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CEDAR SPRINGS — City officials are taking steps toward regulating truck traffic within city limits, citing concerns over street integrity and safety.

CEDAR SPRINGS — As changes continue on the Hilltop property, Cedar Springs Public Schools is taking steps to address the future of its aging tennis courts and the community members who use them. According to the school district, the tennis courts located north of where the former Hilltop building once stood are being removed after years of deterioration. Heavy equipment has already begun clearing the area as part of the ongoing transformation of the site. To limit the impact on the Cedar Springs Pickleball Club and other community members who regularly use the courts, the school board has approved a plan to make the existing tennis courts at the middle school available for public use. The courts are scheduled to be resurfaced and will be converted to accommodate pickleball play. District officials say the middle school courts will be open to the public outside of school hours and when they are not being used by school tennis teams. A timeline for when the resurfacing will be completed, and when the courts will officially reopen for public use, has not yet been announced. The district said that information will be shared once it becomes available. The move reflects an effort by the school board to balance campus improvements with continued community access to recreational space, as the Hilltop landscape enters its next chapter.

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 are rarely about wood or paint. Memory is what's at stake. The question becomes whether the story that shaped the town still gets carried forward in visible ways. For many in Cedar Springs, and I mean many, Red Flannel isn't a marketing ploy. It isn't a "once-a-year" logo either. It's the early mills, the shops, the festival, and the families who built their lives here. It's the shared pride that has followed for nearly a century. The spirit of Red Flannel, at its best, is the spirit of community. It has a way of leveling the field, making backgrounds blur. Making income levels, political affiliations, church affiliations, last names, and every other marker we tend to sort ourselves by seem to matter very little. It draws out generosity, volunteerism, laughter, and pride. And because it carries that much meaning, it can also stir strong reactions when people feel it is being set aside, redefined, or altogether removed. The hope, of course, is that it continues to do what it has done for decades, and that is bring us together more than it ever pulls us apart. And that is why the room was full. Sure, there were differing views about placement and purpose. There was a vote, taken in public, after open debate. And what was encouraging, if you step back from the volume and look at the big picture, what you saw was participation. A town who showed up and a council who was willing to wrestle with a question in front of the people they represent. It was local self‑government doing what it was designed to do. What also needs to be acknowledged, is how well the council handled that participation. They heard from citizen after citizen, some calm and carefully prepared, others emotional and downright frustrated. The council did not rush anyone, nor did they did dismiss anyone. As they should have, they listened. We live in a world where social media so often shows us only the worst moments of public life and leaves the impression that professionalism has all but disappeared, but what took place Thursday night told a different story. The members of this council sat through strong criticism and pointed remarks and responded with steadiness. They deliberated openly, and asked questions. They weighed their options in front of the very people who had just challenged them. This is not about whether someone believes the vote was right or wrong, but about how they arrived there. They kept their focus on the community, not on defending themselves, and that deserves to be acknowledged. Speaking from experience, this was not at all out of character. If you attend any other city council meeting, you will likely see the same thing. Disagreement handled without hostility, debate carried out in public view, and a willingness to participate in the process they were elected to serve within. Credit is due here folks. They took a lashing in moments and remained professional and courteous throughout the entire process. And that is worth recognizing because it illustrates a genuine representation of the people they serve. And in many ways, that professionalism reflects something larger about Cedar Springs itself. The tone of a room doesn't only belong to those seated at the dais, but to everyone in it. The Red Flannel symbol carries history itself, and that history is important because it tells us we belong to something larger than the present moment. At the same time, the conversations this week also revealed something encouraging: The Festival board expressed willingness to partner. Council members spoke about visibility and recognition. Residents voiced a desire not simply to preserve a sign, but to see the heritage of the town reflected more fully in public spaces. All of this suggests there is more common ground than disagreement. Shared identity is not determined solely by elected officials, nor is it guarded by residents alone. It is shaped in the collaborative space between them. It grows stronger when people speak candidly and still choose to remain at the table of public discourse. It becomes more steadfast when disagreement does not fracture the community, but instead clarifies what matters most. Passion surfaced Thursday night, and that shouldn't surprise us. People don't fill chambers for issues that feel trivial. They show up when something touches their sense of belonging. And I think even that level of investment, even when it comes with tension, is a sign of health. It's a sign that we do, indeed, have a shared identity here in The Red Flannel Town.

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, Cedar Springs, Michigan” medallion, previously displayed in the former City Hall council chambers, should be hung in the new City Hall, donated to the Cedar Springs Historical Museum or given to the Red Flannel Festival board. At the latest meeting, several members of the community approached the podium prepared with written statements, while others, including former Mayor Linda Hunt, spoke off the cuff, voicing concerns not only about the medallion’s placement but about what some described as a broader absence of red flannel symbolism throughout the city. Though the well‑known dispute between the city and the Red Flannel Festival board from roughly 14 years ago lingered in the background of the conversation, only a few speakers referenced it directly. Instead, many focused on what the emblem represents today and how it should be honored moving forward. At one point during the discussion, it was suggested that the city partner with the Red Flannel Festival to formally rededicate Cedar Springs as “The Red Flannel Town,” with the medallion serving as a capstone to the ceremony and the beginning of restoring red flannel icons across the community. Red Flannel Festival Board President Matt Andres indicated he would welcome such collaboration, stating he is willing to stand alongside the city for a rededication ceremony if the opportunity arises. "I love the idea of rededicating Cedar Springs as the Red Flannel Town." said Andres. "The Red Flannel Festival fully supports that idea, and we'd love the opportunity to work with the City to help make it happen." Council Member Ron Howell said he was encouraged by the level of public participation. “I think it went very well,” Howell said. “It’s encouraging to see so many people show up to defend their town’s heritage and identity. This is how democracy works.” What began as a question about where to hang a sign has evolved into a broader conversation about identity, partnership and how Cedar Springs chooses to honor its past while shaping its future. "We'd also love to see the Festival's iconic Red Flannel logo become a more visible part of the community again and be used by the City as part of celebrating our shared identity," said Andres. Clearing up rumors of a continued conflict with the city, Andres stated, "I also want to emphasize that there really is not a rift between the City and the Festival. We've enjoyed a long partnership, and we have a signed trademark agreement that allows both the City and the Festival to use the Red Flannel logos in exchange for the City's continued in-kind support of the Festival. That partnership has served both organizations well, and I'd love to see us continue building on it for many years to come." As the medallion returns to the council wall, the larger conversation about celebrating Cedar Springs’ Red Flannel heritage in a visual way appears far from over.

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 alongside Rogue Racing Team and family members with event‑planning experience, the concept quickly became reality. The first Cedar Blitz was held May 30, 2020, drawing about 200 racers. Since then, the event has grown to welcome roughly 500 riders each year, plus spectators, volunteers and supporters lining Main Street. “With Main Street closed for the event, a professional start and finish line, music and Cedar Springs Brewing Company serving as the hub of activity, the race creates an atmosphere that's exciting for both rides and the community,” organizer Taylor Mrozinski said. “Whether someone is racing for a podium finish or just cheering on friends and family, we want the day to feel like a celebration.” Supporting the community has been a central focus from the start. The Cedar Springs Band Boosters volunteer during the event and host a raffle fundraiser, and proceeds from the ultra‑distance race benefit World Bicycle Relief. Since 2021, organizers say the event has helped raise and donate more than $12,600 to cycling and community organizations. Ringler said the race continues to be a point of pride for the city. “We’re glad to work with the Rogue Racing Team once again to bring this great event to our community,” Ringler said. “We expect nearly 1,000 visitors to Cedar Springs and look forward to showcasing our great downtown shops and businesses while supporting the Cedar Springs Music Boosters.” Following the races, Cedar Springs Brewing Company will host its third annual Summer Cornhole Tournament. Organizers encourage residents to come downtown to race, volunteer or simply take in the atmosphere as the Cedar Blitz returns for another summer celebration.

“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 was about eighteen months old and I wrote something down, as dads sometimes do, and it read: “As twilight beckons its last gleam following a laborious day outside, a diapered boy full of life and post‑bath vigor sprints his way to the lazy boy and wastes no time climbing up onto dad’s lap. Peering into the corner with wonder at the American flag, he curiously points and with a smile looks up and says ‘Dada on?’ Recollecting my wonder at his age, I got up and opened the broad stripes and bright stars in full display to a little boy grinning at something whose weight he cannot yet fathom. A day filled with running, playing, swimming and action isn’t enough to slow down our Newest Life, despite the very little rest he got today. On our nation’s 246th birthday, I am reminded of the life of our country. Its many perils and triumphs. The growing pains and the progress that followed. But, like the life of a little boy, our country continues to discover who it is and where it’s going. Eyes filled with wonder and curiosity, it seeks opportunity to forge its way. A way that sometimes causes bumps, bruises, and scrapes. An independent way. And despite those trying to divide our great nation, we are still like that little boy. Standing full of life and vigor in awe of something whose weight we cannot yet fathom, ready to face the challenges so inevitable and necessary for growth.” He is older now. Taller, louder, and still full of vigor, but now full of questions too. This year he watched the fireworks with more understanding and even more commentary, wanting to know how they worked, who paid for them, who made them, and why we even celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks. Those questions lingered with me long after he fell asleep. Independence Day is easy to celebrate in color, in red bursts of brocade crowns over the trees and blue chrysanthemums flickering against the dark sky before the final volley rises together and dissolves into drifting white smoke. It is spectacle and tradition and shared memory all at once. But like the American flag in my previous musing, there is something more foundational that does not fade when the smoke clears. Something that carries more weight. Two and a half centuries ago, our country chose self government, and ordinary citizens accepted the responsibility of shaping laws, settling disagreements, and determining direction together. That choice required more than courage in a single moment. It required a willingness to keep showing up long after the moment passed, long after the applause faded. That same responsibility lives on today, though it rarely comes with fireworks as an indicator. It shows up under the bright LED lights in our council chamber, in the rows of chairs filled with our neighbors who care enough to attend, in the shuffle of papers before a vote and in the voice at the microphone offering a different point of view. Recently, as our community has considered how best to represent a piece of our own history, the conversations have been thoughtful and at times strained. Honestly, disagreement has a way of doing that. It can feel uncomfortable and it can tempt us to withdraw or to assume the worst of one another. Yet when I step back from the moment to get what I all the "30,000 foot view," what I see is citizenship in motion. Citizenship asks us to listen even when we disagree, to speak carefully when emotions run high, and to remember that the person across the aisle is someone we will see again at school events, in local shops, or in line at the grocery store on an ordinary weekday morning. It asks us to demand accountability while also granting what is justly owed to public servants: respect, patience, and the presumption of good faith until evidence proves otherwise. Self government depends on that memory, because it is built on the understanding that we are not adversaries passing through, but neighbors who remain. At home and in public meetings, we are practicing the habits of a free people. We resolve differences without fear. We advocate without silence. We accept outcomes and prepare to participate again the next time, knowing the process belongs to all of us. If I may be frank, and I usually am, that practice is not easy. It takes time, testing, and experience. A child does not grow without testing limits and finding his voice, and a community does not grow without wrestling with questions that have outcomes. As I watched my son look up in awe at the fireworks this year, smile on his face as they broke into a beautiful display of artistry, I realized that part of what I hope he inherits is not just the celebration, but the responsibility that comes with it. I hope he inherits a country and a community where disagreement is handled with steadiness and where conviction does not crowd out respect. I hope he sees adults who care deeply and speak honestly without losing sight of one another’s humanity. The fireworks have faded for another year, but the work continues quietly in rooms without spectacle. That work is self government, and it rests in the hands of citizens. When my son asked me why we celebrate the Fourth of July, I could honestly tell him that we celebrate the ongoing opportunity to shape our community together, even when we see the path differently, and that this opportunity is not something to fear but something to steward well.

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 incident as a Level 1 mass casualty incident (MCI). With assistance from Algoma, Cedar Springs, and Sparta Fire Departments, patients were quickly assessed. Four Rockford ambulances transported the injured to area hospitals. According to preliminary investigation by the sheriff’s office, a 58‑year‑old Algoma Township man was traveling in the wrong lane when his SUV collided head‑on with a pickup truck driven by a 19‑year‑old Hastings man. The 58‑year‑old driver became trapped inside his vehicle and was extricated by emergency responders. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The 19‑year‑old driver and five passengers in the pickup were transported to hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to serious. Authorities have not released additional details about their conditions. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to the sheriff’s office. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Unit. Names have not yet been released pending family notification.

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 Wines Winery to the shop,” Corcoran said. “Tastings, by the glass and purchasing bottles are all available now. Wine and sangria slushies are in for the summer season.” Love Wines is a family‑owned winery that opened in 2014. Its offerings range from sweet to dry varieties and include reds, whites, sangrias and cordials; providing options for a wide range of tastes. Corcoran emphasized that the wine space is not limited to special occasions. “We want everyone to know this isn’t just for special events,” she said. “We are open for tastings, a glass of wine, or even purchasing bottled wine all year round.” The new wine feature adds another layer to Cozy Reflections’ welcoming shopping experience, encouraging customers to browse décor and gifts while enjoying a relaxed tasting. Looking ahead, Corcoran hopes to expand that experience beyond the shop’s walls. “Joining the Social District as an approved vendor,” she said when asked what’s next. “We’re working on getting our license so people can come get a glass of wine or slushy and take it into the social district when events are happening.” Cozy Reflections is currently offering Love Wines tastings and bottle sales, with a grand opening celebration planned for July 18 at 11 a.m. Community members are invited to stop in, explore the shop and toast to its newest addition.

CEDAR SPRINGS — New signage has appeared at the Cedar Springs Big Boy location, offering limited explanation after the restaurant’s doors were previously found chained shut.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs Big Boy location appears to be closed for good, with public records shedding additional light on the property's status.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs Museum announced it is in the process of writing a new book detailing the life and legacy of the Hilltop School. Titled The Hilltop, Beyond the Bricks: The Stories That Shaped Generations, the project, a nonfiction narrative that tells the life story of the building through the people who filled its classrooms and hallways. Rather than serving as a simple timeline of dates and events, the book weaves together firsthand accounts, memories and historical records to trace Hilltop’s century-long impact on the community. From its earliest students to its final bell, the story unfolds through the voices of those who learned, taught, and worked inside its walls. “We are so excited to have the opportunity to honor Hilltop and all the memories made there with this book,” said Museum Director and The Hilltop illustrator Sharon Jett. “This will ensure Hilltop’s legacy continues to be part of our community’s story,” she said. Hilltop was built in 1926 and, at the time of its construction, was one of the largest schools in West Michigan. For nearly a century, generations of Cedar Springs residents attended classes there, making it a central fixture in the community’s educational and social life. The school closed its doors to students in 2021 and was recently demolished by Bierlein Companies Inc. after school officials determined the cost of renovation was prohibitive. According to the museum, the book opens by setting the scene of the newly constructed school building and the anticipation felt throughout the community at the dawn of a new era in modern education. The author aims to capture not only the historic milestones, but also the everyday moments that defined life inside Hilltop’s halls. “For a century, this school was the home to new friendships. It was where courage was tested, and triumphs were earned,” museum co-president and The Hilltop author Jake Watson said. “For anyone whose life was shaped by this place, for those who grew up here and carried its lessons into the world, this book is for you.” The book is currently in progress and is expected to be completed sometime this fall. To mark its release, the museum has secured original Hilltop bricks salvaged from the site and plans to give one away with each of the first 50 copies sold. Proceeds from book sales will go directly toward supporting the Cedar Springs Museum’s ongoing efforts to curate, preserve and share local history. “This is a passion project that we’re putting a lot of effort into,” Watson said. “So we felt that going that extra step and giving a small piece of Hilltop to the first people to purchase the book was a special way to help memorialize it for them. We also want to thank the Cedar Springs School Board and Superintendent Scott Smith securing the bricks for us to make that happen.” Museum officials said they hope the book will serve as a tribute to Hilltop’s past, but also that it becomes a lasting resource for future generations who want to understand the role the school played in shaping the community and the people in it.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Monday’s heat didn’t slow things down at The Village Learning Center. Instead, it turned into the perfect excuse to celebrate International Mud Day in unforgettable fashion. With temperatures climbing past 90 degrees, children of all ages rolled, stomped and splashed their way through an afternoon of muddy fun. From crafting mud pies to taking full-on mud baths, the kids embraced the mess and the laughter that came with it. The mud itself was a true community effort. Mike O’Dowd of O’Dowd Landscaping delivered several buckets of dirt to help get things started. “I asked Mike O’Dowd if he had any good mud-making dirt and he was here within 30 minutes with several buckets full of dirt,” said owner Jen Ruwersma. Turning such a large pile of dirt into the perfect puddle required a little extra horsepower. Captain Greg Seely of the Cedar Springs Fire Department came to the rescue with the fire engine to water it all down. “I didn’t even finish my sentence when calling Greg with Cedar Springs Fire Department when he was jumping on board to turn that dirt into an epic mud puddle,” Ruwersma said. The cool mud offered a welcome break from the summer heat, keeping children refreshed as they squished and splattered their way through the day. While the kids were clearly the stars of the show, Ruwersma said the real MVPs may have been the staff members tasked with cleanup afterward. “The kids here at the village play in the mud on a regular basis, but on International Mud Day, we had to take things to a whole new level,” she said with a laugh. More than anything, Ruwersma said the day was a reminder of the strength of the Cedar Springs community. “More heartwarming than all these muddy faces is how quickly our community jumps in to support these kids and my crazy ideas,” she said. For one hot summer afternoon, mud brought everyone together, and no one seemed to mind getting a little messy.