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A persistent commitment in leadership by Dan Brown to honor our hometown veterans first began after his nephew SPC Timothy D. Brown was killed in military action at the age of 22 on November 4, 2005, while serving in Iraq. In 2010 a section of city land running along Cedar Creek and north of Oak Street was discovered by the Brown Family as a potential location to honor Cedar Springs Area heroes who gave their lives in service to our country.

updated from 12/1/25

The holidays: that magical, twinkling, overwhelming stretch between Thanksgiving leftovers and New Year’s confetti. For some, it’s the most wonderful time of the year; for others, it feels more like a marathon wrapped in shiny paper. But whether you count down the days or count down the hours, there are ways to make it through the season without losing your holiday spirit

The Cedar Springs, Kent City, and Pierson communities are mourning the loss of a dear friend. Lance Gates passed away on November 13 at the age of 58 while on a hunting trip in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the borders of these three small communities. To those of us who had the privilege of playing under him or calling him a friend, his loss feels deeply personal. Lance was the assistant coach for my rocket football team, the Kent City Eagles when I was a young kid, and he was the kind of man you'd never forget. On the practice field, he often wore a stern look and could be tough as nails; the kind of coach who believed in hard work, discipline, and doing things the right way. But behind that toughness was one of the most caring, passionate, and encouraging men you could ever hope to meet. If you ever played for Coach Gates, you remember his rather high-pitched voice as he would issue his infamous command: “Go to the pole!” Whenever we messed up a play, lost focus, or maybe just looked a little too comfortable, he’d bark those words, pointing toward the lone powerline pole at the end of our practice field. He kept us running, but he also kept us growing, both as players and as people. But for every ounce of toughness, there was an equal, if not greater, measure of genuine care. While you dreaded his command to run to the pole, you lived for his praise, because you knew it was earned and it came straight from the heart. That praise could make you feel invincible. For me, I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it’s been 25 years now. I was a young linebacker, running full steam to make a tackle on the opposing team's running back on an "end-around" play near the sideline. I hit him hard, stopping him short of the first down. The momentum of the play carried us both into the bench on the sideline, taking Coach Gates down with us in a heap of pads, helmets, and Gatorade. For a terrifying second, I thought I was heading "to the pole" for the rest of my life. But Coach jumped up, yanked me to my feet and screamed, "Was that Watson?!" He spun me around, grabbed my facemask, and with his face inches from mine, he yelled, "Watson! Now THAT'S how you tackle! Great job!" A firm slap to my helmet, and I was sent back onto the field. That one simple praise made my 13 year old self feel like I was someone worth believing in. That intensity and passion weren't confined to the gridiron. As the years passed, the coach who once molded boys into football players became a cherished friend. My wife and I would often get together with Lance and his wonderful wife, (and one of our most favorite people) Kim. We’d sit and talk for hours about fishing, hunting, his kids, Darrick and Tiffany whom I had the pleasure of growing up with, about our plans for the future, and, of course, we’d relive the glory days through old football stories. We shared many laughs together during that time. He was enthusiastic, affectionate, and always armed with a word of encouragement. He was the kind of man who would send you away feeling better about yourself than you knew possible. The type to yell your name across a grocery store and chuckle as he said "get over here!"...as I once learned. And that’s the man Lance Gates was. Though we weren't related by blood, he was nothing short of family to me; a bond forged in shared coaching, victory, and mutual respect. He is, and always will be greatly missed. Not everybody is so fortunate to have such a lasting and positive influence in their life. I was one of the lucky ones. The lessons, the stories, and the memories of Coach Gates will forever echo in the halls of my memory, and I know, in the hearts of the countless others whose lives he touched. Thank you, Coach Gates, my friend Lance, for everything.

Betty Ann Lane, 91, of Cedar Springs, MI passed away Monday, November 17, 2025, at her daughter's home in Greenville, MI under the care of Corewell Health Hospice. Betty was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 24, 1933, the daughter of Walter and Erma (Stibitz) Norton. Betty worked as a Draft Board Clerk and Bank Teller before working and retiring from Amway Corporation. Betty was an avid bowler in her younger days, loved to square dance, tinker in her garden, play cards, and go to the casino. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren whether it was attending their recitals or sporting events or spoiling them with treats at much loved sleepovers where sometimes they were subjected to her love of The Lawrence Welk Show. Betty never lost her sharp wit and mind, and sense of humor. She will be missed by her children, Ron (Annabelle) Helms of Las Vegas, Vicki (Chuck) Goss of Greenville, Mike (Lisa) Helms of Greenville, and Karen Corey of Harrisville. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Debbie Ward, Shaun Helms, Sarah Banuelos, Rayna Kikos, Mellisa Cook, Theresa Berkenpas, Elizabeth Helms, Levi Helms, Brooke Helms, Nicole Hart, Christopher Sterling, and Breckin Fidler. She also had 25 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Walt Norton of Cedar Springs as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Pearce (Rocky) Lane, her son Richard Helms, and granddaughter Jillian Fidler as well as her siblings Gertrude Coon, Ray Norton, Jeanette Pike, Olive Jensen, LD Norton, Albert Norton, Geraldine Bates, Juanita Norton, Val Palmer, and John Norton. Per her wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.

Rex Arthur Bremmer age 92 passed from death into eternal life with his Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, November 14, 2025 at home with his wife. Rex was born to Morris and Vera May (Porter) Bremmer on September 27, 1933 in Cedar Springs, Michigan Rex was a 1951 graduate of Cedar Springs High School where he was a distinguished athlete. He was extremely intelligent, a deep thinker with an inquisitive mind. An avid reader, he had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, 12th Engineer Battalion during the Korean War as a clerk typist, with all the qualifications to serve as an attorney in the military court martial proceedings. Rex and his devoted wife Kathy shared many wonderful years together. Their marriage added Kathy’s son Brian and grandson Jeff to Rex’s big family. Rex and Kathy enjoyed working in the woods together at Rex’s cabin in Baldwin, fishing “their” little Loon Lake in the summer and ice fishing in the winter. He was an avid hunter and a crack shot with his 22 rifle. When he could no longer hunt, Brian (Amy) Peterson made sure he “got” a deer. A born leader, respected and trusted by those he worked with and for, Rex was employed by Keeler Brass Company for 31 years then for CBS and Saturn Tire before retiring. Rex grew up in an idyllic family who hunted, camped and fished together. Out of that beginning came a love for all things out-of-doors. One of his greatest joys was the annual fishing trip to Canada for walleye. In the winter snowmobiling was the attraction. Rex is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn (Marvin) Bremmer; daughter, Tracy (Kim) Nagelhout; sons, Ross (Evie) Bremmer, Brian O. (RayLene) Anderson; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Amber, Janice, Jennifer, Dan, Pamela, Joe, and Jeffery; sixteen great-grandchildren; many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack Morris, Arwin (Ed) Edward, Arden (Ardie) Ross; and sister, Joyce A. Empie. Rex was also preceded in death by his children, Pamela, Rex Jr., Theresa (Terri) and their mother, Jacqueline (Gustinis) Bremmer. The family will greet friends 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 20 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home in Cedar Springs until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Robyn Coward will be presiding. Interment, Reynolds Township Cemetery. Those wishing to offer expressions of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contributions in Rex’s name to the Cedar Springs Historical Society or a local charity of your choice.

Lance R. Gates age 58 of Pierson, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025 in Ironwood, MI. He was born October 31, 1967 in East Grand Rapids, MI the son of Ivan and Emily (Van Oss) Gates. Surviving are his wife, Kim (Stiles); children, Tiffany (Cody) Steffens, Ashley (Garett) MacLean, Deric (Katie) Esther, Darrick (Amber) Gates, Marcus (Rachael) Fleming, Garrett Fleming; eight grandchildren; brothers, Lohryn (Debbi), David, Dan (Carole), Karl “Johnny” (Nancy), Kevin (Valerie); father-in-law, Edd (Pam) Stiles; sisters-in-law, Tammie (James) Batts, Julee (Eric) Pavelka, Joy (Aaron) Rosema; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Rick Stiles. Lance was a kind, charismatic soul with a generous heart. He was a genuine jack-of-all-trades who just seemed to collect friends wherever he went. He really “went all in” on everything he found interesting, whether it was the peaceful patience of hunting and fishing, the intricate work of restoring a classic car, or just cooking up a big meal for everyone he loved. But what truly mattered most to him were his family and loved ones; being a dad and a papa were his proudest roles. We’ll all remember his giving spirit, his playful pranks, and how he was always ready with advice (and a bit of stubbornness, used for good, of course) or a deep conversation. His legacy is simple: treat people with kindness, live faithfully, and always be there to lend a hand. The family will greet friends 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, November 28 at K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Memorial Service will be held 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 29 at Cedar Springs Baptist Church. Pastors Fredric and Greg Carlson, officiating.

CEDAR SPRINGS – The wait is over! Winter has made its official, blustery entrance into Cedar Springs as the season’s first accumulating snowfall coated the town in a fresh blanket of white. The picturesque scene, however, arrived with a gusty reminder of nature’s power, with winds reaching up to 61 mph throughout the day, whipping the new snow into swirling drifts. While the view from a cozy window is lovely, conditions on the roads are quickly becoming a different story. The combination of fresh powder and dropping temperatures is already making for tricky travel. The Kent County Road Commission is out in force, but they are urging residents to understand that clearing every street takes time. Roadways are becoming slick, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and less-traveled side streets. As we all reacquaint ourselves with winter driving, this first significant snowfall reminds us to adjust our habits behind the wheel. The key to a safe winter season on the road is patience. With travel expected to become more challenging as this snow settles in for the long haul, now is the perfect time for a refresher on safe winter driving. Here are a couple of essential tips to keep in mind: Increase Your Following Distance: The single best way to avoid a fender-bender on a slick road is to give yourself more space. Doubling or even tripling your normal following distance from the car ahead will provide you with the crucial extra seconds needed to brake safely and gently. Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Posted speed limits are designed for dry, ideal conditions. On snow and ice, they are irrelevant. Reduce your speed significantly to maintain control. Remember to accelerate gently to avoid spinning your tires and to brake early and softly to prevent skidding. Make sure headlights are on during daytime inclement weather, and keep your gas tank as full as possible in case of unexpected delays Stay at least 200 feet behind active snowplows and keep children far away from the road’s edge. Monitor the forecast to prepare for shifting weather. Meteorologists predict that temperatures will remain cold, meaning this new layer of snow is likely the foundation for our winter landscape for the foreseeable future, with more accumulation expected. Of course this snow is not all bad. The arrival of snow also signals the start of other beloved local pastimes. Soon enough, the sledding hills will be busy, (let’s not forget the big hill behind Hilltop!), snowmen will begin to pop up in yards, stockings will be hung with care, and the town will take on that quiet hush that only a fresh snowfall can bring. So, let’s brew a cup of hot Red Flannel Coffee Co. coffee, crawl into your warmest red flannels, and when you head out on the roads, remember to take it slow. Winter has arrived, Cedar Springs!

HERITAGE PARK - Downtown Cedar Springs glowed warmly on Saturday evening, November 22, as residents gathered in Heritage Park for the 2nd Annual Cedar Springs Celebration of Lights. Beneath strands of twinkling bulbs and the familiar shimmer of the Kent Theatre’s neon sign, the community came together to honor two cherished figures whose legacies continue to illuminate the town’s spirit: educator and long-time community member June Mabie, and Niels Andersen, founder of The Cedar Springs Bugle, and co-founder of both Creative Technologies Academy and the Cedar Springs Historical Museum.

CEDAR SPRINGS - A crisp autumn breeze carried laughter and anticipation through The Heart of Cedar Springs Park on Thursday, November 13, as city leaders, community members, and families came together to celebrate the official ribbon cutting for the park’s newest additions; a completed playground, pavilion, and bathroom facilities.

By Jake Watson

CEDAR SPRINGS - Creative Technologies Academy (CTA) proudly celebrated Veterans Day with an ardent ceremony honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.