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CEDAR SPRINGS - Walk into the 12,000 square foot Hawks Athletics facility on a busy day and you'll see what you'd expect: kids working on swings in the live at-bat lane, pitchers learning mechanics inside one of the three pitching lanes, parents chatting in the background. What you might not notice right away is what the people behind it are trying to build, a place that feels like a second home, and a program that belongs to the whole community, not just one team or one season.

Questions surrounding the future of the Sand Lake Fire Department recently prompted discussions with the City of Cedar Springs about whether the city could assume responsibility for fire services in the Sand Lake area. After reviewing the request and evaluating the implications, Cedar Springs has determined it will not move forward with the idea and will not bring the matter before city council for a vote.

Versiti Blood Center is reporting seasonally low blood supplies following a difficult month of collections, driven largely by weather‑related school cancellations and seasonal illness.

By the time the Red Hawks roll out their mats, most folks already know what to expect from Luke Egan: a solid handshake, a quiet nod, and once the whistle blows, a calm confidence that is hard to teach.

SOLON TOWNSHIP - It felt a bit like a church revival, only instead of hymns and altar calls, the message Tuesday night came through a microphone and a long line of neighbors waiting their turn to speak. Two hundred forty-three people packed Frost Creek Church, a venue Solon Township uses when the crowd is simply too big for the usual meeting room, all to weigh in on the possibility of a data center along farmland between 16 Mile Road between U.S. 131 and Algoma Avenue.

CEDAR SPRINGS - A water main break in Cedar Springs’ Solon Business District kept crews working late into the night, and a boil water advisory is now in effect for customers served by the affected line.

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.

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.

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.