The Ferris State Torch

Editor’s Note: The following story contains details of domestic abuse Allegations from 2025 came to light shortly after midnight on July 26th against former Ferris football defensive lineman Tyrone Fowler. These allegations were brought to the public’s attention by Fowler’s ex-girlfriend, Alesha Vandeberge.

The Ferris State Torch is a newspaper published by students for students, this should be reflected in the News section. The Torch isn’t just a paper; it’s an opportunity for students to learn about each other and the community they live in. The News section of the Ferris State Torch should be a resource for any reader to get a glimpse into important events and happenings both on campus and in the Big Rapids Community.

After spending the last year in the position of sports editor and being named Co-Editor-In-Chief earlier this month, I will be looking to continue to grow our sports section. Sports at Ferris is always changing, and at the Torch, we have the role of getting the news for athletics out to our readers the best we can, without bias. Over the past year, I believe we did a great job of providing our readers with great previews, athlete features, and same-day reporting.

People came from all around Big Rapids to the parking lot next to Bernie’s Place for locally made goods of all kinds, from goat milk soap to cutting boards. The first Big Rapids farmers’ market of the season was held on Friday, May 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with vendors offering a variety of pastries, hot food, and other artisanal products. Members of the community come to the farmers market to peruse through various jams, jellies and flowers.

June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Michigan Ave will be shut down between Pine and Linden streets for the Big Rapids annual Summerfest. This year’s Summerfest will feature a combination of vendors, live music, games, food, and even a car show. Summerfest is an annual event hosted by the Downtown Business Association of Big Rapids, aimed at attracting over 4,000 people to downtown for fun and festivities.

It is with a heavy heart that I have decided not to return as the culture editor for the Torch next year. While I’m so excited to graduate in December, I will unfortunately have to have a lot on my plate to get there. Grace and Silas enjoying a relaxing and much-needed break at Belle’s Coffeehouse. I have enjoyed this season so much, and it has been such an honor to hold this position. Culture should be a place where every voice is heard, and everyone feels safe between these pages.

By Lucas Gill and Tate Zellman, Web Editor and Opinions Editor For most students, the academic year has come to a close, so here are a few series currently streaming that we highly recommend watching while we all relax and recharge over the summer. The Pitt – HBO Max “The Pitt” is an American medical drama series created by R. Scott Gemmill, with John Wells and Noah Wyle as executive producers.

Devin Wardrop – San Antonio Spurs beat Detroit Pistons Both teams have a gauntlet to go through in their respective conferences. San Antonio has the Timberwolves in the second round, which I think they can go through. Then, in the Western Conference Final is the Oklahoma City Thunder, who the Spurs beat 3-1 in the season series this year. Plus, with a healthy Wembanyama, the Spurs are always a team who can make a run. In the East, Detroit has been rolling behind Cade Cunningham.

Harmony It feels surreal to be writing my very first editor’s column as editor-in-chief. I started at the Torch in 2022 as a culture reporter, but I never imagined the places this publication would take me. I am beyond grateful to be in this position; I wouldn’t be here today without the support of the Torch. Editor-in-Chief Harmony pictured at the Starford Theatre Festival. There are many changes ahead, as the Torch continues to grow and best serve Ferris students, faculty and alumni.

It is an absolute honor to become editor for the opinions section. One of my goals is to keep the section remaining strong. Senior Tate Zellman is excited to begin his first year as opinion’s editor and hopes to make the community’s voices heard. A little bit about me, my name is Tate Zellman. I’m a fifth-year senior English education major from Grand Haven, MI. I started my time with the Torch back in the fall of 2023. I joined the paper as a news reporter.