News across Barry County
Plant employees say they’re tired of accepting concessions
Randy Tobias, bargaining chairman for UAW Local No. 1002, said the 1,200 union workers at Bradford White’s Middleville manufacturing plant walked out at midnight on Sept. 16 because they were “tired of losing to get.” Union employees started picketing outside the Middleville…
‘Wild for a Cure’
According to organizers of the 2026 Barry County Relay for Life, nearly 150 people rallied at Tyden Park in Hastings on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12 and 13, to help raise funds — and awareness — in the ongoing fight against cancer. Kim Domke, a team leader for “Give 4 Good,”…
Hastings school officials state need to pass bond request at community forum
Hastings Area School System officials hosted a community forum on Monday, Sept. 21, to make their case and educate voters on the need for a $24.8 million bond proposal that will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. The forum was held at the Hastings Middle School…
Record number of volunteers roll up their sleeves for Day of Caring
When Morgan Johnson calls the Barry County community unique, she has the numbers to back it up. Big numbers. “Our community is unique. People care about Barry County and they see the value in the work that they are doing,” Johnson said. “It isn’t about the Barry County United Way…
Hastings man charged in ricin exposure
A 24-year-old Hastings resident is now facing a felony charge related to the recent ricin exposure at the Tyden Loft apartments in Hastings that could result in up to two decades in a state prison, according to a statement released by the Barry County Prosecutor’s office. Joseph…
What does financial fulfillment actually feel like?
Feeling financially fulfilled means so much more than just the number in your bank account. It’s about being able to take your family out to dinner without calculating whether you can afford it. It means sleeping soundly on a Sunday night, knowing that if the water heater gives…
Delton Oktoberfest set for Saturday
Delton is gearing up for the eighth annual Oktoberfest from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at William Smith Park behind the fire station on Orchard Street. The festival is now a Revitalize Delton event. Allie Steele-Rouse is organizing the event. Rouse said the former…
Gun Lake Fall Fest returns on Saturday
It’s back for the third year in a row. The Gun Lake Business Association (GLBA) is once again organizing the Gun Lake Fall Fest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. GLBA Board Treasurer Kenna Graham and GLBA trustee Kim Lynch are co- chairs of the event. Trustees lend their…
3 scholarships awarded to pair of Barry County 4-H members
This year, three scholarships were given to Barry County graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary opportunities. The students receiving these scholarships have shown dedication to the Barry County 4-H program. 4-H is a U.S.-based network of youth organizations whose mission…
Carisa Rosenberger of Hastings schools recently received the Travis Wenger 4-H Scholarship.
Hastings man facing charges for ricin incident
On Friday, Sept. 18, Joseph Jay Sheppard of Hastings was arraigned in Hastings District Court in connection with a ricin incident at the Tyden Lofts apartments on Sept. 10. Sheppard was charged with “Harmful Devices-Unlawful Possession or Use Causing Property Damage,” a felony…
‘People stepped up’
As residents of Tyden Lofts began returning home in phases following a reported ricin exposure, local health and emergency management officials told the Hastings City Council on Monday that response teams continue to evaluate the building and collect environmental samples.…