CEDAR SPRINGS — Cedar Springs Public Schools will honor past and present Red Hawks during the 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Celebration on Tuesday, May 19 at Cedar Springs High School. The evening will recognize four new inductees: Norman “Norm” Hill, Autumn Mattson, Tyler Emmorey, and Nicholas “Nick” Wolfe. The celebration begins with a social hour and light snacks from 6 to 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The formal awards ceremony will follow at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, where the new inductees will be recognized alongside past Hall of Fame recipients. The event is open to all past and present Red Hawk athletes, coaches, staff and fans. Norman “Norm” Hill A true Red Hawk basketball legend, Hill made history as the first player in school history to score 1,000 career points, finishing his varsity career with an impressive 1,100 points. One of his most memorable performances came during the district finals against Coopersville, when Hill set both school and tournament records by scoring 54 points in a single game. Known for his scoring ability, leadership and humility, Hill’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Red Hawk athletes. Autumn Mattson Cedar Springs High School proudly recognizes Autumn Mattson for her outstanding contributions as both a coach and athletic administrator. Mattson served as the varsity girls basketball coach from 2003 to 2007, leading her teams to two district championships. A former Red Hawk athlete herself, she went on to compete in basketball at Lake Superior State University before returning to Cedar Springs. Mattson later served as Athletic Director for 10 years, helping to shape and strengthen the district’s athletic programs. During her tenure, she played a key role in developing initiatives such as the Athletic Leadership Council, Red Hawk Kids Club and Staff Appreciation programs, leaving a lasting impact on students, staff and the broader community. Nicholas “Nick” Wolfe Wolfe stands as one of the most accomplished basketball players in Cedar Springs history. From 1990 to 1994, he earned First Team All-State honors as both a junior and senior, averaging an extraordinary 31 points per game. He concluded his Red Hawk career with 1,711 points, ranking second among the program’s all-time leading scorers. Wolfe continued his success at Lake Superior State University, where he became the school’s career three-point leader, served as a two-time team captain, and helped lead his team to GLIAC league and tournament championships. He later played professionally overseas in Portugal. Celebrating Red Hawk Legacy Organizers say the Hall of Fame ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, leadership and lasting impact of individuals who have shaped Cedar Springs athletics. Nomination applications for future Hall of Fame recipients are available through the Cedar Springs Athletic Department and must be submitted by Dec. 1. The event is presented by the Cedar Springs Public Schools Athletic Department, the Athletic Leadership Council and the Red Hawk Legacy Club. Come on out and help celebrate the proud tradition of Red Hawk athletics. Let's go Red Hawks!

SAND LAKE — The Village of Sand Lake will remain incorporated after a two-thirds majority vote was failed to be made. Unofficial results show 499 voters, or 55.14 percent, voted yes to vacate the village’s incorporation, while 406 voters, or 44.86 percent, voted no. Although a majority supported disincorporation, the proposal required a two‑thirds majority to pass and did not meet that threshold. Though the majority supported disincorporation, the vote failed to meet a two-thirds majority. As a result, Sand Lake will continue operating as an incorporated village. Results remain unofficial until formally certified. Fire Millage Approved While the disincorporation measure failed, voters approved a separate proposal to levy a new additional 1.500 mills for township fire protection purposes. Unofficial totals show 552 voters, or 59.74 percent, voted yes on the four‑year millage, while 372 voters, or 40.26 percent, voted no. The millage will run from 2026 through 2029 and is intended to support fire department operations, equipment and facilities. The approval provides dedicated funding as Nelson Township continues its fire service agreement involving the Sand Lake Fire Department. How The Village Reached This Vote The election followed months of turbulence in village government. In March, the majority of the Village Council and several Planning Commission members resigned, leaving the village without a quorum and raising concerns about its ability to function. The departures came amid governance disputes and uncertainty surrounding fire protection services. Within days, new council members were appointed, including former Village President Dan Hula, which restored the village’s ability to conduct business. The reconstituted council approved a 10‑year agreement with Nelson Township to secure fire coverage and released previously budgeted funds for the fire department. What Happens Now Because the two‑thirds threshold was not met, Sand Lake will continue as an incorporated municipality. Village leadership will remain responsible for governance, public works and village‑specific services. Village bonds for roads, sewers and facilities remain in place, as do village‑specific property taxes and fees. With the fire millage approved and a long‑term fire agreement in place, one of the most pressing issues facing the village appears more settled. However, the underlying divisions revealed by the vote, with more than half of voters supporting dissolution, suggest ongoing conversations about local government transparency and long‑term stability are likely to continue. Final election results are expected to be certified in the coming days. **This is an ongoing story with updates to come as more information comes out.

SAND LAKE — Voters in Nelson Township and the Village of Sand Lake are casting ballots today in a decision that could reshape the future of the village. Polls opened today at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m. at The Gathering Place, 18 W. Lake St. Because village residents are also electors of Nelson Township, all eligible voters are casting ballots at the same location. The primary question before voters asks whether the incorporation of the Village of Sand Lake should be vacated. The proposal requires a two thirds majority of yes votes to pass, with township and village ballots combined. If approved, the village would dissolve and Nelson Township would assume its governmental responsibilities. If the measure fails, the village would remain incorporated and continue operating under its current structure. Voters are also weighing a separate but related proposal to increase the township fire millage to 1.5 mills for four years, from 2026 through 2029, to support fire department operations, equipment and facilities. Today’s vote follows weeks of heightened community discussion about governance, fire protection and long term stability. Regardless of the outcome, the results will determine how local government and fire services are structured and funded moving forward. Unofficial results are expected after polls close this evening. The Bugle will continue its coverage as results come in.

CEDAR SPRINGS — City crews will begin routine hydrant flushing throughout the community starting May 11, with work expected to continue for approximately one week. The annual maintenance effort is designed to clean the city’s water system pipes, remove settled buildup and improve overall water quality for residents and businesses. Hydrant flushing plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the municipal water system. Flushing removes naturally occurring mineral deposits and sediment that accumulate inside water mains over time. Clearing out that buildup helps maintain water clarity, system performance and the quality of drinking water delivered to homes and businesses. To minimize disruption, flushing will take place overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. During the flushing period, residents may notice temporary brown or discolored water and occasional drops in water pressure. Officials emphasize that this is normal during the process. To reduce potential impacts, residents are encouraged to run sinks and flush toilets first thing each morning to clear household lines. Avoid washing white clothing if possible, and consider flushing water heaters. Running water briefly inside the home can also help clear any sediment that may enter private plumbing lines. City officials acknowledge the process can be frustrating but stress that the temporary inconvenience supports long term improvements to the community’s water quality. For questions or concerns, residents may contact the Cedar Springs Department of Public Works at 616 696 1330.

TYRONE TOWNSHIP — A 91 year old man died Sunday afternoon following a single vehicle crash approximately nine miles west of Cedar Springs. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded at 12:40 p.m. on May 3, 2026 to the intersection of Tyrone Avenue NW and 18 Mile Road NW for a report of a serious crash. Investigators determined the driver, a 91 year old Tyrone Township man, was traveling northbound when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a transmission tower. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Authorities said reckless driving and alcohol are not suspected to be contributing factors at this time.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The sound of jazz and concert band music will soon fill the halls and local businesses around Cedar Springs as students prepare for a series of spring performances and a community fundraiser. Cedar Springs Public Schools will host its High School Band Spring Concert on Tuesday, May 5. Doors to the auditorium open at 6:30 p.m., with the High School Jazz Band performing opening numbers as families get seated. The full concert begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. The high school band includes students in grades 9 through 12, bringing together musicians from across the upper grades for the evening performance. The following week, the Middle School Band will take the stage on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. The Hawk Band will perform opening selections at 6:30 p.m. as families arrive. The formal concert will begin with the sixth grade band, followed by the seventh and eighth grade groups. SAVE THE DATE In addition to the concerts, the community will have a chance to support the program during a fundraiser at Flo’s on Saturday, May 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. The High School Jazz Band will perform during the event, and 15 percent of sales during that time will go directly to the Cedar Springs Band program. The goal of the upcoming performances and fundraiser is to bring the community together while supporting student musicians. With multiple concerts and a night of live jazz at a local favorite restaurant, May offers several opportunities for residents to celebrate and invest in Cedar Springs’ growing band program.

I grew up believing small towns were a little bit scripted. Not in a weird “Truman Show” kind of way. More like The “Wonder Years” sort of way. The place where the same faces kept showing up and everything seemed connected in a way that made sense. Even growing up in Cedar Springs, it felt like there were main characters. You know what I mean? The people everyone recognized, whose names came up often enough that you felt like you knew them, even if you didn’t? They were the familiar faces at events, the longtime coaches, business owners, or people who seemed to anchor things without having to tell you that's who they are and what they're doing. It made the town feel like it had a cast. And if there was a cast, it wasn’t a stretch to assume there was some kind of script too. On television, the local diner had character but no health code violations, and the festivals were well attended. The town troublemaker was harmless and only misunderstood in the end, and even the disagreements felt manageable, like they would just resolve themselves before the music swelled and the episode wrapped. I don’t remember consciously thinking that’s how real life would be. But somewhere along the way, I must have absorbed it, because adulthood in a small town feels much different. Unlike in an episode, everyone doesn't just get along. Not here...or anywhere, really. People disagree about money, about growth, about what should be preserved and what should be replaced. Sometimes those disagreements stay online, but sometimes they move into meetings. Oddly enough, sometimes they just linger for a while before something else takes their place entirely. Regardless, life keeps moving around them. That part never really showed up in the television version, though. Everything was always neatly packaged and back to normal before the next episode. For a while, I think I measured real life against that earlier picture in my head. Why isn’t this smoother? Why can’t everyone just settle it and move on? But towns aren’t episodes. Issues don’t resolve themselves in twenty-three minutes with seven minutes of commercials. Conflicts stretch out. Conversations resurface, decisions take longer than anyone expects, buildings age, budgets tighten, and people either reconsider their positions or don't. Sometimes the result of those conflicts are so impactful, they're felt years later, forcing the town to no longer feel the same way it used to. The older I get, the more I think maybe that’s what actually makes a small town work. Not that everyone agrees, but that they continue living alongside one another despite their disagreements. There’s no soundtrack rising in the background when something settles down. No neat ending to signal that everything is tied up. Just another week and another season. Queue the ending credits.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs varsity girls soccer team heads into this afternoon’s matchup riding a wave of confidence. The Red Hawks, 8-3 on the season and currently sitting third in the River Cities Alliance, are coming off a decisive 7-0 victory over Kenowa Hills. They will face the Rockford Rams at 5:30 p.m. this afternoon. The dominant win against the Knights highlighted the team’s balance on both ends of the field, with a strong offensive showing paired with a shutout performance defensively. As conference play continues, positioning in the River Cities Alliance standings remains important, and tonight’s matchup offers another opportunity for Cedar Springs to strengthen its spot. Beyond the numbers, the Red Hawks represent weeks of preparation, teamwork and commitment from student athletes competing at a high level while balancing school responsibilities. Each match is another chance for the community to show support for the effort being put in behind the scenes. The game is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Red Hawks as they look to build on their momentum and continue climbing in conference play.

SPARTA — A reported black bear sighting just north of the elementary school in the Village of Sparta Friday morning prompted school officials to cancel outdoor recess and limit outdoor activity for the day as a precaution. Sparta Area Schools notified families shortly before 9 a.m. that a probable bear had been seen within the village. In an email to parents, Superintendent Joel Stoner said the district would eliminate all unnecessary outdoor use or activity for students. “This implies only indoor recess, no outdoor instructional activities and access to outdoors will be limited to expedited movement to and from buses and vehicles,” the message stated. “We will evaluate after school activities later today.” The alert came after residents reported seeing what appeared to be a black bear moving through residential areas near downtown. Several locals caught a glimpse of the bear on their home security cameras, and others with photos taken with their smartphones. One resident posted on social media that she nearly struck the animal on State Street around 6 a.m., describing it as a “really scared black bear” running through yards. Photos shared by community members show a dark colored bear moving across lawns and near homes in the early morning hours. According to the National Park Service, black bears will sometimes wander into residential communities in search of food. Once frightened, bears can become unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Wildlife officials stress that avoiding the animal and removing access to food sources is critical, both for public safety and to prevent situations that could ultimately lead to the bear being euthanized. School officials emphasized the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. No injuries were reported, and authorities had not announced any direct encounters between the animal and residents as of late morning. District officials said they will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates to families as needed.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Gas prices in Cedar Springs are inching closer to $5 per gallon after jumping an average of 32 cents statewide, and as much as 82 cents at some stations, in just one day, leaving drivers doing quick math at the pump this week. Courtesy Kristen's Flashback Photography The spike is being driven by a combination of global and regional pressures. Crude oil prices have climbed amid escalating tensions tied to the U.S. Israel war with Iran, with fears that oil shipments could remain restricted through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump told aides earlier this week to prepare for the possibility of an extended blockade in the strait. Courtesy Kristen's Flashback Photography At the same time, Midwest refinery capacity has tightened. The sudden shutdown of the region’s largest refinery, along with maintenance outages at two others, has reduced supply, pushing prices higher across the region. The price of Brent crude oil, which is viewed as the global benchmark, recently surged past $126 per barrel, the highest level since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It later cooled and steadied around $114 per barrel as markets reassessed the situation. Michigan drivers have seen high prices before. According to AAA data, the highest recorded statewide average for regular gasoline was $5.22 per gallon on June 11, 2022. For now, Cedar Springs residents are feeling the latest jump in real time. Patrick Gillespie was filling up at the Cedar Springs Speedway when he paused to consider the total climbing on the pump. “It took about $120 to fill my truck now,” Gillespie said. “Getting to work is what costs the most. It affects my weekends now too. I don’t really go anywhere, so I don’t spend as much.” Courtesy Kristen's Flashback Photography Commuters and families alike are adjusting. Some are consolidating errands, while others are rethinking summer road trips. Mark Jensen, a Grand Rapids native stopped at the Meijer gas station off 131 and 17 mile road. He said, if gas prices stay like this, he'll reconsider travel accommodations over summer. "We usually haul our fifth wheel up to Fife Lake every summer, but if gas prices keep on the path they're on, we'll probably be making less trips," he said. "We normally bring the truck each weekend just in case we have to move it, but we'll probably be taking my wife's car now." Industry analysts say there may be some relief ahead. Wholesale gasoline costs steadied after the rapid uptick, suggesting prices could ease, even slightly, in the coming days as refinery capacity gradually comes back online. Still, retailers are expected to move cautiously. After such a sharp increase, stations are unlikely to lower prices too quickly in case markets swing again. For drivers in Cedar Springs, the numbers on the sign remain the focus. Prices have not yet surpassed the record set in 2022, but they are close enough to prompt concern and plenty of conversation across the community.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Demolition of the historic Hilltop building took an early visible step today as crews removed the structure’s windows and replaced the openings with sheathing.