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ALGOMA TOWNSHIP — A 60 year old Rockford man died Sunday evening following a motorcycle crash in Algoma Township.

CEDAR SPRINGS — The Cedar Springs American Legion Glen Hill Post 287, along with the Cedar Springs Public Schools Marching Band, hosted Memorial Day ceremonies at Elmwood, Solon, and Nelson Cemeteries before concluding at Veterans Park in downtown Cedar Springs.

SOLON TOWNSHIP — A motorcycle rider was seriously injured in a collision with a car at the intersection of Algoma Avenue and 19 Mile Road in Solon Township. The crash involved a motorcycle traveling south on Algoma Avenue and a car that was believed to be crossing Algoma on 19 Mile Road heading west. The Kent County Sheriff's Office said the motorcycle and car collided in the intersection. The rider of the motorcycle sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Grand Rapids. The rider is reported to be in serious condition. Authorities say the motorcyclist is believed to be a young rider. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the crash. Deputies were mapping the accident scene using a drone as part of the investigation.

Before it was a long weekend, it was a funeral. We don’t usually start there, though. We start with charcoal and lake plans and campers heading north. Memorial Day has become the unofficial kickoff to summer, whether we admit it or not. Boats come out of storage as school sports and graduations begin to ease. There’s this hum of preparation as the season begins its first noticeable shift. And somewhere toward the end of that hum of busyness, there are flags. If you drive past Elmwood Cemetery this week, or probably any cemetery, you’ll see them lined up beside headstones, poking up from the grass. They show up every year. Someone takes the time to place them, though most of us notice them in passing, as we race off for a bag of charcoal or ice before heading up north. My understanding of Memorial Day changed at a relatively young age. It changed on a cold afternoon in February of 2007, standing as a young firefighter on the corner of 20 Mile Road and Peach Ridge in Kent City, Michigan, rendering a salute to a fallen soldier as he was carried to his final resting place. The procession moved slowly, northward toward Pinewood Cemetery. Flags not only lined the road, but hung, massively, from the high platforms of fire trucks. Firefighters and police officers from all the surrounding towns and beyond stood at attention. It was a scene you hope never reaches your own community. One you assume belongs somewhere else, attached to a headline from far away. Taps was played that afternoon and you could hear it a mile away. The notes seemed to hang in the air longer than expected, stretching out across the cemetery, the fields, and orchards beyond it. It felt as though even the wind silenced itself out of respect. There is something different about loss when it reaches into your own community, when the name being spoken is one you had heard called out not so many years ago. The distance between “over there” and “right here” disappears quickly. And it did. The name being spoken that day was one I had heard called out on the football field and in the gymnasium. The soldier being laid to rest was someone I had once shared the school hallways with. His brother would, only three years later, become my brother-in-law. He wasn’t a headline from some far away town. He was one of us. Up until that point, Memorial Day had mostly felt historical to me. It belonged to black and white photographs, to chapters in textbooks, and wars discussed in past tense. That February afternoon changed that perspective. It placed it in a cemetery I had visited before, along roads I had driven a hundred times, among families who would have to keep living with the emptiness that would follow. Now when Memorial Day weekend comes around and I see the flags, I no longer see tradition. I see that corner in little Kent City, Michigan. I hear Taps carrying through the apple trees, and I think about how quickly a name can move from a yearbook to a headstone. Still, summer comes, as it always does. Kids will ride their bikes, boats and campers will head north, and people will sit around a fire telling stories late into the night. And that’s how it should be. The freedom to treat this weekend as the beginning of something lighter was secured by people who gave up the chance to see how their own stories would unfold. SPC Brandon Lee Stout. 1983–2007. He was one of us.

“Extra! Extra! Hear all about it!” Helping Inspire Students (H.I.S.) Creative Academy, a local nonprofit serving the West Michigan community, is bringing the high-energy musical Newsies Jr. to the stage at Cedar Springs High School on May 29, 30, and 31. Founded by Ashley Isenhoff, H.I.S. Creative Academy provides visual, performing, and creative arts opportunities to more than 100 students of all ages and abilities. From dance, singing, and acting to piano, improv, and drawing, the academy is passionate about helping young people discover their creative gifts and build confidence through the arts. This year’s spring production, Newsies Jr., is inspired by the true story of young newsboys in New York City who stood up for what’s right. Filled with heart, determination, and unforgettable music, the show celebrates courage, community, and the power of young voices. Many of the performers are local students who have worked for months to bring this inspiring story to life. The production also serves as a fundraiser that directly supports the heart of H.I.S. Creative Academy’s mission. Proceeds help fund student scholarships, providing opportunities for those who otherwise could not afford classes, as well as the Special Abilities and the Mending Hearts Through the Arts programs. Tickets for Newsies Jr. are available online and at the door. For show information, tickets, or to learn more about fall class registrations for ages 2–18, including special needs children and adult classes, visit hiscreativeacademy.org. You can also follow the academy on Facebook at @helpinginspirestudents. Come on out to the Cedar Springs High School, support local youth, and enjoy an uplifting performance that highlights the incredible talent growing in Cedar Springs and across West Michigan.

CEDAR SPRINGS — A relatively new Cedar Springs tradition will continue this year as the Cedar Springs Historical Museum and the Cedar Springs Bugle step in to host the third annual Celebration of Lights. The event, originally hosted by the Cedar Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, honors two “lights” of the community, individuals whose lives and service helped shape and light the way for Cedar Springs. After the closure of the Chamber of Commerce, community members were left wondering what would happen to the events usually hosted by the organization. Rather than see it fade away, the historical museum and the Bugle committed to keeping the lights lit. The Celebration of Lights recognizes two citizens of the Cedar Springs area who made a lasting impact during their lifetime. The two individuals honored each year are remembered posthumously for their dedication, leadership, generosity, and commitment to the community. Originally beginning in 2024, the first honoree was former Cedar Springs Mayor Jerry Hall. Last year’s "Lights" were Niels Andersen and June Mabie, both were remembered for the many ways they invested in and uplifted Cedar Springs. Sharon Jett, Director of the Cedar Springs Historical Museum, said continuing the event aligns perfectly with the museum’s mission. “It only made sense for the museum to step in and keep the event going,” Jett said. “We curate so much of the town's history. When we share these stories and recognize the people and contributions, we keep a legacy alive and remind ourselves what community should look like.” The Celebration of Lights is held in Heritage Park on Main Street across from the Kent Theatre, where the social district is in effect during the event. Organizers are now accepting nominations for this year’s two honorees. Nominations may be emailed to cedarspringsmuseum@gmail.com. The event is held on the last Saturday before Thanksgiving and more details will be announced in the coming weeks. Now, the very keepers of Cedar Springs’ history will help ensure its brightest lights are never forgotten at the Third Annual Celebration of Lights.

CEDAR SPRINGS — Looking for a desk, chair, or office odds and ends? The City of Cedar Springs is giving residents a chance to pick up a few useful finds while helping clear out surplus inventory. The city will host an Excess Office Supply Sale on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 66 S. Main St. A variety of office items will be available, all open to reasonable offers. Everything will be sold on a first come, first served basis, with no holds or reservations. Payment will be accepted by cash or check only, and buyers are asked to plan ahead as they will be responsible for moving and loading their own purchases. City staff say it is a simple way to give surplus items a second life while offering the community a chance to score practical pieces at a good value.

CEDAR SPRINGS - Momentum is building for a proposed boardwalk along Cedar Creek that has been in the works for over ten years. On Wednesday, May 13, the Cedar Springs Community Building Development Team (CBDT) board members unanimously approved a contract for the engineering phase of the multi phase project, marking the first official step toward bringing the long discussed Cedar Creek boardwalk and fishing stations to life. The project, developed by Fleis and Vandenbrink, will be constructed on city property after receiving approval from the Cedar Springs City Council during its December 2025 regular meeting. Fully funded through private donations, the Fishing Line Trail will move forward without using taxpayer dollars. Anonymous donors have contributed $30,000 to kickstart the effort, with the understanding that the funds would help cover the estimated $33,800 engineering cost for Phase I as well as materials for the first fishing station, projected at approximately $10,000. Organizers anticipate the fishing station will be built using donated labor and expect additional fundraising to continue as excitement around the project grows. Phase I is planned to extend from the White Pine Trail east to Main Street. The long term vision is even broader. Once complete, the boardwalk would connect Heart of Cedar Springs Park and Riggle Park along the south side of Cedar Creek, link the White Pine Trail with the North Park trailhead, and create a continuous recreational corridor stretching from Main Street to 17 Mile Road near West Street. The boardwalk’s name, the “Fishing Line Trail,” pays tribute to Cedar Springs history. In the late 1800s, as the lumber industry declined, the GR&I Railroad rebranded part of its route as “The Fishing Line” to promote tourism and fishing excursions into Michigan’s north country. The effort intended to draw visitors from cities as far away as Cincinnati by leaning on Cedar Springs’ connection to outdoor recreation. Today’s project reflects that same spirit, with the hope of creating a welcoming space where families can fish along Cedar Creek and where walkers, runners, and nature lovers can enjoy a scenic path connecting both downtown and uptown. The CBDT, comprised of residents, organizations, and businesses, has now surpassed $3 million in donated funds, projects, and services since its creation in 2013. This phase of the CBDT Master Plan will compliment Cedar Springs' efforts to further enhance the north end of town. "The CBDT, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, has many opportunities for donors such as sponsoring a fishing station, park bench, or for general needs," stated Sue Wolfe, CBDT Secretary. "An Unveiling Ceremony will be held soon so watch for information in the Bugle, City Hall, CBDT website, or contact any CBDT board member. Now is a great time to get involved and help complete this project," Wolfe said. With a contract signed and donor support in place, the Fishing Line Trail is moving from vision to reality, offering residents a new way to gather, explore, and connect along the water that shaped Cedar Springs’ very foundation. Donations can be made to CBDT and mailed to 15290 Tisdel Ave, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

CEDAR SPRINGS — Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation is marking a major milestone this summer and is inviting the community to celebrate in a meaningful way. CSAPR will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Monday, June 22, 2026, with a special presentation, “A New Birth of Freedom!” featuring Kevin Wood as Abraham Lincoln. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St. NE in downtown Cedar Springs. The free community event will bring history to life as Wood portrays President Abraham Lincoln, sharing stories from Lincoln’s childhood through his presidency. The performance will highlight the challenges Lincoln overcame and include excerpts from some of his most famous speeches and writings in what organizers describe as an engaging and educational evening. Wood has made more than 2,600 appearances in 39 states, Washington, D.C., and internationally, captivating audiences with his detailed and historically grounded portrayal of the 16th president. The evening also ties into a larger celebration, honoring both CSAPR’s 40 years of serving local families and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event is recommended for ages 8 and up and is limited to the first 250 attendees. While admission is free, donations will be accepted for the Kent Theatre to help continue offering future programming for the community. Organizers say the evening is meant to be both a celebration and a reflection, bringing neighbors together to recognize the past while looking ahead to the future of community programming in Cedar Springs. If you have a chance, come out to the Historic Kent Theatre and watch history come to life in this production. It’s a meaningful way you can support both the CSAPR and the Kent Theatre!

Some weeks pass by, but this week passed the torch. On Thursday morning, we said goodbye to our dear friend Sally Grayvold. For those of you who grew up in Cedar Springs, Sal needs no introduction as she had simply always been there. She taught generations of students, coached, mentored, volunteered with the Women’s Club and the Kent Theatre, and helped establish the historical museum in its earliest days. If something meaningful or memorable was happening in town over the past fifty years, there's a good chance Sally had a hand in it. That same evening, a ribbon was cut at City Hall and dozens of people toured their new facility. Speeches were given that spoke of the town's history and the hope of a bright future. The building has stood since 1929, serving different purposes, and after months of renovation it opened again, carrying its history forward in a refreshed space. People moved through the rooms slowly, pointing out details, sharing memories of what stood when it was last used as a surplus store. One person, I overheard, stating "City Hall feels official now." Friday morning brought a different feel to town. Volunteers gathered along Cedar Creek and in the Heart of Cedar Park. The Community Building Development Team led the effort, continuing work that has been building for some time. There were students out there, working alongside adults, sleeves rolled up, talking and laughing as they filled bags and cleared debris. Multiple generations working toward the same cause. All of this unfolded within hours of each other. As I moved from one event to the next, it was hard not to feel the overlap. A woman whose life was defined by decades of involvement and service to her community. A historic building beginning a new chapter while a similar building sits and awaits the end of its own. A younger generation stepping forward to clean up the creek, park and to help shape what comes next. Cedar Springs is changing. It always has been. The names on the buildings have changed for years, and will continue to do so. People come and go whether they choose to or not. I am constantly grounded by the fact that what carries this town forward is the willingness of its residents to continue investing themselves in it and in each other. Sally did both of those for more than half a century. She poured herself into this community in ways that most of us will never fully see or be able to measure. And the morning after Cedar Springs lost her, there were young people along the creek giving their time to something, even just the idea of something, that will stand long after they graduate. I can't say anyone planned for the symbolism of it, and I won't pretend that I have neatly arranged words for a week like this. Though, life rarely arranges itself that neatly to begin with. In fact, I'm writing today's "Citizen" on Sunday morning, a little behind but still sorting through it all. Standing there throughout the week, though, it felt like witnessing the natural cycle of our small town. My fellow thirty-something year-olds know this as "the circle of life." Be honest, that just sparked a certain movie's musical score, didn't it? I digress. One generation easing back as another steps in. History being preserved in one space while new plans take shape in another. It was a bittersweet week. There was celebration and there was grief. There were handshakes in a renovated building, high fives in the Heart Park, and conversations about a life well lived. This week reminded me that the stories of our town are everywhere. They’re in the energy of high school students volunteering their time. They’re in the quiet pride of a new civic space opening. They’re in the shared grief when we lose a neighbor. And somewhere in the middle of it all was a reminder that Cedar Springs is still very much alive, still growing, still shaped by the people willing to give their time and heart to it. Some weeks pass by, but this week passed the torch.

Sally J. Grayvold age 83 of Sparta died Thursday, May 14, 2026 at U of M Health West. She was born December 26, 1942 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Hugh and Doris (Ruppert) Grannis. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1961 and Central Michigan University in 1965. Sally taught health, art and PE and coached basketball, volleyball and softball. She was a class advisor and mentor to many students. Surviving are her siblings, Sue (Phil) Harrison, Dan (Sally) Grannis, Jon (Venita) Grannis, Dena (Jeff) Wright; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 51 years, Lou; sister, Mary Smith; nieces, Erin Grannis and Katie Ash. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 20 from 6-8 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Thursday 11:00 am. Visitation will begin Thursday 10:00 am. Pastor Chuck Smith officiating. Interment East Nelson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cedar Springs Historical Society, Cedar Springs Women’s Club or the Kent Theatre.

CEDAR SPRINGS — A few light sprinkles early in the day weren’t enough to keep Cedar Springs residents from rolling up their sleeves Friday morning. Around 75 students from Creative Technologies Academy joined dozens of local volunteers, to take part in the Cedar Creek Cleanup. Spearheaded by the Community Building Development Team (CBDT), and in partnership with the City of Cedar Springs, the Rotary Club, and Creative Technologies Academy, the event brought neighbors together with one simple goal, take care of a place they love. Thanks to a $4,000 Michigan Clean Water Corps Volunteer Stream Cleanup grant awarded to the city, the effort was focused on cleaning approximately 1.5 miles of Cedar Creek and the surrounding banks. Armed with gloves and trash bags, volunteers spread out along the water and the creek banks, collecting litter and removing debris from up to 50 feet of the creek’s edge. Other volunteers, including some from the Rotary Club, worked throughout the Heart of Cedar Springs Park, tidying up around the fountain and refreshing the green space near the community library. By late morning, stacks of trash bags as well as other debris filled a tractor bucket several times over, showing just how much had been accomplished. CTA Students donned waders and compared unusual items they found in the creek, community members chatted as they worked side by side, and plenty of progress was made along the way. “I love seeing the different organizations, businesses, volunteers, students and staff coming together for our community,” said Sue Wolfe of the Community Building Development Team. “Seeing them do their part to clean up, spruce up, and enhance with the new park fixtures.” “That’s why our community is so great,” Wolfe said. Volunteers gathered at the amphitheater before heading out, and enjoyed pizza and refreshments as a thank you for their hard work. The first 70 volunteers even received a small appreciation gift in recognition of their service. By noon, Cedar Creek looked a lot cleaner, the park looked brighter, and Cedar Springs once again proved that when the community comes together, great things happen.