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CEDAR SPRINGS - In an effort to better serve local residents, Cedar Springs City Manager, Darla Falcon, has joined forces with North Kent Connect, bringing her expertise to the board's Finance Committee. A move she hopes will bring greater awareness and easier access to critical services for local families.

Photo Credit: Life Magazine, 1949 It's tempting to think the future is something that happens to us, delivered by time like the weather rolling in from the west. But here in Cedar Springs we know better. The future takes showing up. It takes neighbors talking to neighbors. It takes a little patience, a little courage, and a shared willingness to put our hopes into words. But what does it truly take to shape the future of our town? The answer is simple, yet true: it takes all of us. Over the past year, city officials, staff, and volunteers have dedicated their time, efforts, and expertise into crafting the City of Cedar Springs Master Plan. This document is a vision, a roadmap, and a promise. It will guide decisions on growth, development, parks, businesses, housing, and the very character of our town for the next decade and beyond. And now, they're asking for something only we can give: our feedback. A plan is only as strong as the voices behind it. If you rent an apartment over on a side street or own a home near the White Pine Trail or maybe down "Teacher's Alley;" if you're running a storefront, investing in a property, or dreaming of one: this is your moment. What do you want Cedar Springs to look and feel like in a year, five years, or ten? Do we need safer crossings and sidewalks for kids walking to school? More space for small businesses to start and stay? Thoughtful housing options that let grandparents live near grandkids? How do we balance the pulse of Main Street with the quiet peacefulness we love along Cedar Creek? What should we strive for, and what must we protect? Consensus isn't easy. We may never agree on every detail, in fact it is statistically unlikely that we will. That's okay. What matters is a genuine, broad consensus, a sense that a majority of us were heard and that the path forward reflects our shared values. Many voices would make this plan stronger. Read it. React to it. Offer a suggestion. Or, if you choose not to, understand that silence is a kind of consent to accept whatever happens. Remember, in the recent City Council primary election, turnout was just 7.8%. A silence that allowed a very small slice of our community to decide for everyone else. Let's not repeat that here. Here's how to get involved: Read the draft Master plan at https://cityofcedarsprings.org . On the homepage, look for the blue lettering that reads "Proposed Master Plan" and click the link. Prefer paper? Call City Hall, (616.696.1330) to request a printed copy for a small fee, or stop by during regular hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:30am - 5:30pm Share your ideas and suggestions with our City Manager, Darla Falcon, no later than Tuesday, August 26, at 5pm Attend the Public Hearing at City Hall on Thursday, September 2 at 7pm, listen to your neighbors and add your voice to the official record. The Master Plan itself says it plainly. On page 67, the vision requires a "commitment to implementation" and that "its success depends on the efforts put into action." And the last paragraph reminds us: "it is understood that many of these strategies are complex and long-term in nature, necessitating cooperation from multiple stakeholders." That "cooperation" isn't abstract. It's you. It's all of us. Cedar Springs has always been more than a dot on a map. We're a community that rolls up its sleeves, looks out for one another, and takes pride in where we're headed. The future won't arrive ready-made. We'll build it together, with care, with honesty, and with that practical Cedar Springs spirit. So, what does it take to shape the future? Well, if you ask this editor, it takes a willingness to take responsibility for the community in which you live, a couple hours to get involved, and the belief that our best days are the ones we design together. You can help shape the future of our town and community. So, let's begin. If you enjoy local news, hometown happenings, and articles like this, subscribe today!

SOLON TOWNSHIP — Solon Fire Department is preparing to replace their medic vehicle, and they’re offering a unique opportunity for the right buyer. The department is accepting sealed bids for their well- maintained 2003 Ford Excursion, a versatile vehicle they say has plenty of life left. Solon Fire's Current Medic - a 2003 Ford Excursion The move comes after the Solon Township Board approved the purchase of a new vehicle back in June this year. On June 17, the fire department acquired a 2024 Chevy Silverado, which has since been sent to Robinson’s Body Shop for decals. Once the Silverado is outfitted and ready for service, the Excursion will officially be retired and made available to the winning bidder. How to Bid: You can find all the information about the Excursion here . Sealed bids must be received no later than 5:00 PM on September 8, 2025. Bids can be dropped off or mailed to: Solon Township Clerk Excursion Bid 15185 Algoma Ave NE Cedar Springs, MI 49319 Solon Township reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Interested parties with questions or those wishing to see the vehicle in person are encouraged to contact the Solon Township Fire Department at 616-696-0020. This is a rare opportunity to pick up a well-maintained, multi-functional vehicle while helping Solon Fire transition to its next chapter with its newly purchased Silverado.

OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP, — Starting Monday, August 18, 2025, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin a $4 million project to resurface 5.5 miles of M-57 (14 Mile Road), stretching from just west of Ramsdell Road to Morgan Mills Avenue. The project also includes the addition of wider shoulders and mumble strips for improved safety. The project is set to be completed by Friday, October 31, 2025. During construction, lane closures will be in effect. Both directions of traffic will share a single lane, alternating with the help of traffic regulators. Additionally, short-term intersection closures will occur during paving.This project will provide a smoother ride for motorists, extend the service life of the roadway, and enhance safety by widening the shoulders and installing mumble strips to reduce the risk of accidents. The resurfacing will benefit travelers and residents near Greenville and throughout Kent County, ensuring safer and more efficient commutes on this heavily traveled route. Drivers are advised to plan for delays and exercise caution when traveling through the work zone. For more updates, visit the MDOT website.

Joanne “Jo” R. Furhoff, age 89, of Cedar Springs, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in Mt. Pleasant. She was born March 9, 1936 in Detroit, the daughter of August and Ruth (Gobat) Furhoff. Jo was a member of Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master’s in Education. She taught in country schools and in Sparta Public Schools for 32 years. She was very proud of being a teacher and cared for all her students. Jo was an avid reader and loved traveling the world with Shirley. She enjoyed stitchery projects, crocheting and collecting native artifacts. Jo will be missed by all who loved her. She is survived by her life partner, Shirley Neff; brother, Bob Furhoff; sister-in-law, Joyce Seeley; nephews, Greg (Tammy) Seeley, Todd (Michelle) Seeley; niece, Karen (Emmett) Purtill; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jo was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 15, 2025 at K.E Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Johnson, officiating. Donations may be made to the Cedar Springs Community Food Pantry.

Susan “Sue” M. House age 73 of Sand Lake, died unexpectedly Friday, August 8, 2025 at Butterworth Hospital. She was born September 14, 1951 in Webster Springs, WV, the daughter of Ralph and Marjorie (Lewis) House. Sue graduated from Union High School in 1969. She worked for many years at Mueller Furniture Company and at Walmart in Big Rapids for five years before her official retirement. In her younger years, Sue enjoyed hunting, fishing and cake decorating. Sue loved coloring, puzzles and caring for her cats and birds. She always put her family first; she loved her sons and grandchildren with all her soul. Sue will be missed by all who loved her. Sue is survived by her sons, Jim (Nicky) Kendall, Matt (Kaylynn) Kendall; nine grandchildren; brothers, Mike (Brenda) House, Mark (Sherry) House, Ted (Carol) House; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and grandson, Noah Kendall. Memorial contributions may be made in Sue’s name to St. Baldrick’s Foundation or Special Olympics Michigan. Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 13 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. The family will greet friends Tuesday, August 12 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Rev. Ted R. House, officiating. Interment, Sand Lake Cemetery.

Betty J. McIntyre age 86, of Greenville, died Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Intersect Healthcare. She was born April 20, 1939 in Coldwater Township, MI, the daughter of John and Aletha (Covert) Williams. In 1957, after high school Betty worked at the original Meijer in Greenville. She also worked at the A&W in Greenville wearing roller skates while she waitressed. Betty and her husband, Fred owned Mac’s Place and the Dime Store during the 1980’s in Cedar Springs. They also then drove semi-trucks together throughout the United States and Canada. Betty had a passion for the outdoors; loving anything to do with water, especially fishing. She also enjoyed working with her hands making ceramics. She is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Fred; daughters, Jill (Joe) Boehm, Judy (Ross) Case; grandchildren, Cary Boehm, Ryan Case, Ross Tyler (Brook) Case, Landon (Raquel) Case, Marissa Shaw; great-grandson, Ross Taiden Case; brother, Ron (Linda) Williams; sister, Jeanette (Jesse) Phillips; and niece, Carma (Scott) Kormeier. The family will greet friends Monday, August 18 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at K.E. Pike Funeral Home in Cedar Springs.

SOLON TOWNSHIP, MI

The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has two initiatives designed to help

Cedar Springs residents have spoken, and the early results of the city council primary are in, setting the stage for the general election. Leading the pack is Incumbent Mayor, Lisa Atchison , who captured 27.82%  of the vote, narrowly edging out Rose Ellen Powell , who secured 27.03% . In third place, Jacob Puckett  garnered 16.80% , followed closely by Jill Owen , who earned 16.54%  of the votes. Falling short of advancing to the general election is Christian Cantrell , who received 11.81%  of the votes.

A Saturday night crash at Elmwood Cemetery in Cedar Springs left multiple headstones damaged and a vehicle overturned. The driver, a 37-year-old woman from Morley, was arrested and charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI). The Kent County Sheriff's Office believes both drugs and alcohol played a role in the crash. Witness Nathaniel Madonna was driving home with his family after an ice cream outing when he saw the incident unfold. "She careened through," he said. "Starts plowing through headstones, bouncing along, and it hits a massive one by the end. And that's when the vehicle flipped, did a whole flip, and it was quite the scene." Madonna and other bystanders acted quickly to assist the driver. One man was able to open the door to let the driver out of the vehicle. The driver, the only person in the car, was able to walk out despite the crash. The impact caused widespread damage in the cemetery, primarily to headstones. By Tuesday, cemetery staff had worked to reposition the damaged headstones, though evidence of the crash is still visible. "Thankfully, no one was in the path of the vehicle. The only thing damaged was physical property," Madonna added.The crash serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of impaired driving.