News across Barry County
One town, one heart united
Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 attacks changed the nation, more than 125 people gathered under calm blue skies complemented by the fading sun at William Smith Memorial Park in Delton to remember those who lost their lives and honor the police officers, firefighters, EMTs…
Hastings City Council picks new member
It might have taken a bit longer than expected, but the Hastings City Council appointed a new member at its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 14. Debra Hatfield was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Jordan Brehm, who represented the city’s Fourth…
Hastings police show off newly renovated offices
Hastings Police Department officials got a chance to show off their recently renovated offices on the second floor of Hastings City Hall during an open house Monday, Sept. 14. The event, held before the Hastings City Council’s regular meeting, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony,…
Rutland Twp. supervisor: Still no news on property sale for proposed Meijer
While City of Hastings and Rutland Township officials have seemingly cleared the path for Meijer to build a new store in Barry County, officials are also waiting to hear whether the Grand Rapids-based retailer has yet purchased the property needed for construction. Brenda…
Simple budgeting tips that fit real life
If you’ve just started managing your own finances, recommitted to doing it well or noticed your spending isn’t making you as happy as you’d hoped, a budget might be exactly what you need. When you know where your money is going, you’re likely to feel more in control and more…
Barry County Ethnic Food Fest brings world flavors to Hastings
Food has a way of bringing people together, and organizers of the Barry County Ethnic Food Fest hope to do just that again this weekend with dishes and traditions from nearly a dozen countries. The Hastings Church of the Nazarene will host the second Barry County Ethnic Food…
2 TAEF Mom’s Scholarship recipients selected
The Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation is pleased to announce Cloe Oliver of Hastings and Rebecca Pruess of Delton as the 2026 recipients of the Mom’s Scholarship. Developed in memory of Virginia Hoover Harrison Root, a well-respected Barry County mother and teacher who went…
Barry Co. EMS providers honored at awards dinner
The Barry County Medical Control Authority recognized local emergency medical services providers during its annual Provider of the Year Awards dinner on Sept. 8 at Barry County Central Dispatch. The awards recognize providers at three license levels — Emergency Medical…
Barry Community Foundation launches new community for young professionals
Membership is now open for the program’s founding year, with a public kickoff event set for Oct. 15 in downtown Hastings The Barry Community Foundation recently announced the launch of The Bridge, a new community program designed to connect young professionals in Barry County…
Health dept. provides update following Hastings ricin exposure
On September 10, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) received information about a potential ricin exposure at Tyden Lofts in Hastings, MI, and at the Corewell Health Pennock Hospital Emergency Department. Presumptive testing of the substance indicated the presence…
Delton hosts 9/11 memorial
To honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks 25 years later, the Delton community will hold its fifth annual solidarity gathering Friday at 6 p.m. at William Smith Memorial Park, 201 E. Orchard St. in Delton. Jaki Spencer, who instituted the annual event and is a commissioner for…
Local food venture takes root in Hastings
Jessica Rauser is all smiles when she talks about the “overwhelming” start to her effort to bring local and ethically produced farm- fresh food, fresh-baked goods and a variety of other bulk products to the community. Rauser and her husband, Josh, had a “soft opening” for their…