Big Rapids Daily News

Two people were killed Monday evening, May 26, in an ATV crash near the City of Evart. According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the crash occured around 7:15 p.m. when a quad-style ATV sped through a curve on the rails-to-trails system and struck a tree near the intersection of West 10th Street and South Cherry Avenue. "Preliminary investigation indicates that speed was a contributing factor and neither rider was wearing protective headgear at the time of the crash.

The Mary Pine Award will be presented at the 37th Annual Senior Enrichment Day on Wednesday, June 24th at Big Rapids High School. The deadline for the award nominations is Friday, May 22nd. The award is proudly sponsored by Corewell Health. The award is designed to find and honor special citizens, age 55 and over, who use the gifts of a long and productive life to benefit Mecosta County in a positive manner.

Michigan will have a new “one-buck rule” for the 2027 hunting season. On May 13, 2026, the state’s Natural Resources Commission approved the new hunting regulation. The change will apply only in the Lower Peninsula; the Upper Peninsula will remain under the two-buck-per-hunter rule. The new regulation takes effect March 1, 2027.

Last week, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The legislation, commonly known as a Farm Bill, reauthorizes and improves vital programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Michigan farmers and ranchers rely on. The Farm Bill also makes key investments in rural communities to expand broadband access and create jobs. "The Farm Bill is crucial for the 17,000 farmers in my district and producers across the nation.

The Mecosta County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance regarding a malicious destruction of property complaint that occured recently at Davis Bridge County Park. It was recently found that one of the park's two restrooms near the boat ramp had been damaged on the inside. The incident is estimated to have occurred between Thursday, Apr. 30, and Monday, May 4. The restroom facility, as well as the boat ramp, were recently renovated last year.

Monday, Apr. 20 At 2:32 a.m., deputies made a traffic stop in Morton Township. The traffic stop resulted in a woman being arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and a firearm felony. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail. Calls for Service: 6 Traffic Accidents: 0 Tuesday, Apr. 21 Calls for Service: 7 Traffic Accidents: 4 Wednesday, Apr. 22 Calls for Service: 8 Traffic Accidents: 0 Thursday, Apr. 23 Calls for Service: 12 Traffic Accidents: 0 Friday, Apr.

Karl and Katie Wernette of Mecosta were recently secleted as winners of the 2026 Young Farmer Awards. The two won the 'Achievement' award, which is given to young farmers who "derive a majority of their income from an owned production agriculture enterprise, showcasing their achievements in the business of farming." Wernette Cattle Company, which the couple runs with Karl's father, Kevin Wernette, is a farm outside of Remus with over 350 Angus-Tarentaise cattle.

Monday, Mar. 30 An officer responded to an unlawful entry complaint. Through investigations, this matter is a civil dispute between a contractor and sub-contractor. An officer stopped a UTV for operating on a state highway, which is a prohibited area. A citation was issued. Tuesday, Mar. 31 An officer arrested a 22-year-old man on an outstanding warrant for threats from a case in 2021. Wednesday, Apr.

According to a recent release by Mecosta County Emergency Services, a local state of emergency has been issued for Mecosta County due to significant flooding. Since Sunday, Apr. 12, the Muskegon River has risen immensely and will continue to rise until midday Friday. The National Weather Service has issued numerous flood warnings throughout the week, including a current flood watch that will last until 2 a.m. Friday, Apr. 17.

The Michigan State Police Lakeview Post is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Tuesday, Apr. 14, at approximately 6:57 a.m. on Stanton Road near Blackmer Road. After a preliminary investigation, it was found that a semi-truck was traveling eastbound on Stanton Road when a Hyundai Elantra, driven by a 30-year-old Stanton man, crossed into the eastbound lane and was struck by the semi. Following the collision, the vehicle caught fire. The Stanton man was pronounced deceased at the scene.