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🌱 Will new housing and grants finally ease Big Rapids’ housing crunch?

Big Rapids, Michigan Patch AM: a 5 min read

Good morning to you Big Rapids! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will new housing and grants finally ease Big Rapids’ housing crunch?
  • Racing in Big Rapids this week? Check the new post times first
  • How Ferris State’s new Big Rapids program could reshape Michigan dental care

Also on today's calendar: Every Saturday Fly-in Lunch (KRQB) and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What is seen in the middle of March and April that can’t be seen at the beginning or end of either month? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Very hot with hazy sun, with a high of 98 and low of 59 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Hot with clouds and sun, temps: high: 93, low: 64.
  • Friday: Some sun with a t-storm; warm, with a high of 88 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Big Rapids mayor targets economic development to create jobs and retain talent, addresses housing crunch (9and10news.com) — Big Rapids’ mayor is pushing new housing, job growth, and infrastructure upgrades to keep more young people living and working in town. Two projects will add 54 homes and 30 senior apartments, while major state-backed water and wastewater improvements aim to support long-term economic development and ease the city’s long-running housing crunch.
   

2. Post time changes – U.S. Trotting News (ustrottingnews.com) — Harness racing post times in Big Rapids are being shifted this week because of dangerously high heat, affecting anyone planning to attend or race. Local fans and participants should double-check the updated schedule so they aren’t caught off guard by earlier or later starts during the hot spell.
   

3. Ferris State taps public health dentist to launch Michigan's first dental therapy program (modeldmedia.com) — Ferris State University in Big Rapids is building Michigan’s first dental therapy program, set to launch in 2028 pending accreditation and aimed at expanding basic dental care in underserved communities. Led by public health dentist Dr. Deborah Brown, the program will offer flexible bachelor’s and master’s pathways and is already drawing strong interest from prospective students statewide.
   

4. 66-year-old hospitalized following motorcycle wreck in Morton Township (wybr.com) — A 66-year-old motorcyclist was seriously hurt after crashing while trying to avoid deer in Morton Township and was taken to Corewell Health Hospital in Big Rapids. Mecosta County deputies say he was wearing a helmet, and they’re using the incident to remind riders about proper safety gear as local agencies continue monitoring his condition.
   

5. Michigan surpasses 2,600 reported cases in cyclosporiasis outbreak (ourmidland.com) — A fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached counties around Big Rapids, with six cases in Montcalm County and none yet reported in Mecosta, Osceola, Newaygo, or Lake counties. State health officials urge residents with persistent diarrhea to seek testing and follow food-washing guidance, especially for fresh produce like lettuce, herbs, raspberries, and snow peas.
   

📸 Around Big Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Big Rapids

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📣 Big Rapids Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Meijer, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk part time in Big Rapids. Apply here.
  • Hallmark Cards, Inc. posted a job opening for Hallmark Field Merchandiser (Part Time) Big Rapids, MI 49307 in Big Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Big Rapids here.

Ok Big Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: The letter “R.” (Thank you Manuela A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Big Rapids

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Big Rapids

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.