The Pioneer (Big Rapids, MI)

The Pioneer is a newspaper published six days a week, serving Big Rapids, as well as the greater Mecosta County, Osceola County, and certain areas of Lake and Newaygo Counties. It prioritizes local stories and community members, making it the top newspaper in the area. The Pioneer is dedicated to community journalism, providing thorough coverage of schools, local government, court cases, and news that matters to residents.

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English, Spanish

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#421780

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#124073

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#4420

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Big Rapids opens Depot Trailhead Park, new gateway to White Pine Trail

1 day ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

Big Rapids celebrated the opening of the Depot Trailhead Park with a ribbon cutting on June 24. Mayor Fred Guenther (center) cuts the ribbon as park board member Foster Neill (far left), Commissioner Amanda Johnson (left), Commissioner David Rhodes (right) and City Manager Mark Gifford (far right) look on. Pioneer photos/Cathie CrewBig Rapids celebrated the opening of the Depot Trailhead Park with a ribbon cutting on June 24.
Mecosta County board approves MET funds for Green Charter Township legal fees

1 day ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners approved allocating marijuana excise tax funds to Green Charter Township for legal fees resulting from the Gotion lawsuit, with commissioners Bill Routley and Chris Jane opposing the funding. Pioneer file photoFollowing a somewhat contentious discussion, the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners agreed to allocate funding from the marijuana excise tax monies to Green Charter Township to help pay their legal fees resulting from the lawsuit with Gotion Inc.
Lake County community events calendar for June 26, 2025

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

The Lake County community events calendar lists the latest happenings in the area. File photoThe following is a list of community events happening in and around the area. If you have an event you would like posted on the calendar, or if any information needs to be updated, contact [email protected]:The Pure Markette Farmers and Makers Market is open from 3 to 6 p.m., every Wednesday at the Wenger Pavillion in downtown Baldwin.
EEUU bloquea transferencias de 3 instituciones financieras en México acusadas de ayudar a cárteles

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Megan Janetsky

ARCHIVO - El edificio del Departamento del Tesoro de EEUU, el 13 de marzo de 2025, en Washington.
GFWC Big Rapids donates to Paris Fishponds restoration

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

The Greater Federation of Women's Clubs Big Rapids Chapter presented a donation check of $1,226 to the Save The Ponds Committee in support of their efforts to restore the Paris Fish Ponds. Park Commission staff, Save the Ponds Committee members, and members of the Women's Club were present for the check presentation.
Hemlock Park splash pad to close for upgrades June 26-29

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

The Matthew James Hansen Splash Pad at Hemlock Park will be closed to the public from Thursday, June 26, through Friday, June 29, for modifications. Pioneer photos/Cathie CrewBIG RAPIDS — The Matthew James Hansen Splash Pad at Hemlock Park will be unavailable for use from Thursday, June 26, through Sunday, June 29, while modification work is being completed. The Big Rapids City Commission approved a proposal from Gerber Construction to modify the Splash Pad during its meeting June 16.
Hospice of Michigan offers grief support scrapbooking event in Big Rapids

2 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

Hospice of Michigan in Big Rapids will host a "Coping with Grief Through Scrapbooking" event on July 11. YorVen/Getty ImagesBIG RAPIDS — Hospice of Michigan will host “Coping with Grief Through Scrapbooking” at 1 p.m., July 11, at 400 Perry Ave., Big Rapids. This is an opportunity to honor loved ones through an interactive art experience, a news release from the organization said.
Lake County Historical Society to host Evening with the Collectors event

3 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Darren Iozia

Discover unique collections and get antiques appraised at the Lake County Historical Society’s Evening with the Collectors fundraiser in Baldwin this Saturday. Several people will have items on display. Courtesy of Jill EngelmanDiscover unique collections and get antiques appraised at the Lake County Historical Society’s Evening with the Collectors fundraiser in Baldwin this Saturday.
Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity offers emergency home repair aid

3 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Cathie Crew

Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity offers residents assistance in emergency home repairs through the Critical Home Repair Program. Remington Hernandez/Pioneer PhotoBIG RAPIDS — Mecosta County Habitat for Humanity is offering emergency home repair assistance to income eligible families and individuals in the community through the Critical Home Repair Program, which helps low-income homeowners make urgent, necessary repairs to their homes.
'Julie Do You Love Me' singer, '70s teen idol Bobby Sherman dies at 81

3 days ago | bigrapidsnews.com | Dominic Genetti

Bobby Sherman, a teen idol and heartthrob in the late-1960s and 1970s, has died. He was 81. ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment ConBobby Sherman, a 1970s teen idol and heartthrob, has died. He was 81. The "Julie, Do You Love Me" singer's death was announced via Instagram in a shared post from his wife, Brigitte Poublon, and "Full House" actor John Stamos.