Live Breaking News & Updates on 102 5 fm+kelsea ballerini

Stay informed with the latest breaking news from 102 5 fm+kelsea ballerini on our comprehensive webpage. Get up-to-the-minute updates on local events, politics, business, entertainment, and more. Our dedicated team of journalists delivers timely and reliable news, ensuring you're always in the know. Discover firsthand accounts, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews, all in one convenient destination. Don't miss a beat — visit our webpage for real-time breaking news in 102 5 fm+kelsea ballerini and stay connected to the pulse of your community

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Ferris State University student David Wenzlick testified before a state House of Representatives subcommittee this week, sharing how the Tuition Incentive Program has made it possible for him to get a transformative education.

Wenzlick, a sophomore from Lapeer, joined Dan Eichinger, Ferris State’s vice president for Governmental and External Affairs, in testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges on Thursday, March 7, in Lansing.

TIP is a state program that encourages eligible students to complete high school and continue their education by providing tuition assistance for the first two years of college and beyond.

Wenzlick told lawmakers he never expected to go to college.

“Although I held the desire for higher education and the college experience, it felt like something out of my reach,” he said. “Something that I could never afford. Something with, even help from my parents, I could never afford. Well, without putting myself in financial jeopardy that is. I didn’t want to throw my loans on the people who have been supporting me my whole life. College was a thing I had to do on my own, if I was going to do it.”

He said a high school counselor told him he would be eligible for the program and reduce his college expenses. After taking a year off, he decided to pursue his education, working during summers to cover housing costs – and avoid debt.

“I've been a student at Ferris State University for almost two full years now, and without TIP, none of it would have been possible,” he said. “I've struggled with finding what career path I should take. With TIP, I have been able to take classes that follow my interests rather than what degree I signed my life to. I've been able to study Psychology, Business Marketing, Personal Finance, Human Biology, Philosophy, Creative Writing, Environmental Bio, and Music. I've been able to explore multiple career paths with the security of knowing that my time here was spent enhancing my intellect and deepening my understanding of the world and my place in it. All thanks to TIP.”

Wenzlick said he has thrived at Ferris State, raising his grade point average to a 3.7 after earning a 2.8 in high school – which he said is an indication of his commitment and appreciation for the chance to get a college education. He’s hoping for a career in environmental conservation.

Eichinger told lawmakers Ferris State this year enrolled 1,621 students through the program. Nearly 1,200 are seeing an associate degree and more than 400 are working toward a bachelor’s degree.

He said 44 percent of Ferris State TIP scholars are minorities; 60 percent are female; 69 percent are from outside of the state’s five most populous counties – and 80 percent are in good academic standing.

“Which proves that sometimes all someone needs is an opportunity and that your parent’s income shouldn’t be a proxy college worthiness,” he said.

Eichinger said 3,811 Ferris State TIP students have earned degrees in the last decade.

“In many cases those degrees are the instrument that breaks generational poverty cycles, that degree folder becomes a physical symbol of hope, opportunity, and reward for hard work,” he said. “Serving students, but especially serving first generation students is the core of what we do and keeps us connected to our founder and his vision that accessing education is fundamental to healthy, vibrant, an industrious community.”

State Rep. Nancy DeBoer, R-Holland, said she was inspired by Wenzlick’s testimony.

“I wish you all the best as you continue to use these skills that you are honing, and that you will keep telling your story to inspire other kids so they don’t give up, so they don’t say, ‘That’s the end,’ and don’t say, ‘That’s as far as I can go.’ You can give them hope with your story.”

Nancy-deboer , Dan-eichinger , David-wenzlick , Tuition-incentive-program , Community-colleges-on , Ferris-state-university , Ferris-state , External-affairs , House-appropriations-subcommittee , Higher-education , Community-colleges , Business-marketing

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

On Monday, Feb. 26 at approximately 9:09 P.M., deputies were dispatched to Little Bass Lake, located on 65th Ave near Madison Rd in Martiny Township, for an attempted water rescue of a missing person. Deputies were advised that a 59-year-old male from Mecosta had been located by family after falling through the ice while ice fishing and they were unable to get him out of the water.

Upon arrival on scene first responders were able to recover the male who was no longer breathing. Despite all life-saving efforts being attempted, the male could not be resuscitated.

Deputies were assisted by Barryton Fire, Fork Township Rescue, Chippewa Township Fire/Rescue, Morton Township Fire/Rescue with a hovercraft, Nottawa Shermon Township Fire/Rescue with an airboat, Mecosta County EMS, Mecosta County Sheriff Office Dive Team, Medical Examiners Office and Meceola Central Dispatch.

Sheriff Miller would like to advise that due to recent warmer temperatures the ice on lakes is no longer stable and to please stay off the ice.

Examiners-office , Mecosta-county-sheriff-office-dive-team , Little-bass-lake , Martiny-township , Barryton-fire , Fork-township-rescue , Chippewa-township , Morton-township , Nottawa-shermon-township , Mecosta-county , Medical-examiners-office

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

The presidential primary polls are open today for in-person voting across the state of Michigan.

All voters that are registered in the state of Michigan can vote at their respective polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Unregistered voters, along with voters who have not updated their registration to a new address, must go to their local clerk’s office to register beforehand. There is also an option to vote at their clerk’s office using an absentee ballot.

Voters should remember to do the following before arriving at their repsective polling location:

Look up the location of the polling place to ensure it has not moved recently.
Look up their registration status to ensure it is current.
Bring their photo ID to the polls if they are in possession of one. Photo ID is not a requirement to vote in Michigan.

For more information, visit Vote on Election Day (michigan.gov).

Michigan , United-states , Election-day , Radio-station , Ot-adult-contemporary , Dult-contemporary , Ot-ac , C , Op-40 , Ig-rapids , Ichigan

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

The Ferris State University men's and women's indoor track and field teams wrapped up action in the 2024 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Championships on Sunday (Feb. 25) in University Center.

The annual league championships were hosted by Saginaw Valley State and the Bulldog men's team placed sixth with 34 points while the women tied for seventh place overall with 27 points in the final standings.

Ferris State's Claudia Wilkinson won the league title in the women's high jump with a mark of 1.83 meters.

FSU's Danae Feldpausch came in third overall in the finals of the women's mile run (4:53.81) and Hanna Brock placed 11th in the same event (5:11.14). Whitney Farrell took ninth place in the 3,000 meters (10:12.94) and Rebecca Marvin was ninth in the shot put (11.46m).

The Bulldogs' Chase Carter finished as the runner-up in the 60 meters (6.87) and also finished fifth in the 200 meters (22.21).

Meanwhile, Cooper Sorsen was fifth overall in the 3,000 meters (8:29.41).

Blaine Rogers took seventh place in the finals of the 60-meter hurdles (8.65) and Gavin Vansolkema took eighth in the mile run (4:19.15) finals. Ben Dousuah took 10th place in the shot put (13.58m) and Hunter Richardson came in 11th (12.78) in the shot. Levi Tuinstra placed 11th in the high jump (1.78m).

FSU's Ryan Kachnowski placed 10th in the mile (4:24.73). In addition, Kevin Wilson finished 10th in the 800 meters (1:59.13) and Lucas Vandam was 11th (1:59.70) in the same race.

Ferris State was also fifth in the men's 4x400-meter relay (3:27.55) and seventh in the women's 4x400-meter relay (4:07.96).

Complete results from the league championships, including both day one and day two competition, can be found at the link below.

GLIAC Final Results

Danae-feldpausch , Levi-tuinstra , Lucas-vandam , Rebecca-marvin , Cooper-sorsen , Gavin-vansolkema , Hanna-brock , Ryan-kachnowski , Blaine-rogers , Hunter-richardson , Whitney-farrell , Kevin-wilson

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Ferris State University's Stepan Pokorny scored in the first round of the shootout and Noah Giesbrecht saved all three Northern Michigan attempts as the Bulldogs won their second shootout of the season Saturday (Feb. 24) in the Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The Bulldogs (10-21-2) played a tightly contested game against Northern Michigan that was tied 1-1 after the first three periods. When neither team scored in overtime, the Bulldogs had their second shootout of the year, winning it 1-0 in their final home game of the season.

Before the game, Ferris State honored 11 players for senior night. Those players were Logan Stein, Ben Schultheis, Drew Cooper, Austin McCarthy, Jacob Dirks, Pokorny, Jason Brancheau, Nick Hale, Antonio Venuto, Brenden MacLaren and Giesbrecht.

Zach Faremouth scored the first goal of the game at 11:33 in the first period on the power play. Pokorny and Brancheau had the assists on Faremouth's second power play goal this year, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.

Northern Michigan tied the game at 1:59 in the second period. Rylan Van Unen scored with assists from Tyrell Boucher and Kevin Marx Noren, the final goal of the game.

Giesbrecht made 24 saves in regulation, while Northern Michigan goaltender Beni Halasz stopped 12 shots through the first 60 minutes. In overtime, Giesbrecht denied both Wildcat shot attempts and Halasz made five saves.

Grant Slukynsky was the first shooter in the shootout, and he was turned away by Giesbrecht. Pokorny went first for the Bulldogs and beat Halasz, giving FSU a 1-0 advantage in the shootout.

Matvei Kabanov went next, and he too was denied by Giesbrecht. Brancheau had a chance to win it for Ferris State in the second round, but Halasz made the save.

Mikey Colella was the last chance for Northern Michigan, but Giesbrecht stood tall for a third time in the shootout and won it for Ferris State.

Giesbrecht finished the game 26-27 and officially earned a tie. Halasz turned away 17-18 shots.

Northern Michigan won 31 faceoffs compared to 25 for Ferris State. The Bulldogs went 1-3 on their power play tries and killed all four of their penalties.

The Bulldogs have one game remaining in the regular season. They will visit Lake Superior State University Friday (March 1) for a 7:07 p.m. (ET) puck drop against the Lakers. Pregame coverage will begin at 6:30 p.m. (ET) on Sunny 97.3 FM.

Ferris-state-university , Michigan , United-states , Tyrell-boucher , Antonio-venuto , Austin-mccarthy , Jason-brancheau , Beni-halasz , Jacob-dirks , Brenden-maclaren , Zach-faremouth , Ben-schultheis

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Rockford native and Ferris State University Plastics Engineering Technology student Cameron Sawicki is the proud recipient of a $2,500 scholarship made available through a collaborative for industrial giant DuPont Tedlar and the Society of Plastic Engineers Foundation.

Sawicki is a senior and said he will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology, accentuated by the excellence of resources and faculty in Ferris’ National Elastomer Center.

“Our program is very well rounded, as we work with the latest in injection molding technology in our labs, then learn to apply that knowledge through instruction from faculty with extensive industry experience,” Sawicki said. “I could not have asked for a better arrangement for my education and career intentions.”

Sawicki said Plastics Engineering was a field that came into focus in his high school days.

“I have to admit entering the program was something of a snap decision,” Cameron said. “I am so glad, as my choice of this degree path has exceeded all my expectations.”

The Plastics Engineering Technology curriculum is part of Ferris’ School of Design and Manufacturing in the College of Engineering Technology. Data gathered by the college notes PET graduate placement is near 100 percent. A recent group of graduates received salaries averaging $68,500 a year that were augmented by generous benefit plans and signing bonuses.

“I have received full-time job offers, but am still considering my options at this point,” Sawicki said.

PET program coordinator Tom Van Pernis, an associate professor, is a 2008 alumnus of the program. He said student recruitment requires more prospect education than in years past, owing to social media misinformation about the plastics industry and its active role in environmental stewardship.

“We are helping students understand they can be agents of positive change, by emphasizing sustainability in their service to the industry,” Van Pernis said. “There are many opportunities to work in the creation of industrial and commercial products, at starting salaries of $70,000 and beyond and Ferris graduates are ‘first choice’ candidates in their hiring processes.”

The DuPont Tedlar Scholarship that was awarded to Sawicki is part of a year-long emphasis to support studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Tedlar is a polyvinyl fluoride film that can withstand scuffs, stains, and harsher conditions, with applications ranging from protective clothing to industrial uses. The corporation and the SPE Foundation continue their collaboration in 2024 through targeted educational opportunities for Girl Scouts and students in the vicinity of Tedlar production plants in New York and Ohio.

Van Pernis said Ferris PET students Anthony Audia of Ionia and Ashley Dobbyn of Garden City also received SPE scholarships in the last granting cycle.

New-york , United-states , Garden-city , Ohio , Ionia , Dupont-tedlar , Anthony-audia , Cameron-sawicki , Tom-van-pernis , Ashley-dobbyn , Van-pernis , College-of-engineering-technology

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

The Detroit Lions announced today that they have re-signed K Michael Badgley. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Badgley returns for his third season in Detroit after converting four-of-four field goals (100.0%) and 13-of-15 extra points (86.7%) for 25 points scored in 2023. In the Wild Card Round vs. the Los Angeles Rams, Badgley tied a postseason franchise record by converting a 54-yard field goal.

Originally entering the NFL in 2018 with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent out of Miami (Fla.), Badgley has appeared in games for the Los Angeles Chargers, Tennessee Titans, Colts, Chicago Bears and Lions over his six seasons. In 64-career games, he is 98-of-119 on field goal attempts (82.4%) and 168-of-175 on extra point attempts (96.0%) for 462 points scored.

Chicago , Illinois , United-states , Miami , Florida , Tennessee , Los-angeles , California , Michael-badgley , Detroit-lions , Chicago-bears , Wild-card-round

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

Monday, February 12

At 5:10 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids TWP. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 19

Tuesday, February 13

At around 2:30 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Mecosta TWP. A male subject was arrested on a felony warrant. He was lodged the the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 16

Traffic Accidents: 1

Wednesday, February 14

At 08:55 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Fork TWP. A female subject was arrested on a warrant. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

At 1:40 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Millbrook TWP. A male subject was arrested on a warrant. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

At 1:45 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest in Big Rapids TWP. A male subject was arrested on a probation violation. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 32

Thursday, February 15

At 02:23 P.M., deputies responded to a domestic assault complaint, at a residence in Morton TWP. A male subject was arrested for domestic assault. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 18

Traffic Accidents: 10

Car/Deer Accidents: 1

Friday, February 16

At 9:24 P.M., deputies made a warrant arrest at a residence in Millbrook TWP. A female subject was arrested on a felony warrant for MDOP. She was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 24

Saturday, February 17

Calls for Service: 15

Car/Deer Accidents: 2

Sunday, February 18

At 02:57 P.M., deputies responded to a domestic in Wheatland TWP. A male subject had assaulted his girlfriend. After resisting officers and being tased, the male subject was arrested for domestic assault and resist /obstruct. He was lodged at the Mecosta County Jail.

Calls for Service: 7

Traffic Accidents: 1

Car/Deer Accidents: 2

Big-rapids , Mecosta-county , Deer-accidents , Radio-station , Ot-adult-contemporary , Dult-contemporary , Ot-ac , C , Op-40 , Ig-rapids , Ichigan

Big Rapids Daily News - WYBR-FM Big Rapids, MI Today's Hit Music

The Ferris State University men's ice hockey team will host the Northern Michigan Wildcats this weekend (Feb. 23-24) for the Bulldogs' final regular-season home series of the year at the Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The action gets underway on Friday night at 7:07 p.m. (ET) with Saturday night's finale slated for an early 5:07 p.m. (ET) start.

The opening contest of the weekend series on Friday will be Military Appreciation Night and all veterans along with active military members can purchase a ticket for $5 off the normal price by showing their military ID in person at the FSU Athletics Ticket Office.

The finale on Saturday will be Senior Night with Ferris State slated to honor 11 seniors prior to the contest. Fans are encouraged to arrive early with the senior ceremony slated to start early prior to game time. The Bulldogs will also hold a senior night recognition, which is open to the public, following the game across the hall inside Jim Wink Arena where the Bulldog seniors will be introduced in front of their families and friends.

Along with Senior Night, the Bulldogs will also celebrate Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday. Parking will be free on Saturday for all fans and several giveaways are also planned in conjunction with the evening tilt.

Fans can purchase digital tickets for all Bulldog home hockey games in advance to guarantee a seat by visiting FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets.

The FSU Athletic Ticket Office's normal business hours are Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) with extended hours on Wednesday until 7 p.m. (ET). A complete pricing structure, ticket office hours and additional information is available online at FerrisStateBulldogs.com and can be found by visiting the "tickets" tab. For additional ticket information, please call (231) 591-2888.

The Bulldog Sports Network and flagship radio station Sunny 97.3 FM will carry all of this weekend's action live with online coverage also available at FerrisStateBulldogs.com. Live video coverage will also be provided on a pay-per-view basis via CCHA TV on FloHockey.com.

Michigan , United-states , Ferris-state-university , Athletics-ticket-office , Bulldog-sports-network , Athletic-ticket-office , Northern-michigan-wildcats , Ewigleben-ice , Military-appreciation-night , Senior-night , Ferris-state

Sky TV reports big gain in first-half profit; warns economy, Hollywood strike will hit full-year revenue

Sky TV has reported strong first-half numbers, with a 3 per cent dip in customers to 1.02 million for the six months to December 31 but a 4 per cent rise in...

Hollywood , California , United-states , Forsyth-barr , Sophie-moloney , Sky-box , Sky-pod , Sky-sport-now , Sky , Tv , Reports