News across Barry County
Barry County COA celebrates grand opening
The new home of the Barry County Commission on Aging is open for business. Local officials celebrated the recent move into the BCCOA’s new 16,600-square-foot facility located off of M-79, near the intersection with McKeown Road, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on…
Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame inducts four farm families
Four Michigan farm families were inducted into the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame during the 2026 induction ceremony on Sept. 12. This year’s ceremony was held at the Presbyterian Church in Hastings. This year’s inductees are Dennis and Dawn Iott of Kalkaska County, Darrell and…
Hastings native Johncock, twice an Indy 500 champ, dies at age 90
Gordon Johncock, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner born in Hastings, passed away Monday at his home in South Branch at the age of 90. Johncock had two of the most memorable wins in Indianapolis 500 history, one for its thrilling finish and one for the ordeal that led to its…
Gun Lake Fall Fest draws steady crowd for family fun
On Saturday, the Hastings Banner caught up with the Pasalic family at Chief Noonday Car Park during the third annual Gun Lake Business Association’s (GLBA) Gun Lake Fall Fest. Upon entering the park, Amanda and Zoren Pasalic said their children’s eyes immediately focused on the…
Experience, service shape House race
One points to more than a decade representing Mid and West Michigan in Congress and leadership roles involving federal spending and China. The other points to 17 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and subsequent work on veterans policy and federal government modernization.…
Albert, Pennock vie for 18th District Senate seat
Experience in Lansing is at the center of Republican state Sen. Thomas Albert’s campaign for re-election, while Democratic challenger Anthony Pennock is emphasizing his experience outside politics and his work as a special education teacher. Albert, 41, of Vergennes Township has…
Hastings City Council debates voting process after new member takes oath
On the day that the Hastings City Council welcomed a new member at its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 28, council members also debated what some saw as a contentious voting process at its previous meeting. Debra Hatfield, who was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the recent…
Hearing for ricin suspect rescheduled for Nov. 3
The Hastings man charged in relation to a recent ricin exposure will have his day in court. However, that day will just be later than originally anticipated. A probable cause hearing in Barry County District Court 56B for Joseph Jay Sheppard, 24, of Hastings was set for Tuesday,…
Hastings Fire Department to host open house Oct. 4
Hastings residents will get a chance to see the newest addition to the Hastings Fire Department, as well as meet with department and other emergency personnel, during an open house event set for noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4. “We’re doing it for Fire Prevention Week,” said…
Putting your aging parents’ wishes first
As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues, which may involve difficult conversations. You’ll want to be careful how you approach this. Mention ahead of time that you’d like to talk to them about their future plans and reassure…
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,”…