A Shared Identity
The Thursday night council chambers were full. Not an extra seat was to be had. A simple question emerged weeks ago: Where should the "Red Flannel Town" medallion, the one formerly hung in our old city hall, hang? But it unfolded into something much larger, and it is, because it became clear that people were not reacting to décor or wall space, but to what that symbol represents about who we are. When a symbol present for generations gets moved or reconsidered, the reactions
Jake Watson
3 hours ago4 min read
Council Votes to Keep Red Flannel Symbol at City Hall
CEDAR SPRINGS — The future of the city’s “Red Flannel Town” medallion drew a crowd at the July 9 City Council meeting, as residents packed the chambers to weigh in on where, and how, the symbol should move forward within the community. In the end, the council voted 5‑1 to hang the medallion in the new council chambers, placing it opposite the city’s official logo. The discussion follows a June 11 meeting in which council members debated whether the large “Red Flannel Town, Ce
Jake Watson
2 days ago3 min read
Cedar Blitz Rolls Back to Town
CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Blitz Bike Race is rolling back into town Saturday, July 11, bringing hundreds of riders and spectators back to downtown Cedar Springs. The race measures anywhere from eighteen to 128 miles of course. What began as a simple conversation has grown into one of the city’s signature summer events. Organizers say the idea first took shape when Dave Ringler of Cedar Springs Brewing Company mentioned he’d love to see a bike race come to town. Working alongs
Jake Watson
5 days ago2 min read
The Privilege of Disagreement
“What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming.” As Saturday night’s fireworks finale lit up the sky and the grills cooled off sometime after sunset, Americans finally gave in to sleep after squeezing every last bit of life out of a long summer day. After sundown, when the noise softened and the sky returned to its familiar darkness, I found myself sitting at home with my son, replaying the evening in my mind. A memory came back to me from July 4th, 2022, when he
Jake Watson
7 days ago4 min read
Overnight Crash Leaves One Dead, Six Injured
SOLON TOWNSHIP — One man is dead and several others were injured following a head‑on crash early Saturday morning in Solon Township. At approximately 12:30 a.m. on July 4, 2026, deputies with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to Algoma Avenue NE south of 15 Mile Road for a two‑vehicle crash. Solon Fire Department reported it was dispatched to a two‑car accident on Algoma Avenue, with first responders initially reporting six patients at the scene, classifying the inci
Jake Watson
Jul 41 min read
Cozy Reflections Opens New Winery Inside Shop
CEDAR SPRINGS — Get ready to raise a class to Cozy Reflections as they pop the cork on something new this summer. The downtown retail shop, open since 2021 and known for its curated selection of vintage finds, seasonal décor, unique gifts, and books, has added an in‑store wine tasting area featuring selections from Love Wines Winery of Ludington. Owner Kristin Corcoran said the addition blends perfectly with the shop’s inviting atmosphere. “We are excited to be adding Love Wi
Jake Watson
Jul 32 min read
