No, I'm not talking about the classic Dickens story. I'm actually thinking of a different story entirely. Do you remember the old fable about the scorpion and the frog? A scorpion asks a frog for a ride across a river. The frog hesitates, understandably. But the scorpion offers a reassuring argument: “If I sting you, we will both drown.” Lulled into a sense of security, the frog agrees. Halfway across, the scorpion stings him anyway. As they begin to sink, the frog asks why. “I couldn’t help it,” the scorpion replies. “It’s in my nature.” The frog had counted on their shared interest in reaching the other side. It seemed like protection enough. I was having a conversation recently with a fellow community leader about the future of our town. Somewhere along the way, we arrived at a realization I suspect many people in our generation are having. We are becoming the people we used to assume would handle things. I suppose I expected a little more notice. A letter, perhaps. Some instructions would have been helpful. For years, certain names seemed permanently attached to the work of the community. Gerald Hall, Donna Clark, Niels Andersen, John Teusink, among others. They knew the history. They understood how things got done. They carried responsibilities I knew little about and appreciated even less. Now those responsibilities are finding their way to us. The town keeps moving, and our turn comes along with it. Our conversation turned toward growth and what it means to secure the heritage we have inherited. That was when he told me about his hometown on the east side of Michigan. It had been a small town when he left. When he returned, its population had grown by the thousands. As he described it, multilevel buildings had replaced historic buildings along Main Street. Large condominium developments surrounded the scenic lake. The familiar landscape had changed so thoroughly that he found the place unrecognizable. Then came the part of his story that stayed with me. Many people who had grown up there could no longer afford to live there. Some had moved to more affordable communities, priced out of the place they called home. The town had grown. Their ability to remain part of it had diminished. He called it a cautionary tale. I thought of it as the scorpion and the frog. There is comfort in believing that everyone involved in a town’s growth has a shared interest in its future. Surely, if the town prospers, we all prosper with it. But those interests don't always line up. An investor may realize a return and move on. The people who live here will make their lives among the consequences. We should understand that difference before accepting an assurance that growth will benefit everyone. There is something deeply personal about a hometown. We carry a version of it around inside us everywhere we go. An ordinary corner can bring back something that happened thirty years ago with surprising clarity. Other people pass that same corner carrying memories of their own. Over time, those overlapping attachments give a town much of its meaning. Growth adds new chapters to that story. Someone opening a business is placing a little faith in Cedar Springs. A family moving here is hoping to build a life. Their children will develop attachments to places we pass every day. Someday, they will have hometown stories of their own. That is a future worth welcoming. But welcoming growth does not mean surrendering our judgment about what comes with it. A few months ago, I stood before our city council during a discussion about a "Red Flannel Town" wall medallion. On the agenda, it was a question about something hanging on a wall. To me, it raised a larger question about the direction of the town. What are we using as our measure of success? More investment? More expensive buildings? A different clientele entirely? Those things may be signs of economic activity. But they don't, by themselves, tell us whether life is getting better for the people who call Cedar Springs home. That depends on whom the development is meant to serve. Are we investing in a future the people already here can share in? Or are we building a town they may eventually have to leave, making room for people with greater means? New residents, visitors, and investors can certainly contribute to Cedar Springs. But welcoming them should not require us to overlook the needs of the people who already make their lives here. When we talk about attracting people who can afford more, we should also be talking about what happens to those who cannot. Will they share in the opportunities we are creating? Will they still be able to afford a home here? Will the town continue to value their presence and their contributions? At what point does the cost of growth become too high and who is being asked to pay it? If our measure of success counts the money coming into town but overlooks the people who have to leave, it is an incomplete measure. Before that council meeting, I had asked people whether they wanted our Red Flannel identity restored to public spaces. More than 1,200 people responded. Of those respondents, over 99 percent resoundingly said yes. It was an informal poll, not a scientific survey. But the response was substantial, and the attachment it expressed deserved to be taken seriously. People care about this identity, and I'm not speaking specifically of the "Red Flannel" identity. It goes well beyond any actual "thing." I'm speaking of the town's identity, regardless of what that is. They want to see it reflected in the town they share. The identity represents generations of people gathering, volunteering, celebrating their neighbors, and making a life together. It represents, in the most literal sense, those who built the town and became lights by which others could follow. We should be able to welcome investment without treating that inheritance as irrelevant. Restoring visual symbols of the town's heritage does not, by itself, secure a community’s future. But the way we treat that symbol says something about whether we value the town we have inherited, and the people whose lives gave it meaning. That is the concern I brought to the council, and it remains my concern now: Are we pursuing economic development at any cost? Does that development serve those already here, or a different class entirely? There is nothing wrong with beautiful architecture or ambitious plans. But I would hate to see us acquire grand buildings and, along with them, an attitude that the town those buildings replaced was somehow beneath us. A community should not have to become more expensive to be considered more worthy. The people of Cedar Springs should be able to see themselves in the future plans for their hometown. They should have a reasonable chance to remain part of it. Those are fair concerns to have over decisions whose consequences may last for generations. They also reach into the meaning of heritage. An old building carries history through its walls. Longtime residents carry it through memory. Both help us understand where we are and how we got here. Honoring that inheritance comes easily when we are telling stories about the town we love. Securing it asks something of us when a decision is on the table and someone is waiting for an answer. That is where our generation’s responsibility is becoming real. It is vital to note: Progress isn't bad. Not when it serves those who have to live with the consequences of that progress. This editorial is in no way to express opposition to progress, but only to say it must be done carefully and considerably. Decisions made during our turn will become the surroundings someone else grows up accepting as ordinary. Years from now, a child living here today may return and measure those decisions against the town they remember. I hope they find familiar places still full of life. I hope someone they know calls their name from across the street. I hope coming home remains something they can afford to do. What began as a conversation about another town left me thinking about our own. Here in Cedar Springs, we still have choices ahead of us. We can ask difficult questions while there is time for the answers to still be impactful. We can decide what we are willing to entrust to a promise and what needs to be secured before we proceed. The frog’s mistake was accepting a reassuring argument as a guarantee. That is worth remembering while we are still on the riverbank.

SPARTA — One person died and another was hospitalized following a shooting Monday afternoon near the Tesa plant on South Union Street, south of Silver Creek Avenue. According to the Sparta Police Department, authorities responded around 3:45 p.m. to what was described as a domestic situation involving a man and a woman. The female was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the male is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to authorities. Following the shooting, the female victim drove to Sparta Village Hall where she received aid from village officials. Sparta Police officials state there is no threat to the public. Additional details about the circumstances of the shooting and the condition of the hospitalized person were not immediately available. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

There was no shortage of fight in our Red Hawks Friday night. After falling behind by two touchdowns, Cedar Springs battled back to take the lead before Lowell pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 41-30 win. It was very clear early that this would be a physical game after a scuffle in the first quarter was broken up by an official. That early exchange set the tone for the rest of the night, as hard hits and costly penalties followed while the teams traded scores and momentum. The Hawks’ opening possession went backward, with a sack and a loss on a running play forcing an early punt. But the defense soon gave Cedar Springs a fresh start. Cody Greenland fell on a Lowell fumble, putting the ball back in the Hawks’ hands at their own 37-yard line. This time, Cedar Springs found its footing. Bravata and Schoenborn helped move the ball into Lowell territory, and quarterback Nick Robinson kept the drive going, refusing to go down after being hit, and driving the ball forward for a first-down run near the goal line. Jakson Bravata finished it off with a short touchdown run. The two-point attempt came up short, but the Hawks had the first lead of the night, 6-0, with 1:51 left in the opening quarter. Lowell answered with two second-quarter touchdowns to move ahead 14-6. Unrelenting, Cedar Springs responded with a determined drive from its own 15-yard line. Deegan Pike got things started with an 18-yard carry, and Bravata pushed the Hawks into Lowell territory. When the ball came loose later in the drive, Dayton Reynolds recovered it to keep Cedar Springs moving. Robinson’s hard count drew Lowell offside, setting up a shorter third-down try. Schoenborn then zigzagged through the defense, staying on his feet as a defender tried dragging him down, finding the end zone and adding 6 more. Robinson connected with Ryan Larkin for the two-point conversion, pulling the Hawks even at 14 with 1:17 left before halftime. Lowell quickly answered with a long touchdown pass of their own, sending Cedar Springs into the break down 21-14. The Red Arrows opened the second half with another touchdown, stretching their lead to 28-14. The Hawks needed a spark and they found several. The game continued its physicality and eventually Lowell would be called for their unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty helped keep the next Cedar Springs drive alive. Robinson then connected with Ty Lawson for a big gain to the Lowell 10-yard line. Bravata carried the ball into the end zone for his second touchdown, and Pike added the two-point conversion. With 4:36 left in the third quarter, Cedar Springs was back within six, 28-22. Pike wasn’t finished. On Lowell’s next possession, he intercepted a pass, giving the Hawks another chance to turn the game around. Bravata smashed his way through the Lowell defense to carry the ball to the 9-yard line. Robinson and Dickinson moved it even closer before Dickinson punched in the tying touchdown. Robinson then found Pike for another two-point conversion, putting Cedar Springs ahead 30-28 with 1:18 remaining in the third. After trailing by 14, the Hawks had fought their way back into the lead. Lowell answered in the fourth quarter with a touchdown, but Cedar Springs stopped the two-point try to keep it a four-point game, 34-30, with 8:15 remaining. The Hawks’ next possession stalled and a fake punt deep in Hawks territory on fourth down fell short, handing Lowell the ball at the Cedar Springs 25-yard line. The Red Arrows took advantage, adding a rushing touchdown and an extra point to make it 41-30. Cedar Springs had one more chance. Pike picked up a first down, but an interception with 2:50 remaining ended the Hawks’ final drive. Another Lowell blindside-block penalty, their second of the night, came on the play, during which a Cedar Springs player was injured but later walked off the field. Lowell ran out the remaining time to secure the win. Though the finish wasn’t what the hometown crowd hoped for, the Red Hawks gave fans plenty to cheer about, showing grit, determination and composure in a hard-fought, physical game. Let's go Red Hawks!

A water main break on Pine Street is expected to temporarily interrupt service Friday for a small number of water customers while city crews make repairs. The City of Cedar Springs issued a notice just before 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, reporting a water main break on Pine Street in front of Creative Technologies Academy. According to the city, water users on Pine Street from Creative Technologies Academy to the White Pine Trail will be temporarily impacted while repairs are underway. The affected section is isolated from the larger system. City officials said there is no boil water advisory in effect at this time. The break occurred on a 4-inch water main that serves a handful of houses in that area. Pine Street also has a 12-inch water main that was unaffected. Because the affected portion of the system is isolated, customers outside the impacted stretch should not see a disruption to their water service. Some users in the immediate area may notice discolored water. Crews were dispatched Friday morning, and once repair work begins, water users in the impacted area will not have access to water until the break is fixed. City staff are working to notify homes and businesses affected by the interruption. Drivers may also see traffic delays or interruptions near the repair area while crews are working. It is advisable to avoid Pine Street if possible. Residents are encouraged to watch the City of Cedar Springs website and Facebook page for updates.

Voters in the Cedar Springs Public Schools district will decide four full-term Board of Education seats and one partial-term seat in this year’s election. Candidates seeking full four-year terms include incumbents Mistie Bowser and April Patin, along with Rick Bell, AnneMarie Slater, Heidi Armock, Jenna Hess and Alix Hudson. Incumbent Brent Willett is seeking a partial term ending in 2028. The Bugle sent questionnaires to candidates asking about their backgrounds, reasons for running and priorities for the district. Responses were received from Bell, Slater, Armock, Hess, Hudson and Willett. Responses were not received from Bowser or Patin by original press time back in August, however The Bugle recently published their responses. Common themes among responding candidates included the district’s superintendent transition, declining enrollment, staff retention, literacy, school libraries, career and technical education, technology use, student needs and communication between district leaders, staff and the community. Richard Bell Richard Bell is seeking a four-year term. He has served four years on active duty in the U.S. Army, three years in the Michigan National Guard and 23 years in law enforcement. He currently works for a building contractor. Bell said he was encouraged to run by staff and community members and sees the role as another way to serve. He said he wants to help students continue to succeed. Bell identified several issues facing the district, including the selection of a new superintendent, upcoming employee contract renewals, high absenteeism and the sinking fund bond renewal. If elected, Bell said his priorities would include student and staff safety, adequate staffing, maintaining district buildings and grounds, addressing absenteeism, increasing enrollment and in-person learning, and supporting administrators, staff and students. Bell said his experience working within budgets and grant parameters, along with decision-making under pressure, would be an asset to the board. “I am a parent of two district students, the husband of a teacher, and a community member who wants the best for all our children,” Bell said. “These are our children. We need to do this together.” Heidi Armock Heidi Armock is running for a four-year term. A Cedar Springs native and Cedar Springs High School graduate, Armock has worked in public education for more than 20 years. She has taught elementary and middle school students and currently works as a certified school librarian in a neighboring district. Armock earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in education from Grand Valley State University, with an emphasis in school library/media. She also serves as a Girl Scout leader, in church leadership and on a public library board. Her two children attend Cedar Springs Public Schools. Armock said she is running because she believes in the value of traditional public schools and wants to support teachers, students and staff. “In an era of apparent divisiveness, I see so much community in our public schools,” Armock said. She identified declining enrollment, teacher and staff retention, technology use and behavioral concerns among young learners as top issues. If elected, Armock said her priorities would include developing policies for wise use of educational technology, restoring school library services, attracting and retaining talented staff and maintaining fiscal responsibility. Armock said her professional experience gives her an understanding of both classroom challenges and school finance. “My goal is to be a steward of a great public school,” Armock said. Jenna Hess Jenna Hess is seeking a four-year Board of Education term. She grew up in Grand Rapids and earned a degree in special education from Calvin University. She began her career teaching special education in Denver, Colorado, and later earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Northern Colorado University. Hess currently works at Grand Rapids Community College supporting students with disabilities and previously worked at the Community College of Denver. Her three daughters attend Cedar Springs Public Schools. Hess said she is running because she believes in education and wants to use her experience to serve the community. “Being on the school board would allow me to leverage these skills and passions in order to give back to a community I call home,” Hess said. Hess identified technology, education policy trends, population changes in Cedar Springs and the transition to a new superintendent as major issues facing the district. If elected, she said her priorities would include supporting teachers and schools, using policy and data to guide decisions, ensuring strong educational opportunities for students with a wide range of needs and supporting the incoming superintendent in developing a new strategic plan. Hess said her daily work with students gives her perspective on how school experiences shape futures. “I am genuinely interested in serving this community,” Hess said. Alix Hudson Alix Hudson is seeking a full-term school board seat. Hudson has 13 years of teaching experience in public schools in New Mexico and Michigan, including work in Grand Rapids Public Schools as a dual language early childhood special education teacher. Hudson holds master’s degrees in bilingual education and early childhood education. She currently teaches an education course for Grand Valley State University, operates a licensed drop-in daycare and is a stay-at-home parent. Hudson said she is running to better understand and contribute to the broader work of a school district. “As a classroom teacher, I am so familiar with the micro,” Hudson said. “I would love an opportunity to learn about the macro.” Hudson said she would like to see vibrant school libraries restored and believes the district should reevaluate the use of technology in classrooms. If elected, Hudson said her priorities would include supporting teachers’ professional judgment, avoiding over-reliance on scripted curriculum, continuing to grow outdoor and agricultural education opportunities, protecting play in early childhood education and supporting inclusion. Hudson said her experience as a teacher, doula, childcare provider, special educator and bilingual community member informs her belief that public schools should serve every child. AnneMarie Slater AnneMarie Slater is seeking a full four-year term. She is the parent of two Cedar Springs students and one future Red Hawk. Slater is a Licensed Professional Counselor with specialized training in child development and the mental health of children and adolescents. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Central Michigan University. Slater said she is running because she believes strongly in public schools and wants Cedar Springs schools to be both academically strong and well balanced for students. She listed new district leadership, declining enrollment and teacher and staff retention among the top issues facing the district. If elected, Slater said she would prioritize a smooth transition with the new superintendent and board members, clear communication among district leaders and the community, restoring fully functioning libraries in every school with qualified librarians, protecting vocational programs including agricultural classes, and helping Cedar Springs attract and retain students and staff. Slater said her background in mental health would bring skills in communication, mediation and problem-solving to the board. “As a CSPS parent, I see firsthand how big decisions trickle down to impact small people,” Slater said. “I will work hard to ensure that impact is positive.” Brent Willett Brent Willett is seeking the partial-term trustee seat, which ends in 2028. Willett has lived in Cedar Springs since 2001 and is a Cedar Springs High School graduate. He earned a master’s degree in agricultural education, taught for six years at Cedar Springs High School and now teaches agriscience at Kent Career Tech Center. His three children attend Cedar Springs Public Schools. Willett said he is running to help build a stronger voice and better connection among students, staff and the community. Willett said Cedar Springs does many things well, but he sees room for improvement in literacy and in expanding career and technical education programming within the district. He also said the district should better market its strengths to help increase enrollment. If elected, Willett said his main priority would be building trust. “Our teachers and students have already built that, but establishing trust between teachers and the district office is a main priority,” Willett said. He said focusing more on the process of education can lead to better results and data. Willett also said literacy should be a focus, but cautioned against over-managing classrooms. “Give them the simple tools needed to accomplish the task,” Willett said. Willett said he would bring perspective and common sense to the board, along with an educator’s understanding of how decisions made without communication can affect others. “I will always put students and staff first and am willing to have hard conversations that aren’t always fun, but are always necessary,” Willett said. You can find Willett on his Brent Willett - CSPS Board of Education Facebook page. The election will determine who helps guide Cedar Springs Public Schools through a period of leadership transition, budget decisions and planning for the district’s future. For Armock, Hudson, and Slater, you can find their official shared School Board Facebook page here. You can find Brent Willett's official School Board Facebook page here. Jenna Hess's official School Board Facebook page can be found here. This article was originally published in The Bugle print - Volume 42, Issue #8 August, 2026.

For Seth Coxon, the Subway in Cedar Springs is more than a sandwich shop. It is where he got his first job. It is where he first learned the basics of customer service, food prep and working behind the counter in his hometown. And now, more than 15 years later, he owns the very same shop. Coxon, a 2010 Cedar Springs High School graduate, has purchased the Cedar Springs Subway and will officially take over ownership Wednesday, Oct. 7. “It’s pretty cool to come full circle and say, ‘I bought my first job,’” Coxon said. Coxon started working at the Cedar Springs Subway in 2009, back when he was still a student. Since then, he has built a career as a Subway franchise owner, now operating five locations around Grand Rapids and one in Rockford. But the Cedar Springs store has always remained special to him. "I wanted that location for about 10 years," he said. Coxon had long told the original owner that if she ever decided to sell, he wanted to be the one to buy it. Coxon entered into the franchise ownership about 10 years ago, and said Subway was one of the more affordable franchises to get into when he first started working toward ownership, but affordability was not the only reason he stayed with the brand. “I believe in the brand and the product that we’re selling,” Coxon said. "I believe in Subway’s business model." Coxon also said he appreciates offering cleaner food than the high-fat options found at many other major franchises. Although he now owns multiple locations, Coxon’s return to Cedar Springs carries a different meaning. This is the town where he went to school, where he worked his first job and where he first imagined owning a Subway someday. “I actually told my parents as a teenager that I was going to own a Subway,” Coxon said. “I found myself going to college for Industrial Technology and Management and working at a factory, and I knew it wasn’t for me. So instead of finishing my bachelor’s degree, I saved up for my first Subway.” As he steps into ownership of the Cedar Springs store, Coxon said he plans to keep the current employees, having already brought the store's manager into the transition process. He said the staff will be retrained on current standards and procedures, something he does with all new locations he takes over. Coxon said he knows the store needs some work, but he also believes it already has a strong foundation because of the people working there. “They have awesome customer service there. I’ve heard a lot of compliments about it,” he said. One of the first things Coxon hopes to improve is product availability. “The biggest problem I’ve been informed of is keeping product in stock,” Coxon said. “That’s been a big complaint. But with having several other locations, it’s real easy to keep product in stock. My managers know they can borrow and help each other out so that we’ll always have the product we need.” Coxon said customers can expect operational changes meant to make the store run more smoothly and improve the overall experience. In the next year, he also plans to give the Cedar Springs Subway an updated remodel. He also wants to clear up one question he said he has seen from local customers. “We do take all the coupons,” Coxon said. “I’ve heard and seen the complaints online that this location doesn't take coupons. We will take all the coupons, so bring them in.” Coxon said he hopes Cedar Springs residents will give the shop a chance under new ownership. He said customers can expect to see the same friendly faces, their favorite menu items in stock and expanded business hours for those who work late or want to stop in for dinner. A grand re-opening and local promotions are also planned in the near future as a way for Coxon to thank the community. That local connection is important to him. Coxon said supporting Cedar Springs schools and student athletes is one of the first ways he wants to give back. Cedar Springs sports teams will be offered 20% off catering and 6-inch to-go boxes for athletes. “We want them to know we’re happy to have them cater through us,” Coxon said. Even with several locations to manage, Coxon said he likes being involved in his stores. He enjoys helping employees, talking with customers and making sure people leave happy with their food. “I genuinely love talking to people and making sure they have a great sandwich,” Coxon said. “I take so much pride in my team making good sandwiches. I love food, I’m a foodie, and customers can expect some beautiful sandwiches coming out of this store.” For Coxon, buying the Cedar Springs Subway is both a business move and a homecoming. The place where he once stood behind the counter as a teenager is now the latest chapter in the career he started building right here in his hometown.

In Cedar Springs, cheer has long been part of the sound and spirit of game nights and hometown pride. Now, a newly united cheer program is inviting the community to gather around the table in support of the athletes who help bring that spirit to life. The Cedar Springs Cheer Alliance will host its Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the Cedar Springs High School cafeteria, located at 5212 17 Mile Road NE. Proceeds from the dinner will directly support Cedar Springs cheer athletes by helping provide equipment, coaching support, team experiences and other program needs. Founded in early 2026 as a nonprofit, Cedar Springs Cheer Alliance, or CSCA, was created to bring the former youth cheer program together with the middle school and high school cheer programs. The goal is to give Cedar Springs cheerleaders and their families a more connected experience from the first years of elementary school all the way through senior year. Today, CSCA serves about 200 cheerleaders, from kindergarten through 12th grade. For the families involved, the organization is about giving young athletes a place to grow in confidence, learn discipline, build friendships and understand what it means to be part of a team. By bringing all levels of Cedar Springs cheer under one umbrella, CSCA hopes to create consistency for athletes as they move through the program. A young cheerleader starting in kindergarten can now look ahead and see a clear path through middle school and high school, all while staying connected to the same hometown program. Both sideline and competitive cheer at Cedar Springs focus on skill development, team coordination, execution, choreography and athletic growth. Athletes are challenged to improve, support one another and represent Cedar Springs with pride. Like many youth sports organizations, CSCA relies on fundraising and community partnerships to help keep costs manageable for families. Money raised through the spaghetti dinner and silent auction will help support uniforms, equipment, poms, tumbling opportunities, camps, coaching support, competition expenses and other team needs. Organizers hope the dinner will feel like a community gathering. A chance for families, friends, classmates and supporters of Cedar Springs athletics to share a meal and show support for local athletes. Beyond athletics, CSCA aims to help young athletes build character, leadership and a sense of commitment. It gives cheerleaders the chance to represent their school and town, encourage one another and learn the value of showing up for their team. For a program built on school spirit, teamwork and Cedar Springs pride, the Oct. 9 dinner is another opportunity for the community to show up in return. You can find more information by visiting the Cedar Springs Cheer Alliance Facebook page here.

Yesterday was Cedar Springs’ 87th annual Red Flannel Festival, and the town was given one of those October days that makes nostalgia almost too easy. It was about 64 degrees, sunny, with blue skies. Just enough cool in the air to make the flannels feel needed, without forcing anyone to pretend they were comfortable while secretly feeling like they were dying of heat exhaustion. Great weather for a town of great people. Now, I know the title of this column may sound a little grand for an occasion involving folding chairs, parade candy, food trucks, and the annual tradition of trying to remember where you parked. But that's kind of the point. To an adult, Red Flannel Day is a festival. But I've learned over the years that to a child, it really is pomp and circumstance. At least it was to me. I didn't have those words for it as a child, of course. A child doesn't stand on Main Street saying, “Ah yes, what a meaningful expression of local identity and seasonal tradition.” And if he does, please keep him away from me. That child is either destined for public office or already writing grant applications. But I digress. What I knew was simpler. When the cold started creeping in and the leaves turned bright, the red signs began to appear downtown. Long, red underwear in the windows. Red on doors, walls, storefronts, and signs. Adults who seemed unsurprised by the whole thing would grin and wave, as if the town had shared a secret with them years before and I was just beginning to catch on. Something was coming. And when it arrived, Cedar Springs felt changed. Main Street grew larger than life. The buildings felt taller and the sidewalks seemed busier. There was music down the street, sugar in the air, kids watching for candy, parents trying to look dignified while also hoping someone would throw a Tootsie Roll their way. Or maybe that was just me as a parent yesterday as the parade went by, but that's not important, so again I digress... There were carnival lights, food smells, and red moving through the crowd like a crown fire through the tops of a pine forest. As a boy, I didn't understand heritage. I didn't understand tradition. I didn't understand what adults meant when they talked about... well anything, honestly, that was community-related. I only understood that people smiled more easily. They called out names of those they knew, were more willing to stop to talk on the sidewalk, and lingered a little longer as though not to miss a single second of that, let's say, "festival feeling." For a short season, those strangers, or at least "strangers" to me, that would stop to talk to my family on the sidewalk, didn't seem quite so strange. Maybe that was the real gift of the festival. It gives children a picture of belonging before they are old enough to define it. Stay with me a moment. I might be on to something here. A child likely won't remember the order of the parade. They may forget which float came first, or what year the weather was hot or cold. But he or she remembers how the town felt. He remembers whether the adults seemed glad to be there. She remembers whether people made room for her along the curb to get a parade-thrown candy. He remembers whether the place he lived felt safe, known, and shared. Those are the things that settle deep, and stay forever. Yesterday, I watched Red Flannel return again under a blue October sky, and I thought about that boy who once believed the whole town turned into a magical, festive world. I know better now, of course. Festivals take work. A lot of work. In fact, I'll even take this moment to encourage you all to check in with the Red Flannel Festival office to see if (and they do) need more volunteers next year. Stop by their office Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6:30pm if you're interested in helping next year. Traditions need volunteers, and are only as strong as those who show up. It doesn't happen all of a sudden. Somebody sets up the tents, plans the parade, and gives up a quiet Saturday so the rest of the town can have a memorable one. Perhaps that makes the gift more meaningful, not less. Because the magic was never really in the signs, the candy, the carnival lights, or even the red flannel fabric itself. The magic was, and always will be, in the way a town chose to show up for itself. For each other. And if a child sees that clearly enough, even once, he or she may carry it longer than anyone knows.

Cedar Springs and Kenowa Hills battled through a physical, defensive first half Friday night before the Knights pulled away after halftime, handing the Red Hawks a 44-19 loss on Red Flannel Eve. Kenowa Hills led by just one point at halftime, 14-13, but scored 30 second-half points to take control of the game. Cedar Springs received the opening kickoff and leaned early on its ground game. Schoenborn, Bravata and Pike all carried the ball during the first series, with Schoenborn picking up a first down run that was erased by a holding penalty. The drive eventually stalled on downs in Kenowa Hills territory. On the Knights’ first offensive snap, Cedar Springs answered defensively. Kenowa Hills fumbled in the backfield, and the Red Hawks recovered at the Knights’ 26-yard line. Schoenborn helped set up the first score of the night, breaking loose for a run to the 3-yard line. After two short runs were stopped near the goal line, Cedar Springs called timeout facing fourth-and-1. Quarterback Nick Robinson then kept the ball and dove over a defender into the end zone for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was stopped short, leaving Cedar Springs ahead 6-0 with 4:03 left in the first quarter. The drive also included a milestone moment, as Schoenborn broke the Cedar Springs school rushing record during the first quarter, which was held since 2001. Kenowa Hills responded on the following possession, using passes over the middle and a strong run game to move deep into Red Hawks territory. The Knights capped the drive with a short touchdown run, but Cedar Springs blocked the extra point to keep the score tied at 6-6 with 2:07 left in the opening quarter. The defensive tone continued into the second quarter. After Cedar Springs punted, Kenowa Hills moved the ball across midfield before the Red Hawks came up with another takeaway, intercepting a pass over the middle and taking over at their own 32-yard line. Cedar Springs wasted little time capitalizing. After a short run was stopped at the line, Robinson dropped back and connected with Ty Lawson on a 68-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was good, giving the Red Hawks a 13-6 lead with 6:37 left in the half. Kenowa Hills answered before halftime, putting together a scoring drive despite multiple penalties. The Knights found the end zone with 1:28 left in the second quarter, then converted the two-point attempt to take a 14-13 lead. Cedar Springs went three-and-out on its final possession of the half, giving Kenowa Hills one more chance near midfield with 29 seconds remaining. The Knights moved the ball to the Cedar Springs 37, but the Red Hawks’ defense held through the final seconds to keep the halftime score at 14-13. Kenowa Hills opened the second half with the ball and immediately seized momentum. The Knights returned the kickoff to their own 27-yard line and needed only three plays to reach the end zone. They converted the two-point attempt to extend the lead to 22-13 with 10:26 left in the third quarter. Cedar Springs responded with a sustained drive, keeping the ball on the ground and converting a key fourth-and-1 after a fumble was recovered by Robinson for a first down. Deegan Pike later added a first-down run up the middle, and Robinson connected with Pike over the top for another first down. The Red Hawks pushed the ball to the Kenowa Hills 26-yard line, but the drive ended on downs after Cedar Springs was stopped on fourth-and-2. Kenowa Hills again moved quickly into Cedar Springs territory. The Knights appeared to score on a run, but a holding penalty brought the play back and set up first-and-20 from the Red Hawks’ 25-yard line. Moments later, Kenowa Hills connected on a touchdown pass to the end zone. The two-point conversion was good, giving the Knights a 30-13 lead late in the third quarter. Cedar Springs started its next drive at its own 20, but after Schoenborn was tackled for a loss, the Red Hawks eventually moved the chains to the 31. The drive ended when Robinson’s pass was intercepted by the Knights. The Knights continued to build on their lead in the fourth quarter. After a pass breakup by Pike, Kenowa Hills drove to the Cedar Springs 23 before an injury timeout stopped play with 9:54 remaining. The Knights later pushed the ball in from the 2-yard line, and the extra point made it 37-13 with 9:12 to play. Cedar Springs took over at its own 31, and a Kenowa Hills holding penalty helped give the Red Hawks a first down. But after four more plays, Cedar Springs turned the ball over on downs, giving the Knights the ball at the Red Hawks’ 39-yard line. Kenowa Hills took advantage of the field position, eventually scoring again on a shovel pass around the right side. The extra point pushed the Knights’ lead to 44-13 with 6:53 left in the game. The Red Hawks continued to fight late. Bravata returned the kickoff to the 27-yard line, and Cedar Springs kept the ball on the ground while driving into Kenowa Hills territory. Robinson later completed a pass to Greenland, moving the ball to the 3-yard line. A run up the middle finished the drive for a Cedar Springs touchdown. The two-point conversion failed, leaving the score at 44-19 with 2:21 remaining. Kenowa Hills took over at its own 33-yard line on the final possession and ran the ball before letting the clock expire. After the game, Cedar Springs coach Gus Kapolka said the Red Hawks ran into a strong opponent. “I thought we did a pretty good job containing them in the first half. But, in the second half their guys took over. They had some big catches to set up a score. And then defensively, they played us very, very tough,” Kapolka said. “So kudos to them, to their kids and their staff for playing a really good game. And sometimes, that's just how it works out." The Red Hawks prepare to take on the Lowell Red Arrows here at home on October 9th.

Two incumbent Cedar Springs Board of Education members seeking re-election have shared more about their backgrounds, priorities and reasons for running to retain their seats. April Patin and Mistie Bowser are both seeking full four-year terms on the Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education in the November election. Their responses were received after The Bugle’s initial candidate article went to press. Voters in the Cedar Springs Public Schools district will decide four full-term Board of Education seats, along with one partial-term seat ending in 2028. Candidates seeking full four-year terms include incumbents Bowser and Patin, along with Rick Bell, AnneMarie Slater, Heidi Armock, Jenna Hess and Alix Hudson. Incumbent Brent Willett is seeking the partial term. April Patin Incumbent April Patin April Patin is running to retain her seat on the Cedar Springs Board of Education. Patin graduated with a degree in paralegal studies and currently works as a senior associate in accounting. She said her background gives her experience with accounting practices and an understanding of the legal ethics connected to serving on the board. Patin has been part of the Cedar Springs community for more than 20 years. Her children attended Cedar Springs Public Schools, with her youngest child graduating in 2026. “Being on the board has been a blessing for me,” Patin said. “I enjoy being a part of my children’s education and having an opportunity to create a positive impact on important decision-making processes where I can as I am only one of seven members.” Patin said she understands challenges facing the district, including turnover among educators, lower student enrollment and the current deficit. When she joined the Board of Education, Patin said her goals included protecting students and helping improve test scores. While she said scores have improved, she believes there is still more work to do. Patin said one area she would like to focus on is reducing student technology use, especially in reading and writing, and returning to more paper-and-pencil work. “I would like to add to that growth by proposing CSPS go back to basics with getting rid of technology use for the kids specifically for reading and writing, asking kids to use paper and pencil again,” Patin said. She said using memorization skills, spelling words and creating logical sentences by hand can be more engaging and beneficial than relying heavily on technology. “Using technology has made it easier for kids to not use their thinking skills and rely on tools like AI and autocorrect to do the work for them,” Patin said. “We should encourage and foster the ability to think outside the box and work hard for what they want.” Patin said reading and writing are foundational to learning in other areas and should remain a major focus for the district. She also said moving back toward pencil-and-paper work could save the district money on technology-related costs while helping address the deficit. “I would like to work closely with our staff and educators to improve upon these areas of focus,” Patin said, adding that stronger collaboration could also help build relationships and reduce the loss of strong teachers. Patin also said she would like to revisit recently adopted policies that could affect school safety to make sure the district is following best practices. “With that said, if it is the will of the Lord that I am re-elected, then I will look forward to collaborating and executing beneficial changes with current and future BOE members, as well as staff, educators, and our new superintendent,” Patin said. Mistie Bowser Incumbent Mistie Bowser Mistie Bowser is also seeking re-election to a four-year seat on the Cedar Springs Board of Education. Bowser has lived in Cedar Springs for 26 years and is the mother of four Cedar Springs graduates. She is also a grandmother to four future Red Hawks. Bowser said she has spent many years involved in the district as a parent, volunteer and supporter of student activities. “I have always attended football, soccer, softball and hockey games as all my kids were Cedar Springs athletes and I miss watching them play,” Bowser said. “I spent many hours volunteering in their classes and for the PTO. I feel the more parents are involved in school the better the kids do.” Bowser earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and communications from Grand Valley State University. Her career has included work in television and radio media, as well as business sales. She has also held leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, including serving as president of MADD Kent County and on the public policy committee for the State of Michigan. Bowser also served as president of Region A in Michigan for the American Lung Association and was named the 2016 Lung Force Hero for Michigan, an honor that included recognition in Washington, D.C. “I take pride and happiness in serving my community as I’ve done it for over 25 years,” Bowser said. Bowser said she is seeking re-election because she believes there is still more work to do. “I’m seeking re-election for my seat on the Cedar Springs School Board of Education because my work is not done,” Bowser said. “I feel I still have more work to do to ensure our students are getting a top notch curriculum and a safe and inclusive environment, so they receive the best education.” Bowser said she wants students to graduate feeling prepared to pursue their goals after high school. She said the district is making strong progress, and she hopes to continue helping move that work forward. Among the top issues facing the district, Bowser pointed to the hiring of Cedar Springs Public Schools’ next superintendent. “We are going to make sure they know we are an amazing district already but are welcoming new ideas to guide our district to continue to move upward in test scores and continue to give every opportunity to our students,” Bowser said. She also said it is important that district staff feel heard and respected. “We are an amazing district but there are places that we need to listen, grow and learn,” Bowser said. Bowser said her experience in business, communications, nonprofit board leadership and legislative advocacy helps her understand policies and laws affecting the district. “Communication is key to success and I understand how important it is to listen more than speak,” Bowser said. She said she wants voters to know she is dedicated to students, staff and the community. “I’ve spent the last nine years tirelessly ensuring that our district has the best and newest curriculum for all levels of learning, opportunities for advanced learning and learners that need more help, ensuring the best environment and opportunity for all athletics, arts, music and clubs,” Bowser said. Bowser said she will continue listening to staff, students and the community about their wants and needs. “I would love your vote to keep me serving on the board for another four years,” Bowser said. The November election will determine who helps guide Cedar Springs Public Schools through leadership transition, budget decisions, enrollment challenges and planning for the district’s future.

SAND LAKE — Doors were open, scissors were shearing and the energy in downtown Sand Lake carried the feel of a community on the move. On Sunday, Sept. 27, eight Sand Lake businesses celebrated ribbon cutting ceremonies during a community-wide event hosted by the Sand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. The afternoon gave residents and visitors a chance to step inside local shops, meet business owners and see firsthand the growing variety of services available in the Sand Lake area. Ms. Sand Lake Graclyn Mactavish and her court member Hannah Brinks were also in attendance, helping celebrate the ribbon cuttings and lending a ceremonial touch to the afternoon. From coffee and dentistry to healthcare, home décor, beauty services and full-service gunsmithing, the event highlighted a business community that continues to expand while keeping a strong local feel. At Sand Lake Family Dentistry, Dr. Aaron Freeman said his focus is on building trust and being available for patients. Dr. Aaron Freeman cuts his ribbon “I came here to love on the people of Sand Lake, help them with good dentistry and be there for them if they need me,” Freeman said. “I am available 24/7. If there is any need or concern, I believe in communication and I’m just trying to put myself out there for the people.” Freeman acquired the long-standing Sand Lake dental practice earlier this year and said he is looking forward to continuing its tradition of care in the community. The event also celebrated the local medical practice of Dr. Jerod Gardner, who is bringing a Direct Primary Care model to the area. Gardner said Sand Lake was a natural fit for his family and his practice. “I originally worked at Kelsey Hospital in Lakeview, when that closed I got a job as a medical director over in Grant,” Gardner said. “So, my family and I have lived in the Cedar Springs, Sand Lake area since taking that job. So, this was a good place to be for the Tri-County area. I look forward to serving the Sand Lake community and bringing personalized healthcare to them.” Dr. Jarod Gardner cuts the ribbon on Tri-County Health Services For hunters and firearm enthuiasts in need of firearm work, Malachi Grenell said his business offers full-service gunsmithing, including modifications and repairs to nearly any firearm. Grenell said the location came about after he saw an opportunity to purchase the building through a private listing on Facebook Marketplace. While he does not currently offer restoration work because he does not yet have access to refinishing tools, Grenell said he hopes to get there soon as he enjoys the mechanical side of the trade. “It’s the mechanical aspect of it,” he said. “Learning and discovering how different platforms work. It’s a very mechanical field.” Malachi Grenell cuts the ribbon on Heritage Gunsmithing At Chosen & Created Co., owner Dawn Reyburn said her shop offers a mix of bakery items, boutique items, vintage antiques and new and used furniture. For Reyburn, the business is also deeply personal. “It’s a God-driven purpose,” Reyburn said. “God has brought me out of darkness into light and I want to show that brightness into everything else in the community.” When asked why she chose Sand Lake, Reyburn said the answer was simple. “I own the Lakeside Inn and live in Sand Lake,” she said. Dawn Reyburn cuts the ribbon on Chosen and Created Co. Nearby, Lulu’s Cafe offered another warm stop for visitors. Owner Jessica Nelson said she hopes the cafe brings something simple and welcoming to Sand Lake. “Good strong coffee,” Nelson said. “We like good food. We like good coffee and we like to share with people.” The name Lulu’s also has a family connection. “Livi Lu and Lexi Lu. My daughter and granddaughter’s nicknames,” Nelson said. Jessica Nelson cuts the ribbon on Lulu's Cafe Other businesses taking part in the ribbon cutting event included John’s “Pretty Good” Barbershop, a one-chair barbershop offering traditional cuts and straight razor shaves, and The Pearl Rental Suites, a downtown space that brings independent beauty, wellness and self-care providers together under one roof. Another local business cutting the ribbon was B Well Therapeutic Massage offering specialty massages such as pre and post natal and hot Himalayan salt stone massages. Together, the eight businesses reflect the continued growth of Sand Lake and the people investing their time, talents and dreams into the community. The businesses are now open and ready to serve residents and visitors the next time they are in Sand Lake.

SAND LAKE — Several Sand Lake businesses will welcome the public later this month as part of a community-wide grand opening event hosted by the Sand Lake Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m., with participating businesses opening their doors for a public meet-and-greet. The afternoon is designed to give residents a chance to visit local shops, meet business owners and learn more about the growing mix of services now available in the Sand Lake area. Among the businesses taking part is John’s “Pretty Good” Barbershop, a new one-chair barbershop owned by Sand Lake resident John MacDonald. The shop offers traditional barbering, including haircuts, straight razor shaves and the atmosphere of an old-fashioned neighborhood barbershop. MacDonald, who also owns Locals Barbershop in Grand Rapids, plans to transition to the Sand Lake shop full time at the beginning of 2027. Another participating business is Lulu’s Cafe, a small, family-owned and operated coffee shop owned by Jessica Nelson. The cafe, which opened March 31, serves coffee, sandwiches and homemade soups, and has also begun offering private weekend dinner parties on the patio. Also part of the event is The Pearl Rental Suites, a new space in downtown Sand Lake where independent beauty, wellness and self-care providers operate under one roof. Services at The Pearl include head spas, hair services, facials, lashes, sugaring, massage, personal training, wellness offerings and more. The grand opening will also highlight the local medical practice of Dr. Jerod Gardner, a Michigan-trained physician now serving Sand Lake and the Tri County community. Gardner’s Sand Lake practice is built around Direct Primary Care, a membership-based model that does not participate with traditional health insurance. The goal, he said, is to create a more direct relationship between physician and patient and provide accessible, personalized care without many of the barriers of the traditional insurance system. Gardner said his goal is not simply to open another medical office, but to help rebuild healthcare as a community resource. “I may be Sand Lake’s only physician, but this is our community, and its health belongs to all of us,” Gardner said. “My promise is simple: I will listen, I will advocate, and I will be in your corner. Let’s bring healthcare back home.” The event will also feature Chosen & Created Co., located at 53 E. Lake Street in Sand Lake. Owner Dawn purchased the business in February 2026 and said it has been a blessing to watch it grow and become part of the community. Chosen & Created Co. offers furniture, home décor, boutique items, vintage goods, vendor booths, bakery items and a farm fresh market. Dawn credited the shop’s employees, vendors and customers for helping create a warm, welcoming place. “I’m incredibly thankful for our team, our vendors, and every customer who walks through our doors and supports us,” she said. Chosen & Created Co. is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other participating businesses include B Well Theraputic Massage, Sand Lake Family Dentistry, and Heritage Gunsmithing. The Sept. 27 event gives residents a chance to visit these businesses, meet the people behind them and celebrate continued growth in the Sand Lake business community. For more information visit the Sand Lake Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.