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CEDAR SPRINGS - Construction has begun on the remodeling of one of Cedar's historic buildings into the new City Hall. The building at 130 W. Muskegon St., originally home to the Kent County Road Commission and later Rowland’s Surplus, was purchased by the city on Nov. 12, 2024. The $3.15 million project, designed by Post Associates Architects and led by Construction Simplified, is expected to be completed by March 2026.

RED HAWK STADIUM - The Cedar Springs Varsity Football team stormed into the 2025 football season with an emphatic 57-6 victory over the Avondale Yellow Jackets. The boys took to Red Hawk Stadium ready to lay it all on the line in the season opener on Thursday, August 28th. From the opening whistle, the Red Hawks dominated on both sides of the ball, showcasing their strength, teamwork, and determination. The offense wasted no time finding the end zone, putting up quick points with explosive runs that blasted past the Jackets' D-Line. By halftime, the boys had already built a commanding lead of 49-0, and the Hawks never looked back. The second half proved to be more of the same, with Cedar Springs continuing to execute with discipline and determination, stacking another 8 points on top of their already dominate lead. The defense was just as impressive, with Spencer Rosenberger leading the way, making several drive-stopping tackles, holding Avondale to a single touchdown late in the fourth. But with only eleven seconds left in the game, it was too little, too late for the Jackets to make a comeback. The energy in the stands was electric as the hometown crowd cheered on their Red Hawks, who delivered a performance to remember. At the sound of the final whistle, the crowd went wild as they descended onto the field to celebrate a commanding victory with our High Flying Hawks. The decisive victory sets the tone for the rest of the season, as Cedar Springs looks to build on the momentum when they face Harper Creek next week. Coach Kapolka reminded his team after the game, "You didn't win tonight here on this field. You won it on the practice field after each drill, each night. This next team, they're going to want it. We're going to have to want it more." For now, the team and town can celebrate a triumphant start to the season. Go Hawks!

CEDAR SPRINGS -- On August 27, staff members at The Village Learning Center took part in a CPR and First Aid training session designed to improve safety and emergency preparedness. This training is part of the center’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who relies on its services. As both a childcare facility during the day and a senior center at other times, the center plays a dual role in the community. The training showcases its commitment to readiness and to safeguarding the well-being of children, seniors, and everyone in its care. “Every second counts in an emergency. Knowing first aid and CPR means being ready to protect a child’s life when it matters most,” stated The Village Learning Center owner, Jen Ruwersma.

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI – The City of Cedar Springs has initiated a comprehensive road repaving project first approved during the June City Council meeting, targeting key residential corridors, with work expected to continue for approximately three weeks. Crews from Michigan Paving and Materials began repairs this week on four critical segments:

This year we say goodbye and good luck as Mr. Willett moves on to teach at the Kent County Technical Center as the second Ag. teacher there! He fostered so much growth in our program and we look forward to seeing its continued growth under our new teacher Mrs. Jenna Myers!! “I am a 6th generation farmer who grew up in Ashley, MI, graduating from Fulton High School in the class of 2016. I attended Michigan State University obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science degree majoring in crop and soil science along with a minor in sustainable agriculture and food systems. I am eager to share my love of agriculture with students and launch my teaching career here at Cedar Springs High School as the new agricultural science teacher.”

CEDAR SPRINGS, MI – The Cedar Springs City Council has unanimously approved a new

Nestled in the heart of the Main Street business district, Cozy Reflections has

Raymond Alfred Bekins, age 74 of Cedar Springs, MI passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, in the comfort of home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 28, 1950, in Grand Rapids, MI and was the son of Elmer and Madeline (Scheidel) Bekins. Ray was loved by many: friends, family, work colleagues and hunting buddies alike. A lifelong Cedar Springs resident, Ray's life revolved around hard work, perseverance, and most importantly his family. Ray, the son of a butcher, followed in his father's footsteps before working in manufacturing for several decades prior to retirement. Ray's work didn't define him. It allowed him the time and resources to be a provider to his family, unknowingly teach life lessons, and to ultimately do the things he enjoyed in life. Ray's priority was his wife and children, and this often included coming to their rescue. He was a self-proclaimed Mr. Handyman. He always helped to fix anything even if sometimes he didn't know what he was doing! He was always present at his kid’s sporting events, family vacations, and most importantly taught us all discipline and hard work. We were lucky to have Ray as a father and will be forever grateful for the life lessons and support. Ray's biggest supporter and lifelong love was Diane who was by his side until the end. Ray and Diane created countless memories over the years, and they were the perfect pair. Hunting and fishing were Ray's favorite hobbies (the local deer population is probably breathing a sigh of relief!), but a close second was searching for the ultimate bargain at a garage sale. Ray and Diane were professional bargain hunters and spent decades enjoying this hobby together. Ray's sarcasm, quick wit, and willingness to give and help without expecting anything in return will forever be missed. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Interim Hospice for the loving care they gave to Ray. Surviving is his wife, Diane; children, Ryan (Lana) Bekins, Courtney (Roy) Ferguson; grandchildren, Jayden, Saylor, Nautica, Piper Ferguson; brothers, Dan (Anna), Todd (Erica), Alfred Bekins; sisters, Betty (Floyd) Calkins, Alice (Brian) Hayward, Sue Allen, Sally (Joe) Sagorski; mother-in-law, Florence Antor; in-laws, Gordon (Sharon) Cook, Roger (Janie) Kopenski, Doug (Sue) Stein, Denny (Liz) Antor, Ted (Jackie) Doorenbos. A Rosary will be offered 10:30 am Tuesday, August 26 at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 3110 17 Mile Rd., Cedar Springs, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. The family will greet friends at the luncheon following Mass. Rev. Fr. Lam Le, Celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, Interim Hospice, 1971 E. Beltline NE Ste 216 Grand Rapids, MI 49525, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Sarah Barnes (Sabinas) Kacprzyk, age 44 of Cedar Springs, Michigan, left behind her earthly body to rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord on Friday, August 15th, 2025. Sarah was a cherished daughter of Ted and Dianne Sabinas, born on July 16th, 1981. She was also the beloved wife of Ben. In 20 years of marriage, Sarah and Ben created a beautiful life, packed with precious memories, travel adventures, and what she loved most: navigating life's sweetest joy as parents to Breslyn, Elsie, and Macey. Sarah was a proud Red Hawk for life. After graduating from Cedar Springs High School, she earned her teaching degree. She returned home to Cedar Trails Elementary, where she left a lasting impact of kindness, patient love, and support on hundreds of kindergarteners and staff. Sarah also passed on many lessons to Red Hawk athletes as a volleyball and basketball coach. She loved teaching and coaching. But more than anything, Sarah's most cherished role was being a fierce, loving mama to her girls. She lived each and every day to be a mom. Her legacy of "family comes first" is woven into our hearts. Sarah's influence on the many who loved her is felt deeply in her absence. Those who spent time with Sarah came to love her spunk, her selfless compassion for others, and her infinite zest and love for the life she was living. Even in the most adverse moments, Sarah would find joy, create happiness, and appreciate all of the blessings her many circles of friends and family provided her. Her tenacity and spirit provided hope and light for many, lifting those around her who needed protection from life's storms. We will forever miss her classic, and sometimes snarky, one-liners that left us laughing until we cried, the beautiful smile that made us smile, and the genuine comfort she spread in our hearts. To honor Sarah's memory we commit to laugh and smile when we can enjoy the simple blessings of life that filled her soul; mowing the green grass, watering the flowers, a beautiful sunset, anything in the color purple, traveling with our loves, lake days and boat rides, cozy pj pants, hot coffee or an ice cold Coke, a giant dill pickle, Kenny Chesney songs on the radio, great concerts, Fourth of July and Christmas traditions, sitting on the sidelines and in bleachers cheering embarrassingly loud, but most of all loving God and finding strength and comfort in His pure love and loving our family, friends, and children wholeheartedly and without bounds or limit. Sarah is preceded in death by her grandparents, Edward Sabinas and Hazel (Sabinas) Kaplachinski, Leonard Kaplachinski, and Richard and Barbara Barnes, as well as uncles, Claude Malone, Larry Sabinas, Mark Sabinas, and aunt, Lynda (Barnes) Jones. She is survived by her husband, Ben; daughters, Breslyn, Elsie, and Macey; parents, Ted and Dianne Sabinas; sister, Jennifer (Sabinas) Kahler; mother and father-in-law, Hank and Sue Kacprzyk; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bryan Kahler, Nick and Andrea Kacprzyk, Joe and Laura Kacprzyk, Sarah Kacprzyk; nieces and nephews, Lela, Sam, Lola, Charlotte, Evan, Bethany, and Andrew.