Stay updated with breaking news from 102 5+country. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
The Ferris State University softball squad, which kicks off the 2024 season this weekend, has been picked to finish fourth in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Preseason Coaches Poll announced yesterday.
The Bulldogs tallied 22 total points in finishing in the middle of the seven teams in the preseason listing as voted on by the league's member head coaches.
In front of FSU was Grand Valley State in first place with 34 points and four first-place votes followed by Saginaw Valley State with 33 points and three top mentions. Purdue Northwest came in third with 25 points followed by FSU with 22. Behind the Bulldogs was Parkside in fifth place (12), Davenport in sixth (11) and Wayne State in seventh (10).
The Bulldogs will begin the 2024 campaign with increased expectations as they begin year two under head coach Jake Schumann.
Schumann, who took over the program just prior to the start of the 2023 season last spring, welcomes back nine returnees from a year ago while adding talent and depth with the additions of 10 newcomers as part of his first incoming class.
The Bulldogs concluded the 2023 season with their most wins in seven years under Schumann's direction. FSU reached the GLIAC Tournament last season and finished in the top four of the league standings during regular-season play.
Ferris State finished regular-season play a year ago by winning three of its last four contests and five of the final eight games overall.
FSU's returnees this season include the squad's only senior in veteran starter Aryn Gallacher. Two other pitchers with experience from last season also are back in sophomores Catherine O'Donohue and Sophie Wisniski.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs' position players back in the mix include sophomore Jadyn Joseph, who was the GLIAC Freshman of the Year a season ago. Junior third baseman Brooklyn Verbeek also returns after playing in 46 games a year ago while Abby Meyer saw action in 41 contests during the 2023 season. Junior outfielder Maddie Gkekas appeared in 23 contests.
Overall, Ferris State welcomes back three All-GLIAC selections from last season in Gallacher along with Joseph and O'Doohue.
The Bulldogs open the 2024 season this weekend (Feb. 2-4) with four games at the Railsplitter Invitational hosted by Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate Tenn. FSU will then compete in the Music City Invitational in Smyrna (Tenn.) on Feb. 16-18 before closing out the opening month of the season at the Blue Ridge Battle Feb. 23-25 in Evansville, Ind.
Ferris State will also compete at the USSSA Space Coast Spring Games in Florida on its annual spring break trip March 3-9 before taking on Lewis (Ill.) in regional action on March 19 to open the home season. The Bulldogs begin conference play in Big Rapids on March 23 versus Saginaw Valley State with the squad's first six GLIAC contests at home.
At 4:02 P.M., deputies made a traffic stop in Morton TWP. The traffic stop resulted in the male driver being arrested for OWI. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.
Calls for Service: 14
Tuesday, January 23
Calls for Service: 28
Traffic Accidents: 6
Car/Deer Accidents: 1
Wednesday, January 24
At 8:52 P.M., deputies responded to minor one vehicle traffic accident in Colfax TWP. Additional investigation resulted in the female driver being arrested for OWI. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.
Calls for Service: 19
Traffic Accidents: 1
Thursday, January 25
At 9:04 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Aetna TWP. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.
Calls for Service: 12
Friday, January 26
At 1:04 P.M., deputies responded to a trespassing complaint, at a residence in Martiny TWP. The male subject that was trespassing, also had warrants out for his arrest. The wanted fugitive fled on foot from deputies. Deputies along with assistance from MSP K-9, were able to track down the wanted fugitive. The fugitive was arrested and lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.
(Lake Lillian MN-) 2008 Willmar High School Graduate Kandice Peterson is one of the contestants in the Fox TV reality show 'Farmer Wants a Wife' which makes it's season debut
“Overcoming Hateful Things,” the traveling exhibit from Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, will open at Wayne County Community College District in Detroit starting Monday, Feb. 5.
The exhibit, on display at WCCCD’s Curtis L. Ivery Downtown Campus, 1001 West Fort Street, includes artifacts that serve as reminders of America’s past and as an educational tool noting generations of pushback by African Americans through activism and achievement.
“Our mission has always been to provide pathways to better lives through higher education,” said Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, WCCCD chancellor. “This exhibit offers an opportunity to see and engage in history in a way that challenges, but also builds new understanding about where we have come from, and where we are going as a community and as a nation.”
The exhibit explores the Jim Crow system, the African American experience during that era, and its legacy in contemporary society through hundreds of objects from the period. The traveling exhibit includes 151 objects, 21 exhibit crates, 17 exhibits and eight multimedia interactive displays.
“‘Overcoming Hateful Things’ is an exhibit that will help stimulate spaces where intelligent discussions about race, race relations and racism can occur,” said David Pilgrim, Ferris State Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives and founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum. “We are proud to share this impactful exhibit in Detroit and in partnership with WCCCD.”
Detroit is the second stop for the exhibit, which is supported by a $500,000 grant from the Wege Foundation. It debuted in June at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and can move to other parts of the country and around the world after its time in Detroit.
The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery is based on Ferris State University’s Big Rapids campus. It houses the nation’s largest publicly accessible collection of artifacts of intolerance and uses them to teach tolerance and to promote a more just society.
The traveling exhibit was created to tell similar stories in ways that encourage dialogue and understanding about painful histories and issues. The exhibit was designed by Howard Revis, the Washington, D.C.–based design firm that created the exhibits at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, to further its mission and impact across the United States and internationally. The exhibit connects and expands on a series of educational experiences WCCCD has built. WCCCD recently received a Network to Freedom’s National Park Service Historic Underground Railroad designation for its educational programming, adding to its official designation of the College’s Central Educational Complex as a Detroit Underground Railroad Site Historic District by the City of Detroit.
WCCCD is one of the largest urban-suburban community colleges in Michigan. The district has six campus locations and educational centers, including the Mary Ellen Stempfle University Center, the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center, the Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education, the Curtis L. Ivery Health and Wellness Education Center and the Outdoor Careers Training Center.
Amoreena Most, a 2021 graduate of Ferris State University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, was honored by the Southeastern Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists as the 2022-23 Resident of the Year for her contributions during residency training at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Most, PharmD, BCCCP, completed a PGY-1 pharmacy residency and PGY-2 critical care pharmacy residency at the University of Michigan and is currently completing a two-year critical care pharmacy fellowship at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy.
Most is honored to receive the 2022-23 Resident of the Year award, which was accepted by her parents owing to her assignment in Augusta, Georgia.
“I am grateful for the nomination from the University of Michigan pharmacy residency program, and I am honored to have been selected by the society for this award,” Most said. “The nomination and selection process included many elements. A few highlights include serving as PGY2 chief resident and presenting research on heparin dosing during targeted temperature management at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s 2023 Congress in San Francisco.”
Most said a spark for her interest in critical care pharmacy came while she was a student at Ferris State.
“A lecture I attended during my third year of pharmacy school catalyzed my interest in pursuing post-graduate training in the field of critical care,” Most said. “A career in academia has been and remains my long-term goal. However, I wanted first to develop my abilities to practice as a clinical pharmacist.”
Most said she furthered her clinical skills in critical care pharmacy during my residency training at the University of Michigan. She is now focusing on developing her clinical translational research skills to improve care for critically ill patients by completing a fellowship at the University of Georgia.
“These opportunities have built on my interests in critical care pharmacy and academia, which began thanks to the Pharmacy faculty at Ferris,” she said.
Most is the daughter of Robert Most, associate professor in the School of Engineering and Computing Technology at Ferris State’s College of Engineering Technology.
Ferris State University will partner with Corewell Health Big Rapids Women’s Cardiac Unit for a “Red Out the Rink and the Wink” athletics event at Ewigleben Sports Complex on Saturday, Feb. 3, to support women’s heart health.
The event will kick off at 1 p.m. with Ferris State’s women’s basketball team competing against Michigan Tech University, followed by the men’s basketball team taking the court with Michigan Tech men’s team. The evening will conclude with Ferris State hockey competing against Bowling Green State University. Puck drop will be at 6:07 p.m.
All three athletic events will include opportunities to donate to the Corewell Health Big Rapids Women’s Cardiac Unit, closing with a check presentation during the second intermission of the hockey game. Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction throughout the duration of the event with proceeds benefitting Corewell Health.
Participants of the event are also encouraged to wear red to bring awareness for women’s heart health. Ferris’ athletics teams will be wearing their red jerseys as well.
Ferris State’s “Red Out the Rink and the Wink” event is planned and orchestrated by the Sports Communication program and Sports Careers Registered Student Organization. These students will be available during the event for questions and assistance.
The Ferris State University men's and women's track and field squads competed on Friday (Jan. 26) at the Bill Clinger Classic hosted by Grand Valley State in the Kelly Family Sports Center in Allendale.
The annual meet included top competition from schools at various levels.
The Bulldogs' Claudia Wilkinson was the runner-up in the high jump (5-4.5) for the Bulldog women's team. Rebecca Marvin placed third in the weight throw (47-1.50) and was seventh in the shot put (39-1).
FSU had a strong finish in the women's 5,000 meters with Hanna Brock taking third place (17:55.11) followed by Whitney Farrell in fourth (18:10.59) and Melanea Strauss in sixth (18:23.32).
Becci Castillo came in sixth in the women's one mile open run (5:21.97), Abigail Winkle placed eighth in the 400 meters (58.91) and Denae Feldpausch finished ninth in the women's one mile run invite field (5:04.62). Castillo was also ninth in the 3,000 meter open division (10:48.72).
Meanwhile, in men's action, the Bulldogs' Gavin Vansolkema was fourth in the men's one mile open run (4:22.58) and Cooper Sorsen was fourth in the 5,000 meters (15:05.48) while Chase Carter finished fifth in the 60 meters (6.95). Blaine Rogers finished eighth in the 60-meter hurdles (9.62).
FSU's Ben Dousuah finished fifth in the men's shot put (44-2) with Hunter Richardson coming in seventh (42-2.25) in the same event. Devin Dennison was third in the weight throw (48-5.50).
The Bulldogs will next compete back in Allendale at the annual GVSU Big Meet on Feb. 9-10.
On if he heard that the crowd chanted ‘Jared Goff’ at the Red Wings game last night: “Yeah, it was sent to me last night by a few people. And yeah, pretty cool, pretty fun to be a part of a city that cares so much.”
On if he was at the Red Wings game last night: “I was not there, no.”
On if the spread of fan support is surreal and if he experienced this when he played for the Rams: “Not like this, no. No, this is a little different. And obviously, the circumstances of it all kind of feeds into that. But yeah, these fans are unbelievable. I expect to see a lot of them this weekend as well, it’ll be fun.”
On how this week of practice went: “It was good, really good.”
On how quickly he is able to build chemistry with Lions TE Zach Ertz with the amount of experience he has had in this League: “Yeah, he’s picked it up extremely fast. He really has. And really impressive, not that you didn’t expect that from a guy like him who’s been around for so long. And I’ve known him here and there throughout the years and just hearing about how smart he is and how well he can pick up things, he’s done it really well this week. And yeah, it’s been good.”
On how valuable it is to have veteran voices who have been in this position before in the locker room: “Yeah, it is cool. It is good having those guys around. I mean, (Lions TE) Zach (Ertz)’s another one. Like you said, he’s won a Super Bowl and having him around for games like this and being able to know that the moment isn’t too big for a guy like that and being able to have guys see that on the field every day is fun.”
On the 'superpowers' he sees in Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell: “Oh boy, yeah. I mean, again, I could probably go for a little while here. But obviously, I think the number one thing that I think about with him is his emotional intelligence, how well he can read the room and know people and that’s maybe characteristic number one of being a leader and why he is so good at that. But he knows when to push, when to pull, when to tell you he needs a little bit more from you, when to love you up. He’s got such a great feel for all that, which is why he’s so special.”
On if Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell's leadership ability is one of the reasons why he was able to lock into the organization from the start: “Yeah, I think not just me, we all respect him because he tells us how it is and he’s sat in our seats before and understands on day 15 of training camp that we’re tired and it’s hard and we know he gets it, but at the same time he’s going to push us. And when a guy that knows it is still pushing you, you kind of trust that a bit more. And yeah, it’s a good way to be as a head coach and it helps us.”
On what he makes of the 'cosmic forces' that led him to play against his former team and his hometown team this postseason: “I don’t know, yeah, they’re the one seed and that’s who’s up next. I don’t think it has anything to do with me. But yeah, it’ll be fun. It’s exciting and yeah, it’s cool for me to go back home, but at the same time, it’ll be a tough game.”
On the similarities and differences between when he was in this position with the Rams compared to now: “Yeah, a lot of similarities. On the road, certainly will be the similarity of that one against a good team. It’ll be a tough matchup regardless of how the game goes. It’ll be a four-quarter game. Yeah, as far as the ins and outs of the team, not much. But yeah, I think it’s certainly being a road NFC Championship game.”
On if he had to hold off on getting the offensive linemen gifts until the postseason ends or if he has to give them a bigger second gift: “Their gifts? They got their gifts at Christmas. Yeah, you do it before the season extends. But those guys, I’ll make sure they’re well taken care of.”
On if he has to give the offensive linemen a second gift for making it this far into the postseason: “No, I may have to. That’s a good idea. I’ll have to think about that, yeah.”
On what it is about his personality that has allowed him to improve programs at California, the Rams and now the Lions: “Yeah, I don’t know. I think it’s – all three of those situations have been very, very much about the people that were there. Certainly, I had a hand in it, but for me, I’ve always had a lot of pride in trying to be the same guy every day. And whether it’s hard, whether it’s great, whether it’s fun, whether it’s not, how do you show up every day and be that same guy? And I think that, certainly, helped me get through it. And maybe it’s rubbed off on some other guys along the way. But yeah, that and optimism, eternal optimism. You’re always knowing, thinking the best situation.”
On if the drive to better the situation at California was part of the reason why he chose to go there: “No, both my parents went there. It was one-of-three scholarship offers and there it’s the number one public school in the world, so made it pretty easy.”
On if there is something about how he was raised that pushes him to have an optimistic outlook on the world: “No, I don’t know. I had great parents, so that probably had something to do with it. But I can’t point to any one thing they’ve pointed to me. I think I’ve talked about this in the past, but my dad played professionally and always just preached to have fun, enjoy it, doesn’t last forever. And that’s certainly carried me through a lot of the hard times.”
On the steps he takes to mentally prepare for a game of this magnitude: “Same things I do every week. No different. Wednesday-Friday, do the gameplan and study it up and get ready to go.”
The following was written by District 101 Representative Joseph Fox of the Michigan House of Representatives in response to Gov. Whitmer's recent State of the State Address.
After listening to Governor Whitmer’s annual State of the State address on Wednesday, it’s clear that, looking at her record, her lauding of bipartisanship constitutes a half-truth meant to score political points.
If she was serious about bipartisan legislation, then she and the Democrats would share power with Republicans in the evenly split House of Representatives and have conversations about bills that benefit Michigan families. With 54 Republicans and 54 Democrats in the House, now marks a crucial time for these discussions. Instead, bipartisanship has become a buzzword to boost Whitmer’s political ambitions, which leaves the rest of Michigan behind.
Reflecting on all the legislation that passed the House last year, which was overwhelmingly supported only by Democrats, it is plain that Whitmer is making phony claims to bipartisanship. While Democrats passed a laundry list of bills into law – from restrictions on Second Amendment rights to anti-life policies and beyond – they never consulted with Republicans. Conservative voices were outright ignored.
Governor Whitmer also spoke at length on the $82 billion state budget passed last year, which was the biggest in Michigan history. But, Michigan can’t prosper while the government throws money at Democrat pork projects and burdens middle-class families with high taxes. How can she think that Michigan is becoming a more attractive place to live? Worse, most of the $82 million went to Detroit and other cities; rural and northern Michigan residents had to fight for the scraps, and I anticipate the same will occur this year. Under the governor’s administration, big budgets are in style, and taxpayers must foot the bill.
Assist – Officers were dispatched for an area check for a subject walking in the roadway. The subject was having difficulty getting home due to the weather and snow, so a courtesy ride was provided for them to their residence.
Tuesday, January 9
Traffic Stop – Officers located a subject known to have a suspended drivers license operating a vehicle with an expired registration. The subject was issued an appearance citation and a licensed driver responded to the scene to operate the vehicle.
Wednesday, January 10
Property Damage Accident – Officers responded to a property damage accident. No injuries were reported. Assist – Officers assisted CPS with a home visit.
Thursday, January 11
Assault – Officer were dispatched to investigate an assault and battery. The case has been forwarded to the Prosecuting Attorney.
Criminal Sexual Conduct – Officer were dispatched to a criminal sexual conduct complaint. The case remains open at this time.
Animal – Officers were dispatched to an animal complaint. The complaint was investigated and resolved.
Check Wellbeing – Officers responded to a complaint of a possible suicidal subject. Subject agreed to be transported to Reed City Hospital for an evaluation.
Friday, January 12
Private Property Damage Accident – Officers were dispatched for a two-vehicle private property damage accident. There were no injuries and both vehicles were drivable.
Civil – Officers were dispatched for a dispute between two neighbors. Both parties agreed to leave each other alone.
Saturday, January 13
Disorderly – Officers were dispatched for a disorderly subject. The subject and their significant other were involved in a verbal dispute. The subject took off prior to Officers arrival.
Property Damage Accident – Officers were dispatched to investigate a property damage accident.
Civil – Officers were dispatched to a civil complaint involving subjects living at their residence. The caller was advised to seek legal eviction through the court.
Sunday, January 14
Missing Person - Officers were dispatched to a missing juvenile. The juvenile was located and transported back to the custody of their parent.
Monday, January 15
Civil – Officers were dispatched for a dispute between two neighbors. Both parties agreed to leave each other alone.
Tuesday, January 16
Traffic Offense – Officers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The operator did not have a valid license and had warrants for their arrest. The operator was issued an appearance citation for the license violation and lodged on their warrants. The passenger was found to have warrant for their arrest as well. The passenger was lodged on their warrants, and a valid driver arrived on scene to drive the vehicle. Assist OCSO – Officers assisted a Deputy with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office with securing an individual who was resisting arrest. Once the subject was in custody and secured in the patrol vehicle the Deputy transported the subject
Wednesday, January 17
Assist – Officers were called to a residence for an out of control juvenile. The juvenile was calm upon the Officers arrival. Officers cleared after having a conversation with the juvenile and their parent.
Thursday, January 18
Nothing reported.
Friday, January 19
Fail to Pay – Officers were dispatched to investigate a Fail to Pay complaint. The complaint remains open at this time.
Saturday, January 20
Assist – Officers were requested by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office to check on a broken down vehicle just outside of the city limits. The occupants were found to be okay and asked for assistance with contacting a tow company.
Traffic Offense – Officers stopped a vehicle with an improper registration. While investigating the traffic stop further it was determined the vehicle did not have insurance. The operator was issued an appearance citation for the offenses and the vehicle was towed.
Domestic – Officers were dispatched to a domestic assault. After investigating the complaint the aggressor was arrested for domestic assault and violating their probation.