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Cedar Springs has a familiar face stepping into a new leadership role at the fire station. Greg Seely was promoted to fire captain on Tuesday, January 20th, marking another milestone in a career built on public service, continuing education, and a long-time dedication to helping others.

SOLON TOWNSHIP — On Friday, January 23, 2026, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Kent County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a shooting that had just occurred following a road rage incident near Quarter Horse Drive NE and Algoma Avenue NE.

CEDAR SPRINGS — A Solon Fire Department firefighter is without a home tonight after a fast-moving structure fire destroyed her residence Monday afternoon. Dispatchers received the call for a reported structure fire in the 4500 block of Grosvenor Street. Solon Fire Department responded and was assisted through mutual aid by the Sand Lake, Kent City, and Algoma fire departments. This marks the second house fire in the Cedar Springs area. Last week, a home caught fire on 16 Mile Rd. near Algoma, sending 4 occupants to the hospital. The home’s occupant, Solon firefighter Hailey Wysocki, was able to escape safely with her dog. No injuries were reported. However, officials said the home burned to the ground, leaving Wysocki with a total loss of personal belongings. Solon Fire Chief, Rich Hays states the cause of the fire remains under investigation. In the wake of the loss, the Solon Fire Department is asking the community to rally around and support Wysocki. A list of requested items and ways to help has been posted on the Solon Fire Department’s Facebook page. Residents who wish to assist are encouraged to consult that list for current needs and drop donations to the Solon Fire Department located at 2305 19 Mile Road, Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Solon Fire Department is open Monday - Friday, 6:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

CEDAR SPRINGS — "The intention is good," stated Assistant City Manager, Rebecca Johnson in reference to a new city ordinance. The increasing number of people camping and living in parks and other public areas within the Cedar Springs city limits will no longer be overlooked. "Vandalism has been a growing issue within the public spaces," she continued.

The Cedar Springs Women’s Club is once again investing in the future of local women by offering its annual $1,500 scholarship to a female resident of the Cedar Springs Public School District. The scholarship is open to women of any age who are planning to pursue any type of skill training or degree program, including vocational training, trade certifications, associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, and beyond. The scholarship is awarded through a competitive application process. Applicants are evaluated on: A typed essay Personal or academic achievement Family, school, and community involvement All awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, religion, or national origin. Scholarship applications are available at the following locations: Cedar Springs High School Creative Technologies Academy New Beginnings High School Cedar Springs Community Library Applicants must submit five copies of the completed application and essay by mail to the Cedar Springs Women’s Club. All materials must be postmarked by March 15, 2026. For more information, contact: Sue at 616-446-4765 Carol at 616-450-3545

Leon E. Tawney age 89 of Cedar Springs, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 2, 2026 at The Brook of Cedar Springs. He was born December 28, 1936 in Ensley Township, MI the son of Wesley and Martha (Wright) Tawney. Leon, the youngest of seven siblings, grew up near Ensley Center and Baptist Lake with his nieces and nephews as playmates. Upon graduating high school, he borrowed $100 from his sister to go to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for a course in surveying on the recommendation of one of his high school teachers who helped him get into the program. After an intense training course, he was hired by the State of Michigan to work on a road construction crew as a surveyor. After moving his wife Maggie and kids around the state following the State’s job assignments, in 1967 he decided to plant roots in Cedar Springs. Leon worked for the State of Michigan 35 years, retired as an inspector. He then worked for various consulting firms as a construction supervisor for many years until Maggie needed full time care. Also, in 1967 he purchased a home and 40 acres for his folks to live out their last days, borrowing the money for the purchase from a family friend. Leon and Maggie built their family home in 1972 and this was their residence until 2019, when Leon moved next door to a zero-step house. After retiring he traveled with Maggie to Branson on several occasions and the two became snowbirds to Maranatha Village for many years, ultimately purchasing a home there. In 2008 when Maggie was permanently paralyzed due to a MRSA attack on her spine, he tirelessly cared for her for many years. After Maggie’s passing Leon married Eva and they continued their migratory patterns until Leon’s Alzheimer’s progressed too far. The family rests in the knowledge that Leon’s memory has been made whole upon his passing and look to the day they can talk with him again Surviving are his wife, Eva; children, Matthew (Carmen) Tawney, Sam (Marci) Tawney, Michael (Carol) Tawney, Kenda (Brian) Baskerville; 17 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret and son, David. The family will greet friends Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastors Sam Tawney and Joshua Tanner officiating. Interment Oak Grove Cemetery, Croton Township in the Spring. Memorial contributions may be made to Maranatha Baptist Church, 12786 Algoma Avenue, Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Ronald C. Parker age 80 of Cedar Springs, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Corewell Health Rehab and Nursing Home in Greenville. He was born on August 30, 1945, in Grand Rapids, MI the son of Ora and Pauline (Flintoff) Parker. Ron was a devoted husband to Sharon K. (Miller) for 54 years and beloved Dad to Shannon and Shawn. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on a supply ship in the Mediterranean and as a Naval photographer. Ron had many hobbies, but photography was a true passion. He enjoyed volunteering his time taking photos at church or at the Rockford Sportsman’s Club for their cowboy action shoots and especially enjoyed nature photography. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children, Shannon (Benjamin) VanDonkelaar, Shawn Parker; grandchildren, Cody Reed and Zachary Butler (Jordan Ivey); brother, Tom (Linda) Parker; special bonus granddaughter Emily Reed; nieces and nephews. He is rejoicing in Heaven with his parents; granddaughter, Cassidy Reed; sister and brother-in-law, Diana & Arthur “Butch” Schultz; nephew, Brian Schultz. A Celebration of Life will be announced soon for spring. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Gloria Ann Stark age 65 of Cedar Springs died Thursday, January 8, 2026 at her home in her husband’s arms. She was born March 9, 1960 in Grant, MI the daughter of Herbert and Donna (Kloet) VanWylen. She enjoyed gardening and crafting and spending time with family and friends. She was a great person who was always willing to help and care for others. Surviving are her husband, David whom she married on February 25, 1995; siblings, Diane VanWylen, Howard VanWylen, Carl (Mary) VanWylen, Judy (Phil) Deur. She was preceded in death by her parents. The family will greet friends Saturday, January 17 from 10:00 am until time of memorial service at 11:00 am at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. M

Elizabeth Ann Havener age 91 of Cedar Springs died Friday, January 9, 2026 at New Haven Assisted Living. She was born July 2, 1934 in McPherson, Kansas, the daughter of the late Warner and Mildred (Ingram) Parks. Elizabeth graduated from Spring Arbor High School at the age of 16 and attended Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois. She was highly intelligent and loved to learn. She was an avid reader, a creative writer and a very talented seamstress. Elizabeth had a quick sense of humor right up to the last days of her life. Elizabeth attended the Culinary Institute of New York and was an excellent cook. She loved to sing and sang with her church choir in Colorado. She worked for a number of years at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado as an administrative assistant. She loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and has been looking forward to meeting Him. She is survived by her children, Michelle (Anthony) Iarocci, Michael (Kim) Bowersox; daughter-in-law, Becky Powell; stepchildren, Michael Havener, Theresa Schumucker, Cynthia Bedsoul; grandson, Scott (Tia) Powell; two step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Vickie Parks; brothers-in-law, Doug Vollar, Daniel (Sherry) Bowersox; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Havener; son, Norman Powell; and granddaughter, Lindsey Powell; stepson, David Havener. Private burial will be held at a later date.

James L. Klein age 59 of Cedar Springs, passed away Friday, January 16, 2026 at his home. He was born December 31, 1966 in Kalamazoo, MI the son of Robert and Julia (Martin) Klein. He graduated from Portage Central High School, attended Northern Michigan University and graduated from DeVry University. Jim was an excellent athlete in High School playing football, baseball and hockey. He enjoyed hunting, Detroit sports teams, spending time on the lake and coaching his children’s sports teams. He was a scratch golfer and enjoyed time on the course. Surviving are his wife Maribeth, who he married on August 11, 1990; children, Lindsey (Kevin) McCoy, Robert (Brittany) Klein; grandchildren, Elliot, Leo; mother, Julia Klein; sister, Carol-Lynne (Craig) Mercer; brother, Timothy (Lisa) Klein; in-laws, Robert and Mary Anderson. He was preceded in death by his father. The family will greet friends Thursday, January 22 from 4 – 6 at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to House of Hutch.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs Rotary Club is excited to announce that the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry will continue distributions in Cedar Springs thanks to the generosity of Display Pack, Cedar Springs Tool and Engineering, Cedar Springs United Methodist Church, Vanderhyde Ford, and Graaf Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. These organizations partnered with the Club to raise the money to offset funds lost from other sources. The Club also wants to thank ChrisAnn Lilley, Kerry Splitstone, their intrepid band of volunteers, and the Cedar Springs Fire Department for making the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry possible every month! Thanks to them between 80 and 100 families receive extra food during this period of rising prices and economic uncertainties. Distributions take place on the third Monday of each month at the Fire Station. Registration begins about 4:30 PM and distribution begins about 5 PM. These distributions are open to the public; no asset check is required. If you’d like to join ChrisAnn and Kerry’s volunteers, come at 4 PM.

CEDAR SPRINGS - A 45-year-old Cedar Springs woman was struck and killed by a vehicle Thursday evening while walking along 17 Mile Road, authorities said. Sabrina Smith was struck about 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, on 17 Mile Road between Ritchie Avenue and Shaner Avenue, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and the Cedar Springs Fire Department responded to a report of a pedestrian struck. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. Her family has started a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with funeral expenses. Smith is survived by two children. The link to the fundraiser can be found here The sheriff’s office has not released additional details about the vehicle or driver involved, but said the driver is cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.