State Police from the Isabella and Lakeview posts.

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

Last week, 41-year-old Gregory Hite and 41-year-old Bridget Bureau were bound over felony charges for an alleged criminal enterprise.

The couple, from Lake (Station) stole the identity of a local excavation business to obtain financing to resell equipment without a title. 44 pieces of equipment were illegally sold for a value of nearly $2 million. They were also charged with multiple counts of filing a false tax return.

"Identity thieves can target anyone, including businesses, for their own personal financial gain,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I want to thank the Clare County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Treasury for their investigative work on this case. We will continue to work with our state and local partners to hold accountable those who steal from Michigan residents.”

Hite was bound over:

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000;
• Three counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $25,000;
• One count of False Pretenses $100,000 or more, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $35,000;
• One count of False Pretenses $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a felony punishable by 15 years and/or $25,000;
• One count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a felony punishable by 10 years and/or $10,000; and
• Five counts of Taxes- False Return, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $5,000.

Bureau was bound over on:

• One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a felony punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000;
• Three counts of Identity Theft, a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $25,000; and
• Six counts of Taxes- Failure to File/False Return (tax years 2019 through 2024), a felony punishable by 5 years and/or $5,000.

The case is in the 55th Circuit Court in Clare County.

After more than four years in Russian custody, 74-year-old Stephen James Hubbard was released on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Hubbard grew up in Big Rapids, Michigan, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. He taught in Japan for nearly 25 years and moved to Izium, Ukraine, in 2014.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was involved in the announcement on Wednesday. Major news outlets reported that Hubbard was aboard a jet that landed in Texas late Wednesday night.

“Stephen is on his way back home and will soon be with his family,” President Donald Trump said via Truth Social. “The United States was not required to give anything in return — an unprecedented situation for Russia.”

Trump also said he contacted Putin directly by phone to negotiate the release.

Hubbard was detained by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2022 and was sentenced two years later on allegations of being a Ukrainian mercenary.

The United States designated Hubbard as “wrongfully detained” in January 2025, saying there was no evidence of him being a combatant. He was the oldest American held in Russia with that designation at the time of his release.

A 67-year-old man is missing after he was last seen in Howard City on Friday, Oct. 16. Brent Braford is described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 190 pounds. He also needs medication.

Initial reports say he could be in Howard City, Sparta, Big Rapids, Kent City or White Cloud. Braford drives a dark-colored 2017 four-door Chevrolet Silverado truck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Ouwinga at the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office at (231) 689-7303. Please reference Report No. 162-2266-26.

_{Release information and photo courtesy of Newaygo County Sheriff's Office.}

Ferris State University men's basketball will hit the hardwood this week in an exhibition against Calvin University to start a new era under the leadership of head coach Brooks Miller.

The tilt is set for Thursday, Oct. 22 with tipoff at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for all attendees.

A two-time National Coach of the Year, Miller was hired as the 15th head coach in Bulldog men's basketball history. He brings championship experience to the program after leading Trine University to the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship, and more recently served at the NCAA DI level as the associate head coach at Central Michigan.

Thursday’s contest includes a special meeting for Miller that features two legendary Ferris State coaches: Ed Douma and Bill Sall.

Douma will be honored before the start of Thursday’s contest, as his successful career that spanned 34 years included serving as an assistant coach for Ferris State under Sall’s leadership from 2009-13 before retiring.

Before joining the Bulldogs, Douma served with multiple institutions - including Central Michigan University - while leading Calvin to the 1992 NCAA DIII National Championship to go along with multiple conference regular season and postseason titles. Douma was also inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.

Miller emphasized what will be a special moment between the trio this week, as he noted that Douma gave him his first opportunity to coach at the collegiate level.

"Coach Douma opened doors for me that no one else could and challenged me in a way that forced me to find something in myself that I did not know I had," Miller said. "He provided opportunities for many of us that never would have been possible without his guidance.”

Sall was the Bulldogs’ head coach from 2002-13 and now enters his eighth season as the head coach for the Calvin Knights. He claimed four Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships and made three trips to the NCAA DII Tournament while coaching for Ferris State.

The relationship between the three coaches goes deeper, as Miller was coached by Douma and Sall during his collegiate playing career at Hillsdale College.

“My family and I will be forever grateful for the impact both coach (Douma) and Carolyn have had in our lives, and I will work tirelessly to share many of the lessons he taught me to those I am fortunate enough to coach,” Miller said.

Ferris State will look to return to its winning ways under the leadership of Miller as the Bulldogs will have four straight regular-season matchups to open the season between Nov. 4 and 14. Their first GLIAC contest is slated for Dec. 3 against Saginaw Valley State at home.

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

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced that her office will intervene in a new natural gas rate case filed by Consumers Energy.

On Oct. 15, the Michigan Public Service Commission approved a roughly 4.3% rate increase that will allow Consumers Energy to collect an additional $139.2 million annually. The utility had requested about $240 million. The approved amount is more than 42% lower than the request.

Four days later, on Oct. 19, Consumers Energy filed notice of its intent to seek another natural gas rate increase. The full application is expected in December.

“Major utilities like Consumers Energy and DTE employ entire teams of staff to craft rate hike applications to file one right after another, and their bill-paying customers pay all the costs to craft these massive proposals,” Nessel said in a release. “In the past, we have asked the MPSC to require both companies to track their costs associated with rate hike cases and, as long as their customers are paying for the process, I hope someday soon we’ll know just how much.”

Starting Nov. 1, a typical residential customer using 75 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month will see an increase of about $3.92. These rate increases generally cover capital investment costs such as gas mains, pipes and service lines.

Consumers Energy received approval for a $157.5 million natural gas rate increase on Sept. 30, 2025. The company also has a separate electric rate case pending in which it is seeking roughly $456 million. It serves approximately 1.8 million natural gas customers in Michigan.

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that a 40-year-old man has been extradited from Texas to Mecosta County to face charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Freddie Patterson was transported by the U.S. Marshals Service on Thursday, Oct. 15, to the Mecosta County Jail. He was arraigned the following day in the 77th District Court on the charge and is being held without bond.

According to the department, the case stems from an investigation originally reported in 2021. Investigators have been working since 2024 to locate and extradite Patterson, who had been incarcerated in a Texas prison on unrelated charges.

"The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety would like to thank the Mecosta County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and United States Marshals Service for their assistance and cooperation throughout the extradition process," Big Rapids DPS said. "The charges referenced are allegations, and Patterson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law."

_{Release information courtesy of the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.}

Monday, October 12

• An officer was dispatched to a well-being check. The officer made contact with the subject who requested medical assistance. The officer stood by with the subject until medical personnel arrived on location. 
• An officer was dispatched to a residence for a civil dispute between siblings. The complainant was advised they needed to contact the Probate Court for further court involvement.
• An officer was contacted regarding a child abuse complaint. It was determined that the incident occurred outside of the city limits. The officer took a brief statement and completed a referral to Children Protective Services. The complaint was also turned over to the Osceola County Sheriff's Department.
• An officer assisted Osceola County Sheriff's Department with a domestic assault complaint.

Tuesday, October 13

• An officer was requested to do a standby for a community event.
• An officer was dispatched to a retail fraud complaint. The subjects were identified, and the complaint remains open pending further investigation.

Wednesday, October 14

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a traffic complaint.
• An officer was requested for VIN inspection and verification.

Thursday, October 15

• An officer was dispatched to an open phone line with no one on the line and no answer on an attempt to call back. Upon investigating the incident, it was found that 911 was mistakenly dialed. 

Friday, October 16

• An officer was dispatched to investigate a private property accident with damages.

Saturday, October 17

• An officer was dispatched to check the well-being of a child. The child was found to be okay.

Sunday, October 18

•  An officer was dispatched to investigate a hit and run accident. The complaint remains open pending further investigation.

• An officer was requested by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office to assist with a suspicious situation complaint involving multiple suspects who were involved in a recent theft. 

• An officer was requested by an Osceola County Sheriff's Deputy to assist them with a harassment/threat's complaint between two subjects. 

More than $1.4 million is heading to rural parts of Michigan for broadband expansion projects.

As part of Michigan’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, 23 subgrantee agreements have been made to help connect about 200,000 homes to high-speed internet. These agreements will move the process forward toward construction for nearly 20,000 homes around the greater Big Rapids area.

Here are the number of homes in each county:

• Clare: 4,055
• Isabella: 1,233
• Lake: 1,844
• Mecosta: 2,863
• Montcalm: 2,832
• Newaygo: 2,886
• Osceola: 3,633

“Reliable high-speed internet means a student can complete homework, a parent can work from home, a small business can reach new customers and a family can access healthcare without leaving home,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “Thanks to the commitment of our BEAD subgrantees, who are investing their own funds alongside this effort, we’re bringing more communities closer to these opportunities and building a stronger, more connected Michigan.”

The subgrantees include:

• 123NET
• Brightspeed
• CMS Internet
• Frontier
• Great Lakes Energy/Truestream
• Michigan Bell
• Midwest Energy & Communications
• Point Broadband Fiber Holding
• Spectrum
• Strategic Management, LLC

The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) also anticipates five more subgrantees will sign agreements in the near future. Subgrantees have four years to complete their projects once agreements are made.

To see a map of projects, visit here: MICHIGAN BROADBAND MAP.

_{Release information courtesy of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.}

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking tips on a suspect and vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash that occurred in Webber Township on Oct. 9.

According to a post, the rear-end crash happened around 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of U.S. 10 and M-37 in Baldwin. The suspect is described as a white woman with light-colored hair who was driving a dark gray or navy blue Chevrolet Cruze.

Anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle is encouraged to contact Sgt. Botello by phone at 231-745-2711 or by email at rbotello@co.lake.mi.us.

_{Information and images courtesy of Lake County Sheriff's Office.}

Monday, Oct. 12

• At 3:13 p.m., deputies responded to Big Rapids Township for an assault that occurred on October 11. This incident is under investigation. 

• At 7:15 p.m., a report was filed for a stolen motorcycle. The vehicle is described as a grey colored Kawasaki KLX230. Anyone with information can contact the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.

• At 10:22 p.m., deputies assisted with a warrant arrest. The female was located and arrested on an outstanding warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail without incident.

Calls for Service: 33

Traffic Accidents: 4

Tuesday, Oct. 13

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 15

Traffic Accidents: 0

Wednesday, Oct. 14

• At 7:25 hours, deputies made a traffic stop in Millbrook Township. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested on several warrants. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 5

Thursday, Oct. 15

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 10

Traffic Accidents: 2

Friday, Oct. 16

• At 7:52 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Hinton Township. The male driver was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 14

Traffic Accidents: 2

Saturday, Oct. 17

• No arrests reported.

Calls for Service: 6

Traffic Accidents: 3

Sunday, Oct. 18

• At 7:54 a.m., deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in Fork Township. A male subject was arrested for Resist/Obstruct. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

• At 7:54 p.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Wheatland Township. A male subject was arrested on warrants out of Isabella County. He was turned over to Isabella County.

Calls for Service: 12

Traffic Accidents: 3

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced it will convert the intersection of Northland Drive and 8 Mile Road into a four-way stop.

Located just north of Stanwood, the intersection is slated for conversion on Thursday, Oct. 22. Work includes installing new stop signs, pavement markings and adjustments to the overhead traffic lights. MDOT's initial estimation is the conversion will be completed in a day or two.

“Lane closures will be in effect throughout the day,” MDOT said. “Both directions of traffic will share one lane and alternate using traffic regulators.”

MDOT also said message boards will be in place to notify drivers of the change.

The intersection is near Big L Lumber, Ice Mountain, Mecosta Township Fire & Rescue and J & J Self Storage.

_{Release information and map image courtesy of MDOT.}

Six area high school bands will take the field tonight, Oct. 17, for spectacular Glow Show performances at Reed City High School.

Participating schools include Big Rapids, Lake City, Ludington, Morley Stanwood, Pine River and Reed City.

“This is a great event celebrating local school marching bands with the added twist of turning the stadium lights off and watching the band glow in their halftime performances,” Val Robbins of the Reed City Band Boosters said. “There will be concessions and fun glow merchandise where all sales go toward the Reed City Bands.”

Performances will start at 7:30 p.m. Entry to the stadium starts at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased on-site for $10 or online before 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the show, visit https://www.reedcitybands.org/glow-show/.

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for overnight Saturday, Oct. 17.

Subfreezing temperatures as low as 31 degrees are expected from midnight to 8 a.m. The warning will be in effect for Isabella, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties.

“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS said in an alert. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”

Hourly WeatherEye forecasts can be heard at the top of the hour on WBRN via 96.5 FM, 1460 AM, WBRN.com and the WBRN mobile app.

Now 23 days into the fall season, temperatures are beginning to drop across West Michigan.

According to weather models and various forecasts, the next two weeks are expected to be transitional in terms of temperatures and precipitation.

The region is forecast to see a period of rain and cooler overnight temperatures between Oct. 16 and Oct. 17. Winds are also expected to be gusty over this two-day period, with gusts potentially reaching as high as 35 mph. A rebound of warmer temperatures is projected over the weekend into early next week, with highs possibly reaching the mid-60s through the week of Oct. 18–24.

A cooling trend, accompanied by moderate chances of precipitation, is forecast to begin the week of Oct. 25. This could bring high temperatures down into the 50s, with overnight lows in the upper 30s. Winds are expected during this period but are not projected to be as strong as those earlier in the week.

Outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center indicate temperatures running on the warmer side of historical averages for November. This is consistent with a strengthening El Niño, which often favors drier conditions and a later first snowfall, though outcomes can vary.

Big Rapids historically sees its first measurable snowfall sometime in early November. The earliest on record occurred Oct. 11 during an Arctic air outbreak in 2006. Current projections suggest the first snowfall this year may occur slightly later into the middle of November, but outlooks aren't certain at this time.

For more daily weather information, visit https://bigrapidsdailynews.com/forecast.

Ferris State University’s College of Engineering Technology is hosting dozens of high school girls for the third annual Jill of All Trades event, which helps the students learn more about the opportunities to launch a career in skilled professions.

More than 100 students are expected to attend on Thursday, Oct. 15, as Ferris State is the first and only institution in Michigan to host the event.

Initially founded in 2014 by Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Ontario, Jill of All Trades is described an international program designed to inspire young women in grades nine through 12 to explore rewarding careers.

"The College of Engineering Technology is honored to host the Jill of All Trades at Ferris State, and we continue to incite curiosity, encourage creativity and empower young women to explore opportunities they may not otherwise encounter,” CET Dean Kate O’Connor said.

“Offering an opportunity for the students to not only have learned more about programs we offer, but more importantly learning about themselves, is an invaluable experience that all cherish.”

High school girls from Big Rapids, Newaygo, Morley-Stanwood and other districts will have the chance to learn more and gain a bit of real-world experience through Ferris State’s engineering tech programs. This includes Plastics, Mechatronics, Heavy Equipment, Construction Management, Automotive, Welding and more.

Ashley Hawley, who serves as Ferris State’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator, recognizes that the initiative also helps to increase post-secondary enrollment in the trades to address the skilled trades shortage.

 “For many participants, this experience provides their first opportunity to explore hands-on activities, discover new interests and envision possibilities they may not have considered before,” Hawley said. “Watching curiosity turn into confidence and seeing students recognize their own potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of this event.”

A critical piece of the event is the help from industry sponsors that enhance the event and assist with showing the students what established businesses have to offer aspiring professionals.

Many of those existing partners are based in West Michigan. That is why university and CET program leaders are expanding the Jill of All Trades event to the Kendall College of Art and Design campus in 2027 to provide an opportunity for Grand Rapids area students to experience the program.

“We are so thrilled to partner with another fantastic Ferris State college to bring the Jill of All Trades experience to Grand Rapids schools next spring,” said Lilly Franklin, recruiting and engagement officer for CET.

Dates and times for next spring’s event in Big Rapids and Grand Rapids will be available soon.

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

The City of Big Rapids will host a public informational hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, on the Perry Avenue Sidewalk Project.

The proposal calls for a concrete sidewalk on the south side of Perry Avenue. It would extend the existing sidewalk from the east side of Clark Street to Ferris Drive, then cross Perry Avenue to connect with the new sidewalk. Additional lighting and benches are also planned for the new sections.

"This proposed sidewalk project is about making Big Rapids a safer, more accessible, and more connected community for everyone,” said Steve Gove, City of Big Rapids Communications Coordinator. “By improving pedestrian access along Perry Avenue, we can create safer connections between local businesses, Ferris State University, and the people who live and work here. We encourage residents to attend the October 20 public hearing, learn more about the project, ask questions, and share their feedback as we explore this funding opportunity.”

The hearing will be held at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 407 Perry Ave.

The project is being considered for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant through the Michigan Department of Transportation.

To see renderings of the project, see here: PROPOSED PERRY AVENUE SIDEWALK PROJECT RENDERINGS.

Residents unable to attend may submit questions to Megan Eppley at meppley@cityofbr.org or call 231-592-4032. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. 

_{Release information and renderings courtesy of the City of Big Rapids.}

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the Infrastructure Projects Authority Fund (IPAF) will award funds toward transformational public transportation projects in Kent and Newaygo counties.

$6 million will be awarded to The Rapid’s Event Night Mobility Project, which will provide up to six additional buses to accommodate high nighttime travel demand in downtown Grand Rapids. These routes will help increase capacity to connect city employees, visitors and event attendees from local parking facilities to Acrisure Amphitheater, Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and the incoming Amway Soccer Stadium.

About $4.3 million will go to Newaygo County to establish the county’s first countywide open-door public transit system. The new rural transit agency will provide access to health care, education, employment and other services for residents across the county. After piloting a four-year trial run, the county saw an increase in annual trips to over 25,000 last year.

“From rural to urban communities across the state, these investments will help expand vital public transit services and get people where they need to go,” Whitmer said. “As part of my plan to fix the damn roads, we’re expanding and improving public transit with new funding and a new role in state government. Today’s announcement will strengthen regional mobility and support innovative transportation solutions, all while helping more Michiganders access jobs, health care, education and opportunity.”

These two projects are part of nearly $65 million in funds distributed across the state.

For more information on award winners, visit here: IPAF Award Recipients October 2026.

_{Release information courtesy of the Office of Govenor Gretchen Whitmer.}

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) along with Michigan Works! agencies statewide are celebrating Michigan’s leading rankings in helping job seekers get employed and connecting businesses with the talent they need to thrive in Michigan.   

Michigan is No. 1 in the region for helping adults who use workforce development services get employed, No. 4 nationally in active Registered Apprentices and No. 6 in new Registered Apprentices. In addition to apprenticeships, Michigan is among the national leaders in helping adults get employed by accessing workforce system services like Michigan Works!. Michigan has achieved an 84% credential attainment rate across the education and training pipeline – making Michigan No. 3 in the nation in credential attainment for adults using workforce programs.  

“The progress we’re seeing across Michigan is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in people, strengthen our workforce and stay focused on creating opportunity,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Michigan is a national leader in creating opportunity and supporting our workforce, and we’re committed to building on that momentum. We’ll continue working together with workers, employers and our partners across the state to expand opportunity, strengthen our economy and make Michigan the best place to work, live and thrive.” 

These visits celebrated the many successes the State of Michigan and Michigan Works! Agencies are seeing through workforce programs and Registered Apprenticeships.  

"This tour made one thing clear: Michigan's workforce partnerships are working,” said Michigan Works! CEO Ryan Hundt. “Statewide workforce programs help employers train and keep the talent they need, and scaling them back means fewer Michiganders gaining skills and fewer businesses growing here. Continued investment in proven programs is how Michigan stays competitive." 

The series of roundtables at 15 Michigan Works! Agencies concluded at West Michigan Works! highlighting the significant progress on Michigan’s Statewide Workforce plan and its core goals to help more Michiganders earn a skills certificate or degree, increase opportunities to grow the middle class and support business and entrepreneurial growth through talent solutions making it possible for businesses to start, stay and thrive in Michigan.  

“We’re seeing how bringing together local employers is having a direct impact on connecting job seekers to meaningful careers,” said West Michigan Works! CEO Jacob Maas.” Achieving these milestones wouldn’t happen without bringing partners together from the state to the local level.” 

Michigan’s workforce success is built on collaboration among employers, labor organizations, educators and workforce development partners, with programs helping workers gain skills and businesses build the talent they need.  

“Michigan’s workforce is strongest when employers, labor, educators, government and workforce development partners — including Michigan Works! agencies and workforce boards — are all working together toward the same goal: creating real opportunities for people to build lasting careers while helping employers develop the skilled talent they need,” said Lee Graham, Executive Director of the Operating Engineers 324 Labor-Management Education Committee, member of the Michigan Workforce Development Board, and Chairman of the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Inc. “Registered Apprenticeships are a great example of that partnership in action, combining education, hands-on training and direct connections to good careers. The progress highlighted here shows what can happen when Michigan continues to invest in proven workforce programs and the partnerships that make them successful.” 

The statewide visits also highlighted other important issues to improving participation in the workforce like access to reliable, high-speed internet, menopause awareness in the workplace, affordable childcare, preparing for an aging workforce and the state’s progress on the AI and the Workforce plan.  

To learn more about LEO’s efforts to grow the state’s workforce and make Michigan more prosperous for all, visit Michigan.gov/LEO.

_{Release courtesy of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.}

The Economic Development Responsibility Alliance (EDRA) will be hosting their fourth annual Truck or Treat event this year at Paris Park.

Slated for Saturday, Oct. 24, the event will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Activities include a truck or treat, bubble party, scavenger hunt, raffles, yard games, face painting, and photo opportunities with the Eiffel Tower.

"This year, attendees will be able to enjoy three different on-site food and beverage vendors," ERDA said. "Yum City will be there to sell hot Americana snacks and on-the-go meals, with Sugar Rush Retro Ice Cream Truck offering dessert, and Cornerstone Coffee’s Coffee Truck bringing hot beverages."

Joining the Trunk-or-Treat will be a Ghostbusters-mobile, a M.O.T.A bus in full costume, and local businesses. 

The event was made possible by the generosity of local businesses; including, Johnson’s Automotive Repair, Cook’s Manufacturing, Mr. C’s Party Store, M&M Lawn Care, Books & Beats, Stratz Heating & Cooling, Paris Cabins, Woodland Taxidermy, Taylor Wellness, and Paris Archery.

For more information on the EDRA, visit https://edraofmi.org.

_{Photo and release informaiton courtesy of EDRA of Michigan.}